Aboard Noah's Ark - 5

If an act is persistently done by a person even if it costs them badly, and if that person is unable to give up the act and unable to see the harms, it is called an addiction. Today, various forms of substance abuse are under the broad umbrella of addiction. However, there are behavioral addictions, as well. I don't want to use the term obsessive-compulsive for the behavioral addictions, because that term has its own frame of reference, which is not relevant to our discussion about what to do after the Great Flood. Our real question is how can you treat the imitation addiction that pervades the psychology of herd, which was the case of the people of Noah? What can you do to prevent the blind faith suppressing the critical thinking?

In fact, by introducing the subject through the use of the term addiction carries with it several components of the solution. Think of what you would do to heal an addict. The same procedures can be employed to hinder a replay of the evils that took place before the flood. So, what are they?

Broadly speaking, first, one has to admit the fact that they have a problem. Without this, nothing can be accomplished, because the situation would be not the addict's but your problem. In other words, the addict must embrace themselves, which necessitates a look from outside to themselves. That is, they must be able to objectively evaluate their situation and realize that they are in trouble.

Unfortunately, before the Great Flood, this did not happen. The people did not listen to the warnings and lessons from Noah. They did not assess their actions when obeying the evil leaders and when following the crowd. In short, they did not accept the fact that they had a problem. So, they missed the ship, both figuratively and literally. They could not even realize things when the destruction was unfolding around them. So, after the ark lands, you must take such actions to establish emergency routes for people's minds to escape the psychological avalanche of a herd.

Second, formation and continuation of an addiction requires an environment that not fosters it. This environment is not necessarily physical but also social. Circle of the like-minded people is a dangerous object in society, if they grow impenetrable. That is, it is inevitable and very natural that people hang around with those who are like themselves. This fact of nature, however, becomes prone to evil as it becomes isolated from other circles or individuals. "Us and them" duality has always been an exquisite tool for evil.

Before the Great Flood, we understand from the descriptions of Noah pbuh that the disbelievers had formed a kind of cult that avoided any intrusion and had achieved a state of continuity over generations. If a person is unable to step aside from the cult, they are not able to think independently and critically. And, in the Quran, we are repeatedly told that God does not guide the disbelieving communities.

Say, "I only advise you of one [thing] - that you stand for Allah , [seeking truth] in pairs and individually, and then give thought." (34/46)

... and Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people. (2/258)

... and Allah does not guide the unbelieving people. (2/264)

Bottom line is you have to make sure that every individual is going to be, at least sometimes, forced to step outside their cocoon and join the circles of others and live with them.

Third, a crucial component of recovering from an addiction is to avoid its triggers. That is, whatever the preceding or surrounding conditions are for the re-occurrence of the addiction, those must be completely abolished. This is exactly what was done by prophet Muhammad pbuh, when he unconditionally prohibited the making of statues, because at the time, presence of a statue anywhere was not acceptable due to its triggering effect on the addiction of idol worshiping. Again the same was his rigid stand against musical instruments and performances, because he was trying to recover people from alcohol addiction, and music was a trigger for its re-occurrence. Triggers start craving, and craving leads to gratification, i.e. relapse.

Similarly, after the Pharaoh and his army was destroyed in the Red Sea, God did not return the Israelites back to Egypt. In fact, by closing the sea behind them after the passage, He made sure that they will not be able to return. This precaution was there to make sure that they are not going to find themselves in an environment that is full of memories of the old days and, by which, is going to trigger the notions of submission (i.e. slavery) to human beings instead of God. This teaches us that changing the outside does not warrant a change in the spirit. A reform is not well-established unless and until it is engraved into the characters, and so, until that time, triggers must be avoided to ensure a clean cut between the old and the new.

In this regard, people of Noah had developed a habit of closing their ears and minds whenever he tried to tell them something. This did not change even when the messenger of God approached them individually or collectively. This tells that their situation is not just about herd mentality, but a personal addiction as well. Remember that an addiction persists because of its pleasure to the person, no matter how deceptive and short-lived it may be. So, the people of Noah must be enjoying the way they treated him, and this process was triggered by Noah's address to them. That is they had an addiction of making fun of him.  The drought and shortage of  produces from the fields did not change their status. This meant that they were not able to see the harms of their addiction, even when shown explicitly. When God instructed Noah to make the ark, the only thing they did was continue with their addiction and mock at him.

Now, as you are about the step on the land after the cleansing of the land, you must ensure that people are not going to be allowed to grow deep enough in their daily routines and evade empathy with others. The instinct to self protection is one of the strongest ones, and avoiding the strangers, in this regard, means the gratification of this instinct, hence a pleasure. However, in this age, the same attitude leads to the formation of enemies in the long run. This situation is not readily visible to those who cannot think critically, i.e. mental myopics. So, again to avoid the trigger, that is meeting the stranger, you must make sure that people are going to meet each other at all levels and corners of the society.

The gratification of the self protection instinct also gives the impression of power, hence an addiction to power. We know that power is not just about muscular ability. There are variations of it, social, economical... Having and keeping power also is linked to self isolation, which is alarming as we discussed before. So, acquisition of power, in this regard, is also an addictive trigger, and must be managed so that it is not going to lead to an evil addiction.

The list of things to be done can be extended, but this is a short list of essentials in my humble opinion. To guide these and other actions you may come up with before you step again on the land, the following is a list of five principles that can be observed, which I call IDEAL principles:

Innovation
Diversification
Education
Authenticity
Labor

If something is weakening the prevalence of these principles in life, it must be re-assessed. For more details on these, you can read this blog specifically on them.

Have We not comforted your heart, And removed from you your burden, Which weighed heavily upon your back, And granted you an exalted reputation? Surely with difficulty is ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up, And strive to please your Lord. (94/1-8)

Aboard Noah's Ark - 4

You are on the ark with Noah. What can be more fortunate? Well, God has more for you in His plan:

And certainly We wrote in the Book after the reminder that (as for) the land, My righteous servants shall inherit it. (21/105)

Allah has promised those who have believed among you and done righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession [to authority] upon the earth just as He granted it to those before them and that He will surely establish for them [therein] their religion which He has preferred for them and that He will surely substitute for them, after their fear, security, [for] they worship Me, not associating anything with Me. But whoever disbelieves after that - then those are the defiantly disobedient. (24/55)

Although these Quranic verses were revealed not in context of the Great Flood, they certainly point at the same fact. Those who were rescued from that colossal destruction are promoted to a much higher level: being the inheritors of the land who are responsible for the amelioration of things after corruption. With responsibility comes authority, and vice-versa. Remember that the believers with Noah pbuh were the low level people in their society, but now, they became the highest and most powerful. This sharp intervention of God, which turns out a blessing for the believers and for the future generations to come, is surely another trial for the survivors, as the examination in this life goes on until death.

Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned. (21/35)

Pondering over how to fulfill your responsibility, taking lessons from God's practice is a reasonable approach. Looking back, you see that God has been extremely patient with the disbelievers, and always instructed His messenger to call them to commonsense and critical thought. He warned them with afflictions before the final action. And in the end, He did not tell his messenger and the believers to fight against them, but to simply withdraw from them and busy themselves with the construction of the ark. During this period, the disbelievers started making fun of Noah, and he had simply replied with ironical threats. 

They said, "O Noah, you have disputed us and been frequent in dispute of us. So bring us what you threaten us, if you should be of the truthful." (11/32)

And he constructed the ship, and whenever an assembly of the eminent of his people passed by him, they ridiculed him. He said, "If you ridicule us, then we will ridicule you just as you ridicule. (11/38)

Finally, we know what happened. In fact, the same situation was also present during the time of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh.

They say, "If what you say is true, when will the final triumph come?" Say, "On the day of the final triumph, the faith of the disbelievers will be of no avail to them, nor will they be given any respite". (32/28-29)

So, a clear lesson from these is that to bring a decisive end to evil and to have a fresh start in good necessitates establishing a noteworthy and timeless lesson to the survivors through punishing the perpetrators of evil. If necessary, you have to amputate a limb in order to save the body. God willing, the stem cells are going to complete the missing part in time. 

This does not mean to eradicate evil from the face of the planet for good, though; because the rule of the game is that you can only curtail evil, but not annihilate it. For example, your anger may spur you to execute punishments in ways surpassing the limits of justice, when you were supposed to act in the name of God and justice. So, lesson two, beware of not becoming the seed of evil yourself.

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well­-Acquainted with what you do. (5/8)

A third lesson in context of the anger against evil can be drawn from the definition of anger. It is the behavioral response of our immune system to repel evil (for further reading on anger, you can see the Anger Engine series in this blog: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7). Anger has the ability to muster all powers in our being to engender the desired safety and security. That is, when you are determined to get rid of something for good, you take irreversible action. You take a step that ensures that you will not return to the same conditions. Take differently, you do things such that they preclude the replay of the same events. In fact, if you are a wise person, you employ your anger to avoid the evil in the first place, instead of curtailing it after its establishment. Now let's see some examples of both cases.

If you compare dating and marriage, the former is a rather reversible act while the latter is relatively irreversible. That means if you want to step back from marriage after it is done, your return is going to have an irreversible toll on you. To highlight and commemorate this irreversibility, the two essential things that make a marriage licit in Islam are its announcement and the mahr (goods or money) given to the bride. These are there to avoid evil in the long run, which can occur when people take marriage as a game, i.e. a reversible step.

Other cases of irreversible, giant steps include the Israelites' story with Moses pbuh. In order to avoid a return to the pharaoh's regime, they were required to escape the city, by which they risked their lives. Once they escaped, there was no return, or else they would be killed. After this, when they fell to worshiping a cow statue, they were required by God to slaughter a real cow by their very hands so that they can see the absurdity of their practice, i.e. they had to slaughter their god!

Similarly, the first Muslims in Mecca had to migrate to Medina, by which they abandoned all their belongings and their loved ones. The first believers in Medina, on the other hand, gave up their internal deadly fights and forwent any revenge against each other. On top of forgiving each other, they undertook hosting their fellow migrant believers, and had to establish a mutual fraternity by which they shared not only their houses but also their wealth. Above all, these two communities, i.e. migrants and helpers, took all of the powers of the world then against themselves by proclaiming their faith and by embracing the messenger of God.

With these in mind, if you look at the recent history of the Middle East, you see that the nations that underwent a revolutionary transformation and cut their ties with their past achieved a real transformation, whereas the nations that assumed minimal modifications only went through a change of garment, without evolving really. I am not going to defend all of the events that took place during these periods in the twentieth century, but it is clear that decisive changes need and prerequisite irreversible and giant actions.

In the Noah's ark, as you and humanity are about to begin life anew, keep in mind that if you want future generations to embrace something and not give it up, they are going to have to make great sacrifices and work hard for them, just like you made when you took the faith introduced by Noah.

Aboard Noah's Ark - 3

Just like the elements of the creation, be them small or big, are messages from God, natural events, too, are signs and messages of God, be them ordinary or out of the ordinary.

Indeed, Allah is not timid to present an example - that of a mosquito or what is smaller than it. And those who have believed know that it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, "What did Allah intend by this as an example?" He misleads many thereby and guides many thereby. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient, (2/26)

Unfortunately, those who have molded their minds so that they will not see those messages even if posed explicitly cannot find true guidance. Instead, they seek alternative explanations and cover up the eyes of their hearts.

I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant upon the earth without right; and if they should see every sign, they will not believe in it. And if they see the way of consciousness, they will not adopt it as a way; but if they see the way of error, they will adopt it as a way. That is because they have denied Our signs and they were heedless of them. (7/146)

We then replaced their misfortune with well-being until they were relieved and began saying, "Our fathers had also experienced good and bad days." Suddenly, We struck them (with torment) while they were all unaware (of what was happening). (7/95)

This is, perhaps, what had happened with the son of Noah, when he said that he could escape the flood by climbing a high mountain. In their view, this rain was the long awaited water after a drought that struck them hard, which in fact was a warning from God but which was missed by the people of Noah for the reason stated above.

Then I said, Ask forgiveness of your Lord, surely He is the most Forgiving: He will send rain to you in abundance (71/10-11)

And it sailed with them through waves like mountains, and Noah called to his son who was apart [from them], "O my son, come aboard with us and be not with the disbelievers." His son replied, "I shall climb up a mountain and this will save me from the flood." Noah said, "No one can escape on this day from God's command except those on whom He has mercy." The waves separated Noah from his son who was then drowned with the rest (of the unbelievers). (11/42-43)

Then, it is clear that the events that happen to us personally or as a society are communications from God in different languages. These languages can be in the civilized manner as in the admonitions of the holy books, or they can be in more physical forms such as economical crises, natural disasters, pandemics, wars... All in all, the message is clear. The will of God is established sooner or later, but whether we are going to benefit from it or lose badly depends on our choice of actions.

And if Allah were to impose blame on the people for what they have earned, He would not leave upon the earth any creature. But He defers them for a specified term. And when their time comes, then indeed Allah has ever been, of His servants, Seeing. (35/45)

Till, when the messengers despaired and thought that they were denied, then came unto them Our help, and whom We would was saved. And Our wrath cannot be warded from the guilty. (12/110)

It is also noteworthy that being in a society that is committed to evil, in and of itself, is a potential risk. If you are there and working to spread the message of God through your actions and communications, then you personally may be safe. However, extended duration of "no result", that is no change for the better, may be a sign that you shouldn't stay there anymore. Being in a decisively sinner community is also a risk in the sense that you yourself can shift towards them. After all, you are an individual in the face of a society. Even if you don't commit those sins yourself, you may start supporting their evils through various make-ups in your mind. So, one must separate from a sinning society at some point or at some depth. If you have to stay in there, you must detach your heart and/or your personal life from them to stay properly guided. Otherwise, you may find yourself at the same dreadful end.

And fear an affliction which may not smite those of you in particular who are unjust; and know that Allah is severe in requiting (evil). (8/25)

To sum up, an economic or political crisis or a war or a pandemic affects everybody. These events are for sure messages or afflictions from God, but those who have blinded their hearts won't be able to see this. Furthermore, joining the party of such blind hearted people, even if you don't actively do evil, is a fault in itself. In such cases, when the time comes, God establishes the order by force. These forces may be incomprehensible or invisible. The incomprehensibility, we talked about it. But what about invisibility? Angels? Yes, angels are part of the answer, but not the whole of it.

And to Allah belong the soldiers of the heavens and the earth. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise. (48/7)

When the angels are in action, this may be invisible to us, like a miraculous intervention, or it can be visible to us behind certain veils. For example, when the people of Lot were destroyed, it was the angels at work but in the appearance, a natural disaster of some sort was taking place. Similarly, during the Event of the Elephant (105/1-5) when the army that was about to destroy the Kaaba was itself destroyed by the birds, it was angels at work behind the veil. Again, during the Battle of the Trench (Handaq) in the Islamic history, the wind that made it impossible to stay outside, let alone fighting, was a clear, but invisible, help from God. It was fulfilled by the angels, but the manifestation of this help was an unyielding and endless storm.

O you who have believed, remember the favor of Allah upon you when armies came to [attack] you and We sent upon them a wind and armies [of angels] you did not see. And ever is Allah , of what you do, Seeing. (33/9)

After this journey to the future in time, if we snap back to our time on the ark, obviously those who have been blind towards the messages of God have been eradicated, and we are in an explicit coverage by God. Still, the same question bothers us, what to do to avoid a massive relapse to the heart blindness?

Aboard Noah's Ark - 2

It is interesting that in the Quran, there is almost no mentioning of the situation of the people aboard the ark during the flood. The two exceptions to this are the communication between Noah (pbuh) and his son and the prayer taught by God to the believers, both of which are linked to the beginning of the voyage. Following these, we are only told that the ark was cruising under the supervision of God Almighty. Then we are provided with a conversation between Noah and God after the flood, in which a message of blessing is given.

And when you have boarded the ship, you and those with you, then say, 'Praise to Allah who has saved us form the wrongdoing people.' Say, "Lord, grant us a blessed landing from the Ark; You are the One who provides the safest landing". (23/28-29)

Sailing under Our observation as reward for he who had been denied. (54/14)

It was said, "O Noah, disembark in security from Us and blessings upon you and upon nations [descending] from those with you... (11/48)

A rather plausible idea about what happened while on the ark during the flood is that the passengers all slept. If you read through the Quran, you see that sleep is a blessing that has been given to the servants of God on special occasions. The first of these cases is that of prophet Joshua pbuh. We are told that God made him sleep for hundred years, and then woke him to show a sign about how He is going to resurrect the dead (2/259). The second case of sleep is that of the Seven Sleepers, who were among the believers to the message of Jesus pbuh and who were made by God sleep for three centuries (18/25). Their sleep was a protection from the oppression of their people who were pushing them to revert to idolatry. Their awakening generations later was a sign of resurrection both for themselves and for the people living at the time.

The third example of sleep as a blessing is that before the battle of Badr between the first Muslims and the Meccan disbelievers. It was a situation where the intention of the believers was nothing more than retrieving their belongings and goods that were plundered by the disbelievers and were being sent to the markets of Damascus. So, the believers were not really there for a war, but God's plan was different. All-Seeing God descended upon them serenity and they couldn't help sleeping, whereas the opponents were overstressed. When the war broke out, with the help of angels sent by God, it didn't take too long for the believers to defeat the disbelievers.

When He made the slumber fall upon you as a reassurance from him and sent down water from the sky upon you, that thereby He might purify you, and remove from you the fear of Satan, and make strong your hearts and firm (your) feet thereby. (8/11)

When your Lord revealed to the angels: I am with you, therefore make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike above their necks and strike every fingertip of them. (8/12)

With all these in mind, if we return to the believers on the ark during the flood, the fact that nothing mentioned about them on the ark could be a sign that there actually was nothing to be mentioned after all, because they were sleeping all along the journey, which was overseen and guided by God. Furthermore, when they woke up with all the serenity from the sleep, which probably happened shortly before they came out, they were mentally and bodily ready to tackle with everything else. 

At this point, it is noteworthy to remember that sleep is an essential part of brain operations. During the sleep, unlike what we suppose, brain is very active; especially during the deep sleep that is referred to as REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. It has been scientifically proven that sleeping is an integral part of memory consolidation and the ability to perceive. In other words, thinking critically and deeply and making thoughtful decisions require a brain that has had its proper sleep.

Having had their deep sleep and a good rest, what were they thinking before they fell asleep: Why did all this happen and how to prevent a replay? Now, they can analyze things better and arrive at more objective conclusions thereof. Thanks to the events they have witnessed within their own lifetime, they can more wisely establish whys, what fors and hows. And in fact, this is a must on them, because they have the duty of starting a new line on a clean page that is going to trace a picture pleasing to their beloved Lord.

Aboard Noah's Ark - 1

To be or not to be in the ark... That was the stark line that separated life and death. But it also revealed for many the result of an exam on an eternal bliss vs eternal loss... Still, the life on the ark was that of this world and the passengers were confined to human conditions. That meant all of the worries, fears, hopes, angers, desires and question marks composing the human nature.

Are we going to survive these mountain-like waves? Even if we survived, how are we going to start life again, given the destruction of the flood? We've got limited food and water supply... 

These and many more uncertainties would face a strong answer, though.

We could have been among the crowd that has already drowned. God saved us by our faith and He is the guarantor of everything else during our voyage on this ark. His messenger is with us, too.

Yes, outside, the monstrous waves are smashing the hull of the ship, the wind is roaring wildly, which are scary, but at the same time, you are protected inside despite all that turmoil. You just need to learn to trust your Lord, the Sustainer. And with that trust, comes calmness that penetrates your body, and you fall asleep...

When you wake up, you see that you are still alive. Yes the waves are still smashing the hull, the wind is still roaring, and you are still protected. Although you are in a confined space, from another perspective, it is the events outside that are in a cage. They can't and don't penetrate the ark. So, you get used to this situation. Then, you start thinking more subtle and serious issues. Why and how did all this happen?

Yes, why did all this happen? Simple answer, because the others not only did not believe but also created a social system in which nobody could dare to approach Noah, let alone become a believer. They made sure that not only themselves but also future generations, too, are not going to fall to the calls of Noah. So, when all was done on both sides and when every attempt has failed, Noah prayed for the destruction of the disbelievers, for their society is going to bear none but those who violate and manipulate the freedom of thought, freedom of speech and freedom of religion, and who create conflict on earth.

He said, "My Lord, indeed I invited my people [to truth] night and day. But my call has only made them flee the more. And verily! Every time I called unto them that You might forgive them, they thrust their fingers into their ears, covered themselves up with their garments, and persisted (in their refusal), and magnified themselves in pride. (71/5-7)

Noah said, "My Lord, indeed they have disobeyed me and followed him whose wealth and children will not increase him except in loss. And they have devised a tremendous plot. (71/21-22)

And Noah said, "My Lord, do not leave upon the earth from among the disbelievers an inhabitant. If You leave them, they will mislead Your servants, and they will beget none but wicked disbelievers. (71/26-27)

So he invoked his Lord, "I am defeated; so, help!" (54/10)

Seeing the before and after of the events, you would definitely be engulfed in a mix of feelings. Relieved of the constant pressure and mockery of the disbelievers, but grieved at the loss of loved ones. Angry at the stubbornness of the wicked people in their despicable lives, but fearing your own existence and future... But an eventual thought would hit you. If you and other believers are saved along with the messenger of God, that means there is a continuation to this story. If there is a continuation, that means there is life, prosperity, family and a community of believers who are committed to each other. But would this dramatic end repeat itself somehow?

First of all, whether there is a possibility of a replay or not, you are responsible of teaching the faith to the new generations. For that, you sure are going to tell them what happened in the past, and the ark is going to be the ideal school building for that purpose. A school, a worship place, a sign for all future generations to come... This is all good but, what else can you do to ensure that people are not going to revert to the same atrocities against each other, even if they are personally in disbelief?

Anger Engine - 7

When you have the power and when you are angry, you are within a dangerous context. The same context, however, is necessary for the realization of utterly needed transformations that are later going to be named as "historic revolution". Eliminating the problems that have been ailing the society for too long needs such a dangerous juxtaposition as anger and power. Keeping that anger and power under control, however, is essential in order for this historic transformation to be for the good of everybody. Speaking of control, there are two extremes that must be avoided. One, you must make sure that you are not going beyond the limits and committing oppression while conducting your rightful mission. A proper target does not justify the unjust means to it. Two, you must avoid falling into the misuse of mercy when delivering justice related to the past events. Forgiveness must be exercised in a way not to encourage those committed to evil.

It is not fitting for a prophet that he should have prisoners of war until he has thoroughly subdued the land. You look for the temporal goods of this world; but Allah looks to the Hereafter: And Allah is Exalted in might, Wise. (8/67)

The above verse was revealed after the battle of Badr, when the Muslims had given the Meccan oppressors an unexpected and a dire blow. The details of this event can be read from the relevant sources. My intention here is to focus on the two points I raised above. Here, the Ruler of the universe tells His messenger that a lesson of mercy cannot be taught to the minds that have learned to exercise their own will through killing the innocent and stealing from the weak. A lesson of tolerance cannot be learned by the minds that have uprooted freedom of thought and expression through ways including, but not limited to, torture and pressure.

Such was the case with the Meccan opponents against the first Muslims. A permanent lesson had to be given to the evildoers so that the people in the aftermath will not dare to repeat the same. At this conjunction, forgiving even the most evil act sends the message that "you can get away with whatever you do". Plus, a temporary loss on the side of those evil people will seed a revenge. All of these must be blocked. Besides, those who were not as evil but were siding with the evil group for whatever reason must understand that they are given a free will in order to choose to counteract the evil pushes from people and from devil. Lack of good will and simply joining the crowds is not a valid excuse to support evil will.

If these sound to harsh for you, remember that it is the similar behavior on your side that led to the conditions in which you felt the anger towards God, because He was keeping you under heavy loads with no "apparent" reason. It took a long time and grave losses in order for you to realize things. The same is true of the other side. Psychology of herd and the psychology surrounding the status-quo are the same, no matter under what banner they are present, be them religious or otherwise.

So, let's delve into the first topic: not committing injustice when exercising power. It is very easy to misguide a person who is angry and who holds power. With unsubstantiated news and rumors, one can lead another person to give undeserved or excessive punishments. It is crucial at this point to cling to the basic principles of justice:

• a person is innocent unless proven otherwise
• benefit of doubt goes to the suspect
• crime is individual; hence no crime by affiliation
• crime and punishment must be proportional
• penalty is the same regardless of the identity of the criminal

Although these principles of justice have been established and known for long, they are violated many times due to pressure from outside or prejudice from inside. Both are not fitting to a believer: 

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah , witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do. (5/8)

Believers, if one who publicly commits sins brings you any news, ascertain its truthfulness carefully, lest you harm people through ignorance and then regret what you have done. (49/6)

Second topic is not exercising unlimited forgiveness. As explained above, forgiving everything, no matter what, gives the message that individuals can commit anything without having to face any punishments or sanctions. It is important, however, to distinguish between the rights of God and the rights of people. A person not believing in God, i.e. atheists, are committing a crime against God, and it is due to Him to judge the situation. The same is not true of crimes against people, however. If, for example, the freedom of thought, expression and religion or another basic freedom and right of a person is violated by whoever, this violation is deserving of punishment.

Of course similar limitations can be put in place due to authentic reasons supported by proven, concrete crimes. Nevertheless, evil actors who use the public power to abolish the basic freedoms always come up with pretexts to do so, too. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between the limitations taken due to concrete actions and those built on prejudices and evil will. If a person or group has banned the basic individual freedoms and rights without relying on concrete crimes, then that person or group must be punished not only as a recompense to their acts but also as a lesson to the rest of the people.

The recompense of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and do mischief in the land is only that they shall be killed or crucified or their hands and their feet be cut off on the opposite sides, or be exiled from the land. That is their disgrace in this world, and a great torment is theirs in the Hereafter. (5/33)

And those who accuse chaste women and then do not produce four witnesses - lash them with eighty lashes and do not accept from them testimony ever after. And those are the defiantly disobedient, (4/24)

After these two important lessons, remember that anger is not a state that is intended to last forever. It is there for a reason, and once that reason is fulfilled, the lead must be handed to wisdom and mercy. Never-quenching anger is a sign of going astray and itself an invitation for future troubles.

Fight them, Allah will punish them by your hands and bring them to disgrace, and assist you against them and heal the hearts of a believing people. And remove the rage of their hearts; and Allah turns (mercifully) to whom He pleases, and Allah is Knowing, Wise. (9/14-15)

So they defeated them by permission of Allah , and David killed Goliath, and Allah gave him the kingship and prophethood and taught him from that which He willed. And if it were not for Allah checking [some] people by means of others, the earth would have been corrupted, but Allah is full of bounty to the worlds. (2/251)

Relevant Quranic verses to the topic: 

And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, "Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?" (4/75)

Have you not seen those who were told, "Restrain your hands [from fighting] and establish prayer and give zakah"? But then when fighting was ordained for them, at once a party of them feared men as they fear Allah or with [even] greater fear. They said, "Our Lord, why have You decreed upon us fighting? If only You had postponed [it for] us for a short time." Say, The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for he who fears Allah. And injustice will not be done to you, [even] as much as a thread [inside a date seed]." (4/77)

And the thief, male and female: cut off the hands of both, as a recompense for what they have earned, and a punishment exemplary from God; God is All-mighty, All-wise. (5/38)

O you who believe! Whoever of you reverts from his religion, (know that in his stead) Allah will bring a people whom He loves and who loves Him, humble toward believers, stern toward disbelievers, striving in the way of Allah, and not fearing the blame of any blamer. Such is the grace of Allah which He gives unto whom He wills. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing. (5/54)

O believers, look after your own souls. He who is astray cannot hurt you, if you are rightly guided. Unto God shall you return, all together, and He will tell you what you were doing. (5/105)

And thus have We made in every town its guilty ones become the greatest ones, that they may plan therein; and they do not plan but against their own souls, and they do not perceive. (6/123)

So We make the evildoers friends of each other for what they have earned. (6/129)

Is not Allah sufficient for His servant? And they seek to frighten you with those apart from Him; And whoever Allah leaves astray - for him there is no guide. (39/36)

Verily, We have given you (O Muhammad SAW) a manifest victory. That Allah may forgive for you what preceded of your sin and what will follow and complete His favor upon you and guide you to a straight path And that Allah might help you with a mighty help. It is He who sent down tranquility into the hearts of the believers that they would increase in faith along with their [present] faith. And to Allah belong the soldiers of the heavens and the earth, and ever is Allah Knowing and Wise. (48/1-4)

O believers, take not My enemy and your enemy for friends, offering them love, though they have disbelieved in the truth that has come to you, expelling the Messenger and you because you believe in God your Lord. If you go forth to struggle in My way and seek My good pleasure, secretly loving them, yet I know very well what you conceal and what you publish; and whosoever of you does that, has gone astray from the right way. (60/1)

Anger Engine - 6

The connotation of anger is heat. Indeed, when angry, our body temperature increases and it becomes manifest on our faces. This state of ours, when explosively relieves itself, causes destructive results. Breaking things apart as such does not have to be the case, however. The same energy and power can be channeled to make permanent changes for the better.

In our study of anger towards God, we came to the point where we voluntarily decided to change things in ourselves. We started to work on a more direct and unmediated relationship with him. We were hoping to find, at last, peace with God and peace in our soul through such efforts. To our surprise, however, we realized that our All-Wise Guide wants us to do more and risk more! Why is it not enough for Him that we want to change ourselves?

There are several rays of wisdom shining from this enigma. First, God has different names and attributes, each having a different manifestation. Our state of anger towards Him, although forgivable through His mercy, requires a payment or a sacrifice as atonement. That is why we are pushed towards our limits, which may seem exacerbating the situation; but in fact, that state is a precursor to the peaceful days, as required by His compassion, mercy and generosity (2/214).

Second, the final word of God, Quran, is sent not as a library classic (25/30, 62/5) but as a genetic code to be brought alive through our deliberate and thoughtful actions (13/31, 59/21). Failing to do so is against the will of God. Therefore, He wants us to embrace the Quran wholly, and practice it even if it means going against the status quo, prejudices, social pressure or even if it means material loss (5/54). By pushing us to our limits in different aspects of life, several of them at the same time, the All-Wise Educator is ensuring that we are going to be obliged to explore the entire universe of the Quran. After all, it was us who had invited the tribulations by acting conservatively and risk-free by orbiting around the same, old planet (2/85).

Third, when we make a decision to change things in our selves, while crushed under the pressure of the unfortunate events, this is a reactionary state that is destined to fade by time. It does not warrant a permanent change (44/15). That is, even if we do things for a little while in the way pleasing to God, in the long run, as our feelings and anger sooth, we are likely to return to a robotic and conservative state, devoid of life and change. Quran is there to bring life to our relationship with God through His different names. So, our Lord pushes us to make irreversible changes both in ourselves and around us to cast a permanent improvement. He wants to ensure that we are not going to go back. Of course, He could do this using His infinite will and power, but that is against the notion of free will. So, our tolerant Lord prepares the grounds upon which we are going to take actions willfully. What those actions are depends on who we are and the circumstances we are in. We must read the Quran through the lens of the conditions surrounding us, which are likely to help us see the points that were previously invisible (50/22).

Fourth, if we are amidst unjust and unfair treatments, on one side it is us who must change, but on the other side, our environment must change, too. If God is telling us the signs of change through the tongue of misfortunes, He is also telling us by the same token to change things around ourselves as well. After all, justice and solidarity among people can not be established without healing the existing injustices. After all, the same mistakes are inevitable without changing the minds and paradigms. Ok but, how can you accomplish this daunting task, given that it is your failure thereof that has led to the tribulations and oppression crushing you?

This is where your faith goes into a challenge. If you do what is due to you and change yourself for the better, than on the other side of this contract is your Lord (2/40). He is the one to change what you are unable to. How He makes that happen is a matter of wonder. One thing is for sure, though. When He gives the reins to your hand in order for you to steer things towards the good, you must be ready for it. Realize that you cannot get ready for such mission if you don't get rid of the psychology of herd, if you cannot break free of slave mentality. You cannot prepare grand projects for the future, if your greatest ambitions are about recreating the past, which has been devastated by the Almighty. Looking into prosperous days requires you to trust in the power and will of your Merciful and Wise Lord, who is the cause of all causes.

So, the best time to make changes to ourselves is when we are angry and under pressure. It is also the best time to draft comprehensive plans to be  realized in the future. The readiness of those plans and your commitment thereof are not going to be wasted by the Exquisite Designer of the universe, who dislikes waste (6/95, 7/31). He is going to prepare not only the conditions but also the people so that you can achieve in short time what would be impossible for you otherwise.

GET READY.

Relevant Quranic verses to the topic: 

Children of Israel, recall My favors which you enjoyed. Fulfill your covenant with Me and I shall fulfill Mine. Revere only Me. (2/40)

... So do you believe in part of the Scripture and disbelieve in part? Then what is the recompense for those who do that among you except disgrace in worldly life; and on the Day of Resurrection they will be sent back to the severest of punishment. And Allah is not unaware of what you do. (2/85)

Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said,"When is the help of Allah ?" Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near. (2/214)

And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, "Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?" (4/75)

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah , witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do. (5/8)

O you who believe! Whoever of you reverts from his religion, (know that in his stead) Allah will bring a people whom He loves and who loves Him, humble toward believers, stern toward disbelievers, striving in the way of Allah, and not fearing the blame of any blamer. Such is the grace of Allah which He gives unto whom He wills. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing. (5/54)

O believers, look after your own souls. He who is astray cannot hurt you, if you are rightly guided. Unto God shall you return, all together, and He will tell you what you were doing. (5/105)

Indeed We sent to nations before thee, and We seized them with misery and hardship that they might be humble; Then why, when Our punishment came to them, did they not humble themselves? But their hearts became hardened, and Satan made attractive to them that which they were doing. Then, when they forgot that by which they had been reminded, We opened unto them the gates of all things till, even as they were rejoicing in that which they were given, We seized them unawares, and lo! they were dumbfounded. (6/42-44)

Surely Allah causes the grain and the stone to germinate; He brings forth the living from the dead and He is the bringer forth of the dead from the living; that is Allah! how are you then turned away. (6/95)

O Children of Adam! wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters. (7/31)

And if there was any qur'an by which the mountains would be removed or the earth would be broken apart or the dead would be made to speak, [it would be this Qur'an], ... (13/31)

And the Messenger cried out: O my Lord! surely my people have treated this Quran as a forsaken thing. (25/30)

And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good. (29/69)

We shall remove the torment for a while but you will revert to your old ways. (44/15)

Certainly you were heedless of it, but now We have removed from you your veil, so your sight today is sharp. (50/22)

Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect . (59/21)

The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books]. Wretched is the example of the people who deny the signs of Allah. And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people. (62/5)

Anger Engine - 5

If a little child threatens you with a toy gun, you would smile and ignore. That is because you know the difference between the real world and the dream world. However, the same is not true of that child, who is expecting you to get scared and take action. So, your indifference to the child's threat is an act of rebellion and, so, is deserving of punishment. Pew Pew...

What is the life of this world but play and amusement? But the best is the home in the hereafter for those who are righteous. Will you not then understand? (6/32)

The contrast of a true believer and a true disbeliever can be seen through the above example. True believer knows for sure that anything and everything in this world, all the actors in life take their power from God. However, unable to visually see this reality, we, humans, imagine ourselves as the true actor, when in fact this is no more than a supposition.

And you do not will except that Allah wills - Lord of the worlds. (81/29)

Still, even if we are not the true actors but supposed ones, the acts and effects are real. That is we are in a real game, and we are going to be judged according to our actions therein. A believer lives knowing this fact, whereas a disbeliever plays the game thinking that they are the real power holder in a life that is sure to end without a judgment of the past. Whatever the case, we really experience this game of life, regardless of the intentions and identities of the involved actors. Sometimes, we are negatively affected by those holding the power, and sometimes it is us who is tested with power over others. The question is how to take action in perspective of the transience of these opposing situations.

If you get hurt, certainly others have also experienced injuries. We have made people pass through the different turns of history so that God would know the true believers, have some of you bear witness to the people's deeds, God does not love the unjust. (3/140)

At this point, it is important to identify and be aware of what our natural instincts say and what the Lord wants us to do. Yes, it is God who created our instincts and it is Him who sent the Quran, and the mismatch between the two, if any, sounds irrational. However, mismatch points at a journey, a transition ahead of us, and so it is not really irrational. What would be truly irrational is incompatibility between the basic nature of humans and the goals defined for them. That is, while mining an iron ore, you don't extract a knife, but the iron ore has the ability to transform to that end. So is our case in terms of anger and power. We must strive to tame and guide our instincts towards what is pleasing to God.

O believers, look after your own souls. He who is astray cannot hurt you, if you are rightly guided. Unto God shall you return, all together, and He will tell you what you were doing. (5/105)

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say peace, (25/63)

Now, let's think. Yes, peace is the best, and it must be the goal all the time. The book of God tells its adherents to seek peace all the time. Still, it is the same book of God that gives guidance in case a fight breaks out. In fact, it sometimes encourages the believers to fight, if their fear is undermining the peace and helping establish a system of oppression.

What! will you not fight a people who broke their oaths and aimed at the expulsion of the Messenger, and they attacked you first; do you fear them? But Allah is most deserving that you should fear Him, if you are believers. Fight them, Allah will punish them by your hands and bring them to disgrace, and assist you against them and heal the hearts of a believing people. And remove the rage of their hearts; and Allah turns (mercifully) to whom He pleases, and Allah is Knowing, Wise. (9/13-15)

Before we go further, let's remember how we came to this point. At first, we said that much has been talked about anger management, but anger towards God is not as much studied; less so in Islamic context. Then we came to an interim conclusion that if we are getting angry towards God, it is quite likely that we are in a state of consistently ignoring His messages to us either through the Quran or through the events around us. That is we are trying to stay as we are when the Creator wants to transform us, hence our anger.

Once we become aware of this fact, we open ourselves to change. As we change in the ways God leads us, we realize that we need to do something about the injustices going on around us. Neither individually nor as a society can we truly become believers, if we are not eliminating the injustices against people and against the nature (2/204-206, 2/251, 3/110, 44/29). So, the good Lord wants us to take action. But wait a minute! Hasn't He seen that we have been angry with Him? Shouldn't He have given us at least sometime to calm down and relax?

Anger Engine - 4

"Till, when the Messengers despaired, deeming they were counted liars, Our help came to them and whosoever We willed was delivered. Our might will never be turned back from the people of the sinners." (12/110)

If you are subjected to unrelenting misfortunes, that means you are forced by the destiny to change. You may be aware of this or not but, things will never be the same again because of the sufferings that have carved their memories permanently into your memory. You subconscious has developed an immune reaction towards the conditions that brought about your misery. Even if you consciously have not understood this situation yet, your brain is more intelligent than you! That's why it thinks on your behalf, when it realizes that you are not taking proper action. If, on the other hand, you have pondered on the events and critically analyzed things, you sure have made some conclusions to seed the change in your life.

Thus was the situation of the Muslim world a century ago. Wars and conflicts that claimed the lives of millions and killed the hopes of the survivors forged the people in ways that was impossible otherwise. I am saying this, but that should not be understood as an indifference to human suffering. Rather, I want to take a picture of the past, now that we are far enough from it. The signs of a need for change were knocking on the doors of the believers, but they consistently managed to convince themselves otherwise, and backed up their position using the holy sources. So, until those cruel times, the Muslims, especially the scholars, had full conviction about their truthfulness according to their understanding of the revealed word of God. Accordingly, they went on with their critique-lacking and politically-guided ways of life that they had learned from their intellectual forebearers. So, they repeatedly worked hard to disregard the deteriorating situations in favor of their millennium-long understandings. Doing so, they closed their eyes to the creation unfolding before their eyes, but they forgot the fact that creation is also the word of God in the process of revelation, if you are willing to heed. That is why ease comes out from embracing the creation, and the oppposite from deeming yourself immune to the winds of change.

But as for him who is a miser, and self-sufficient, And rejects the best, We will ease him toward difficulty. (92/8-10)

The discrepancy between what has been told you about God's will and what is happening outside was the reason of your anger against God. Now that the body of scholars and their teachings have lost reputation, and now that the community of believers, that has been acting not as a support for the good but as an obstacle against change, has been dismantled, you are ready for a brand new meeting with God, His messenger and His word. A meeting that will take place along with other individuals who are ready to embark on an adventure towards God through uncharted territories, using the vehicles of insight and will power:

Say: "This is my way: I invite to Allah with insight (on evidence clear as the seeing with one's eyes), I and whoever follows me. Glory to Allah!... (12/108)

O you who believe! Whoever of you reverts from his religion, (know that in his stead) Allah will bring a people whom He loves and who loves Him, humble toward believers, stern toward disbelievers, striving in the way of Allah, and not fearing the blame of any blamer. Such is the grace of Allah which He gives unto whom He wills. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing. (5/54)

Nevertheless, as the saying goes, flowers make their blooms with the rain, while the snakes make their venom with the same. A time of rebirth brings its own challenges. That is, the properties of those blessed ones foretold in the verses above can also be understood as admonishment for not straying once again!

That is because Allah would not change a favor which He had bestowed upon a people until they change what is within themselves. And indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing. (8/53)

Anger Engine - 3

Prophet Muhammad pbuh recommends taking action to calm your anger, when you feel so.

"When one of you becomes angry while standing, he should sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good; otherwise he should lie down." (Abu Dawud, 4782, Grade: sahih)

“Anger comes from the devil, the devil was created of fire, and fire is extinguished only by water; so when one of you becomes angry, he should perform ablution.” (Abu Dawud, 4784, Grade: weak)

How can this recommendation shed light on our topic? What does it mean to sit down, for example, in case of anger towards God? Remember that anger narrows our focus and initiates actions that will remove the source of anger, not through the wisest but, through the shortest and quickest path. This kind of reaction, though, is detrimental in the case of faith. So, sitting or lying down when you are angry with God could mean, first, not to speak or act as if you are an unbeliever. That, however, doesn't mean suppressing your thoughts and feelings. Inside, you must discuss your matters with God, and when you are done making your point clear, you should listen to Him through all possible "ears". What are those ears? They are any language through which God can convey you a message. This can be His revealed book, serendipitous life events, natural events or nature itself, inspirations...

At this point, you may remember from the previous episode that a wisdom behind your situation could be that you were expected to "attack" your faith, but you failed to do so, hence your current situation. However cruel and outrageous it may sound, the real meaning hidden here is that, as a believer, you are not supposed to be a blind imitator; not according to Islam, at least. That's why God does not leave you on your own, sufficing with your confession of your belief in Him (29/2-3). Rather, He wants you to keep going and live adventures so that you can experience different manifestations of His names. This kind of life is going to increase your knowledge of God, make your faith in Him more authentic. Failing to do so, however, is going to leave your faith as a dry imitation, waiting to be crunched under the weight of life events. In short, as a human being, you are meant to make experiments with your faith, which may seem as attacking your faith, but which actually is a transformation of yourself to "faith in flesh and bone". 

In the story of Moses pbuh, we read many of such experiments. Although told by God to do certain things, from a purely human perspective, it is a suicidal idea for Moses to go to pharaoh both because he is accused of a murder and because he is going to dare to ask the unacceptable from the pharaoh. But Moses does it. Later on in his story, we see that at some point, after seeing the persistance of the pharaoh in disbelief and in oppressing the children of Israel, he goes really angry with the situation, because Moses does know that it is God who gave the pharaoh that wealth and power, by which he is exercising all kinds of evil acts, and that it is God who keeps the pharaoh in that highly capable position despite those evil acts. And yet, it is the same God who sends Moses to dare the impossible and risk everything. Seeing the inertia of the events and people, the mental constructs of Moses shake and he raises a reproach to God, followed by an angry prayer against the evildoers (10/88). Still, he wilfully goes on with submitting to God and with his God-given mission.

A similar occasion of reproach takes place following the visit of prophet Muhammad to Taif. After he invites the inhabitants of Taif to Islam, or at least to give him protection so that he can go on with his mission, not only they reject him but also they stone him and chase out of the city. Covered in blood, Muhammad takes a rest near an orchard and talk to his Lord:

"Into whose hands will You entrust me? Unto some far off stranger who will ill-treat me? Or unto a foe whom You have empowered against me? "

Yet, he does not let his resentment take over himself, and wilfully chooses to proceed with his submission to God and God-given mission, and says "I don't care as long as You are not angry with me."

Having seen the examples of the messengers of God, let's get back to us today. We had mentioned earlier that if you feel anger towards God, among other factors, three major candidates underlying this situation are:

1. your knowledge of God is incomplete and/or contains errors.
2. your perception of the events is incomplete and/or contains errors.
3. your knowledge yourself is incomplete and/or contains errors.

The discussion so far expounds on the first. Before proceeding to others, though, I would like to highlight the importance of reading the book of God as a means of talking to God directly, without any intermediaries (i.e. translators, interpreters,.scholars). Remember, anything that stands between you and God are to be cleared. This is the essence of Islam.

The second item in the above list actually is linked to the topic of patience. In this life, we may not know what is going to happen as a result of what (31/34). That inherent uncertainty brings about a state of stress and anger. However, if one can try to direct that power of anger towards contemplation-based actions, rather than towards reactionary bursts, one can survive these times and can, actually, come out refreshed and renewed. Remember:

God changes not what is in a people, until they change what is in themselves. (13/11)

Finally, discovering what potentials God has sown in you is a duty on each and every individual, because God does not like wasting (7/31), and leaving those potentials idle is a clear act of wasting. Therefore, if you are assuming a life style in which everything is going into a routine and you are boiling yourself down to a mechanical servant, even if you are not neglecting the obligatory acts of worship, you can be forced by God to move. Even the stones move in remembrance and reverence of God (2/74)!

Has not the time yet come for those who believe that their hearts should be humble for the remembrance of Allah and what has come down of the truth? And that they should not be like those who were given the Book before, but the time became prolonged to them, so their hearts hardened, and most of them are transgressors. (57/16)

Anger Engine - 2

If the feeling of anger is a behavioral manifestation of our immune system to avoid losses and damage, it makes sense that we get angry towards the loved ones more quickly, because loving means putting down your shields against someone and letting them be close to you beyond others. Believing in God, in this context, is a major cause for anger, because you are submitting your entire being and making yourself vulnerable to an entity who can do anything with you (3/40,47) with eternal and infinite impunity (21/23).

Linking back to some of the points raised in the first episode, a believer's expectation of good things from God prepares the grounds for anger towards Him, when and if those expectations are not only not met but also crushed with the exact opposite of the expectation. Still, it is intriguing that God constantly admonishes and orients the believers to be expecting of good things from Him and strive for the realization of favors. On one side, it is God who wants to be known as the bountiful and merciful, and on the other side, it is again Him who is creating anger towards Himself. Why is He doing this?

Before anything else, let's see some Quranic verses related to the engendering of the mentioned expectations:

Say, "What would my Lord care for you if not for your supplication?" (25/77)

Or, Who answers the distressed one when he calls upon Him and removes the evil, and He will make you successors in the earth. (27/62)

And your Lord says, "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." (40/60)

You will certainly ask Him for help. He will save you from hardship if He decides to do so and you will forget all about your gods." (6/41)

Call upon your Lord in humility and privately; (7/55)

And do not make mischief in the earth after its reformation, and call on Him fearing and hoping; surely the mercy of Allah is nigh to those who do good (to others).(7/56)

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way. (2/186)

Say: Who is it that delivers you from the dangers of the land and the sea (when) you call upon Him (openly) humiliating yourselves, and in secret: (6/63)

Therefore remember Me, I will remember you, and be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me. O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient. (2/152-153)

Unto Him is the real prayer. Those unto whom they pray beside Allah respond to them not at all, save as (is the response to) one who stretches forth his hands toward water (asking) that it may come unto his mouth, and it will never reach it. The prayer of disbelievers goes (far) astray. (13/14)

Recall your Lord if you forget to do something. Say, "I hope that my Lord will provide me better guidance."(18/24)

So call not upon another god with Allah, lest you be of those who are punished. (26/213)

And He answers those who believe and do good deeds, and gives them more out of His grace; (42/26)

and whoever is careful of (his duty to) Allah, He will make for him an outlet, And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things.(65/2-3)

At this point, it may be better to stop and recall your thoughts about the evil problem and "why God doesn't answer the prayers when and as asked". You may also make some outside reading, if you haven't done so, on these issues, because I am not going to do a discussion of those topics here. Rather, I want to keep my focus on the wisdom behind God's deliberate drive of individuals or humanity at large mad about Himself.

Of course, the One with infinite wisdom and knowledge and unbounded will power can design different paths of life for each individual. He can also guide people through innumerable ways towards what is pleasing to Him. And, being the ultimate judge on the judgment day, He can forgive or waive the things that we deem outrageous. In short, the first point to note here is that this is a subtle issue, in which we may not understand everything, or things may clarify much later. So, we have to accept that we may not have answers always to our guiding question.

In order to take a glance of the second point, think of these two situations and answer which one of them imply more love and belonging? First one is a case where person A is angry towards person B, but cannot voice it or prefers not to. Rather, person A shuts themselves towards person B. Second situation is again person A being angry towards person B, and voices their anger and frustration towards B, and B listens without echoing the same anger. Later on, person A and person B work out their relationship, and they reach an even stronger bonding.

It is clear in the above story that the lack of conflict in the appearance of the first case does not imply love and the presence of conflict in the latter does not imply lack of love. So, one has to admit the fact that they may go through situations in this life where their love and belonging may be put to test by means of "evil looking" events inducing anger towards God. Furthermore, one has to exercise their freedom of expression towards God. Of this needs to be done with the due respect. That is, addressing God when in public and addressing Him when in private requires different levels and kinds of respect. If you are angry, let it be known in private. If your soul is getting crushed, shout it from the depths of your heart, for it sure is heard. Perhaps this collapse of your mental and spiritual structures is among the aims attached by God to the calamity surrounding you.

"Letting go of anger toward God may not happen all at once. But each day, hand over your anger to Him. Thankfully we have a patient, kind-hearted God who can carry everything we bring to Him. Even our anger."

Adam Weber

Next, remember that anger narrows our focus to what is endangering us (89/16). It pushes us towards a destructive action. In the case of anger towards God, what can you destroy? God?

The only thing you can really destroy when you are angry with God is yourself. That includes your attitude towards God, i.e. your faith. And perhaps, this is exactly what is intended here! Shocking, as it may sound, attacking your faith actually can be part of the actions you were expected to take until then, but didn't. Let's dig in here.

If you were a person who didn't believe in God, you would get mad about people or things when you are faced with adversity. As your faith in God grows more authentic and stronger, you realize and feel the grasp and the control of God in life events, and so, it becomes increasingly harder for you to attribute the adversities to the people. You know for sure that God did not interfere with what happened or is happening! Fast forward, if you are eventually getting angry towards God in this situation, it is clear that you need a spiritual/mental "cardiac surgery". Given that God does not commit injustice (3/182, 8/51), there must be something wrong, which you are missing and which is driving you crazy. So what is it and why is it?

Three major candidates in this regard are listed below. As we later consider them one by one, you will see that they are very much interconnected.

1. your knowledge of God is incomplete and/or contains errors.
2. your perception of the events is incomplete and/or contains errors.
3. your knowledge of yourself is incomplete and/or contains errors.