How would you define a brave person? To be brave is to face challenges. It involves a person valuing a goal or conviction, and acting upon it. Bravery can be demonstrated through our actions. For instance, someone who uses their voice to speak up for the underprivileged is considered brave. They utilise their ability to protect the rights of others to stand up for justice. Whether or not justice will be served through his effort, at least the person has made an effort to serve a bigger purpose. In Islam, we are also encouraged to strive towards righteousness. While we may have no knowledge about the outcome of our actions, we will be rewarded for our efforts. As Allah (s.w.t.) reminds us in the Qur’an,

As for those who struggle in Our cause, We will surely guide them along Our Way. And Allah is certainly with the good-doers.

(Al-‘Ankabut, 29:69)

At the end of the day, it is the effort that we put in to please our Lord that matters. Hence, what steps can we take to exemplify bravery? Find out more in The Brave Hearts: Breaking Through Spiritual and Societal Struggles by Mufti Menk, Dr Muhammad Salah and Shaykh Wael Ibrahim, as we redefine the meaning of bravery in depth, through an Islamic viewpoint.