Terror attacks do just what they’re intended to do, strike fear and horror into the hearts of those who are targeted. The families of the victims are forced to try and pick up the pieces of lives cut short in the most horrendous of ways, while the rest of us are left grappling with the utter senselessness of the act.

As a new Muslim, it is heartbreaking to learn of a terrorist attack that harmed your brethren in faith and was effective in causing a great loss of life. You might even be tempted to alter your own daily activities out of fear. You even tend to change your manner of Islamic dress because you’re frightened of being targeted because you look ‘like a Muslim’.

The days and weeks following a terrorist attack will rattle you to your very core. That is a given. However it can cause some new Muslims to question their faith or otherwise diminish their state of Islam. In both of these instances, it means that the terrorist has won. And that should never happen.

Take control back and reinvigorate your faith with the beauty of Islam. Remember  that it was Allah who chose the religion of Islam for you. You are blessed to be counted amongst the Muslims; and no act of terror should ever be able to take that from you.

Don’t Give Your Power Away

Once the shock and horror of a terrorist attack starts to fade away, what is left behind are unanswered questions and intense feelings of helplessness. For many new Muslims, they give their power away to these emotions and feelings. “There is nothing I can do,” is a common refrain for many as feelings of defenseless seep in; or “I cannot cope with this,” once fear grips the heart in despair.

While it is difficult to stand up after a terror attack, taking your power back will give you the footing you need to help yourself and by extension your community. There was nothing you could do to prevent the terror attack from happening.

Yet, by taking your power back and no longer allowing these negative emotions to control your life, you can work towards tangible goals that will create a lasting impact for the Ummah, or community of Muslims.

Find A Greater Purpose

Being a bystander to an act of terrorism is not easy and increases the urge to want to do “something” to help. There is very little you can do to soothe the hearts of the family members of the victims.

But, that does not mean you are helpless. What you can do is find a greater purpose that gives meaning to your life. A purpose that impacts the lives of others to help overcome the very real sense of hopelessness in your heart. As Allah Almighty says in the Noble Quran:

Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful. (Quran 25:70)

Spend time helping the less fortunate, like volunteering at a food bank or visiting the residents of a nursing home. Alternatively, you can start writing about ways to give back to the community. Post on social media to inspire others to take action for the greater good.

By sharing your own struggles when dealing with the fallout after an act of terrorism, you can not only heal yourself; but also help others to begin the healing process.

The Ultimate Handhold that Never Breaks

Ultimately, it will be your Islamic faith and belief in Allah Almighty that will help you move on. You will find solace in the fact that God is always there for us. Turn to your Lord and Cherisher through prayer, supplications and good deeds. As Allah Almighty says in the Noble Quran:

Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: Whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things. (Quran 2:256)

Hold even tighter to the Rope of Allah with full knowledge that He is The Creator. Know that not one thing happens in this world except by His leave. Put your trust in your Lord always and patience will soon alleviate the pain.