Remember how Faith Events had to relocate from Shah Alam Convention Centre (SACC) to Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) during Dr Omar Suleiman’s event?
That day was certainly a memorable one, to say the least.
Just like the topic of the event, The Mercy You Didn’t See: Timeless Guidance from Musa (a.s.) and Khidr’s Journey, everyone attending the event had to experience the hidden mercy first-hand.
When you think about it, what hidden mercy could be behind making an announcement at the eleventh hour to a sold-out crowd of 3 thousand people that they have to make their way to Putrajaya from Shah Alam in 3 hours?
The crowd made their way to PICC, exhaustedly confused yet still eager to learn ‘ilm. They were relieved to find out that the new venue was more comfortable than the previous one. Easy parking, bigger hall and better accommodations.
In the case of Musa (a.s.), he was eager to absorb any bits of knowledge that Khidr could spare as he had travelled a great distance to be Khidr’s student.
In the Qur’an, Musa (a.s.) mentioned that “I will never give up until I reach the junction of the two seas, even if I travel for ages.” It illustrates his earnestness and dedication in seeking ‘ilm until geographical landscapes held little weight in his grand quest for knowledge.
Despite his earnestness, Khidr warned him that he would need extraordinary amounts of patience to accompany him on the journey. In fact, Khidr addresses this matter to Musa (a.s.) when he says, “You certainly cannot be patient ˹enough˺ with me. And how can you be patient with what is beyond your ˹realm of˺ knowledge?” (Surah al-Kahf 18: 67-68)
Musa (a.s.) insists that he is able to hold his judgement and remain patient throughout their journey. However, this is proven false.
When Khidr performs actions like creating a hole in a ship, rebuilding a collapsing wall and killing a small child, Musa (a.s.) is unable to maintain his composure and insists that Khidr explains his actions.
Khidr reveals the wisdom behind these seemingly rash and unusual decisions.
No matter what happens, we must remember that Allah (s.w.t.) is the Author of our story in this dunya.
Every painful obstacle, each searing delay and every harrowing loss exists to point us to the right direction. It is only with hindsight that we can see the wisdom in these lessons.
That delay that prevented you from getting on your airplane on time was protecting you from harm, and losing out on getting your dream job steered you in your destined path.
In both situations, we are reminded that our mere existence revolves around Allah’s mercy even if we might not see it at first.
So, let us have patience so we can experience the beauty and preciseness of His plans.