People instinctively react to problems in different ways. A policeman would immediately reach for his gun while a housewife grabs her rolling-pin. A teenager simply shrieks ‘my phone!’, and a child just latches onto his mother’s skirt.

The ahaadeeth clearly point out that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)’s first port of call in a predicament was salaah. (Sunan Abi Dawood #1319) His very nature would take him there. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would rush to salaah in any problematic situation, just like a person running for cover in pouring rain.

Why not? After all, the solution to all the problems in this mortal world and the next lie only in the control of One Allah Ta‘ala. While the forces and means of this world apparently contribute towards an event or occurrence, they all occur by the power and control of Allah Ta’ala. He has total authority. What He wishes occurs. What He does not will to happen, will never come into existence. Everything happens in the manner Allah Ta‘ala determines: precisely, perfectly and accurately. 

The things of this world may project an image of control and influence but they are nothing more than the link between the flag of the station master and the movement of the train. An onlooker may be deceived by the fact that the movement of the train is governed by the motion of the flag because the train only moves when the station master drops his flag. However, the reality of the matter is that the driver of the train has full and total control. If he wishes, he may accelerate. If he wishes, the train remains stationary.

Whether it is huge meteorites or small stones, rough seas or gurgling springs, cyclonic winds or gentle breezes, chemical warfare, cyber warfare, precious metals, mineral resources, health, sickness, joy, sorrow, mothers-in-law, daughters-in-law, lazy husbands, whatever… tangible or intangible and elusive.

In short, the entire universe and whatever it contains are all owned and controlled by Allah Ta‘ala. So, it would make perfect sense to cut out the middle man and go directly to the source. It’s cheaper. It is only rational that a person begs the help of Allah Ta‘ala in a predicament. It’s faster. C’mon, it’s common sense. Dial ‘PATIENCE’ and ‘SALAAH’ for the help of Allah Ta‘ala.

We may be aware that salaah is a solution to our issues. But, it’s high time that we BELIEVE in this solution and ADOPT it.