Dr. Omar Suleiman is leading an illuminating series during Ramzan, delving into the concept of Qadar, or divine destiny. In this series, Dr. Omar Suleiman explores various aspects of Qadar, offering profound insights and reflections.
Now, if you’ve been following along, you probably already know that this series has been making waves on social media, and for good reason! Episode 13 of the series titled “Will I Ever Find True Love?” has sparked a whole new conversation around the age-old debate of love and marriage, shedding light on the intertwining of fate and romance in our lives.
In case you didn’t have time to catch up or perhaps you’ve been living under a rock, fear not! We’ve got you covered with the key takeaways from this enlightening episode. So, read on and immerse yourself in the wisdom shared by Dr. Omar Suleiman. Afterward, we’d love to hear your thoughts!
1. Playful, Profound & Deeply Personal: Imam Al Hazm’s Wisdom on Love
Omar Suleiman narrates a profound quotation from Imam Al Hazm Rahimahullah, who eloquently described love as beginning with a playful essence and maturing into a profound and serious commitment. He emphasizes that the depth and intricacies of love cannot be fully articulated, as its true essence can only be grasped through personal experience. In the context of religion, Imam Al Hazm emphasizes that love is neither condemned nor forbidden, as every heart is ultimately under the divine guidance of Allah. Thus, love tests one’s faith and submission to the divine will, particularly in the initial stages of falling in love, which are beyond one’s complete control.
Continuing, Imam Al Hazm highlights the divine decree of love in one’s heart, emphasizing the importance of maintaining halal and wholesome boundaries in its pursuit. He stresses that within the sanctity of marriage, one can fully appreciate and enjoy the blessings of this divine decree. In the intimate bond between spouses, scholars observe profound reflections of Allah’s names and attributes, uniquely manifesting His boundless love as Al-Wadud and His encompassing mercy as Ar-Rahman, embodying divine signs not found elsewhere in the world.
2. 15 Reasons Why We Fall In Love, And The Noblest Of Them All
In the realm of love, desire intertwines with destiny, for Allah inscribed your love story in the celestial heavens long before your earthly existence. Imam Al Hazm Rahimullah expounds on over 15 reasons why people fall in love, encompassing factors such as physical beauty, temperament, character, wealth, and familial ties.
Yet, he reveres the noblest form of love: “Muhabatin mutahabina fil Allah,” love for the sake of Allah.
Imam Al Hazm
This transcendent love may stem from a shared commitment to righteous deeds, echoing the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings.
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, extolled the union of those who love each other, advocating marriage as the noblest path for such individuals. He emphasized the importance of seeking religious devotion and character in a partner, as these intangible virtues serve as the enduring foundation for a lasting union, bridging earthly desires with eternal bonds.
3. Promise Of Romance: In This World Or The Next?
Despite two individuals appearing to be an ideal match, with shared passions and noble intentions, Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’Aala may have ordained otherwise in this worldly life. The attachment to a person, or the idea of them, can evoke intense emotions, whether intoxicating or debilitating. Romance, akin to sustenance (rizq), isn’t guaranteed for everyone in this worldly realm.
“Romance is just like rizq, it’s not something everyone is going to have in this dunya.”
Omar Suleiman
It’s incumbent upon us to find contentment in Allah’s decree, even if it entails awaiting our beloved spouse in Paradise, where the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, assured that no one would be solitary.
Nevertheless, if romantic companionship hasn’t been decreed in this life, it doesn’t diminish one’s worth. The exemplary Asiya, peace be upon her, found herself wedded to Pharaoh, the epitome of evil, while Maryam, peace be upon her, the paragon of virtue, never experienced marital union. Their stories serve as a reminder that Allah’s plan transcends earthly desires, and true fulfillment lies in surrendering to His divine will.
4. Marriage: Not The Only Path To Enrichment
In our ummah, numerous esteemed scholars, the trailblazers of our community, remained unmarried, dedicating their time and focus to becoming legends of their era. They channeled their energies into scholarly pursuits, leaving behind a profound legacy of knowledge. Many scholars speculate that their celibacy facilitated their extraordinary achievements, allowing them to concentrate fully on their intellectual endeavors. Instead of biological offspring, they nurtured their books as their spiritual progeny, and their students became their heirs through the sacred transmission of knowledge.
However, this doesn’t imply an exclusive choice between knowledge or marriage, worship or marriage, charity or marriage, or volunteering or marriage. Rather, like other forms of sustenance, if marriage is delayed or denied by Allah Subhan wa Ta’ala, it simply opens avenues for alternative ways to please Him and enrich one’s journey through the chapters of divine decree.
5. Embrace The Unexpected: Your Love Story Might be Different
Did you know that some narrations suggest that ‘Isa (Jesus) peace be upon him, will marry upon his return to this earth, even after thousands of years? It prompts contemplation: where will one find their soulmate, here or in the hereafter? The answer remains unknown, but rest assured, Al-Wadud, the Most Loving, hasn’t overlooked anyone.
Al-Latif, the Subtle, is intimately aware of the perfect match for each individual. Whoever perceives His loving kindness as separate from His divine decree does so due to their limited understanding. At times, we complicate matters for ourselves, allowing our minds to wander into fantasies of a life that may never materialize. This emotional attachment to an idealized vision sets us up for disappointment when reality unfolds in a manner different from our desires.
Life doesn’t always conform to our expectations. Our hearts may yearn for something or someone that isn’t destined for us in the way we envision. However, they are still meant to play a part in our journey, albeit perhaps not in the manner we hoped for. Trust that Allah has more in store for you, awaiting in a future beyond your current anticipation.
One big takeaway is this beautiful blend of trust and patience; It’s like a gentle reminder that even if our love story doesn’t unfold exactly as we imagined, there’s still so much beauty and joy awaiting us.
We’re encouraged to keep our hearts open, to embrace the unexpected, knowing that every twist and turn is just another chapter in our journey. And you know what? It’s not just about finding romantic love – it’s about discovering love in all its forms: friendship, family, and serving others. So, let’s keep our hearts hopeful, our spirits light, and our eyes open to the endless possibilities of love and happiness that await us. After all, how can we not feel hopeful with Allah’s love guiding us?
What do you think? Let us know!
