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When an extraordinary event occurs involving Muslims, it is referred to as a karamah (miracle), but if it happens to non-Muslims, it is termed istidraj (enticement). This is a common distinction, but the truth is that this differentiation lacks foundation. Both natural and extraordinary phenomena are a manifestation of Allah’s mercy, knowledge, and power. Allah is the Lord of both Muslims and non-Muslims; He hears their prayers and helps them. Sometimes this assistance is granted to draw His servants closer, sometimes as a form of trial, and at other times for other reasons. I prefer to use the term karamah for extraordinary assistance, whether it occurs with a Muslim or anyone else. Evidence for this can be found in the Qur’an: “Indeed, We have honoured the children of Adam” (Qur’an, 17:70). Additionally, Allah bestows another type of honour upon His servants, which reflects His pleasure and is specifically for His pious servants. Regarding this, Allah states: “Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you” (Qur’an, 49:13).

Here, I will narrate two miracles related to Christian women. These accounts were shared with me by Ms. Jehan Skinner, a well-educated and refined woman who is detached from the flaws of Western society. Her mother is Egyptian, and her father is an English aristocrat who once served as an ambassador in Canada. Her family owns vast lands, including a forest in Oxford. She graciously gave us a special pass to visit this forest, where my family and I had a pleasant time.

The Incident at Binsey Village Church

Ms. Jehan narrated the first incident involving a 40-year-old woman she met while walking alone through Port Meadow in Oxford, en route to Binsey Village Church. This is a serene path leading to a farmhouse and a small church, with hardly any passersby. On that particular day, Ms. Jehan encountered the woman, and they began talking. The woman shared a remarkable story from her life.

She explained that as a student at Oxford, she suffered from depression. One evening, she felt an intense and inexplicable urge to visit the church on her bicycle. Unable to resist, she cycled to the church despite the evening darkness. Upon reaching, she entered the churchyard and walked towards the building, surrounded by pitch darkness.

Suddenly, she saw an elderly woman holding a lantern. They began talking, and their conversation revolved around the church. Neither introduced themselves nor asked each other’s names. During the discussion, the elderly woman remarked, “Today is your saint’s day” (referring to a specific day when a Christian saint is commemorated).

The woman paused and realized it was indeed her saint’s day. As darkness deepened, cycling back to Oxford seemed impossible. The elderly woman unlocked a part of the church and offered her a place to spend the night. She stayed there peacefully and returned to Oxford the next morning.

At the time, she did not give much thought to the event but felt an inexplicable peace. Upon returning to her college room, she recalled the elderly woman with the lantern and her mention of the saint’s day. Upon investigation, she confirmed it was indeed the day dedicated to her saint.

The woman became restless, longing to meet the elderly woman again. She revisited the church but found no one there. She approached a nearby farmhouse, knocked on the door, and described the elderly woman to the residents, asking if anyone like her visited in the evening. The residents told her no such elderly woman lived in or frequented the area.

Ms. Jehan explained that the woman believed the elderly lady had been sent from another realm to provide her with encouragement and support. She always viewed this experience as a divine sign. The event significantly contributed to her recovery from depression. Now, she regularly visits the church, reminisces about that experience, and offers gratitude to God.

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The Story of Jennifer Rees Larcombe

The second story relates to a devout Christian woman, Jennifer Rees Larcombe, who has had extensive and successful experiences in prayer, healing, public speaking, and writing. In 1982, she fell gravely ill due to a viral infection, which left her in excruciating pain and confined to a wheelchair for eight years. However, during a session where she was speaking, she experienced miraculous healing through the prayer of a new Christian.

In one of her books, she recounts a story from her childhood. She loved walking alone in scenic natural landscapes. One day, while walking alone in the mountains, a strange man appeared and began following her. She suddenly realized how vulnerable she was and prayed to God for protection.

Out of nowhere, a large black dog emerged from the forest. It ran towards her and began walking alongside her. She continued descending the mountain, and although the man kept following her, he maintained a distance. Eventually, the man, frightened by the dog, gave up pursuing her. The dog stayed with her until she reached the base of the mountain, and then it suddenly disappeared.

Jennifer firmly believed that God had sent her a protector to guard her in that dangerous situation. She felt the behavior of the dog was so extraordinary that it must have been a divine envoy.

Conclusion

These two stories demonstrate how divine intervention transcends boundaries of faith and manifests in extraordinary ways for both Muslims and non-Muslims. They are reminders of Allah’s mercy, His power to assist, and His response to the heartfelt prayers of His servants.

Disclaimer

This article has been translated by AI. For the original post, visit: https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/5800