Weekly Sermons

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The blessings of God sometimes come as a consequence of our deliberate actions, while at other times, they appear beyond our will—as blessings we are compelled to experience (jabr-i lutfi<a href="#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1">[1]</a>). For example, you may find yourself involuntarily directed down a certain path. This path may be challenging, and despite initially lacking intent or choice, you may feel obliged to carry out certain actions. Yet, upon later reflection, you might realize that these unplanned experiences brought significant benefits. Such blessings can be imperceptible at first. Even great figures may occasionally encounter this, as it’s a condition that can happen to anyone.
There are moments when a person encounters severe trials and feels utterly crushed under the weight of hardship, to the point that their life is turned upside down. The pain and suffering they endure can shock them, initially obscuring the Divine blessings embedded in these hardships. However, as they begin to recover from the shock, examine events from multiple perspectives, and evaluate them as a whole, they gradually come to recognize the blessings that arise from these challenges.
Allow me to share a personal example. Years ago, there were individuals who could not tolerate my presence at the Kestanepazarı Qur’an School in Izmir, where I served for three or four years. They made things quite difficult for me, eventually forcing me to leave. This place was very dear to me in terms of education and upbringing—it felt like a first love. My heart was deeply connected to it, and I took great pleasure in engaging with the students and teaching them. Although they were young, I valued them highly and took special care in their development. Yet, certain members of the school’s board could not bear even this, and their envy led them to resentment. Ultimately, I was compelled to leave with a heavy heart and deep sorrow. Unfortunately, envy can sometimes drive people to acts of malice that even disbelief would not cause. We see many examples of this in today’s world.
As I mentioned, leaving the Kestanepazarı School was initially very painful for me. For a long time, it lingered as an ache in my heart. However, in time, with the establishment of new institutions, we reached far more students, and our efforts expanded significantly. Had I remained at that school, our work would likely have been confined to a narrow, limited scope. Although my own desire was to stay, God’s plan was different. My departure became, in a way, a blessing imposed upon me (jabr-i lutfi). Indeed, as the Qur’an states, sometimes there is good in events that we find displeasing, both in ways we understand and in ways beyond our comprehension.<a href="#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2">[2]</a> Who knows what great blessings may be hidden within the painful events we witness today?
We view all calamities and adversities as tests, while also acknowledging that they may serve as compassionate reminders<a href="#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3">[3]</a> of our own shortcomings—whether failing to make the best use of past blessings, neglecting the duties of our role, or falling short in our understanding and conviction of God’s Oneness. For this reason, we engage in sincere self-reflection, turn to God with renewed faith, and seek forgiveness for our mistakes.
We should remember that even the difficult events we experience may ultimately serve as compelled blessings. If we can face such adversities with patience and acceptance, fulfilling the test’s requirements, we hope from God that they will elevate us to a better place than where we began. We view these challenges as crossing a river, climbing a hill, navigating a rough path, or passing over a bridge. In so doing, we wait expectantly for God’s blessings. While the events are still fresh, we may not fully perceive their significance. Yet once the hardships have passed, as we look back, we come to appreciate the gains, grasping the meanings and wisdom behind what we went through. We then understand how God’s act of scattering us across the world and making our voices heard was indeed a compelled blessing, and we feel grateful to Him.
As Muslims, we carry a significant duty: to convey the truths of the Qur’an and the Sunnah to those in need around the world, to seek awakened hearts that will find true fulfillment in these teachings, and to share the beautiful values passed down from our predecessors. If, through negligence, we fail to fulfill this duty deliberately, God may guide us to this path involuntarily, scattering us like seeds across the world—even through states of hardship and suffering. By sharing our experiences of oppression and victimization, we draw attention to ourselves, arousing the sympathy and compassion of others, forming friendships that might have been difficult to establish under normal circumstances.
We have already witnessed many examples of this. People from various religions, nations, and cultures have extended their wings of protection to those seeking refuge. They not only shared in their pain but also guided and supported them as they settled into new lands. Some even offered a corner of their homes. This is because God created humans noble. Those who are aware of their innate dignity and live accordingly will open their hearts to those subjected to inhumane treatment. They feel compassion and offer help to those forced to leave their country, leaving behind loved ones and possessions. If unjust treatment, oppression, or victimhood is conveyed effectively and used thoughtfully, it can open doors, forge friendships, and create new opportunities for dialogue that were previously unimaginable. These, too, are Divine blessings we could not have foreseen from the beginning.
It is crucial that such relationships develop naturally, following their own course. These initial small steps can lead to significant outcomes, allowing others to observe and understand us on a spiritual level. If we uphold our values through conduct and example, prejudices against Muslims will gradually fade, and the hostility in people’s hearts will diminish. These are meaningful steps forward. If these relationships are maintained with dignity and friendships become lasting, the barriers and walls between us will gradually disappear. People will have the opportunity to understand and learn about one another through direct interactions. When values are represented correctly through conduct and example, some may at least come to say, “Islam is a religion like any other.” Others may advocate respect for Muslims based on their beliefs and lifestyle, while still others may see Islam as more comprehensive and inclusive than other religions. Some may, through their own free will, even choose to share in your faith.
In short, the compelled blessings of God will lead to such beautiful outcomes that, even if you were to compose the most perfect epics like the poet Firdausi or express your points in the most eloquent way, you would not achieve such profound influence.
<a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> Jabr-i lutfi: Compelled blessings or merciful compulsion, referring to blessings generously bestowed by the Almighty upon a person without their will or choice.
<a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">[2]</a> Surah al-Baqarah (2:216): “Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.”
<a href="#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3">[3]</a> The term “compassionate reminder” (or “slap of compassion”) refers to a hardship or challenge that serves as a corrective response to one’s mistakes or shortcomings, especially in areas of spiritual commitment. Though difficult, this Divinely intended reminder aims to guide a person back towards sincerity, loyalty, and devotion to God. With an underlying purpose to foster spiritual growth, it holds hidden blessings that encourage a deeper connection with the Divine and personal transformation.
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Embracing Compelled Blessings Amidst Adversity