Payment for blessings?

Short answer, Yes, why not!

Long answer,

Life is indeed a complex tapestry of experiences and exchanges. From the moment we enter this world, there are often costs associated with the things we desire or receive. Sometimes, these costs are tangible and immediate, while other times they can be accumulated over time, adding to a figurative ledger of the future.

The Hidden Costs of Love and Blessings

When it comes to love, it is often believed that it should be given unconditionally, without expecting anything in return. Similarly, blessings from our loved ones may come as unexpected gifts, supposedly free of charge. However, upon closer examination, it seems that even these blessings do come with their own costs.

Perhaps, the price we pay for love and blessings is not always monetary, but can manifest as emotional investments, sacrifices, or compromises. It is the effort, commitment, and understanding we put into relationships that can create the foundation for such seemingly unconditional offerings.

In a way, this paradoxical interplay between receiving without asking and paying a price for it can indeed sound peculiar. However, it reflects the intricate nature of human interactions and the myriad ways in which we navigate the relationships that shape our lives.

Parental Sacrifices: The Give-and-Take Relationship

Parents would agree that bringing up a child involves a lot of effort, hard work, and persistence. This includes lots of love, care, prayers in solitude, hospital bills, baby essentials, schooling bills, handling tantrums, keeping cool, etc. But there is a seed of expectation sown in the parents’ hearts that their efforts won’t go in vain. The child is expected to look after his parents after growing up by assuming responsibility. Therefore, there is a give-and-take relationship implied.

Likewise, when someone embraces Islam, they are promised Jannah in return if they adhere to the pillars, farz, and sunnah of Islam. So, religion itself is a give-and-take transaction, not forgetting the Hadith of Rasulullah SAW which meant that nobody will enter Jannah without HIS grace and mercy. This also means that HIS mercy is also promised if Islam is adhered to with complete faith and honesty.

Life’s Uncontrollable Beginnings and its Priceless Journey

One can argue that he did not pay anything to get this life as his birth was not under his control. This is partly true. Although we have no control over our birth, the journey of life comes with its own price. We pay for our lives through the experiences of pain, hardships, challenges, and the obligations we encounter along the way.

While pain and hardships may seem burdensome, they actually serve a purpose. Pain is good. Hardship and challenges are good. They can be seen as investments for a better future, whether in this life or the hereafter. Just like making payments towards a debt, the difficulties we face contribute to personal growth, resilience, and character development.

It is often observed that those who have achieved success have also confronted and overcome various obstacles. They have faced hardships and challenges with courage and, in some cases, even dealt with traumatic experiences. These trials have played a significant role in shaping their paths towards success. The risk undertaken with business ventures also counts towards the price paid for the profits generated. There is no rizq without risk.

This reminds me of Rasulullah SAW hadith which was so lovingly narrated by Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA moula that it still rings in my ears.

Ultimately, life is a series of events, just like the continuous motion of clock hands. The challenges we face and the way we navigate through them can determine the course of our lives. Embracing the difficulties and understanding their transformative potential can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding journey.

Religious Leaders and Their Blessings: An Honest Exchange

I stumbled upon a video on YouTube that was taunting religious leaders about accepting money and gifts while blessing their followers. People go to religious leaders because they find solace, life-changing advice, life-changing blessings, happiness, peace and wisdom. While it is impossible to put a price tag on what they receive but its easy to count and measure what is paid for it. There is no religion on this earth that does not require you to pay, for accepting its traditions either by cash, kind, time, physical efforts, or mental efforts. Looking up to Moulana Ali Ameerul Mumineen AS example, He AS never went to Rasulullah SAW with a question empty handed. He AS sought Ilm and knowledge and understood that it has to be paid for with cash, kind and with Amal. This compulsory act of custom is alive to date.

Delusional people creating YouTube videos are gaining followers of people who never went to Rasulullah SAW for Ilm and knowledge. They tried to maintain physical closeness but always acted defiant of the teaching of Islam or they haven’t tasted the water from the wells of Islam. Do not let these people misguide you or put you onto a path of loneliness and emptiness.

The Perils and Promises of Cults

Cults on the other hand are organizations that often deviate from traditional religious practices and beliefs. They claim to possess exclusive knowledge or spiritual enlightenment that will bring ultimate peace and understanding to their followers. These groups often organize expensive retreats, courses, and classes that promise transformative and other out-of-the-world experiences. While some individuals may find solace and a sense of purpose within cult communities, some do become mentally unstable.

When it comes to blessings in life, it’s important to remember the value they hold. By investing in and paying for your blessings, you demonstrate the level of importance you place on them. In return, you are likely to receive even greater blessings. It’s worth acknowledging that when a giver places a price tag on their blessings, they are actually doing the receiver a favor. As the receiver, you may not fully grasp the significance of these blessings or understand how and when they will manifest in your life.

The Episode of Ustaad Juzer: A Tale of Divine Rewards

The episode of Ustaad Juzer rings in my ears, where he had the opportunity to buy Imam AS’s dua for a few dirhams and in return was bestowed with more hasanaat and khushi of Imam AS.

By appreciating the worth of blessings you are seeking and being willing to pay for them, you recognize the potential cost of not having them. So, embrace the opportunity to invest in your blessings, knowing that the returns will exceed your expectations.

Abdesyedna Moez