Dear sisters, this week the pupils in my class have been looking after a pair of Indian stick insects. Although not as attractive as butterflies, these insects are fascinating. They walk around daintily on fragile legs, their antennae ever receptive to the slightest change in their environment and when they are still, they are indistinguishable from twigs! The most interesting fact I discovered about them was when they were carefully placed outside their enclosure for cleaning: the larger of the two has red colouration at the top of its front legs which seemed to get brighter, just a we were looking on. This, I found out, is an inbuilt defence mechanism to ward off any potential predators when the creature feels under threat.
Subḥān Allāh, not only has Allah (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) equipped these insects with a means of protection but He has also given them the ability to use it and sensitivity to triggers to know when to use it! If Allah has given this lowly creature such an advanced defence mechanism then what is the case with Man? Knowledge, experience and reason demonstrate that, without doubt, Allah has not only given Man the necessary skills and tools to defend himself but has endowed him with multiple levels of protection from all kinds of harm. Aside from physical attributes, coordination and manipulative skills, and biochemical responses involving adrenaline – the ‘fight or flight’ hormone – Allah has, in His infinite Mercy and Wisdom provided us with spiritual, emotional and cognitive tools:
- Dua (supplication) – often called the ‘weapon’ of the believer is greatly underestimated or neglected altogether. Allah says:
‘And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.’ (Quran 2:186)
Rather than reading off a list of demands like a shopping list, a believer must be passionate about his needs and have complete trust and certainty that his dua will be heard and answered in the best way.
- Dhikr (remembrance) – We have been provided with many short supplications, exemplified by the noble Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) with which to fill our lives continually with the remembrance of God. Allah says: ‘So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.’ (Quran 2:152)
- Quran – Certain chapters and verses from the Quran have been singled out by the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) as specific means of protection:
- Ayat-ul-Kursi– recommended to be read after every obligatory prayer, before sleeping and on leaving home
- Surah Al-Kahf – recommended to be read every Friday as protection from Dajjal
- Surah Falaq and Surah Nass – together these two chapters are known as the verses of refuge. They are recited in particular against evil eyes of the jinn and Mankind.
- Dua of Protection – From an authentic hadith, recitation of this dua, three times every morning and every night, will insh’Allah keep you safe from harm.
May Allah always bless you and keep you safe from all harm. Ameen