IDENTIFY YOUR UNIQUE ROLE
Be a Positive Force
EVERY human being is part of God’s plan, born with unique abilities meant for a special purpose. Every life is built upon a silent covenant between us and our Creator, a commitment that holds the value of our existence. We are each endowed with certain talents, and each of us, in our own way, has pledged to fulfil the purpose for which we were created. Recognizing and using these talents is what helps us find our place in God’s design. Failing to do so means not fully realizing the role we are meant to play in the world.
This concept is beautifully illustrated by the example of two Companions of the Prophet Muhammad: Abu Hurairah and Khalid bin Al-Waleed. Though both men were sincere believers, their roles in serving Islam were different. Abu Hurairah is known to have narrated 5,374 Hadiths— sayings and teachings of the Prophet—while Khalid bin Al-Waleed narrated fewer than one hundred. This distinction was not about their dedication to Islam but about their natural abilities and the fields in which they excelled.
Abu Hurairah and Khalid recognized their differences and chose paths that suited their strengths. Abu Hurairah had a remarkable memory, allowing him to retain and transmit the Prophet’s teachings with accuracy. He was deeply aware of this gift and asked the Prophet to pray that his memory would remain strong and reliable. This prayer, combined with his dedication, helped him become one of the most prolific transmitters of Hadith. His extraordinary memory enabled the preservation of the Prophet’s words, a legacy that has been invaluable for future generations of Muslims.
Khalid bin Al-Waleed, on the other hand, was known for his courage and strategic prowess in battle. He described how, before embracing Islam, he felt misplaced whenever he fought against the Prophet, as though he was working against his true purpose. Once he accepted Islam, Khalid used his bravery to fight for religious freedom and defend the faith. He joined the Muslim army and spent his life eradicating oppression. He would pray to God for strength and resilience, and even the Prophet himself prayed for Khalid’s success. The Prophet honoured Khalid as “one of the swords of God,” recognizing that his courage was divinely inspired for a unique role.
These two examples reveal how each individual must find their own path according to their strengths. Abu Hurairah did not have the combat skills of Khalid, nor did Khalid possess Abu Hurairah’s memory. Yet each was devoted to serving Islam in their own way. This acceptance of their unique abilities and roles enabled them to contribute meaningfully. Khalid’s legacy is one of defence and courage, while Abu Hurairah’s legacy is one of knowledge and preservation. Both men fulfilled the silent covenant with their Creator by embracing and cultivating their gifts.
In a broader sense, this is a reminder to all of us. Our first responsibility is to understand and identify our own unique talents. By recognizing our abilities, we can serve both ourselves and our purpose more effectively. The process of self-discovery is not merely personal but also spiritual, allowing us to see our role in a much larger divine plan. Recognizing and cultivating our God-given talents is essential, not only for personal growth but also for making a meaningful contribution to our personal growth and to the world.
The lives of Abu Hurairah and Khalid bin Al-Waleed remind us that true success lies in finding our unique path, understanding the gifts we have been given, and using them to fulfil our purpose. When we listen to our strengths and embrace the role they guide us toward, we find our place in God’s blueprint, a place where our work and our faith come together in harmony.
PEOPLE ENGROSSED IN PETTY
ISSUES ONLY PROVE THEY
CANNOT ACHIEVE ANYTHING
significant IN THEIR LIVES.
