THE POWER OF EXPECTATION

‘I treat my servant according to his expectation of me, and I am with him when he remembers me." —Hadith Qudsi

It is through our thoughts that the creative power of

Almighty Allah is unleashed within us. If our mental pictures are of conditions and things we desire, and the desire is anchored in joy and faith in Almighty Allah, our inner power will attract the surroundings and conditions into our life.

Absolute faith in Almighty Allah (SWT) has the power to attract and accomplish any desire or dream we have. Be patient and live with the knowledge that everything we are searching for is a certainty if we prepare and expect it. Faith and Belief together create our reality.

Every dream begins with hope. Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated that Rasoolullah (S) said Almighty Allah says: ‘I treat my servant according to his expectations of Me, and I am with him when he remembers Me.’ In Surah al-Baqarah, Almighty

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Allah promises hope to the believers: ‘Those who make a firm commitment, and strive and struggle in the path of Allah, they have hope and the Mercy of Allah; Allah is OftForgiving, Most Merciful’ ([2]:218).

The truly committed who trust in Almighty Allah’s Mercy and Compassion will never be disappointed. Those that strive hard in Almighty Allah’s cause in everything they do, Almighty Allah will bless with what they expect of Him.

The great sufi Jalaluddin Rumi (ra) said: ‘Almighty Allah guides one who directs himself toward Him.’

Expectation and hope are motivating forces; they attract what we think and expect. Our mind is like a magnet; it draws us towards our goal. Expectation and hope cause us to say insha’Allah ‘I can do it, I will succeed.’ Motivated with expectation and hope, we drive and push ahead in life. Almighty Allah will allow whatever we want in life to happen. He gives us what we expect when we say insha’Allah—we accept ‘If Allah wills’.

The noble Messenger Muhammad (S) informs us that Almighty Allah said: ‘I am as my servant thinks of Me, and I am with him whenever he invokes Me.’

In Surah Jinn, we read: ‘Say, I invoke [call upon] Allah alone, I associate no partners with Him’ ([72]:20).

Almighty Allah commands us to call on Him with expectation in our hearts. The mercy of Allah is always near to those who are righteous. Almighty Allah assures us that

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those who pray with humility and expectation of success will be rewarded with his expectation of Him. We are blessed with what we expect; if we expect success and work towards a goal, Almighty Allah will bless us with success in our endeavours. Almighty Allah promises the believers who strive to meet Him.

In Surah al-Kahf, He says: ‘Whoever expects to meet Allah, let him work righteousness’ ([18]:110).

In Surah at-Talaq, Almighty Allah guarantees: ‘To him who believes in Allah and the last day. And for those who fear Allah, He even prepares a way out. And He provides from (sources) he never could imagine. If anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is Allah for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose’ ([65]:2–3).

Allah is the Creator and Knower of everything. He has complete knowledge of all the thoughts that we harbour in our mind. Almighty Allah promises those who make the effort will experience prosperity in the most unexpected ways and from quarters beyond all expectations.

Almighty Allah wants for us, what we want for ourselves. When feeling confused, pray to Almighty Allah for guidance. If we have faith, make a decision to the best of our ability, and leave the result in Almighty Allah’s hands; He will bless us for having absolute faith in Him. Blessed with power, we can accomplish the extraordinary. We must have vision, passion and a desire to succeed and, insha’Allah, by the Grace of Almighty Allah what we want, we shall receive.

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Indecision is harmful to the soul. Indecision breeds more doubt and ultimately decisions are made for us. We must understand that not deciding is also a decision. We are always deciding in life; it is better to make a conscious decision, rightly or wrongly. When we ask Almighty Allah to help us decide, He responds to our call. Almighty Allah will bless us with what we want, as long as we follow His commands; the right decision, insha’Allah, will always be taken. Success then is guaranteed.

Almighty Allah deals with humankind according to their expectations of Him. We should always be hopeful for the mercy and benevolence of Almighty Allah and always be happy with His blessings. By devoting ourselves to Almighty Allah, having total faith in Him, and being grateful to Him, we will enjoy more kindness and favours from Him. When we appreciate Almighty Allah’s blessings, they grow in abundance.

An excellent way of transforming our life is to communicate with Almighty Allah and that is to worship and praise Him. Worship and praise are the purest forms of prayer because they focus our mind and soul entirely away from ourselves to Almighty Allah. Salat, dhikr, and remembrance are the most effective ways of attracting the power of Almighty Allah. Memorizing Almighty Allah’s powerful names, the Kalima Shahaadah, and as many surahs as possible, implanting them deeply in our hearts, will fortify our beliefs and attract and unleash the power of Almighty Allah.

THE POWER OF EXPECTATION 

Our destiny depends on us. Have a Vision and a Dream and work relentlessly towards both. Focus all the faith, action, sincerity and skills we can muster and then expect Almighty Allah’s blessing. He will not disappoint us. In Surah al-Mumin, Almighty Allah promises victory to the believer: ‘Patiently, then persevere; for the promise of Allah is true; and ask forgiveness for thy fault, and celebrate the praises of Allah in the evening and the morning (at all times)’ ([40]:55).

Almighty Allah asks us to remain patient in times of difficulties. Our duty is to pray and praise Almighty Allah, seeking His forgiveness, for His promise is true to those who continue their struggle with expectation and hope in Almighty Allah. That victory and success will insha’Allah be realized.

Almighty Allah promises those who strive in His cause and expect success that they will not be forsaken. Surah atTauba states: ‘Do you think you will be abandoned? Allah takes cognizance of those who strive hard for His cause and establish close association with none other than Allah, His Messenger and the believers; Allah is well aware of what you do’ ([9]:16).