Things to Remember When Going Through Hardships
Difficult times are part of Allah’s law in this universe. Every difficulty comes from Allah Almighty He (SWT) tests the believers in times of hardships. Difficulties or hardships are part of tests that people go through. Sometimes difficulty becomes the source of learning we can also say a purification from sins and mistakes. Tough times could be a test of patience. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran: “For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” (Quran, 94:5)
People search for guides that can help them go through the difficult times or hardships they face in life. Sometimes these guides are successful whereas in other cases they fail to provide the solution which the reader searches for in them. Islam being a code of life provides ways in which Muslims can battle the hardships and get through them. Quran and hadith both contain information on the nature of the hardships or tough times. In this article, we are providing some tips that a Muslim should remember to get through the hard times.
Allah Almighty has shown us two tools to use in our tough times or during hardships in the Holy Quran: “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient” (Quran,2:153). Through prayer, we connect to the master who has the keys to all problems or hardships. And patience means a focused struggle to achieve one’s goals and to remain steadfast against all odds. A Muslim should realize that the center of everything, whether ease or hardship is Allah, therefore, the logical thing to do is to turn towards Him and seek His help and refuge in the tough times.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) went through a lot of tough times both on a personal and a community level. Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was extremely successful; still, it was the most challenging life. By the desire and the guidance of Allah Almighty, He (SAW) was able to meet all the challenges which He (PBUH) faced and came out of difficult times much stronger than ever before. Islam teaches us to have faith in Allah Almighty during difficulties. We should have faith in His Mercy. Allah says in Holy Quran: “[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.” (Quran, 67:2)
Allah reminds us of the reason for these trials or hardships “And indeed Allah will know who is truthful and who is a liar” (Quran, 29:3). Difficult times are critical show those who are truthful and those who are not. Hardships and misfortunes are experienced by everyone and it can sometimes be very hard to respond to these hardships when they strike. Many people lose hope during tough times. Be steadfast and reconnect with the Deen can help in many ways to be positive and hopeful in tough times. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran, “And We have sundered them in the earth as [separate] nations. Some of them are righteous, and some far from that. And We have tried them with prosperity and adversity in order that they might return.” (Quran, 7:168)
We should utilize the tough time to improve and turn towards Allah, the One who can only turn things around for the better. Allah (SWT) states in the Noble Quran, “Verily in the remembrance of Allah, hearts find rest.” (Quran, 13: 28)
