The Power of Helplessness

Arrogance (kibr) is a means of distancing oneself from God, while helplessness (ijz) is a means of achieving closeness to God.

People are aware of the power of the oppressed, but they do not know the power of the helpless, although, the power of the helpless is greater than that of the oppressed.

Helplessness is a greater reality than being oppressed. If someone discovers his helplessness in the real sense, if someone in the real sense realizes or understands that he is totally helpless as compared to the Omnipotent God, then such words will come to his lips as even the Earth and the Heavens cannot bear to hear. These words are: “O God! You have created me as a helpless person. Now can You become indifferent in my case? How can You do so?”

What is helplessness? Helplessness is in fact the discovery of the real position of man. Helplessness is man’s real position in relation to God. Helplessness, or (ijz), is not simply powerlessness. Ijz is another name for the discovery of reality. Ijz is a power on its own. Ijz is the greatest recommendation to God. Ijz means being pleased in being God’s servant and, without doubt, there is no position greater than that of servitude to God for man.

The Quran has this to say: “Prostrate yourself and come near.” (96:19) Sajda or prostration is the ultimate form of the expression of ijz or helplessness. Helplessness, without doubt, is the greatest means of being near to God. At the last extent of helplessness one starts having that experience of God which is called, ‘meeting God’.

It is a reality that arrogance distances man from God, whereas helplessness brings man closer to God. Kibr or arrogance, is a means of distancing oneself from God, while helplessness, ijz is a means of achieving closeness to God.