Thinking Anew:
10 Assurances in an Economic Downturn
Adopted from the khutba given on April 3rd, 2009 at New Brunswick Islamic Center, NJ
By Faraz Khan
Today a total of 13.2 million Americans are out of work. The first quarter financial report indicates a US Jobless rate of 8.5%, the highest in 25 years. Although talk of recession and depression looms over, nobody knows the breadth and depth of the financial crisis. The news is disturbing; companies like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were bailed out, AIG’s executive bonuses and golden parachutes are in the headlines, Madoff’s Ponzi scheme that has been called the largest investor fraud ever committed by a single person. Furthermore, financial giants and the vaults of Wall Street such as Bear Sterns, Lehman Brothers, JP Morgan, Bank of America, Merril Lynch seem to have eroded in an unprecedented financial tsunami. Today, American vernacular is gaining words like bail outs, stimulus packages, toxic assets, lay-offs, downturn, bankruptcies, foreclosures and trillions of dollars debt.
Not surprisingly, there have been 13 recessions since 1929 – the beginning of the Great Depression. However, this recession punch has knocked out the capital from capitalism. Unfortunately, many have been robbed of their life savings but there are no suspects and no arrests have been made. Nor, have any heroes have emerged from this crisis. Retirement funds and life savings disappeared like groundwater in a drought. Job loss is an ugly reality.
In these tumultuous times, when everyone is sensing the downpour of uncertainty, anxiety, frustration, fear, and a sense of loss, how can we uplift our souls and see these epochs as possible harbingers of prosperity that lay hidden from our sight? In what state of mind does one recognize that the free-dealing days of capitalism are over? And where does prayer fit into the grand scheme of financial uncertainties?
These are the inescapable questions for which each soul yearns to find an unwavering support. It is not the recession that sends panic but a wavering heart that is not grounded in reality. It is the realization that dreams based on greed and corruption laced with usury will only bring nightmares not peace to one’s mind.
However, for those individuals who are rooted in God’s grace – directing their course with patience and gratitude, they have the enormous wealth of God’s favor. They have an opportunity to gain gold – a heart of gold. With this golden opportunity in mind, I share with you a genuine call to diversify your assets of good work and consider the following assurances.
1. God is in control (al-Qadir). He will not disgrace and disown those who hold onto His rope. The boat that capsize and the boat that sails smooth are both in the hands of God. This is only His way of reminding people that the market, employment, production, consumption all fluctuate so do not expect life on cruise control. One’s faith in God should not quake when “rock solid” investments tumble.
2. God is the Provider and sustainer (al-Razzaq). There is no reason to be anxious when one understand that one’s rizq, sustenance is not written on a paycheck received from the employer but is provided by God. A Muslim believes in God’s providence and not in the intervention of the Wall Street executives. I remember once receiving my paycheck a thought occurred to me, “This is what my life revolves around”. I immediately sought refuge in God from giving my check the status of god. Remember, provision is from God.
3. Everything is written (qadr) in a book with God. People will only have what is already portioned for them by Him. Neither a recession can deduct a penny, nor can a stimulus package boost one’s economic condition. It is already established. This is not to deny that one should strive in life to earn a livelihood but one should have faith that which God decides happen. A friend of mine once told me an anecdote. He said, “Do you know how to make God laugh”? I was perplexed. He replied, “You mention your plans to Him”. Again, it is not our desires that rule the world but God’s infinite grace.
4. Have trust in God. He is the best of all planers. Our shortsightedness may not be able to envision that which lies behind the obstacle but once we get around the challenge there is a great field of opportunities that awaits us. However, one must learn to trust God. Life is a learning experience.
5. Be patient - there is a reward with calamity. Everything that afflicts a believer could be a cause for reward. With patience, a person gains with God though he may lose a job, sales, stocks, savings, etc. I remember while talking with Imam Chebli of the Islamic Society of Central Jersey and another elderly gentleman, a bee stung the man. The Imam immediately replied may God reward you. I asked myself why the Imam said such a statement when this person was in pain. Later I realized that the Imam was telling the man that even though you suffered pain, God will write down a reward for your patience. A person feeling the stung of the downturn economy will also reap the reward. One may lose monetary valuables but gain God with patience.
6. The devil promises poverty. People think that it is the end of everything if they suffer a financial downfall. They become desperate and this is where the devil takes control. A person spends thousands of dollars on luxury and vacation but when he intends to give charity, a thousand excuses surrounds him. An individual only saves that which he gives away in the path of God. The devil is out to rob people of their good deeds. A Muslim should not distress because God promises His bounty and forgiveness for His followers. Do not listen to the doom and gloom financial forecast from the devil. Be positive.
7. Job loss does not equal to Iman (faith) loss. It is not the end of the world. It does not diminish a person’s self-worth. Many bright and talented people suffer loss of some sort in life but that is what life is all about. The ups and downs end with life itself. It is the nature of this world. There is an analogy of a child who went out to a market with his father. The child would demand and the father would buy for the child. The child kept asking and the father kept giving. The generous father even bought things that the child did not even ask for. Nevertheless, one time the father denied the child’s request. The anxious child bowed his head down in respect of his father’s decision. Dear readers, we are like that child who has been given everything. There are so many ways we have been blessed with but one time we have been told “no”. How are we going to react? Are we going to cry and scream “why me?” “But my friend has it too”. “I need it”. Or are we going to show gratitude for all that He has given us and understand that there is wisdom behind everything. Let us bow our head down in reverence to Him.
8. It could have been worse! Yes, we were hit by a financial downturn but we were not swept away by a tsunami or hit by 9.0 Richter Scale earthquake or suffered from a nuclear bomb in our backyard, or a hurricane that wiped all of our assets – life, family, house, etc. There is a feeling of remorse with any loss but one must not forget that we still have plenty to keep us busy with prayers and gratitude.
9. Count your blessings. This is a good way to recognize that there is plenty to be thankful for. One should not compare what an individual had in the past with what he has in the present or what others possess. Rather, one should thank God for possessing much – life, health, family, warm meals on the table, a roof on top. How many of us would trade a job for the loss of the aforementioned necessities? Who would like to trade stock investments for his health? Or would someone consider full-time work for a death in the family? What is the magnitude and ratio of our problems when compared with the fact that half of the world population does not have clean water to drink? Be thankful.
10. Opportunity in Calamity. It is a recorded fact that every recession is followed by a greater period of prosperity for the American people. A downturn revives entrepreneurial spirit. It gives us a better understanding of our priorities and needs. It prunes our frivolous spending. People become smart with their money. It is a great time to strengthen the communal bond and social networks. It is the time to learn who we truly are – a combination of strengths and weaknesses. This is the opportunity to bank on our strengths and be smart about our weaknesses. One must not think that the economic wave will topple and drown everyone but rather it is time to ride the wave high on your surfboard of skills. Another opportunity waits for those who embark on the journey. Muslim Americans have another opportunity to show charity, citizenship, and social activism to their fellow Americans. It is time to seize this moment and help people in need. Life is all about rock-solid faith in God, staying positive, helping others, and having gratitude and patience towards His decree.
for more articles and speeches by Faraz Khan visit http://www.liberalartsforum.com/
10 Assurances in an Economic Downturn
Adopted from the khutba given on April 3rd, 2009 at New Brunswick Islamic Center, NJ
By Faraz Khan
Today a total of 13.2 million Americans are out of work. The first quarter financial report indicates a US Jobless rate of 8.5%, the highest in 25 years. Although talk of recession and depression looms over, nobody knows the breadth and depth of the financial crisis. The news is disturbing; companies like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were bailed out, AIG’s executive bonuses and golden parachutes are in the headlines, Madoff’s Ponzi scheme that has been called the largest investor fraud ever committed by a single person. Furthermore, financial giants and the vaults of Wall Street such as Bear Sterns, Lehman Brothers, JP Morgan, Bank of America, Merril Lynch seem to have eroded in an unprecedented financial tsunami. Today, American vernacular is gaining words like bail outs, stimulus packages, toxic assets, lay-offs, downturn, bankruptcies, foreclosures and trillions of dollars debt.
Not surprisingly, there have been 13 recessions since 1929 – the beginning of the Great Depression. However, this recession punch has knocked out the capital from capitalism. Unfortunately, many have been robbed of their life savings but there are no suspects and no arrests have been made. Nor, have any heroes have emerged from this crisis. Retirement funds and life savings disappeared like groundwater in a drought. Job loss is an ugly reality.
In these tumultuous times, when everyone is sensing the downpour of uncertainty, anxiety, frustration, fear, and a sense of loss, how can we uplift our souls and see these epochs as possible harbingers of prosperity that lay hidden from our sight? In what state of mind does one recognize that the free-dealing days of capitalism are over? And where does prayer fit into the grand scheme of financial uncertainties?
These are the inescapable questions for which each soul yearns to find an unwavering support. It is not the recession that sends panic but a wavering heart that is not grounded in reality. It is the realization that dreams based on greed and corruption laced with usury will only bring nightmares not peace to one’s mind.
However, for those individuals who are rooted in God’s grace – directing their course with patience and gratitude, they have the enormous wealth of God’s favor. They have an opportunity to gain gold – a heart of gold. With this golden opportunity in mind, I share with you a genuine call to diversify your assets of good work and consider the following assurances.
1. God is in control (al-Qadir). He will not disgrace and disown those who hold onto His rope. The boat that capsize and the boat that sails smooth are both in the hands of God. This is only His way of reminding people that the market, employment, production, consumption all fluctuate so do not expect life on cruise control. One’s faith in God should not quake when “rock solid” investments tumble.
2. God is the Provider and sustainer (al-Razzaq). There is no reason to be anxious when one understand that one’s rizq, sustenance is not written on a paycheck received from the employer but is provided by God. A Muslim believes in God’s providence and not in the intervention of the Wall Street executives. I remember once receiving my paycheck a thought occurred to me, “This is what my life revolves around”. I immediately sought refuge in God from giving my check the status of god. Remember, provision is from God.
3. Everything is written (qadr) in a book with God. People will only have what is already portioned for them by Him. Neither a recession can deduct a penny, nor can a stimulus package boost one’s economic condition. It is already established. This is not to deny that one should strive in life to earn a livelihood but one should have faith that which God decides happen. A friend of mine once told me an anecdote. He said, “Do you know how to make God laugh”? I was perplexed. He replied, “You mention your plans to Him”. Again, it is not our desires that rule the world but God’s infinite grace.
4. Have trust in God. He is the best of all planers. Our shortsightedness may not be able to envision that which lies behind the obstacle but once we get around the challenge there is a great field of opportunities that awaits us. However, one must learn to trust God. Life is a learning experience.
5. Be patient - there is a reward with calamity. Everything that afflicts a believer could be a cause for reward. With patience, a person gains with God though he may lose a job, sales, stocks, savings, etc. I remember while talking with Imam Chebli of the Islamic Society of Central Jersey and another elderly gentleman, a bee stung the man. The Imam immediately replied may God reward you. I asked myself why the Imam said such a statement when this person was in pain. Later I realized that the Imam was telling the man that even though you suffered pain, God will write down a reward for your patience. A person feeling the stung of the downturn economy will also reap the reward. One may lose monetary valuables but gain God with patience.
6. The devil promises poverty. People think that it is the end of everything if they suffer a financial downfall. They become desperate and this is where the devil takes control. A person spends thousands of dollars on luxury and vacation but when he intends to give charity, a thousand excuses surrounds him. An individual only saves that which he gives away in the path of God. The devil is out to rob people of their good deeds. A Muslim should not distress because God promises His bounty and forgiveness for His followers. Do not listen to the doom and gloom financial forecast from the devil. Be positive.
7. Job loss does not equal to Iman (faith) loss. It is not the end of the world. It does not diminish a person’s self-worth. Many bright and talented people suffer loss of some sort in life but that is what life is all about. The ups and downs end with life itself. It is the nature of this world. There is an analogy of a child who went out to a market with his father. The child would demand and the father would buy for the child. The child kept asking and the father kept giving. The generous father even bought things that the child did not even ask for. Nevertheless, one time the father denied the child’s request. The anxious child bowed his head down in respect of his father’s decision. Dear readers, we are like that child who has been given everything. There are so many ways we have been blessed with but one time we have been told “no”. How are we going to react? Are we going to cry and scream “why me?” “But my friend has it too”. “I need it”. Or are we going to show gratitude for all that He has given us and understand that there is wisdom behind everything. Let us bow our head down in reverence to Him.
8. It could have been worse! Yes, we were hit by a financial downturn but we were not swept away by a tsunami or hit by 9.0 Richter Scale earthquake or suffered from a nuclear bomb in our backyard, or a hurricane that wiped all of our assets – life, family, house, etc. There is a feeling of remorse with any loss but one must not forget that we still have plenty to keep us busy with prayers and gratitude.
9. Count your blessings. This is a good way to recognize that there is plenty to be thankful for. One should not compare what an individual had in the past with what he has in the present or what others possess. Rather, one should thank God for possessing much – life, health, family, warm meals on the table, a roof on top. How many of us would trade a job for the loss of the aforementioned necessities? Who would like to trade stock investments for his health? Or would someone consider full-time work for a death in the family? What is the magnitude and ratio of our problems when compared with the fact that half of the world population does not have clean water to drink? Be thankful.
10. Opportunity in Calamity. It is a recorded fact that every recession is followed by a greater period of prosperity for the American people. A downturn revives entrepreneurial spirit. It gives us a better understanding of our priorities and needs. It prunes our frivolous spending. People become smart with their money. It is a great time to strengthen the communal bond and social networks. It is the time to learn who we truly are – a combination of strengths and weaknesses. This is the opportunity to bank on our strengths and be smart about our weaknesses. One must not think that the economic wave will topple and drown everyone but rather it is time to ride the wave high on your surfboard of skills. Another opportunity waits for those who embark on the journey. Muslim Americans have another opportunity to show charity, citizenship, and social activism to their fellow Americans. It is time to seize this moment and help people in need. Life is all about rock-solid faith in God, staying positive, helping others, and having gratitude and patience towards His decree.
for more articles and speeches by Faraz Khan visit http://www.liberalartsforum.com/
