Introduction
My aim is to give you hope and I’d hope you find comfort in my little reminder. Before that, I cannot over-emphasize the extreme benefit of choosing to Fall in Love with Allah. You see the reality of life is that we only look at the outward appearance of people and make assumptions. We see a lot of people living life with a broad smile and behind that smile is a completely broken person. We are all going through our own kind of test, that makes us feel the next person smiling has it easier.
The Testing Ground
This fleeting world is indeed a testing ground. These challenges and tests in this life come in different forms. And the first thing I want you to realize is that hardships are a test. Allah Almighty has put us, humans in this world in order to test us.
Do people think once they say, “We believe,” that they will be left without being put to the test?
[Surah Al-Ankabut, Verse 2]
It is apparent that every person will one day be subjected to some form of difficulty. Just keep in mind that this world is no more than a test in which all humans are bound to face some hardships and challenges that reveal their patience and steadfastness.
Different Tests
The forms of this test are numerous and diverse: For some, it could be hunger, poverty, loss of a loved one, physical illness family crisis, some are forced into marriages, some live in a state of insecurity subjected to physical torture, etc.
And surely We shall try(test) you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings to the patient, Who says, when afflicted with calamity: “To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return”: They are those on whom (descend) Blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance.
[Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 155-157]
I truly do not want to sound too technical so I would move straight to my advice.
His Promises are True
I find peace in my struggles because I believe the truth is no matter how worried I am, it’ll be nothing compared to the worry the mother of Musa (AS) went through putting her infant son in the river not know where the waves of the ocean will take him. But she trusted and obeyed her Rabb, without picking and choosing. And Allah compensated her in such a magnificent way. He fulfilled his promise to her and brought back her son to her in such a beautiful manner.
So regardless of the hardship, you are facing I need you to stay strong. Know that Allah is aware of your situation. Obey Allah, Put your heart at ease, and Trust in His Promise. Take the right decision based on what Allah says, and know that if you obey Allah there is nothing to be fearful about and nothing to be sad about and that the promises of Allah are true. Even if you do not see the hope at the moment, never lose hope. Did the mother of Musa have any idea that her son would even survive? Let alone becoming a Messenger and being returned to her?
Patience is Not passive! Put in the effort.
You are human and you will definitely have doubts. And this doesn’t mean when you are in a very difficult moment you shouldn’t worry. If you feel like crying, please cry your heart and eyes out, you need it. But then when doubt creeps in, Don’t lose hope and have a plan B but still trust in Allah. The mother of Musa(AS) was also worried and restless, so she sends her daughter to look after her brother to follow the basket through the river.
The sister of Musa (AS) watched almost in horror as the basket was taken downstream and right into the lion’s den, to the palace of Firawn! She went near to find out what the situation was like and found out that Musa (AS) was crying his life out as he was hungry but refused all of the wet nurses. She went in and offered the services of her mother. Trusting in Allah, and with plan B, the mother of Musa made sure that her child would remain safe.
Left alone in a Desert
Look at what happened to Ibrahim (AS) leaving his wife and son in a desert. Hajar (RA) was left in a position where there is no one around, she was all alone with her infant having to think of his welfare before hers. But her legendary actions when dealing with this still lives with us through performing Hajj and ‘umrah today. Her thoughts and actions are great examples of how one can strive through a trial whilst having good thoughts about Allah (SWT).
In her lesson, you should learn that no matter what hardship you find yourself, don’t start scream oh Allah why me? What have I done to deserve this? Hajar responded to the situation with, “Then He(Allah) will not neglect us.”. She did not question Allah but she remained optimistic through thinking good in Allah. This is what we should do the first time a calamity.
Don’t go Complaining
We have this habit of whenever we get into hardship, the first thing that comes into our head is “So and So can help me let me talk to them”. So we go around telling everyone about our problems, and in the end, these people you believed would help you do nothing for you. In fact, in the future, they use that to insult you or gossip about you. The best thing to do is once a calamity hits, keep quiet just turn immediately to Allah SWT and tell him your problems. he knows best who to send your way to help you. But once you start telling anyone and everyone thinking they would help Allah leaves you to your limited thinking.
Remember when Musa (AS) went to the city of Madyan he didn’t know anyone there and have no idea where to go. He didn’t go around telling everyone he saw on the road about his situation. But he saw two ladies and helped them feed their animals. Then he turned and made this Du’a:
…“My Lord! I am truly in desperate need of whatever provision You may have in store for me.” ….
[Surah Al-Qasas Verse 24]
And How did Allah answered his Du’a? The Ladies he helped came back called him home. Their father employed him, gave him accommodation, and gave him a wife. So the solution to your problem is only with Allah. And once you learn to stop complaining and put all your reliance on Allah the way Musa (AS) did, then Allah will send your way people who would help you. Help from where you never expected.
Seek for Help
As I said earlier, patience is not passive. Be patient put your Reliance on Allah, but also seek help if you need it. Speak out if you need to. Look what happened when Allah sent Musa (AS) to Firaun, he didn’t just lock his feelings and went, but he told Allah how scared he was and he asked Allah to send his brother Harun along with him.
These Stories are not Mere Entertainment
There are a lot of lessons I would love to share with you but they are just so numerous. Allah has also made it clear that these stories you see in the Quran are not just there to entertain you.
“Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding”
[Surah Yusuf, Verse 111]
There are lessons in them for people of belief, intellect, and reflection to seek solace and contentment. So I urge us all to recite and reflect. Be patient in whatever you are going through, put in the effort, and hold on to the rope of Allah.
Same Allah that made the fire cool for Ibrahim (AS), & kept Yunus (AS) alive in the stomach of a whale, and so on. Same Allah will see you through all your difficulties 🥰.
May Allah ease all your Affairs and grant you the contentment of the heart.
