Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem,
Dear beloved souls,
Today I must share with you a heavy moment from within these walls, yet one that Allah (SWT) transformed into a profound lesson in mercy. A fight erupted between two of my fellow detainees – one left with a black eye, the other with a broken hand. SubhanAllah, in that moment, my previous training as a radiology technician became a tool for showing Allah’s mercy.
You see, beloved friends, even in our darkest moments, Allah (SWT) gives us opportunities to serve. Without an x-ray machine or proper medical supplies, I could only offer what little I had – some ice in bags and my trained eye to assess the injuries. When others questioned why I wouldn’t take sides in the conflict, I was reminded of a deeper truth: healing doesn’t ask who is right or wrong. It simply responds to pain with mercy.
Later, when a correctional officer sought my medical opinion, it became clear how Allah works through the most unexpected channels. My assessment helped ensure the man with the broken hand received the proper care he needed. SubhanAllah, what a reminder of the hadith I hold dear to my heart:
On the authority of Anas (RadhiyAllahu ‘anhu) who said:I heard the Messenger of Allah (SallaAllahu ‘alayhi wasallam) say,
“Allah the Almighty has said: ‘O Son of Adam, as long as you invoke Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O Son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and you then asked forgiveness from Me, I would forgive you. O Son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the Earth, and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it [too].”
Dear friends, even here, especially here, we face choices every day. We can choose mercy and compassion, or judgment and criticism. Today, I chose mercy, remembering that Allah (SWT) is Ar-Rahman, Ar-Raheem – the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
Let us end with this beautiful dua that I find myself repeating often in these days: “O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, and guide me…” (Sahih Muslim)
May Allah guide us all to be vessels of His mercy, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Your brother in faith,
Wisam Sharieff
