Author: Abeer Shahid
Bismillah
Dear you, there is no one way to face a challenge. It might sound cold, unfeeling and most of all unhelpful, but it’s the truth. Just as numerous as there are people; there are paths to navigate a challenge. Dear you, I can’t give you the way out but I can give you some advice.
Dear you, It is certain that challenges are a part of being human so it’s best to get comfortable with the inevitability of tough times.
“Do people think once they say, “We believe,” that they will be left without being put to the test?” – Quran 29:2
Get comfortable with the idea of challenges arising, and having to face them. It’s a balance act of acknowledging your fears, anger, sadness’s and trusting Allah that it will be OK. Don’t hate yourself for having moments filled with complicated low emotions. Know however, OK doesn’t mean you will get your desired outcome but what is best for you because Allah is the best of planners.
Dear you, Quran is the map and your heart is the compass. Trust your compass as it was fashioned by not just any but The Fashioner Al-Musawwir. Pause and use the map when you get lost and can’t see the way. Pause, reflect and be grateful for all the things that are not a challenge.
If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. – Quran 14:7
Dear you, Quran, your guide and map has many key rest stops marked with examples of troubles, struggles and a mindset to approach it. One example is of Prophet Yusuf; Betrayed by brothers, sold, enslaved, seduced yet trusting the plan of Allah he patiently waited in prison. Prophet Yusuf, prayed and asked only to the One who could get him out of the challenge because he knew that only the designer of the challenge could help him out of the challenge. He was certain Allah would help because Allah is Ar-Rahman the most merciful. We can do the same.
Another check point on dealing with challenges is in Surah Qasas. Prophet Musa accidentally killed a man, but this mistake was not his defining moment. It teaches us to not judge mistakes severely. Look instead for forgiveness with the One who can forgive all Al-Ghaffar The Constant Forgiver. It also teaches us to keep going and not stagnate when the situation is complicated.
Dear you, my last example from the Quran is found in Surah Kahf where Prophet Musa follows the righteous individual through a series of confusing incidents of the, boat, the boy and the wall. Dear you we learn key mindsets here. We learn that it is hard to be patient but it is worth it. We learn it is sometimes better to not question but rather let things fall into place. We learn to trust in Allah’s plan. In this surah we are humbled by our limitations of understanding. Dear you, use these anchors and the many other detailed in the Quran and you will find some pearl or gem to ease the hardship.
“So, surely with hardship comes ease.” – Quran 94:5
Dear you there will be silent, fearful and lonely moments where no one can show up for you. These moments are created so you can return to the one who can always show up Allah the master of kun faya kun. So surely he can carve a way out for you from your challenge in the most impossible way.