I once read that nothing is more important to our ability to effectively address our present situation than understanding the lessons learned from those who have come before us. As young Muslims, challenges are many on all levels, more so, for Muslims living in the West.
A strong faith can keep us focused on the fact that Allah alone ultimately controls all destinies and has power over all things. Remembering this at the moment of affliction can help us in defeating the pain and finding hope and energy to keep moving forward.
The Ultimate Guidebook
It is a blessing that we have the Qur’an to reach out to during times of distress. Allah’s book is replete with stories that may be somewhat different from our personal afflictions; however, one thing is true, all stories reveal that peace comes from the verses.
Allah does things to teach us lessons. Things happen in order to demonstrate who He is and to show us who people really are.
Since He is the One Who created us, He also knows how we should be. He knows how we should react and how to solve certain issues. Men and women, from the cradle to the grave, will be tested with these trials.
Allah says:
{Verily, We have created man in toil (hardship)} (Al-Balad 90:4)
Inspiring Stories
There are several stories and examples in the Holy Quran for us to use as a catalog to guide us and give peace during our most challenging times.
These difficulties in life strengthen us and act as a means of washing away our sins. Additionally, they bring with them a promise of tremendous reward if we are able to hold firm to our belief.
Yusuf’s Chastity
In this day and age, it is not surprising that young men and women are challenged to maintain modesty and resist temptation. It is comforting to know that while it is difficult to overcome, it can be done. In fact, who is not familiar with the story of the Prophet Yusuf?
Rather than make excuses and fall prey to whims and desires, with all the challenges and trials he faced, including being sold to slavery and facing temptation, Prophet Yusuf (PBUH) resorted to Allah and adhered to the ethics and morals of a true Muslim.
He trusted Allah and never compromised.
Read Also: When a Prophet Is Jailed…. How Prophet Yusuf (PBUH) Coped
And Allah did not let him down. Prophet Yusuf was rewarded by later becoming the ruler of Egypt.
While I’m not suggesting we will become rulers, I do mention this as it somehow gives peace. Following every trial, there is a reward for those who wait. We may get a portion of this reward in this world.
But even if we don’t, let’s remember that the most significant, fully satisfying and endlessly lasting reward is guaranteed in the hereafter.
Tests are inevitable
After all, the Qur’an illustrates, that this world is a test:
{And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits} (Qur’an, 2:155)
Stormy seasons of life are inevitable. We know that many of our beloved prophets faced one challenge or another.
Maryam’s Miracle
Maryam is an example of a Muslim woman that is honorable and obedient towards Allah. Her story proves the power of Allah, as it recalls the miraculous conception of Jesus, conceived without a father.
Again, we see how she is rewarded. She is the only female to have an entire surah named after her.
The purpose of stories in the Qur’an is not only for the story to be told and retold. They remind us over and over again of the comfort and peace that comes from being loved by Allah. This is particularly evident if we are trying to follow Allah’s guidance.
Remember Prophet Yunus
Another example is when the Prophet Yunus,who gave up on his mission to the people of Nineveh, went onto a ship and was thrown into the sea. He was swallowed by a whale.
At the point of despair, he called upon Allah with all his heart and was rescued. He returned to his mission and achieved success.
Aishah in the Eye of Storm
Even Lady Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), wife of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) was tested. She was slandered by an ugly lie but Allah brought the truth to light and she ultimately became both a leader and scholar in her own right.
We are truly known and perfectly loved, even more clearly and truly than we know and love ourselves.
In fact, it is often quite difficult for us to know ourselves well, to differentiate between our longings, needs, and deepest desires.
Challenges are Inevitable
Just like our forefathers faced calamity and afflictions, so do we. It will continue to be that way. Allah did promise though, that if we endured patiently, we would be compensated.
There are many important lessons to be drawn from the stories that actually apply to our lives today. These stories can help us overcome difficult ordeals, boost our morale, and direct us on how to behave in a myriad of situations.
{but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient)} (Al-Baqarah 2:155)
The shared verses are powerful and I suggest that we write them down and save them somewhere easy to find.
When life gets challenging, just come back and really grab hold of the verses and the truth they contain. Meditate on these and rest in the truth that we are never alone.
Allah’s Plan for Us
The stories in the Qur’an remind us that if we find ourselves confronted by obstacles and hardship, not to feel desolation. The hardship is probably a sign that we are on the right path.
Simply put, what we think we need and what we actually need, is not always the same. This is especially true in times of pain or suffering.