بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
This life is not meant to be perfect. The perfect world is Paradise and this is why we should strive for it here, and not a moment should pass by that we sit idle and not doing something that could get us there, by the mercy of Allah.
Remember, whatever pain and difficulties we go through in this life pales in comparison to what we will go through in the future if we don't get into Paradise.
So then how do we, as believers, deal with our hardships and calamities, or tragedies around the world for that matter? The first step is by realizing that nothing happens except that Allah Most High has ordained it.
مَآ أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِىٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ إِلَّا فِى كِتَـٰبٍ مِّن قَبْلِ أَن نَّبْرَأَهَآ ۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ ﴿٢٢
No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being - indeed that, for Allah, is easy - (22) [Qur'an, Al-Hadid 57:22]
Allah created us and He knows what is best for us. Knowing this helps us gain a positive connection with our Creator and thus a positive outlook in life.
Indeed, negativity is a contagious disease that cripples the individual, and through that individual, the ummah – and this is especially true for the one who constantly complains. Remember in the battle of Uhud, when the false rumor that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) had been killed was spread among the Companions – causing so much panic and confusion – remember Anas ibn an-Nadr (may Allah be pleased with him) who shouted words of encouragement to continue to fight amidst the chaos. He was an exemplary role model of positive attitude in the midst of negativity.
We should strive to be like Anas (may Allah be pleased with him). And realize that your du’a and patience are your weapons. The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Indeed victory and provisions are granted through your weak.” [Bukhari] And in another narration under the chapter of seeking the support of Allah by the supplications of the weak: “Allah support this Ummah because of their supplication, their Salah, and their sincerity.” [Sunan An-Nasa’i]
The profound lessons from these ahadeeth is that no single individual in the Ummah should be looked down upon. Everyone can help contribute towards its success, everyone has a role, and everyone should do their part. The real question is: How often have we really made du’a for the Ummah? We should not reduce our du’as to a mere asking for this or that. Make heartfelt du’as in our sujood, in the last third of the night, constantly on a daily basis. And persevere, be patient, and have faith that Allah will respond.
Remember to make dua in remembrance of Allah and thank Him for all that He has bestowed upon you. Making du'a for oneself and for others is characteristic of a true Muslim. A trait that Allah Himself loves to see in believers.
Make a habit of saying “Alhamdulillah” (all praise and thanks be to Allah) at every ease and hardships.
Suhaib reported that Allah’s Messenger ṣallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam said:
“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 delight, he thanks Allah, thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (endures into patiently), there is good for him in it.” [Sahih Muslim]
Think good things, say good things.
The fact that we can think and speak is indeed a gift from Allah. Are you aware of the angels that guard you throughout your lives? The angels who are appointed by Allah to write down your good and bad deeds?
إِذْ يَتَلَقَّى ٱلْمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ ٱلْيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ ﴿١٧﴾ مَّا يَلْفِظُ مِن قَوْلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيْهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ ﴿١٨
When the two receivers receive, seated on the right and on the left. (17) Man does not utter any word except that with him is an observer prepared [to record]. (18) [Qur'an, Qaf 50:17-18]
Be wary of what you say. Every thought, every word you speak, is written down and is presented on the Day of Judgement. So try to bring yourself to think good thoughts, think good for others. Start with small good thoughts. They could benefit us in the long run through good practice of it in our daily life.
May Allah enable us to think positive amidst any calamities and grant us patience and steadfastness. Ameen.
Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wasallam.
And Allah knows best and He alone grants success.
Wassalaam
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