One Best Choice [[- Yusuf & the Devil -]]

 

One Best Choice [[- Yusuf & the Devil -]]

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

A brother named Yusuf was tired. Every night, his children cried, and every morning, he woke up feeling as though a heavy weight rested on his chest. His money seemed to disappear faster than he could account for, and his wife experienced disturbing dreams almost every night.

One Friday, an elderly man came to Yusuf's door selling dates. After exchanging greetings, the old man noticed how troubled Yusuf looked.

"My son, why do you look so worried?" he asked.

Yusuf sighed. "My brother, I don't even know where to begin. There is no peace in my heart. My family is struggling, and I hardly sleep peacefully anymore."

The old man nodded and said, "My son, have you remembered Allah? Have you made the Qur'an part of your daily life?"

Yusuf looked at him silently.

The old man continued, "Do you know about Ayatul Kursi?"

Yusuf shook his head.

"My son, Ayatul Kursi is one of the greatest verses in the Qur'an. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ confirmed that it is the greatest verse in the Book of Allah. And there is an authentic narration about its virtue when recited before sleeping."

He then explained the narration in which Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه was told that whoever recites Ayatul Kursi before sleeping will have a protector from Allah, and Shaytan will not approach them until morning. The Prophet ﷺ confirmed the truth of this statement.

(Sahih al-Bukhari, 2311)

Yusuf felt a spark of hope.

That night, he switched off the music playing in his house, performed his usual bedtime preparations, and recited Ayatul Kursi before sleeping. He also began making time to recite the Qur'an and remember Allah throughout the day.

The first week passed, and his difficulties did not suddenly disappear. Nevertheless, Yusuf refused to abandon his efforts. He continued praying, making du'a, reciting the Qur'an, and seeking Allah's help.

Gradually, he began taking his spiritual life more seriously. His family also started making time for worship and remembrance of Allah.

One evening, his wife told him, "I want us to keep this habit. I feel encouraged when we remember Allah together and make time for the Qur'an."

Yusuf smiled.

"My dear, we must continue seeking Allah's protection, whether life is easy or difficult."

But Yusuf still had something important to learn.

One morning, as he prepared to leave for work, he remembered that he had forgotten his usual morning adhkar. He paused, remembered Allah, and made du'a for protection and guidance.

He understood that being a Muslim did not mean that he would never experience hardship. Rather, it meant that he could face hardship while placing his trust in Allah SWT.

My brothers and sisters, listen carefully.

Shaytan is real, and Allah has taught us to seek refuge in Him from his whispers and evil. But we must not assume that every financial loss, disturbing dream, illness, or unfortunate incident is caused by Shaytan. We should avoid making claims about the unseen without reliable evidence.

Yusuf eventually shared his lesson with the people in his masjid:

"My brothers, I have learned that I must never neglect my relationship with Allah. I must recite the Qur'an, observe my prayers, remember Allah morning and evening, and trust Him in every situation. I cannot control everything that happens to me, but I can continue turning to the One who controls all things."

He paused before adding:

"Ayatul Kursi is not a verse we should remember only when we are afraid. It is a great verse of the Qur'an whose virtues we should learn and appreciate. Let us recite it with understanding, sincerity, and faith in Allah."

My dear brother, my dear sister,

Do not wait until hardship comes before you remember Allah.

Recite Ayatul Kursi before sleeping. Keep up with your morning and evening adhkar. Read the Qur'an regularly, pray your five daily prayers, and seek Allah's help in every affair.

And remember: the goal is not to live in fear of Shaytan. The goal is to worship Allah, trust Him, and remain steadfast upon the truth.

Allah SWT says:

"And whoever relies upon Allah—then He is sufficient for him."

— Surah At-Talaq, 65:3

May Allah SWT protect us and our families, safeguard our homes, grant tranquillity to our hearts, and make us among those who remember Him consistently in times of ease and hardship. Āmīn.