The Influence of God’s Guardianship on His Servants
A significant blessing bestowed upon the servants is the guardianship of God – Glorified and Exalted. This divine support brings numerous virtues and rewards in both this world and the hereafter. Furthermore, it has profound effects on various aspects of life, including one’s wealth, offspring, self, and family. Below are some of the impacts of God’s guardianship:
- Guidance towards the truth, leading to a strong faith while steering clear of disbelief, misguidance, and hypocrisy. The guardians of God can distinguish between right and wrong, faith and disbelief, and willingly adhere to God’s commandments.
- Worshiping God – Glorified and Exalted – alone, avoiding any form of polytheism, and turning to Him during challenging times. They firmly believe in Islam as the only true religion, rejecting all alternatives.
- God’s support in confronting those who oppose and fight against His guardians, as well as His protection and assistance for them.
- Enabling God’s guardians, guiding their affairs, and responding to their prayers and needs.
- A sense of security and tranquility experienced by God’s guardians in this life and the next, alleviating their fears and sorrows. A heart devoted to God in this earthly life brings peace and assurance, ensuring that one remains unfazed by any adversities.
- Attaining God’s mercy in the hereafter.
Characteristics of God’s Guardians
God’s guardians – Glorified and Exalted – possess distinctive traits that set them apart from other servants. Below are some of these characteristics:
- Their humility towards believers, kindness, and admirable conduct.
- Their forbearance, forgiveness, and clemency, alongside their integrity in speech and actions, as well as their strength, patience, and endurance in the face of hardship.
- Their intimate supplications to God – Glorified and Exalted – during the night, with hopes of receiving His mercy and a genuine fear of His punishment.
- Their apprehension regarding the afterlife, coupled with their preparation for it.
- Their balance, moderation, and approachability in various matters.
- Their sincere belief in God’s oneness, along with their complete reliance and trust in Him.
Definition of a Guardian
The term “guardian” in a theological context refers to a faithful servant who draws closer to God – Glorified and Exalted – through worship and obedience while steering clear of sins and transgressions. Such individuals believe in the essential articles of faith and practice self-restraint regarding the prohibitions. As stated by Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, a guardian is aptly named due to their consistent commitment to acts of worship and obedience.