Building a strong nation by becoming strong believers
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said:
عن أبي هُريرة رضي الله تعالى عنه قال: قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: “الْمُؤْمِنُ القَوِيُّ خَيْرٌ وَأَحَبُّ إلى اللهِ مِنَ المُؤْمِنِ الضَّعِيفِ، وفي كُلٍّ خَيْرٌ.
احْرِصْ علَى ما يَنْفَعُكَ،
وَاسْتَعِنْ باللَّهِ وَلَا تَعْجِزْ،
وإنْ أَصَابَكَ شَيءٌ، فلا تَقُلْ: لو أَنِّي فَعَلْتُ كانَ كَذَا وَكَذَا، وَلَكِنْ قُلْ: قَدَرُ اللهِ وَما شَاءَ فَعَلَ؛ فإنَّ (لو) تَفْتَحُ عَمَلَ الشَّيْطَانِ.”. رواه مسلم
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, and there is good in each. Be keen on what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not feel helpless. If something befalls you, do not say: ‘If only I had done such and such,’ but rather say: ‘Allah has decreed, and what He wills, He does.’ For ‘if’ opens the door to the work of Shaytan.” (Muslim)
This hadith emphasises the importance of being strong. The Prophet (peace be upon him) connected two essential qualities: strength and imaan. He specifically mentioned al-mu’min al-qawiy, the strong believer, highlighting the significant link between faith and strength. The foundation of true strength is imaan, which is deeply intertwined with obedience to Allah, patience, and perseverance. The essence of the hadith is that imaan gives you power.
It is imaan that connects the believer to Allah, the ultimate source of power. Al-Qawiyy, the Strong One, is one of the names of Allah. He alone grants real power to His servants. If you seek true power, strengthen your connection with Allah. His strength is beyond any power in dunya.
In this world, there are different forms of power—physical, mental, financial, and military. However, true power, as defined by the Prophet (peace be upon him), is beyond material strength. Strong imaan underpins a strong individual, community, and Ummah.
The challenges
This hadith acknowledges the challenges that we will face along our journey to build power. It encourages believers to be steadfast, knowing that the fruits of imaan bring one closer to Allah and make them more beloved to Him. But the path is not easy, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) is preparing us for the trials ahead.
Focus on what benefits you and others
Not all believers are at the same level—some are weak, and some are strong. As we journey forward, we must focus on what benefits us at a personal level and a community level. The Prophet (peace be upon him) reminds us to prioritise this.
Power should be gained for beneficial ends, not as a means of destruction. Strength that harms innocent people, such as nuclear power or bombarding innocent civilians is clearly not beneficial strength. Our goal should be to acquire power that benefits our families, communities, and the Ummah. This is why we are called khayra ummah, the best nation, because we are supposed to promote good and minimise whatever is harmful and wrong.
Seek help from Allah
Building power is not easy or straightforward. There will be rejection, obstacles, and struggles. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is teaching us to do our best, seek help from Allah, and never give up. Giving up (al-ajz) is not in the believer’s dictionary. Keep trying, stay committed, and rely on Allah.
Believers are connected to Allah. The stronger their connection, the more Allah empowers them, granting them a special edge and strength.
Pick yourself up and close the door to Shaytan
Loss and defeat are part of the journey. At times, harm may come your way, but how do you rise after setbacks? The Prophet (peace be upon him) warns against saying, “If only I had done this or that.” Do not dwell on past mistakes. Instead, study the cause of your defeat, learn from it, and move forward. Avoid wasting time in regret. Shaytan will try to drag you into despair. The possibilities of what could have been will never end, so close that door. Redirect your energy towards growth and progress.
Shaytan thrives on regret. He makes you dwell on past mistakes, but history cannot be undone, nor can the clock be turned back. Do not waste your time thinking “What if?” Instead, focus on learning, improving, and moving forward.
Strength leads to change
A strong believer has the ability to create positive change. This is why we have been called khayra ummatin, the best nation, because we enjoin good and forbid evil, which was the message brought by messengers. They came to improve our character and conduct.
Imaan strengthens the believer’s ability to spread goodness and remain connected to Allah. Allah loves those who place their full trust in Him, that is why Allah says: inna-llaha yuhibbu al-mutawakkileen.
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُتَوَكِّلِينَ
Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]. (3:159)
One of the greatest benefits of reliance upon Allah is protection from Shaytan. He will always try to interfere, but faith will safeguard us.
The journey of building strength
The Prophet (peace be upon him) highlights five key points in this hadith:
- The importance of strength in all its dimensions.
- Focusing our strength on what benefits us and our community
- The obstacles and challenges along the journey.
- The mechanism for progress: relying on Allah and turning to Him.
- Never giving up.
The ongoing tragedy
On 15th May 1948, 77 years ago, the Nakba took place, when Israel occupied Palestine. If we had been a strong Ummah, this would never have happened. We need to build our strength – individually and collectively, as families, and as a united community, so that we never allow such injustices again.
The international community was silent, supportive and complicit of this injustice, just as they are still silent and complicit in it now, while the genocide continues to unfold before our eyes.
People do not respect the weak. The world only listens to those who have power. “Might is right”. Until we are strong, we will not gain respect and no one will care. The weak are crushed under the boot of the powerful.
We need to become a strong Ummah and stand up for our rights, for justice, and for our brothers and sisters everywhere.
Tomorrow there is a march. Everyone should be there to show solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters, to send a clear message that we will not stand by in silence. We must do our best to change this situation, using all legal means possible, as part of our duty and to show the Prophet (peace be upon him) that we fought for the rights of our brothers and sisters.
May Allah grant us strong imaan and empower us to strengthen ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Based on the khutbah of Shaykh Haytham Tamim 16th May 2025