How and Where to Find God

We have slowly bid farewell to Ramadan. Its flight was checked out with last night's sunset. Then we are again "alone with ourselves". And therein lies our happiness. Because, many have made good use of that dear guest, in the best sense of the word. They prayed, they fasted, they gave, they invited, they shared. They were good and decided to remain so, with God's help. 

We were looking for the Night of Qadr, the Night of complete strength and power, the Night of the beginning of the revelation of the Quran. We were looking for it on the odd nights of the last third, as recommended in authentic traditions. 

It is the most significant night in a person's/believer's life. It is the night of their destiny. The revelation of the Quran began on that night. On that night, all angels and the chief angel Gabriel descended to earth due to every decision. Truly, there is no greater or more significant night. However, it was sought. Just as all other very important things in life are sought;

- God's pleasure is sought

- happiness is sought

- knowledge is sought

- protection is sought

- a spouse is sought

- a friend is sought

- a job is sought

- food is sought

- water is sought 

- medicine is sought, etc. 

Similarly, this night is also sought. 

But, as wisdom and tradition say: whoever seeks it - finds it. It was only necessary to try five times (five odd nights) and it was surely found with God's help. 

However, what is the common denominator of all these listed concepts that are sought? The answer is simple: the common denominator of all important concepts and needs in life that are sought is the Almighty God, who "stands" and watches at the beginning and end of all our needs. So, what or whom are we looking for?!

We are actually seeking the Almighty Allah in our lives and on our side! Because, God gives all the aforementioned examples: He gives happiness, knowledge is with Him and He teaches, He is the best protector, He determines our spouse, He is the best Friend and gives true friends, He gives sustenance and jobs, not any power (especially not corrupt power), He sends down water and makes food come out of the earth's cracks, and only He is the cure and there is no cure except through Him, etc. 

However, the question is: where will we find Him beyond fasting, Ramadan, and all other non-Ramadan acts of worship?! As a divine saying (hadith qudsi) goes, God will ask a person why they didn't visit him when he was sick, why they didn't feed him when he was hungry, etc. The person will then ask confusedly how it is possible for Him to be sick and hungry, because He is God, and will receive the answer: that if they had visited that sick person, they would have found Him (God) there, that if they had fed that hungry person, they would have found God there, etc. 

Therefore, Allah asks us to turn and dedicate ourselves to ourselves and our people who are in need. This is deeply rooted in our faith. This is our faith and this is true faith. 

And indeed, what does a person need in life: a connection with the Creator and life with a brother, sister, and friend. This is especially important for Bosniaks today: to have Allah as their best Friend on their side, and to live with (their) brothers and sisters in peace and beauty. This is a guarantee of all (other) beauty and security, no matter how much the wolves howl around the house. And it is evident that they are howling, their jaws are twisted from howling. 

However, dear friends, one should not fear the "howling of wolves", but rather turn to God and extend a hand to the shoulder of one's brother, neighbor, and true friend. Embrace him and wish him a happy Eid:

BAJRAM ŠERIF MUBAREK OLSUN! 

Muhamed Velić