ADNAN OKTAR’S LIVE INTERVIEW ON EKIN TV
(FEBRUARY 16th, 2009)
ADNAN OKTAR: Those who strive on Allah’s path walk through the roads of the prophets. Every believer goes through the stages the prophets went through. If the Prophet Yusuf (as) went to prison, so does the believer, and if the Prophet Musa (as) was watched, followed and placed under surveillance, so is the believer. Eyup (as) suffered tribulations and difficulties, and met them with fortitude. The believer will suffer them, too. Those who attempted to burn the Prophet Ibrahim (as) for opposing the idols may also seek to burn those who strive on Allah’s path. This is an important means for the believer to express his love of Allah. It is a way of expressing the love of the lover, the way of expressing the love of Allah. There must be suffering and difficulties to emphasize the love of Allah. Otherwise, love of Allah cannot be expressed while one is sitting comfortably in one’s chair. That is why believers regard such things as a mercy from Allah. Tribulations pour down like rain, depending on a believer’s takwa, depth and closeness to Allah. They regard them as a mercy, as blessings. Scourges increase their radiance, enthusiasm and excitement and also make them healthy. Hardships beautify the believer. Hardships made the Prophet Yusuf (as) so attractive. Allah made suffering His instrument in making him so good-looking. Women who looked at him had their breath taken away. They say that hardships wear a person down, but hardships undergone on Allah’s path give one good health and chase away difficulties. They make one more joyful, healthy, attractive and longer-lived. Well-being and prosperity bring sickness with them, and scourges, and make one ugly and evil. Failing to strive on the path of Allah, failing to walk on the path indicated by Him, avoiding hardships, has always brought suffering with it. Such people collapse and are ruined, wrecked by sickness and tribulations. Allah does not give such people peace and ease. But there is constant unease and suffering in their hearts. For a believer, a difficult environment is Paradise for him. For example, when a believer goes to prison, it is as if he is entering Paradise. Because everything he does on Allah’s path will earn him merit many times over. For example, if he earns one merit on the outside, he will earn a million in a day in prison. That is why it is highly welcome, and that is why believers seek out such tribulations, insha’Allah.