Imagine being the only one in an entire city who believes in a particular religion…you know it’s the truth, but your family, loved ones, friends and every other person you meet refuses to hold the same belief as you. However, that doesn’t stop you from proclaiming the oneness of Allah or following tawheed. You even go one step ahead, knowing that the authorities may not be happy with your open proclamation, and encourage others to accept the messenger too. It’s not an easy task is it? But that is exactly what happens in this Surah.

Surah Yaseen is the 36th Surah in the Quran, which covers topics that include tawheed, the message of the messenger/s, Allah’s magnificent creation along with the reality of Hell-fire and Paradise.

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Here, Allah says,

“And there came from the farthest end of the city a man, running. He said, “O my people, follow the messengers. Follow those who do not ask of you [any] payment, and they are [rightly] guided.

And why should I not worship He who created me and to whom you will be returned? Should I take other than Him [false] deities [while], if the Most Merciful intends for me some adversity, their intercession will not avail me at all, nor can they save me? Indeed, I would then be in manifest error.

Indeed, I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me.” It was said, “Enter Paradise.” He said, “I wish my people could know of how my Lord has forgiven me and placed me among the honored.” (Yaseen, 36:20-27)

In these verses, Allah speaks about one man who refused to follow the crowd and chose to stand out from the rest. What lessons can we derive from him? Read on.

#1 You may be the odd one out

In today’s world, Muslims are automatically the odd ones out.  People find it weird when they see a woman drape herself in hijab or wear loose clothes from head to toe on a sunny day. They find it odd to see a man sport a beard for religious purposes, although it is completely acceptable for a man to sport a beard because it’s trendy or fashionable.

They don’t understand why we need to be “rigid” with our beliefs and not enjoy life like others do because life is all about “YOLO” according to them. It’s not easy to be the odd one out when you find your friends dating and partying. It’s not easy to pull the prayer mat out when others are sleeping, or watching stuff online.

But take this man from Surah Yaseen as a role model and proclaim the essence of tawheed proudly in your words, actions and deeds…because as long as you have Allah with you, how does it matter who is against you.

At the end of the day, these people’s opinions will never count…only Allah’s opinion matters, so why even bother about what others think about you. Shaitan is very quick to play mind games with us and make us feel inferior or worthless, but what is with Allah is magnificent and everlasting. Therefore, always, remind your heart of the end result and not the instant gratification that others are seeking out.  

#2 Show what we are!

Most of the people today already have a fixed mindset about Islam and Muslims. Unfortunately, it is a very negative mindset that they have. Show the beauty of this religion through your actions.

  • Be kind and courteous.
  • Go out of your way to help them.
  • Speak gently and with confidence.

Usually, all it takes is a single conversation to break down and crush all the stereotypes that has been built up in people’s minds. When they see what Islam is all about rather than just hearing about it from false media sources, it will drastically change their opinion about you (and Islam).

Most importantly, don’t worry if you happen to be the only one who’s holding on to this deen. Your reward comes from Allah, not people, so keep going forward with Allah in your mind and in your heart. He gives strength, confidence and tranquility like no other!

#3 Start with your own family and loved ones

Sometimes, you might be the odd one out in your own family. It is easy to lose your temper or look down upon other family members because they aren’t seeing and realizing the importance of this Deen.

You want to pray on time when they give preference to going out for a party on time. You want to wear the hijab while they assume hijab is for the elderly. They want to blend in with the crowd and be labeled as a “liberal Muslim” while you try to balance your emotions and wonder why it has to be so tough!  

However, change your mindset about them. Don’t focus on what they are doing, focus on what you can do.

  • Start making dua for them
  • Pray for them in the depths of the night
  • Continue being kind to them even if they oppose or pass hurtful comments.

When they see you greeting them with a smiling face, it would be hard for them to snap at you. Now, imagine sitting in front of them with a grumpy face. What benefit does it bring to you or them?

Continue doing what Allah loves and let Allah deal with everything else. Your job is to only convey the message for guidance comes from Allah alone, so don’t take it personally or focus on the negatives. Face each day with a smile on your lips and a dua in your heart asking Allah to make things easy for you, because He can.

When the going gets tough, remind yourself of this man in Surah Yaseen whose beliefs stood against the entire city, but his efforts didn’t go in vain. Allah mentions about him in His glorious book…amongst the greatest of Prophets ever known to mankind! Imagine the status he reached. You and I can reach that level too…if we persist and hold on to Allah, the Quran and Sunnah!

You may also like: 6 Dua’s for Depression

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