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The Rope of Allah: Why Brotherhood Is Essential for Success

Quranic insights for modern men: Finding strength in community and embracing the ups and downs of life.

Author

Hamza Awaale
March 09, 2025

I used to think being a lone wolf was necessary as a man.

When facing conflict and difficulty, I embraced self-isolation.

I struggled to ask for help. Cursed by hyper-independence.

At parent's evening, my Mum was always told,

"he's a smart lad, but he never asks for help — even when he needs it. He needs to learn to rely on others."

My reluctance to ask for help often left me feeling stuck, even as I saw others, who I may have considered less capable, progress more quickly.

Then I reflected on Juz 4, in which Allah narrates the failure at Uhud and commands brothers to join together.

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah, all together, and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you—when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make His verses clear to you so that you may be guided. 3:103

Do not falter or grieve, for you will have the upper hand, if you are ˹true˺ believers. If you have suffered wounds, so they have suffered too. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people… 3:139-140

Do you think you will enter Paradise without Allah proving which of you ˹truly˺ struggled ˹for His cause˺ and patiently endured? 3:142

At 19, I dropped out of uni after a brief and disillusioning experience with an investment bank. The cutthroat environment of the bank clashed with my values, and I felt lost and uncertain about my future.

My hyper-independence meant I didn't tell anyone, not even my mother. I left my dorms and was essentially homeless from October- February.

I never once asked for help.

Until I had to.

Desperate times forced me to open up.

To my surprise, people immediately stepped up.

Juz 4 highlights the necessity of brotherhood. Teaching me that failure is inevitable, but our response defines us. I had always responded by isolating myself - hurting those I loved.

Never again.

Those verses reminded me:

  • Self sufficiency is sunnah, self-isolation is not.

  • Success and failure are cycles that everyone experiences. Some days, it’s your turn to win. On other days, it’s your turn to lose. Be patient and grateful to Allah in both.

  • If you want to achieve something, expect to suffer.

I am committing to:

  • Maintaining my friendships. Going out for Iftar at least once a week with them. One phone call a week for those that can't.

  • Post consistently. Our turn will come again, insha Allah. My content engagement is flat right now, but I see others on my level doing well.

  • Embrace the struggle. The nights without sleep, the unsuccessful posts, the hateful messages—great men have faced similar trials, and I find joy in my journey to persevere.

Juz 4 is a powerful reminder of many masculine qualities we lack today.

  • Mental fortitude.

  • Patience.

  • Responsibility.

  • Humility.

  • Perseverance.

Embody these traits in your mind and actions. Hold firm to brothers who possess the same.

As the Prophet ﷺ said: "Difficulties surround Paradise, and desires surround Hellfire." Sahih Muslim.

I still struggle with self-isolation and asking for help, how do/did you overcome this?

Let us help each other in conquering ourselves and our dreams.

Until tomorrow,

Hamza.