In the course of man’s life on earth, he once in a while finds himself in unpleasant circumstances. Life is naturally a course of varying degrees of trials by which Allah (SWT) measures and examines the quality of sincerity in a person’s faith. While man is happy each time he is exposed to delightful moments, he is at other times subjected to experiences he would wish he never encountered. Adversity could be suffered in different ways including joblessness or loss of an existing job, failure in exam, crash in a business venture, low farm yield, flood disaster, domestic or road accident, crack or total collapse of a marriage, bankruptcy, illness, or demise of a dear one.
Life, they say, is never one sweet song. It is, therefore, characteristic for many of us to experience failures, suffer adversities, and endure hardships on our way to success. It would really appear extraordinary if one gets everything he wanted in life. Even if one was lucky to get everything, not everything would have come at the time he wanted them. Allah (SWT) reminds us in Qur’an 2:155-156 “But we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently preserve; who say when afflicted with calamity: To Allah we belong and to him is our return”.
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Allah (SWT) mentions in the Qur’an 2:214 “Or do ye think that ye shall enter the Garden (of Bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the messenger and those of faith whom were with him cried…” A man is tested or tried according to his level of faith. The more righteous a person is, the more likely that he suffers a more severe trial. This explains why prophets and messengers of Allah were the most severely tested.
Islam teaches that we link everything that comes our way in life, whether good or bad, to Allah (SWT). In truth, this is the sixth article of faith in Islam. Whenever a believer does experience any misfortune or distress, it is required of him to reaffirm his basic conviction that to Allah belong all things and to Him is the return of all. It is not righteous for a believer to ascribe any catastrophe, disaster or mischance to someone or something immediate or remote.
Sometimes, those in whom you hitherto confided in and considered reliable could give you the greatest surprise in your life. They could desert you when you needed them most especially in trying moments of your life. Nonetheless, such human attitude should not be a source of worry or disappointment. Even when your assumptions are justified that everyone has abandoned you, Allah (SWT) is by your side. Turn to Him (SWT) in patience and prayers. Surely, He will lead you out of your predicaments. Allah (SWT) is always there to lift you up when you are down.
The ups and downs of life are generally a part of the exigencies of the life on this planet. No calamity befalls a man without the knowledge of Allah (SWT), the Omniscience. Even a leaf, fresh or dry, does not fall from a tree except by Allah’s leave. Allah (SWT) states in Qur’an 57:22-23 “No misfortune can happen on earth or in your souls but is recorded in a decree before we bring it in to existence: That is only easy for Allah; in order that ye may not despair over matters that pass you by, Nor exult over favours bestowed upon you. For Allah loves not vainglorious boaster.”
When things appear difficult to you, turn to Allah (SWT), the Provider (Ar-Razzaq) and the Receptive (Al-Mujib). He is always there to give you ease from every hardship. When things are in turmoil or seem to be working against your wish, put your hope in Allah (SWT). Rely absolutely upon Him and in total submission to His will. Allah (SWT) will surely show you a graceful path out of your problems. He (SWT) does not close one door but readily opens another for you. Allah (SWT) asserts in Qur’an 65:2 “…And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out.” Allah (SWT) provides solution to some of our problems, most often, from the most unexpected direction and in the most unanticipated way; sometimes also at the most unpredictable time. The discernable message from the verse quoted above is that attaining Allah’s intervention in all matters that give us concern requires a deep sense of piety.
We must never give ourselves to sadness or depression no matter how bad we imagine our situation to be. Hardship or adversity should rather strengthen us in courage, determination and faith. Allah (SWT), the Watchful (Ar-Raqib), verily hears, cares and cures. Call Him by any of His beautiful names and He will positively answer you. He (SWT) responds to our prayers in different ways. He may decide to instantly give you that which you asked for or ask you to wait and give you something better. Allah (SWT) states in Qur’an 7:180 “The most beautiful names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them; But shun such men as use profanity in His names: for what they do, they will soon be requited.” Allah (SWT) is always where you think there’s no one else to come to your aid. Similarly, when you are sick and no one seemingly remembers or cares for you, be rest assured that Allah (SWT) is by your side. Allah says in Qur’an 94:6 “Verily, with every hardship, there’s relief.”
When your job, business, or marriage comes under threat, lodge your complaints with Allah (SWT). The Creator of the heavens and the earth is the Source of peace and source of goodness. With constant prayers, patience and sincere belief in Allah’s Omnipotence, one would be able to overcome all obstacles. Allah (SWT) is all-Knowing, all-Seeing and all-Hearing. No matter the complexities of a problem, let us not ever imagine that they are beyond Allah’s might who subdues everything to His will and plan. When nothing makes sense to us because we are confused or perplexed, Allah (SWT) remains our guide. When your friends and relations are too busy to find out how you are getting on, turn to Allah (SWT) for guidance on all issues. May Allah grant us offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, amin.
