Life can be cruel at times and it seems like there is no way to get out of it. You’re bounded with the things around you. Managing work and family, and keeping up with friends can be a hurdle. Your struggles take a toll on you and your mind is constantly strangled in different thought, figuring out a solution. You feel as if you’ll never overcome this phase, right? But, despite all the positive things around you, you choose to overlook them. Just look around. For a moment, try to look on the brighter side.
Now, this is where the beauty of our religion, Islam, comes to save you. It brings you closer to Allah (SWT) who has given the solutions to all your problems that you go through in life. But, at times, you just have to wait patiently and have faith in Allah (SWT). According to Quran and Sunnah, our religion has given every Muslim the easiest ways to overcome your sadness.
Here’s a list of things you need to do:
1. Understand that it is a test
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him, we will return.” Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.”
(Quran 2:155-157)
Know that every test is a blessing and every blessing is a test. Don’t give up.
2. Try to be positive
Narrated by Ibn Jaz: “I have not seen anyone who smiled more than the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).”
(At-Tirmidhi Book 49, Hadith 4002)
What does it take? Just focus on the solution and not the problems.
3. Let go of the fear
“Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.”
(Quran 2:268)
Let it go. Let your faith be stronger than your fears.
4. Find solace in Quran and prayer
The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said, “O Bilal, make the call for prayer: give us comfort by it.”
(Sunan Abi Dawud Hadith 4985)
Indeed, Quran and prayers are the solutions to every discomfort.
5. Look at those who have less than you and be grateful
And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’”
(Quran 14:7)
Never be ungrateful, for He will take those blessings away from you.
6. See goodness in everything
“Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in every affair of his and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer for if he has an occasion to feel delighted, he thanks (Allah), thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it.”
(Sahih Muslim Hadith 2999)
With positivity, this will eventually happen. Insha’Allah.
As Muslims, let us not be held back with sadness and move forward by acting upon the above-mentioned things. Also, don’t forget that Allah never burdens a soul more than it can bear.