Protection

[23:97-8] Say, “My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whispers of the devils. And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they come near me.”

Rabbi aAAoothu bika min hamazati shshayateen. WaaAAoothu bika rabbi an yahduroon (Arabic transliteration)

The recitation of these verses, especially in Arabic, has two benefits. Number one, God protects us from Satan and number two we also get benefit of dhikr of God. These verses have a phenomenal effect whenever you feel down or disturbed by satanic thoughts. As soon as you start reciting these verses, the satanic thoughts get wiped away from your mind instantly.

We all need protection in some form or other. We get protection from different bodies. In the country we get protection from our Government through the Police force or through the Defence forces guarding our international borders. In society we get protection of the Judiciary body if we fall prey to any kind of injustice. At home we are protected by our parents and elders right from our childhood. In school we are protected by the security system of the school authorities. Thus protection becomes an inseparable part of our life until we die.

The other day I was having a banana, and suddenly a thought came to my mind. How God has protected this fruit and preserved its taste. Further, when we peel off the skin of the banana, just by observing it carefully, the first thing that strikes our mind is its freshness. It is hygienically preserved in such an amazing manner that none of the best packaging systems available in the world could match it.

[6:99] He is the One who sends down from the sky water, whereby we produce all kinds of plants. We produce from the green material multitudes of complex grains, palm trees with hanging clusters, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranate; fruits that are similar, yet dissimilar. Note their fruits as they grow and ripen. These are signs for people who believe.

In this verse God is asking us to reflect upon the creation of grains and fruits. If we look at the different fruits, all of them might have some similarities by way of their shape, size, colour or taste, yet they are dissimilar. As far as the preservation and protection of these fruits are concerned, there is a huge difference. Some have tender skin, some have very thin skin, some are preserved in a hard shell, etc.

But they are all protected. We just can’t beat the excellent preservation system of God. These are signs for people who believe.

[17:68] Have you guaranteed that He will not cause the land, on shore, to swallow you? Or, that He will not send upon you a tempest, then you find no protector?

Nowadays we get to read often the news of earthquakes, cyclones, hurricanes, etc. hitting several parts of the earth.  And by viewing the video clips of these incidents one can conclude that though we are well equipped with the most advanced technology we fail to evade these natural calamities. When God decides to punish us we cannot challenge His might and protect ourselves. Nor do we have any other protector than God. Though modern scientists boast a lot about inventing modern gadgets and fool-proof security systems, all their creations fail when faced with these calamities.

[21:42] Say, “Who can protect you from the Most Gracious during the night or during the day?” Indeed, they are totally oblivious to the message of their Lord.

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