This article is from Reading Islam’s archive and was originally published at an earlier date.

Part of life is that there are good days and there are bad days.

Just like there is light and darkness, similarly does our life have light and darkness.

Just like there is the day and the night, and they alternate. Our lives alternate as well between the good times and the bad times.

As a New Muslim, life can get really hard, especially at the beginning. You have just accepted a faith that is, frankly speaking, still very alien to you. There are ways that people do things that you are not so familiar with.

Sometimes you have no idea of some very basic things, like “Why do people pray in the direction of Makkah?” and think it is just perhaps a stupid question to ask.

Your family might have deserted you. Your friends might no longer want to have you around. It can be really dark, and really lonely!

Moreover, it might just be that you are not really feeling the love and affection from your new community.

You have just accepted the faith and declared “la ilaha illa Allah”, and my beloved brother or sister, know that you actually have made the right choice. The saying translates as: “there is none worthy of worship but God”.

Part of that belief is that He guides you, and He is there to help you. And part of that guidance and help is placed in the Quran. God calls the Quran, a “mau-idha”– a heart penetrating advice.

Part of the Prophetic tradition, and the tradition of the early Muslims was to turn to the Quran at all times- good or bad.

So here are 5 verses from the Quran for the darkest of days that you can turn to and benefit from:

1-

And when My slaves ask you, concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the call of the caller when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided. (Quran 2:186)

Know that the lines to people maybe blurred, absent or cut. But the lines to Allah are open 24/7. He knows that we are going to ask the question, and thus He gives a prompt “And when My slaves ask you concerning Me”.

He is waiting for us to ask, “Where is Allah? Can I talk to Him?”, and then He adds the response Himself- Indeed I am Near. He may be above the seven heavens, but He is still Near.

He knows that which no one else knows. He sees the tears that no one else sees. He hears your whisper which even you may not hear. He is the All-Knowing All-Powerful Lord of all that exists. And yet, He is there, waiting for your call.

Among the trillions and zillions of His creation that exist, Allah is willing to listen to you. He will respond too! Turn to Him. Turn to this verse when Satan makes you think that Allah is far away. And remember that the doors are open, the phone lines open, and all you need to do is ask!

2-

And He found you lost and guided you. (Quran 93:7)

Is it not that merely months ago you were lost and wandering?

Is it not that there was a time when you were seeking and then He brought you from darkness into light?

This is the same God who did so! This is the same God who gave you a faith that made you weep out of happiness when you accepted it. He has brought you this far, will He let go of you today?

The whole of this chapter, Surah Duha, is in and of itself a great comforter in times of hardship, but especially this verse. He is the One who has created you, fashioned you and brought you where you are today. Do not worry, He will not let go of you today. He is Allah, the Most Generous and Most Merciful.

3- 

Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Acquainted? (Quran 67:14)

He is the One who created you. He created the little artery that beats in your wrist. He created every strand of hair on your head, the hair that form your eyelashes, and every single patch of skin on your body. He created you, and He knows you.

He knows what it is that you need, and He knows when you need it.

He knows how pathetic things have been and He knows the solution too!

The key lies in the two names that are mentioned. He is Acquainted (Al-Khabeer). He knows whatever it is that is affecting you, and He is Subtle. He is Subtle in doing good, and Subtle in laying out His plans.

While we are in the depth of our pain, Allah is planning a way out for us. He is preparing a way for us in which we will be most pleased. We just need to be patient and wait for His deliverance!

4-

He is with you wherever you are. (Quran 57:4)

No matter how bad things get, know that He is there with you, wherever you may be. He listens to you, knows about you, hears what you say, and sees what you do. He has never left you, and never will.

When it’s a situation of “me against the world”, know that you have the best of all friends by your side. You have The Guardian Friend (Al-Wali) next to you.

As you face challenges that deter you, maybe you wish you were dead and make things bad for you, know that it is Allah who is with you, wherever you may be. He is there.

5-

And each [story] We relate to you from the news of the messengers is that by which We make firm your heart. And there has come to you, in this, the truth and an instruction and a reminder for the believers. (Quran 11:120)

Almost a third of the Quran is stories. Allah has mentioned 25 prophets in the Quran and a handful of non-prophetic righteous people. He has also mentioned some of the evildoers as well so that we may avoid their ways.

Look into the stories of the Quran. There you will find a precedent for what it is that is bothering you.

If you have a very harsh and disbelieving father who hates Islam, find solace in the story of Abraham.

If you are suffering from a chronic illness, find comfort and guidance in the story of Job.

If you have lost a child, or a dear loved one, find recompense in the story of Jacob.

If you have been unjustly treated, find the recourse in the story of Joseph.

The Quranic stories cover almost every possible scenario. Allah has made them a guidance for you, and with this to “make firm your heart”.

Even the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who suffered so much was given solace and comfort through these stories.

For you and I, it will as well! Read the Quran, read the stories of the Quran, listen to lectures on them, and find peace through them.

Praying for the swift delivery from harm, and for a peaceful and whole life here and hereafter!