For such situations specifically and others in general, Islam teaches us to stay in control by hanging on to the Mercy and Grace of Allah. We pray that Allah keeps us safe from the challenges and trials of life, but as Muslims we should know and understand Qurans message and the prophets guidance for handling tough moments in life. The following summarizes some of the key guidance related to this matter.
Do not feel helpless
Even when all doors appear to have been closed, as true believers we should never let feelings of helplessness succumb us. Consider the following hadith of the prophet (S. A. W. S.) and ibn Al-Qayyims commentary on that hadith:
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive to do that which will benefit you and seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless. If anything befalls you, do not say If only I had done (such and such), the such and such would have happened, rather say: Allah has decreed and what He wills He does, for if only opens the door to the work of the shaytaan. Narrated by Muslim (2664).
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said: This hadeeth includes several important principles of faith, including the following:
Then he said: and do not feel helpless, because feeling helpless is contrary to striving for that which will benefit him, and it is contrary to seeking the help of Allah. The one who strives for that which will benefit him and seeks the help of Allah is the opposite of the one who feels helpless, so this is telling him, before what has been decreed happens, of that which is one of the greatest means of attaining it, which is striving for it whilst seeking the help of the One in Whose hand is control of all things, from Whom they come and to Whom they will return. If he does not attain what was not decreed for him, then he may feel either of two things: helplessness, which opens the door to the work of the shaytaan, so his sense of helplessness leads him to say if only, but there is nothing good in saying if only in this case, rather that opens the door to blame, panic, discontentment, regret and grief, all of which are the work of the shaytaan, so the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade us to open the door to his works in this manner, and told us to adopt the second option, which is looking at the divine decree and bearing it in mind, for if it was decreed for him it would never have missed him and no one could have prevented him from attaining it. Hence he said: If anything befalls you, do not say If only I had done (such and such), the such and such would have happened, rather say: Allah has decreed and what He wills He does, and he taught him that which will benefit him in either case, whether he gets what he wanted or not. Hence this hadeeth is one which a person can never do without. [Source: Shifa al-Aleel (37-38).]
Revive Your Faith
As mentioned in the hadith above, a strong faith can help us to hold our heads high. When faith seems to be dwindling, we should get back to Quran and remind ourselves that only Allah can let us out of our ordeal and problems. You must, therefore, keep that faith and not let Satan instill thoughts that could weaken your faith. Allah says in the Quran:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(3:160)
إِن يَنصُرْكُمُ اللَّهُ فَلَا غَالِبَ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِن يَخْذُلْكُمْ فَمَن ذَا الَّذِي يَنصُرُكُم مِّن بَعْدِهِ ۗ وَعَلَى اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ
Transliteration
In yansurkumu Allahu falaghaliba lakum wa-in yakhthulkum faman thaallathee yansurukum min baAAdihi waAAala Allahifalyatawakkali almu/minoon
Muhsin Khan
If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in Allah (Alone) let believers put their trust.
Urdu
اور خدا تمہارا مددگار ہے تو تم پر کوئی غالب نہیں آسکتا۔ اور اگر وہ تمہیں چھوڑ دے تو پھر کون ہے کہ تمہاری مدد کرے اور مومنوں کو چاہیئے کہ خدا ہی پر بھروسا رکھیں
(3:160)
إِن يَنصُرْكُمُ اللَّهُ فَلَا غَالِبَ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِن يَخْذُلْكُمْ فَمَن ذَا الَّذِي يَنصُرُكُم مِّن بَعْدِهِ ۗ وَعَلَى اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ
Transliteration
In yansurkumu Allahu falaghaliba lakum wa-in yakhthulkum faman thaallathee yansurukum min baAAdihi waAAala Allahifalyatawakkali almu/minoon
Muhsin Khan
If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in Allah (Alone) let believers put their trust.
Urdu
اور خدا تمہارا مددگار ہے تو تم پر کوئی غالب نہیں آسکتا۔ اور اگر وہ تمہیں چھوڑ دے تو پھر کون ہے کہ تمہاری مدد کرے اور مومنوں کو چاہیئے کہ خدا ہی پر بھروسا رکھیں
Believe in the Divine Decree
When facing difficulties, our weak faith can sometimes drive us to question the fairness of it all. In this context, we should remind ourselves that believing in al-Qadr (Allahs divine will and decree) is one of the pillars of Islamic faith. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, it means belief in (1) Allah, (2) His Angels, (3) His revealed Holy Books (Quran, Bible, Torah, Zabur), (4) His Messengers, (4) Day of Judgment, and (5) to believe in al-Qadar (the divine decree) both good and bad. Allah also says in the Quran:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(57:22-23)
مَا أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي أَنفُسِكُمْ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مِّن قَبْلِ أَن نَّبْرَأَهَا ۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ
Transliteration
Ma asaba min museebatinfee al-ardi wala fee anfusikum illa fee kitabinmin qabli an nabraaha inna thalika AAala Allahiyaseer
Muhsin Khan
No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz), before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah.
Urdu
کوئی مصیبت ملک پر اور خود تم پر نہیں پڑتی مگر پیشتر اس کے کہ ہم اس کو پیدا کریں ایک کتاب میں (لکھی ہوئی) ہے۔ (اور) یہ (کام) خدا کو آسان ہے
لِّكَيْلَا تَأْسَوْا عَلَىٰ مَا فَاتَكُمْ وَلَا تَفْرَحُوا بِمَا آتَاكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُورٍ
Transliteration
Likayla ta/saw AAala mafatakum wala tafrahoo bima atakumwallahu la yuhibbu kulla mukhtalinfakhoor
Muhsin Khan
In order that you may not be sad over matters that you fail to get, nor rejoice because of that which has been given to you. And Allah likes not prideful boasters.
Urdu
تاکہ جو (مطلب) تم سے فوت ہوگیا ہو اس کا غم نہ کھایا کرو اور جو تم کو اس نے دیا ہو اس پر اترایا نہ کرو۔ اور خدا کسی اترانے اور شیخی بگھارنے والے کو دوست نہیں رکھتا
Transliteration
Ma asaba min museebatinfee al-ardi wala fee anfusikum illa fee kitabinmin qabli an nabraaha inna thalika AAala Allahiyaseer
Muhsin Khan
No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz), before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah.
Urdu
کوئی مصیبت ملک پر اور خود تم پر نہیں پڑتی مگر پیشتر اس کے کہ ہم اس کو پیدا کریں ایک کتاب میں (لکھی ہوئی) ہے۔ (اور) یہ (کام) خدا کو آسان ہے
لِّكَيْلَا تَأْسَوْا عَلَىٰ مَا فَاتَكُمْ وَلَا تَفْرَحُوا بِمَا آتَاكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُورٍ
Transliteration
Likayla ta/saw AAala mafatakum wala tafrahoo bima atakumwallahu la yuhibbu kulla mukhtalinfakhoor
Muhsin Khan
In order that you may not be sad over matters that you fail to get, nor rejoice because of that which has been given to you. And Allah likes not prideful boasters.
Urdu
تاکہ جو (مطلب) تم سے فوت ہوگیا ہو اس کا غم نہ کھایا کرو اور جو تم کو اس نے دیا ہو اس پر اترایا نہ کرو۔ اور خدا کسی اترانے اور شیخی بگھارنے والے کو دوست نہیں رکھتا
We, as Muslims, should accept Allahs Decree both as it manifests itself around us and in our lives. It should be a relief to us that only Allah is the master of our destiny and we are only going to be tested about whether we reacted to what befalls as true believers and Momins, i.e. being patient in adversity and grateful in prosperity.
Ask for Allahs Mercy and Grace for an Out from Tough Situations
As believers we should recognize that only Allahs Grace and Mercy can deliver us from challenging situations. Allah tells us in the Quran:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(2:64)
ثُمَّ تَوَلَّيْتُم مِّن بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ ۖ فَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لَكُنتُم مِّنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
Transliteration
Thumma tawallaytum min baAAdi thalikafalawla fadlu Allahi AAalaykum warahmatuhulakuntum mina alkhasireen
Muhsin Khan
Then after that you turned away. Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah upon you, indeed you would have been among the losers.
Urdu
تو تم اس کے بعد (عہد سے) پھر گئے اور اگر تم پر خدا کا فضل اور اس کی مہربانی نہ ہوتی تو تم خسارے میں پڑے گئے ہوتے
(2:64)
ثُمَّ تَوَلَّيْتُم مِّن بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ ۖ فَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لَكُنتُم مِّنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
Transliteration
Thumma tawallaytum min baAAdi thalikafalawla fadlu Allahi AAalaykum warahmatuhulakuntum mina alkhasireen
Muhsin Khan
Then after that you turned away. Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah upon you, indeed you would have been among the losers.
Urdu
تو تم اس کے بعد (عہد سے) پھر گئے اور اگر تم پر خدا کا فضل اور اس کی مہربانی نہ ہوتی تو تم خسارے میں پڑے گئے ہوتے
Another way to ask for Allahs Grace and Mercy is by asking for His forgiveness and seeking repentance. Allah tells us in the Quran:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(11:3)
وَأَنِ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوا إِلَيْهِ يُمَتِّعْكُم مَّتَاعًا حَسَنًا إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى وَيُؤْتِ كُلَّ ذِي فَضْلٍ فَضْلَهُ ۖ وَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنِّي أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ كَبِيرٍ
Transliteration
Waani istaghfiroo rabbakum thumma toobooilayhi yumattiAAkum mataAAan hasanan ilaajalin musamman wayu/ti kulla thee fadlin fadlahuwa-in tawallaw fa-inee akhafu AAalaykum AAathabayawmin kabeer
Muhsin Khan
And (commanding you): "Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace (i.e. the one who helps and serves needy and deserving, physically and with his wealth, and even with good words). But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).
Urdu
اور یہ کہ اپنے پروردگار سے بخشش مانگو اور اس کے آگے توبہ کرو وہ تو تم کو ایک وقت مقررہ تک متاع نیک سے بہرہ مند کرے گا اور ہر صاحب بزرگ کو اس کی بزرگی (کی داد) دے گا۔ اور اگر روگردانی کرو گے تو مجھے تمہارے بارے میں (قیامت کے) بڑے دن کے عذاب کا ڈر ہے
(11:3)
وَأَنِ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوا إِلَيْهِ يُمَتِّعْكُم مَّتَاعًا حَسَنًا إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى وَيُؤْتِ كُلَّ ذِي فَضْلٍ فَضْلَهُ ۖ وَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنِّي أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ كَبِيرٍ
Transliteration
Waani istaghfiroo rabbakum thumma toobooilayhi yumattiAAkum mataAAan hasanan ilaajalin musamman wayu/ti kulla thee fadlin fadlahuwa-in tawallaw fa-inee akhafu AAalaykum AAathabayawmin kabeer
Muhsin Khan
And (commanding you): "Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace (i.e. the one who helps and serves needy and deserving, physically and with his wealth, and even with good words). But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).
Urdu
اور یہ کہ اپنے پروردگار سے بخشش مانگو اور اس کے آگے توبہ کرو وہ تو تم کو ایک وقت مقررہ تک متاع نیک سے بہرہ مند کرے گا اور ہر صاحب بزرگ کو اس کی بزرگی (کی داد) دے گا۔ اور اگر روگردانی کرو گے تو مجھے تمہارے بارے میں (قیامت کے) بڑے دن کے عذاب کا ڈر ہے
Stay Patient in Hard Times
One of the best remedies for tough times is to be patient. A state of patience requires that we not resort to complaining, and remember Allah often. We take this lesson from the story of Prophet Yousuf (A.S.) who went through various ordeals in life only to be rewarded with a large kingdom in his later years. Allah tells us in the Quran:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(12:90)
قَالُوا أَإِنَّكَ لَأَنتَ يُوسُفُ ۖ قَالَ أَنَا يُوسُفُ وَهَٰذَا أَخِي ۖ قَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا ۖ إِنَّهُ مَن يَتَّقِ وَيَصْبِرْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
Transliteration
Qaloo a-innaka laanta yoosufa qalaana yoosufu wahatha akhee qad manna AllahuAAalayna innahu man yattaqi wayasbir fa-inna Allahala yudeeAAu ajra almuhsineen
Muhsin Khan
They said: "Are you indeed Yusuf (Joseph)?" He said: "I am Yusuf (Joseph), and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been gracious to us. Verily, he who fears Allah with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the Muhsinun (good-doers - see V.2:112) to be lost."
Urdu
وہ بولے کیا تم ہی یوسف ہو؟ انہوں نے کہا ہاں میں ہی یوسف ہوں۔ اور (بنیامین کی طرف اشارہ کرکے کہنے لگے) یہ میرا بھائی ہے خدا نے ہم پر بڑا احسان کیا ہے۔ جو شخص خدا سے ڈرتا اور صبر کرتا ہے تو خدا نیکوکاروں کا اجر ضائع نہیں کرتا
(12:90)
قَالُوا أَإِنَّكَ لَأَنتَ يُوسُفُ ۖ قَالَ أَنَا يُوسُفُ وَهَٰذَا أَخِي ۖ قَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا ۖ إِنَّهُ مَن يَتَّقِ وَيَصْبِرْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
Transliteration
Qaloo a-innaka laanta yoosufa qalaana yoosufu wahatha akhee qad manna AllahuAAalayna innahu man yattaqi wayasbir fa-inna Allahala yudeeAAu ajra almuhsineen
Muhsin Khan
They said: "Are you indeed Yusuf (Joseph)?" He said: "I am Yusuf (Joseph), and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been gracious to us. Verily, he who fears Allah with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the Muhsinun (good-doers - see V.2:112) to be lost."
Urdu
وہ بولے کیا تم ہی یوسف ہو؟ انہوں نے کہا ہاں میں ہی یوسف ہوں۔ اور (بنیامین کی طرف اشارہ کرکے کہنے لگے) یہ میرا بھائی ہے خدا نے ہم پر بڑا احسان کیا ہے۔ جو شخص خدا سے ڈرتا اور صبر کرتا ہے تو خدا نیکوکاروں کا اجر ضائع نہیں کرتا
The Quran also says:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(12:56)
وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَتَبَوَّأُ مِنْهَا حَيْثُ يَشَاءُ ۚ نُصِيبُ بِرَحْمَتِنَا مَن نَّشَاءُ ۖ وَلَا نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
Transliteration
Wakathalika makanna liyoosufafee al-ardi yatabawwao minha haythu yashaonuseebu birahmatina man nashao walanudeeAAu ajra almuhsineen
Muhsin Khan
Thus did We give full authority to Yusuf (Joseph) in the land, to take possession therein, as when or where he likes. We bestow of Our Mercy on whom We please, and We make not to be lost the reward of Al-Muhsinun (the good doers - see V.2:112).
Urdu
اس طرح ہم نے یوسف کو ملک (مصر) میں جگہ دی اور وہ اس ملک میں جہاں چاہتے تھے رہتے تھے۔ ہم اپنی رحمت جس پر چاہتے ہیں کرتے ہیں اور نیکوکاروں کے اجر کو ضائع نہیں کرتے
(12:56)
وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَتَبَوَّأُ مِنْهَا حَيْثُ يَشَاءُ ۚ نُصِيبُ بِرَحْمَتِنَا مَن نَّشَاءُ ۖ وَلَا نُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
Transliteration
Wakathalika makanna liyoosufafee al-ardi yatabawwao minha haythu yashaonuseebu birahmatina man nashao walanudeeAAu ajra almuhsineen
Muhsin Khan
Thus did We give full authority to Yusuf (Joseph) in the land, to take possession therein, as when or where he likes. We bestow of Our Mercy on whom We please, and We make not to be lost the reward of Al-Muhsinun (the good doers - see V.2:112).
Urdu
اس طرح ہم نے یوسف کو ملک (مصر) میں جگہ دی اور وہ اس ملک میں جہاں چاہتے تھے رہتے تھے۔ ہم اپنی رحمت جس پر چاہتے ہیں کرتے ہیں اور نیکوکاروں کے اجر کو ضائع نہیں کرتے
Remember Allah in Good Times
We know from the Quran that when we remember Allah in good times, Allah will help us in tough times. We learn that lesson from the story of Prophet Younus (A.S.) when he was swallowed by a whale. Out of His mercy, Allah finally relieved him out of that calamity. He tells us in the Quran:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(37:143-144)
فَلَوْلَا أَنَّهُ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُسَبِّحِينَ
Transliteration
Falawla annahu ka na minaalmusabbiheen
Muhsin Khan
Had he not been of them who glorify Allah,
Urdu
پھر اگر وہ (خدا کی) پاکی بیان نہ کرتے
لَلَبِثَ فِي بَطْنِهِ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ
Transliteration
Lalabitha fee batnihi ilayawmi yubAAathoon
Muhsin Khan
He would have indeed remained inside its belly (the fish) till the Day of Resurrection.
Urdu
تو اس روز تک کہ لوگ دوبارہ زندہ کئے جائیں گے اسی کے پیٹ میں رہتے
(37:143-144)
فَلَوْلَا أَنَّهُ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُسَبِّحِينَ
Transliteration
Falawla annahu ka na minaalmusabbiheen
Muhsin Khan
Had he not been of them who glorify Allah,
Urdu
پھر اگر وہ (خدا کی) پاکی بیان نہ کرتے
لَلَبِثَ فِي بَطْنِهِ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ
Transliteration
Lalabitha fee batnihi ilayawmi yubAAathoon
Muhsin Khan
He would have indeed remained inside its belly (the fish) till the Day of Resurrection.
Urdu
تو اس روز تک کہ لوگ دوبارہ زندہ کئے جائیں گے اسی کے پیٹ میں رہتے
To summarize, the next time when you are in a tough situation that may potentially test your will and faith, remember these points:
- Do not let yourself get to a point where you feel helpless
- Revive your faith by reciting Quran and ponder over Allahs words
- Recall your faith in the Divine Decree
- Ask for Allahs Mercy and Grace for an Out from Tough Situations (by making all the Dua that the prophet (s) taught us)
- Remember Allah in good times.
- Stay patient until Allah guides you out from the tough situation you are in.
Finally, let us not forget what Allah told us the following in the Quran:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(9:51)
قُل لَّن يُصِيبَنَا إِلَّا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَنَا هُوَ مَوْلَانَا ۚ وَعَلَى اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ
Transliteration
Qul lan yuseebana illama kataba Allahu lana huwa mawlanawaAAala Allahi falyatawakkali almu/minoon
Muhsin Khan
Say: "Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Maula (Lord, Helper and Protector)." And in Allah let the believers put their trust.
Urdu
کہہ دو کہ ہم کو کوئی مصیبت نہیں پہنچ سکتی بجز اس کے جو خدا نے ہمارے لیے لکھ دی ہو وہی ہمارا کارساز ہے۔ اور مومنوں کو خدا ہی کا بھروسہ رکھنا چاہیئے
source : .iqrasense
