We all go through patches of rough times. It's easy to be overwhelmed during difficult times and let the circumstances blind us of the bigger picture. We become the professional pessimist, capable of picking out the tiniest negatives and often overlooking or even completely missing the positives. Trials and difficulties are inevitable. Allah tells us this in the Quran. It's how we react during the difficult times, and how we handle the situations that matters.
We've all heard the saying 'Jennah isn't free.' Think about it. If everything in this life on earth was always easy, happy, smooth and blessed, what would make us yearn for an eternity in Jennah? It's through these struggles and hardships that Allah reminds us of the bigger picture; Jennah. "Did you think that you would enter Heaven without Allah testing those of you who fought hard (in His cause) and remained steadfast?" Quran 3:142 "Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said," When is the help of Allah?" Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near." Quran 2:214 "And We will surely test you until We make evident those who strive among you [for the cause of Allah] and the patient, and We will test your affairs." Quran 47:31 "For such the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath,- an eternal dwelling: How excellent a recompense for those who work (and strive)!" Quran 3:136
The main key to successfully getting through difficult times is by being patient, as Allah has made very clear in the Quran. "Except for those who are patient and do righteous deeds; those will have forgiveness and great reward." Quran 11:11 "Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home." Quran 13:24 "O ye who believe! seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for Allah is with those who patiently persevere." Quran 2:153
Reflect on those before us and their trials. Abraham's commitment to Allah and willingness to sacrifice his son. Moses' struggles with Pharaoh, leading the people out of Egypt through the desert, only to have them turn to idol worshiping. Noah's obedience to build and ark while all the towns people were calling him insane and mocking him. Then having to leave his son behind because of his disbelief. Muhammad (saw) having to live everyday watching his back for assassins among his neighbors and even family. Summayah, ra, who was the first martyr in Islam, being tortured to death for her beliefs. Reflect on those around the world now and their trials. People of Palestine and Syria who are faced with violence and oppression daily. Remembering these people puts our struggles in perspective. Many of us are so blessed. We must be careful to recognize it and to thank Allah.
Make dikr (remember Allah) often. Call on Him by His beautiful names. Make supplications or duaa to Allah. The Prophet, saw, said 'Allah is Ever Generous and shy if a servant raises his hand to Him, to return them vacant.' At-Tirmidhi 3/179 Thank Him for our blessings. Become the optimist during times of hardships and pain. Dwell on the good. Fight to make the best of the situation you are in. Struggling with money? Use it as a way to pull your family closer together insha'Allah. Include everyone, especially kids, to be creative in ways to save money and survive on less. Your kids will feel special for being involved, it will add more responsibility to them, and help them realize the value of money, and put perspective on what is genuinely important, and what are just unnecessary wants. Struggling with family members, co-workers, neighbors, or even friends? Turn to hadiths. There's no better example of how to deal with hostility and turmoil among family or neighbors than from the Prophet, saw. Struggling with infertility? Look to Ayisha, ra, and other positive role models in Islam. Seek Allah's guidance and think outside of the box. Be a mentor, become a woman scholar, write positive, educational books for muslimahs, use your voice to further Allah's religion. Volunteer in orphanages, children's hospitals, etc.
This short little video made by another muslimah is a perfect example of what I've been trying to say. Insha'Allah please watch it.
Allah promises us in the Quran "For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing." Quran 94:5-8 "And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose: verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion." Quran 65:3 "That is the Command of Allah, which He has sent down to you: and if any one fears Allah, He will remove his ills, from him, and will enlarge his reward." Quran 65:5 There is no better comfort than the promise of the Lord of the alamin.
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