An open letter from Imam Bilal Hyde

An open letter from Imam Bilal Hyde

Bismillah ir Rahmaan ir Raheem

...during these difficult economic times and the ongoing recession ... many citizens of this country of the United States of America, and around the world, must make some difficult choices and necessary adjustments. But there have been many times in the history of the human race, and there may be many future times, when the sacrifices, hardships, and sufferings on life's long journey are much more intense than they are at present. There are very few who have not only endured times like these but even thrived. For generations they have served as models for moral behavior. I am speaking of the Prophets, Messengers, and Saints among us—the true Lovers of God, whose pure Light has guided countless multitudes out of the depths of darkness.

These holy beings have always stood up for honesty even when all those around them were liars. They have stood for integrity, even when all those around them were deceivers. They have stood for justice and fairness, even when all those around them were oppressors and hypocrites. But most of all they have always stood for truth, as they saw it, no matter what the consequences. These are the best examples of moral courage. I do not claim to be one of these, but rather I, like so many others, have been challenged to take up the banner of their cause, and be guided by their perfected example, their model for the human race, even in these dark and difficult times.

...All hardships really come from God, Who wants to test human beings with the purifying fire of Perfect Love. All people suffer, but there are those who see these difficulties as Divinely inspired trials, through which we must pass in order that the higher spirit (ruh) is purified of the lower soul (nafs). These few are the Saints of God, the Friends and true Lovers of God and we are always praying for them with our broken hearts and tears, that they may intercede for us with the light of their perfected deeds, words, and prayers.

This is my prayer also: for you, for myself, and for our family.

Wa salaam,

Bruce Bilal Franklin Hyde ( from Sufis Without Borders )