God’s Prescription for The Negligent
Affected by internal feelings, we sometimes fall into the trap of negligence and may follow a temptation. In such circumstances, we can seek refuge in God, as has been highlighted in the Holy Quran, so that God protects us from negative forces.
The Arabic word that refers to this concept is “isti’aza” and has been mentioned in the Quran several times. The Quran quotes prophets as using this word, indicating that even righteous humans such as prophets can also fall into negligence. We should remember that God has asked us to seek His refuge and not confront satan.
When his son was in the waters, Hazrat Nuh (AS) asked God to forgive and save him but God said he was drowned because of his bad deeds. The prophet then sought refuge in Allah for what he had no knowledge of.
When Hazrat Musa (AS) faced the Pharaoh, he sought Allah’s refuge. When Hazrat Yusuf (AS) faced Zuleikha, he used the expression “Allah is my refuge.” After facing some challenges, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked for Allah’s refuge and then Surahs An-Nas and Al-Falaq were revealed.
Nuh’s son had gone to the top of a mountain, thinking that seeking refuge in material things and satan could save him but he was wrong. We should consider Allah as our only refuge.
