Showing posts with label Tawakul/Trust. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tawakul/Trust. Show all posts

It's in His Hands



﴿فَسَتَذْكُرُونَ مَا أَقُولُ لَكُمْ ۚ وَأُفَوِّضُ أَمْرِي إِلَى اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَصِيرٌ بِالْعِبَادِ﴾


And you will remember what I [now] say to you, and I entrust my affair to Allah. Indeed, Allah is Seeing of [His] servants." (Quran 40:44)


This life is full of challenges, and depending on the phases we are going through in our lives, some trials can be more difficult than others. Sometimes we must face some of the toughest situations, which may seem impossible to get through, like those that come prior to a major change in our lives, like an obstacle in the way of our lifelong dream. Enduring these challenges involve lots of anxiety, worry, and most notably, lots of thinking. Consequently, our minds can be preoccupied with never-ending thoughts of how to resolve these issues, how to conquer the challenge, how to achieve our goals. Ultimately, these endless thoughts can greatly affect our state of mind causing constant distress, eventually jeopardizing our happiness. 

These situations can be perceived as a test of faith. We can create extensive plans of how to achieve our goals, overcome our challenges, or illustrate our ideal future. But, there is only so much we can do. We can plan and work hard to all that is in our hands. Yet eventually, comes worry, fear of whether or not it will happen, or how? How will our dreams come true, in the most rational way? At this point, we must realize that we are approaching our matters incorrectly. We are lacking the most essential way of facing any situation in our life. We need to realize that we can only overcome our obstacles by having faith in Him. Trusting Allah. Believing, not only by reason, but from deep inside that all of our matters are in His hands. He has already written for what is best for us, and He plans for us the best possible plans. Thus, we must trust Him and seek His help. Why? Simply because He is the only One that is well aware of what we have been through, how we really are feeling towards something, what we wish for, what is resting inside our hearts, what is preoccupying our minds, He is the “Knower of All”. As long as you confirm your faith in Him, trust Him, and submit to His control over your matters, He will provide you with the guidance you need to fulfill your goals. He is the “Perfectly Wise” and will arrange matters for you in the finest manner and He is the “All Powerful” and can grant you the impossible, as long as it is the best for you. [1]

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﴿ قُلْ مَن يَرْزُقُكُم مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ أَمَّن يَمْلِكُ السَّمْعَ وَالْأَبْصَارَ وَمَن يُخْرِجُ الْحَيَّ مِنَ الْمَيِّتِ وَيُخْرِجُ الْمَيِّتَ مِنَ الْحَيِّ وَمَن يُدَبِّرُ الْأَمْرَ ۚ فَسَيَقُولُونَ اللَّهُ ۚ فَقُلْ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ ﴾


Say, "Who provides for you from the heaven and the earth? Or who controls hearing and sight and who brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and who arranges [every] matter?" They will say, “Allah," so say, "Then will you not fear Him?" (Quran 10:31) 

 

The most reasonable way to approach any situation is to begin by establishing our trust in Allah. “Recognizing His Oneness in divinity and worship, for He is the one Who sends down water from the sky, splits the earth with His power and will allow things to grow from it.  He is the One who has granted us from endless blessings including our own sight and hearing, and can likewise grant us with many more gifts and deprive us similarly from anything on this earth. He has the ultimate power to be capable of bringing life to death and death to life.”[2] He encompasses all power and control in this world, thus He is the most capable of resolving our issues, easing our struggles, granting us success after hardship, and placing us in the most optimum situations. Allah is our Creator, and He loves His creation, He will dispose of our affairs in the most excellent ways only to protect us and provide us with what is best for us. 

Rely on Allah, trust Him, and recognize that all of your matters are in His hands. It might take some time, plenty of patience, some twists and turns, and yes, He might push you down to the ground before lifting you back up, only because He loves you and so that you may learn to appreciate the blessings you have been gifted with. And as life goes on we may have to face that our plans may have not been completely fulfilled, perhaps our lives may have taken an unexpected turn. But in the end, we must come to realize that things only happen in a way that is best for us, because He wants us to live in comfort, in content, in happiness, and sooner or later we will realize that everything turned out in the best way possible. 

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[1] Tafsir ibn Kathir (English Version), pg. 4452
[2] Tafsir ibn Kathir (English Version), pg. 2228

Keep your Expectations High


﴿ فَمَا ظَنُّكُم بِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴾

Then what is your thought about the Lord of the worlds? (Quran 37:87)


Why is it that we always assume the worst? Why is it that we have such low expectations of the future? Constantly worrying about tomorrow, anxiously wondering how things will work out, always afraid of the nightmare that awaits us. The world around us holds a plethora of distractions, all of which have seemed to have taken over our thoughts and assured us that no matter what happens we are bound to fail. Success is seemingly unattainable, our dreams will eventually be crushed into pieces, we are not worthy of happiness, and only devastation lies ahead.  


We have become so busy with our lives, preoccupied with the world we live in, dependent of the people surrounding us that we have forgotten to lay our trust entirely in the One Who has complete control of our life. Our doubt in the future could potentially indicate that our faith in Allah and His decree is tapering. This lack of faith has forced us to become the victims of Satan’s mischief. We have allowed him to enter into our minds and point our thoughts into one direction, poverty (Quran 2:268). Consequently being fearful of tomorrow, anxious of the world ahead, and predominantly being pessimistic about life as a whole.  Satan’s manipulation of our thoughts has ultimately influenced us to mistrust our future and live a life full of worry and absolutely no hope. We cannot go on like this. This life was never meant for constant tension, indeed it is full of challenges and struggles, however the most suitable way to deal with life is to draw yourself closer to your Lord, and restore your faith in Him. Believing in Allah and submitting your faith in Him allows you to live this life with relief, being sure that He is by your side at all times. Therefore, it is imperative that we trust our Lord and have faith that as long as our matters in His hands, we are unquestionably going to be okay. 


But, what if? What if it just doesn’t work out? The only way to eliminate these restless thoughts from our head is to raise our expectations in Allah’s decree. 

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Allah said, 'I am to my slave as he thinks of Me.”[1] 

Getting rid of anxiety and worry is simple, be hopeful of your Lord, optimistic of His decree, and most importantly trust Him. Trust that He knows what is best for you, trust that your happiness is His priority, and trust that He loves you. If you think of your Lord as the One who will grant you peace, mercy, and happiness, then He will surely provide you with greatness. Your Creator loves you more than anyone on earth and He will never hurt you. Have faith in your lord, have hope that tomorrow He will grant you peace, and never ever despair in His mercy. 


Your Lord is the Creator of all things, the Maker of order, the Giver of all. Everything in your life will occur to preordainment, and when the time is most suitable He will provide you with what you are in deep need of. Your dreams will only come true at the time you are in desperate need of it, so that when He fulfills your dreams, you will truly appreciate it, and most importantly appreciate His generosity and His presence in your life.  Wait patiently for a happy outcome, for waiting patiently one of the best forms of worship [2].  “Tomorrow is from the world of unseen, a bridge we do not cross until it comes” [3]. Then, why should we worry about crossing the bridge if we are certain that Allah has placed greatness for us at the end? 


This life is short, and we will regret wasting our entire lives being worried, fearful, and anxious. It is time to change our outlooks on life, live life more appropriately, enjoy it for what it beholds. Believe in Allah, have faith in His mercy, have hope in His decree, trust that He is the Preventer of harm, call upon Him at times of need, be patient, and play your part by fulfilling your duties towards Him. As long as you hold onto your Lord, you are in the safest place there can possibly be. And later on in life, you will be grateful for every single thing that happened to you, whether it may have been the toughest times of your life, or the best. Because one day, the storm will pass, the clouds will take on, and the sun will shine bright. And as for your dreams, as long as you have faith in Him, certainly your dreams will come true because, “When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, "Be," and it is.” (Quran 2:117)



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[1] Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Allah said, 'I am to my slave as he thinks of Me, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him). (Sahih al-Bukhari 7505. Book 97, Hadith 130)

[2] Al-Qarni, A'id. (2003). Don’t Be Sad. (pp.104). International Islamic Publishing House.


[3] Al-Qarni, A'id. (2003). Don’t Be Sad. (pp.65).  International Islamic Publishing House.

Appreciate Him


﴿...حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ ﴾


…"Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs." (Quran 3:173)


The roughest point of our struggles, the time we critically need someone to run to, someone to lean on, someone to help us. Usually we are blessed with a loved one that is there for us, but what about when no one understands us? No one believes that we can accomplish our dreams? No one recognizes that our walk on the straight path is acceptable? No one wants to offer help? No one can provide us with a solution? When things are out of control? When life is just too much to handle? 

Consider the noble Prophets, those who endured much tougher challenges to convey the message of Allah. While being thrown into the depths of a raging fire, uttering the words, 'Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of  affairs' saved Prophet Ibrahim from being harmed by flames that instantly cooled down. Likewise, courage and confidence that Allah was enough for him and his army  grant Prophet Mohamed (ﷺ)  victory in the battle of Uhud [1]. Thus, we should follow the lead of our Prophets and appreciate the presence of Allah in our lives. Plausibly, trusting Allah as the best Disposer of our affairs will enable us to rest assured that we are in the safest position possible and everything will workout perfectly in the end, only because  we are under His protection. Appreciate His presence, embrace His protection, seek His help, follow His guidance, and simply trust Him. 
 
Attest to your faith, recognize Him as your Lord, and speak the words of a believer [2]; that He is enough for you.  You are nothing without Him, regardless of the world around you and what it beholds; He is more than enough for you. Succinctly, He has written every detail of your life, and planned your life according to certain factors. Allah is well aware of what is best for you, thus He will take control of your affairs in the perfect manner.  He is your confidant who will understand your secrets, He is your counselor who will listen to your complaints, He is your advisor who will provide you with guidance, and He is your only companion that will remain with you throughout it all.    



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﴿ قَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ قَالَ رَبُّكَ هُوَ عَلَيَّ هَيِّنٌ وَقَدْ خَلَقْتُكَ مِن قَبْلُ وَلَمْ تَكُ شَيْئًا ﴾


[An angel] said, "Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, 'It is easy for Me, for I created you before, while you were nothing.' “ (Quran 19:9)


Lean on His support and face the world knowing that He is watching over you and He will lift you up when you fall. From dust, He created the most complex of life forms, the most elaborate puzzle, in perfection; He created you from nothing, simply and easily. Nothing is impossible for Allah, to Him your troubles are uncomplicated and when the time is right, He will provide you with the solution that will end your struggles. He will ease your struggles, heal your pains, and lessen your worries; because He has no limit. With absolutely no trouble, He can straightforwardly resolve your issues; therefore have faith in Allah and trust Him and one day He will grant you victory against your challenges. 

Image courtesy of @tazawadoo



[1] Al-Qarni, A'id. (2003). Don’t Be Sad. International Islamic Publishing House.

Believe in Him


﴿...وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا (2) وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَالِغُ أَمْرِهِ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدْرًا ﴾

… And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out (2) And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent. (3) – (Quran 65: 2-3)


Faith is planted in your soul by believing firmly in your heart that Allah is the One and Only God and that He is to be worshiped. Furthermore, once the roots of faith are planted in your heart, your belief in Allah blooms into your personality in which the way you approach life displays your belief. 

In any situation you face or any matter you are handling, your faith in Allah will direct your instincts to naturally tell you to first act in a manner that will satisfy Allah, the One you worship. Fearing Allah does not necessarily have to mean that we should be afraid of Him, rather it implies that we fear disobeying Him. Consider when you love a person so passionately you dread displeasing them because your love for them makes you wish for nothing but their happiness. Likewise, your first and greatest love for Allah, your Creator, will compel you to act in any manner only to avoid displeasing Him. Therefore, the one who firmly believes in Allah and fears His dissatisfaction will “do only what Allah has commanded and avoid what He has forbidden” (ibn Kathir, pg.5208). When you are facing a difficult challenge and it seems like there is no solution and absolutely no way out, submit to your faith in Allah. Do not lose hope in Him, and maintain your belief by only obeying Him.  By satisfying Allah’s commandments, Allah will reward His believer by miraculously leading you through an exit that you were so sure that could never even exist. By fearing His dissatisfaction and believing in Him, He will lead you out of a problem with no predetermined solution, a way out of the depression that has been glooming over your life, a way out of your pain, a way out of any darkness that has taken over your heart. By giving up a practice that disobeyed Allah or refusing to give into the only solution that seemed possible yet could displease Allah, Allah, the most Giving, will compensate you with resources be it money, a job, new people, from where you could never possibly see in your mind's eye.

When your faith is planted well deep into the core of your heart, you will be capable of laying your trust in Allah. Trusting Allah, and trusting what He has destined for you is known as tawakul. The feeling of Tawakul can be found when you are in the midst of the harshest situations but deep down at the bottom of your heart your faith in Allah reassures you that everything is going to be okay, because Allah is by your side. Allah is there for you, He has written for you only what is best for you, even if it seems like it will never come, even if at the moment you cannot see how it will benefit you. Tawakul comes with faith in Allah which gives you the ability to believe in Him, yet it requires plenty of patience, acceptance, and most importantly confidence that Allah is more than enough for you. Therefore, as long as you are certain that Allah will give you the ability to fight your battles, then indeed He will provide you with the help you need by “carrying out the decisions and judgment He has made for you and granting you with what is best for you by whatever means and form He chooses” (ibn Kathir, pg. 5210).  Consequently, whatsoever Allah has selected for you is only what is appropriate for you because in the end, He has arranged everything for your life carefully and perfectly. 

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Reference:
Tafsir ibn Kathir (English Version), pg 5208 - 5210