Despair is never an option for a Muslim

Eman Sakina

One of the important characteristics of a Muslim is that he remains in a positive state of mind, whatever the circumstances. He tries for the best and looks for wisdom.

A Muslim is never in despair, not even in the most difficult moments. That is because they believe that Allah is the Creator of all things; that He has the power to create whatever He wants by saying to “Be!”

Friday Musings

The faithful knows that any trying times, he finds himself in, are a God-sent test. He takes things in his stride, recalling what Allah Almighty has advised him: “...it may be that you hate something when it is good for you and it may be that you love something when it is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.” (Qur’an, 2:216)

For a Muslim with such a deep soul, everything works out well. Whatever the hardship or trouble, it is Allah Who bestows it onto that person. He is the protector and helper of believers. Everything that Allah, the Almighty, has made is for the best and is filled with knowledge.

The journey of life can be like a roller coaster. We often experience extreme conditions which create despondency and hopelessness. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “Verily, if Allah loves a people, He makes them go through trials. Whoever is satisfied, for him is contentment, and whoever is angry upon him is wrath.” (Hadith-Tirmidhi)

Problems are to the mind what exercise is to the muscles; they toughen and make you strong. The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for Allah to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

He nevertheless remained hopeful of Allah’s help and continued his praying every day. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky.

The “worst” had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief.

“Allah, how could this happen to me!” he cried.

Early the next day, just before Fajr Salaah (early morning prayer) he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

“How did you know I was here?” the man asked the sailors on the ship. “We saw your smoke signal,” they replied.

Allah says “…Bear with patience whatever befalls you….” (Qur’an 31:17) and “Be not sad, surely Allah is with us.” (Qur’an 9:40)

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly. But we should not lose heart, because Allah is at work in our lives, even during pain and suffering.

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Allah says “Verily, with hardship, there is relief” (Qur’an 94:6) and “And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him”. (Qur’an 65:3) Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground–it just may be a smoke signal that summons The Grace and help of Allah!