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This is a virtue from Allaah; for indeed, if Allaah loves a slave, He uses him in His obedience. And when Allaah wants good for him, He gives him fiqh (understanding) of His Deen, this blessed religion, the religion of Islaam, which Allaah has chosen to be the last of His (legislations), and He has selected Muhammad (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) to be the seal of the Prophets, and He has chosen the Muslims to be the last and best of the nations. This religion of Islaam, Allaah has intended by it to show mercy to all of the worldly life. Before Allaah revealed the Qur`an to Muhammad (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), the people had left off the call of the previous Prophets, they had adopted all types of incorrect beliefs, incorrect acts of worship, poor character and poor dealings and transactions amongst each other. Allaah said (what means): He it is Who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves, reciting to them His Verses, purifying them (from the filth of disbelief and polytheism), and teaching them the Book (this Qur`an, Islaamic laws and Islaamic jurisprudence) and Al-Hikmah (As-Sunnah: legal ways, orders, acts of worship, etc. of Prophet Muhammad). And verily, they had been before in mainfest error. (Al-Jumu'ah: ayah 2) Before the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) was sent, they were outwardly misguided. For this reason, Allaah looked at all of them and makatahum (hated) all of them - Arabs and non-Arabs - except a few people from Ahlul Kitab. [Muslim] Imam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said: quote: Indeed the entire earth was in great need of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) being sent to them, more than their need of drinking water and light of the sun. For this reason, Allaah said (what means): And We have sent you (O Muhammad) not except as a mercy to all of creation. (Al-Anbiya, ayah 107). This mercy who has been given to us (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), those who have believed in him, is a virtue from Allaah ('Azza wa Jall). And those who disbelieved in him is justice from Allaah ('Azza wa Jall). May Allaah preserve you. When a person looks at the reasons and means which he has exerted toward guidance, he will find only a few means, a few reasons - not befitting the likes of this great bounty. You've only given a little effort. However, Allaah has guided you. Because He (Subhanahu wa Ta'aala) has desired good for you, desires good for you in this life and the hereafter...and what is good for you on the Day of Judgment. For this reason, it's upon you to think and ponder. Allaah existed and you didn't. So He (Subhanahu wa Ta'aala) created you, and He fashioned you in a perfect fashion and manner, then He guided you without you even asking. So, therefore, after you have been guided, ask Him, say: Allaahumma, Al-Awwal, kammaa hadaytani min hawla minee wala Quwa, As`aluka thabitni 'ala hadhid-Deen. (O Allaah, The First (Al-Awwal), just as You guided me without any strength or power from me, I ask You to grant me firmness upon this religion.).