FIVE great lessons from the Sunnah about TRUE courage

When we think of the word courage, we imagine a strong fearless person who is willing to stand firm in the face of defeat and fight to the last breath. Such an image of courage has been promoted through Hollywood movies and historical recounts of wars and battles. Physical manifestations of courage are certainly applicable, but what about the spiritual and social manifestations of courage? How did our Prophet Muhammad SAW explain this concept and what examples from the Sunnah do we have to teach us about it. Courage is such a great moral value to instill in our lives and to pass on to the next generation. But how can this be done in a context where there is peace and harmony and absolutely no need to display physical courage. Here are 5 ways to show TRUE courage from the Sunnah

Be Strong and Firm in your belief

Have strong conviction in the existence and oneness of Allah and never let your faith be deterred. Have true belief in Allah’s decree and seek closeness to Him.

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless. (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Stand up for the Truth

At a time where there are so many injustices occurring around the world, speak out against oppression and immorality in a respectable and confident manner. It was narrated by Tariq bin Shihab that:

A man asked the Prophet, when he had put his leg in the stirrup: “Which kind of Jihad is best?'” He said: “A word of truth spoken before an unjust rulers.” (Sunan an-Nisai)

Have good self-control

Do not allow anger to overtake you and always remain composed so that you can deal with your anger properly. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “The strong man is not one who is good at wrestling, but the strong man is one who controls himself in a fit of rage.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Abu Hurairah narrated that a man came to the Messenger of Allah and said:

“Teach me something that is not too much for me so that, perhaps, I may abide by it. “He (ﷺ) said: “Do not get angry.” He repeated that (the request) a number of times, each time he replied: ‘Do not get angry.”

Sincerely accept calamities and failures

Whatever befalls you in life, be patient and accept the decree of Allah with full conviction that it is good in every affair. Remember the words of the Messenger (ﷺ):

“How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs, are all good, and this applies to no one but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is good for him.” (Narrated by Muslim)

Avoid regret and doubt

Have the courage to venture into new opportunities without being afraid of negative outcomes. If anything befalls you, do not say,

“If only I had done such and such”, rather say; 

قَدَّرَ اللَّهُ وَمَا شَاءَ فَعَلَ

“Qaddara Allahu wa ma sha’a fa’ala (Allah has decreed and whatever he wills, He does).” For (saying) ‘If’ opens (the door) to the deeds of Satan.'” Sahih

 

May Allah SWT give us the courage to uphold our Islam!