Holding on to Hope

As restless beings, we tend to become weak on facing difficult situations. We get taken aback by noting obstacles placed on the path we want to tread on. This is natural both psychologically and physically. Allah already announced in The Qur'an, وَخُلِقَ الْإِنسَانُ ضَعِيفًا "and man was created weak". There are many weaknesses referred to in Surah Nisaa ayah 28. This weakness also, is a blessing in disguise.

This weakness allows us to hold to the Rope of Allah with patience and determination, wherein an obedient slave vows never to give up in the most stringent of circumstances. When we are surrounded by darkness from all around, the only light we see is that of Hope of Allah and His Mercy to take his believer out of the trial imposed on him.

If we look into a historical account in The Qur'an of the Story of Yusuf (peace be upon him), we notice that despite crying his eyes out, Yusuf's father Yaqoob (peace be upon him) advises his son to never give up on trusting Allah:

وَلَا تَيْأَسُوا مِن رَّوْحِ اللَّهِ

"And never give up hope of Allah's Mercy"
[Surah Yusuf ayah 87]

Eventually we come to know ahead that not only did Yaqoob and his sons meet Yusuf after so many years, Yaqoob's eyesight was also restored!

Hardships are always a trial from Allah to test which of His slaves are patient and show gratitude and which ones turn away. For only filtered water is pure water! :)

Being patient during disagreement

We tend to easily lose temper when we disagree with the other person’s or people’s views. This is natural, and the expected reaction is most probably anger and frustration which gets provoked by Satan.

So let us learn to be patient with those whose views we do not agree with, as the Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.) which was commanded by Allah when he was subjected to trials much beyond what we face:

“(He Alone is) The Lord of the east and the west, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). So take Him Alone as Wakil (Disposer of your affairs).”

“And be patient (O Muhammad SAW) with what they say, and keep away from them in a good way.”

[Al Qur’an: Surah al-Muzammil ayahs 9 and 10]

Undoubtedly, we are not even close to facing the agony which our Rasul (SAW) and Sahaba (R.A.) went through.

Let us disappoint Satan who wishes to create disharmony amongst us. With a firm reminder in mind that Allah is with those who are patient, we can do it Insha’Allah! :)