Understanding The Inner Meaning Of Events

by

Yahya Abdul Rahman

June 26, 2008

"O may Lord! You have bestowed upon me something of power, and have imparted to me some knowledge of the inner meaning of events. Originator of the heavens and the earth! You are near unto me in this world and the life to come: let me die as one who has committed himself to You, and make me one with the righteous." (Yusuf 12:101)

In the above Quranic verse Prophet Yusuf - peace be upon him -  is making supplication to Allah. After a long and difficult ordeal   - where he was betrayed by his brothers, separated from his parent, sold into servitude, falsely accused of wrongdoing, cast into prison and forgotten about for many years before ascending to the throne of power and authority - he expresses his thanks to Allah Who has given him some power on earth as well as "some knowledge of the inner meaning of events." He was granted not only the gift of correctly interpreting dreams, but also the ability to understand the meaning and significance of what he had to endure.

I want to comment on this verse in order to flesh out a few spiritual lessons from the life of Yusuf so that we may apply those lessons to our daily lives.

Firstly, Prophet Yusuf did not say he was given ultimate knowledge because such knowledge belongs only to Allah. Those who claim to possess ultimate knowledge are ascribing to themselves a divine attribute and  are thus committing a major sin. But Yusuf was given some knowledge for which was was both humbled and thankful.

Secondly, we are informed by the above Quranic verse that events possess inner meaning. More on this shortly.

Thirdly, the proper or correct comprehension of the inner meaning of events can only be imparted by Allah and that we cannot attain this copmprehension with our limited mental capabilities. No matter how sound or keen our intellects may be, which may actually lead us to the belief that we can solve or understand almost every problem with the proper mental exertion, there are some things we cannot know unless Allah bestows on us understanding.

Is it not true that when we are confronted with a difficult situation we immediately commence formulating interpretations regarding what it all might mean and, based upon those interpretations, we make rash decisions which end up hurting us even more? Would it not be better to make supplication and ask Allah to grant us understanding and patience so that we can move forward in our lives possessing a firm confidence that Allah has everything under control?

My dear readers, we cannot see the inner meanings of the events which unfold in our lives because our hearts are black with sin and are thus not properly attuned to the reality of what is taking place. We are mesmerized by materialistic philosophies and filled with bitterness and envy over what others possess and what we don't possess, a feeling which accompanies the hearts of those who have turned away from the remembrance of Allah.

We see the slightest setback as an occasion to complain and fall into fits of utter despair instead of seeking to appreciate the fact that Allah allows the unfolding of events in such a way as to bring about our guidance and ultimate salvation from eternal perdition.

Since Allah only wants what is good for us, those things which transpire in our lives can only be labeled as good. Abu Suhayb ibn Sinaan narrated that the Prophet said: "How amazing is the case of the believer; there is good for him in everything, and this characteristic is exclusively for him alone. If he experiences something pleasant, he is thankful, and that is good for him; and if he comes across some adversity, he is patient, and that is good for him." [Narrated in Muslim]

When we see the events in our lives in this light we are then in a position to understand the "inner meanings of events"  and obtain a fuller appreciation regarding what Allah desires for us. Perhaps if we worried less regarding the judgments others pass upon us, and instead seek Allah's guidance in all things, we could achieve peace with what Allah has destined for us.

The story of Prophet Yusuf is not just about an incident that took place long ago and we read about his life for our amusement. The story of Yusuf is being repeated over and over again in our lives on a daily basis. Trials and suffering are the lot of every human being who walks upon the face of the earth. But when  we ask Allah to grant us a greater understanding of what those trials mean, then we can face them with more fortitude and confidence knowing full well, as per the above hadeeth, that for the believer "there is good for him in everything."

Prophet Yusuf was able to look back on his life and see that there was a real and meaningful purpose for what he had to endure and, my dear readers, there is a purpose for the events that unfold in your lives also.

Ask Allah for guidance and say: "O Allah, grant me an understanding of the inner meaning of events."


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