
During hardships and calamities, it is natural to get swept away by the affliction of the moment. During such trials of faith, unless we are careful, Satan can inject fear and plant doubts in our hearts and minds. Our beliefs in such vulnerable states may become overpowered by feelings of the moment resulting in the dwindling of our faith. Some of us start questioning the fairness and wisdom underlying such divine decisions while others get mired in a blame game. All in all, we may find ourselves lost, helpless, and stalled finding it difficult to gather ourselves and move forward.
For such situations specifically and others in general, Islam teaches us to stay in control by hanging on to the Mercy and Grace of Allah. We pray that Allah keeps us safe from the challenges and trials of life, but as Muslims we should know and understand Quran’s message and the prophet’s guidance for handling tough moments in life. The following summarizes some of the key guidance related to this matter.

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Do not feel helpless
Even when all doors appear to have been closed, as true believers we should never let feelings of helplessness succumb us. Consider the following hadith of the prophet (S. A. W. S.) and ibn Al-Qayyim’s commentary on that hadith:
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive to do that which will benefit you and seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless. If anything befalls you, do not say ‘If only I had done (such and such), the such and such would have happened,’ rather say: ‘Allah has decreed and what He wills He does,’ for ‘if only’ opens the door to the work of the shaytaan.” Narrated by Muslim (2664).
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Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said: This hadeeth includes several important principles of faith, including the following:
Then he said: “and do not feel helpless”, because feeling helpless is contrary to striving for that which will benefit him, and it is contrary to seeking the help of Allah. The one who strives for that which will benefit him and seeks the help of Allah is the opposite of the one who feels helpless, so this is telling him, before what has been decreed happens, of that which is one of the greatest means of attaining it, which is striving for it whilst seeking the help of the One in Whose hand is control of all things, from Whom they come and to Whom they will return. If he does not attain what was not decreed for him, then he may feel either of two things: helplessness, which opens the door to the work of the shaytaan, so his sense of helplessness leads him to say “if only”, but there is nothing good in saying “if only” in this case, rather that opens the door to blame, panic, discontentment, regret and grief, all of which are the work of the shaytaan, so the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade us to open the door to his works in this manner, and told us to adopt the second option, which is looking at the divine decree and bearing it in mind, for if it was decreed for him it would never have missed him and no one could have prevented him from attaining it. Hence he said: “If anything befalls you, do not say ‘If only I had done (such and such), the such and such would have happened,’ rather say: ‘Allah has decreed and what He wills He does,’” and he taught him that which will benefit him in either case, whether he gets what he wanted or not. Hence this hadeeth is one which a person can never do without. [Source: Shifa’ al-‘Aleel (37-38).]
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Revive Your Faith
As mentioned in the hadith above, a strong faith can help us to hold our heads high. When faith seems to be dwindling, we should get back to Quran and remind ourselves that only Allah can let us out of our ordeal and problems. You must, therefore, keep that faith and not let Satan instill thoughts that could weaken your faith. Allah says in the Quran:

If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in Allah (Alone) let believers put their trust. (Quran, Surah Aal-e-Imran: 160)
A strong faith can keep you focused on the fact that Allah alone ultimately controls all destinies and has power over all things. Remembering that fact alone at the moment of affliction can help you in conquering the pain and provide you hope and the energy to keep moving forward.

Believe in the Divine Decree
When facing difficulties, our weak faith can sometimes drive us to question the fairness of it all. In this context, we should remind ourselves that believing in al-Qadr (Allah’s divine will and decree) is one of the pillars of Islamic faith. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, it means belief in (1) Allah, (2) His Angels, (3) His revealed Holy Books (Quran, Bible, Torah, Zabur), (4) His Messengers, (4) Day of Judgment, and (5) to believe in al-Qadar (the divine decree) both good and bad. Allah also says in the Quran:

22. No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfooz), before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah.
23. In order that you may not grieve at the things that you fail to get, nor rejoice over that which has been given to you. And Allah likes not prideful boasters.
– Quran [Surah Al-Hadid, Verses 22, 23]
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We, as Muslims, should accept Allah’s Decree both as it manifests itself around us and in our lives. It should be a relief to us that only Allah is the master of our destiny and we are only going to be tested about whether we reacted to what befalls as true believers and Mo’mins, i.e. being patient in adversity and grateful in prosperity.As part of that belief, we should, therefore, recognize that Allah does what He wills for reasons that are only known to Him. Any attempt to comprehend the wisdom of it all using our limited faculties, or to understand how our current situation fits in His overall plan can only lead us to erroneous conclusions resulting in increased frustrations .
Ask for Allah’s Mercy and Grace for an Out from Tough Situations
As believers we should recognize that only Allah’s Grace and Mercy can deliver us from challenging situations. Allah tells us in the Quran:

“They after that you turned away. Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah upon you, indeed you would have been among the losers. (Quran, Surah Al-Baqara: 64)”
Another way to ask for Allah’s Grace and Mercy is by asking for His forgiveness and seeking repentance. Allah tells us in the Quran:
And (commanding you): “Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace (i.e. the one who helps and serves needy and deserving, physically and with his wealth, and even with good words). But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). (Quran, Surah Al-Hud: 3).

Stay Patient in Hard Times
One of the best remedies for tough times is to be patient. A state of patience requires that we not resort to complaining, and remember Allah often. We take this lesson from the story of Prophet Yousuf (A.S.) who went through various ordeals in life only to be rewarded with a large kingdom in his later years. Allah tells us in the Quran:

They said: “Are you indeed Yousuf (Joseph)?” He said: “I am Yousuf (Joseph), and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been gracious to us. Verily, he who fears Allah with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the Muhsinoon (good-doers – see V.2:112) to be lost.” (Quran, Surah Yousuf: 90).
The Quran also says:

Thus did We give full authority to Yoosuf (Joseph) in the land, to take possession therein, as when or where he likes. We bestow of Our Mercy on whom We please, and We make not to be lost the reward of Al-Muhsinoon (the good doers – see V.2:112). (Quran, Surah Yousuf: 56).

Remember Allah in Good Times
We know from the Quran that when we remember Allah in good times, Allah will help us in tough times. We learn that lesson from the story of Prophet Younus (A.S.) when he was swallowed by a whale. Out of His mercy, Allah finally relieved him out of that calamity. He tells us in the Quran:

143. Had he not been of them who glorify Allah,
144. He would have indeed remained inside its belly (the fish) till the Day of Resurrection. Quran (Surah As-Saaffaat)
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Summary
To summarize, the next time when you are in a tough situation that may potentially test your will and faith, remember these points:
- Do not let yourself get to a point where you feel helpless
- Revive your faith by reciting Quran and ponder over Allah’s words
- Recall your faith in the Divine Decree
- Ask for Allah’s Mercy and Grace for an Out from Tough Situations (by making all the Dua that the prophet (s) taught us)
- Remember Allah in good times.
- Stay patient until Allah guides you out from the tough situation you are in.
Finally, let us not forget what Allah told us the following in the Quran:

“Say: ‘Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Maula (Lord, Helper and Protector).’ And in Allah let the believers put their trust” Quran (Surah Towbah: 51).
— End
(See also the article on Qaqa wal-qadr “Dealing with Life’s Challenges and Difficulties”)
Quranic References

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Shukran laka wa jazak Allahu khairan 🙂
I appreciate this guidance and I should definitely train myself to deepen my faith in Allah through thick and thin and work on what’s required in me further.
Thank you once again.
Salaam. 🙂
Thank you soo much for this guidance, I needed it. May Allah give you jaza for this good deed which you are doing…
Mashallah, jezakumu Allahu kheyral jaza. This is an important and timely reminder for all. I alway enjoy reading your awakening, inspiring and helpful messages. May Allah help us benefit the most from them.
Mashallah, jezakumu Allahu kheyral jaza. This is an important and timely reminder for all. I alway enjoy reading your awakening, inspiring and helpful messages. May Allah help us benefit the most from them.
alhamdulah and thank you for these insightful fruitful knowledge for all of us I shall share with my family and friends may we all be guided to the straight path inshallah and be strong always for allahs mercy ameen
Asalam alaikum…Thank u very much…i cant tell u how much i needed ur today’s article.It had every advice i needed….may Allah give u ur part of sawaab for sharing it with us
As per sura bakara “remember allah through prayer n allah will remember you. And patience that what allah likes n we all will return to him. Ameen
its strange how you send me messages that concur with my current situations, JazakAllah.
Jaza kumullahu khairan. Indeen you are true friends in Islam and this encouraged me to put more effort due to my present situation and seek your prayers as well. Ihave eleven children and now in a spill over in a university studying Bsc ed physics. I have to read hard and take care of their whole life including their mother. Iam not rich so I found myself in a critical condition. But due to your referenced Islamically now Iam at ease. Thank you very much. Iam proud of brothers in Islam like you.
Asalam Alaikum brother please email me I’m not sure when u posted this but my father has been through same struggle with 12 of us.
jazak’Allah khair for this article, much needed in this very difficult time for me. i am very sick and have been suffering for nearly 3yrs. please make dua Allah (swt) grants me shafah
Thank you for refreshing my belief.It is very true. I begged Allah many for help and believe me He immediately helped me .The only condition is that one must beg Allah with whole heartedly. Keep sending us such valuable Dua /references.
Malik
Jazak Allah Khair.. i am going through hard time, Much needed above information as my mind was distracted thinking negatives.Subhanallah i received your above message today and i am relaxed now..Please make duaa to overcome this hard situations, like clearing debts and for increase in rizq
Recently, I’ve been letting myself feel hopeless so i really needed this. Thank you so much! God bless. 🙂
Assalaamu Alaikum.
Masha Allah. Very good reminders that we should not forget our faith at any given time. Believing in Allah SWT and having full faith in him is the best thing that can have ever happen to a human being. Allah SWT knows best in all matters.
May Allah SWT shower his mercy on all mankind. Let us practice what Allah SWT has ordained for us and follow the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammed SAW. This is where the sucess is.
Maa Salaam.
Wallah, nothing is best than patience in Allah.
We are very much greatful for reminding us on the importance of faith and may Allah grant u Jannah
b/rgds – Fatma Omar
Asalaam wa alaikum,
Subhanaallah the day I read this was like a sign from Allah answering my call for guidance as I was jus previously tested,alhamdulilah I made dua & turned to Allah,but the main point I’d like to make is that we must as Muslims remember Allah in times of ease so that he answers us in the times of hardship. May Allah reward you for this piece of knowledge that you share Ameen.
Mashallah this website is indeed of great help.May Allah have mercy on all of us
Masha Allah. The article is very important in our lives as we all sail in the same boat. May Allah bless Iqrasence.
Jakaumullah khairan
Jazakallahu khairan. This article came at a perfect time. May Allah reward you and ease all our difficulties. Ameen.
JazakAllahu Khairan. It just came at a right time, ie a few minutes after recieving a notice a notice from my employer advising me to resign my appointment.
Shukran for this article
I lost my Mom in this Ramdan while I was in the other country, I had a strong pain, I believe in Qadar. But I felt guilty because I did not see her for a year. And I talked to her for few times because I was busy.
My pain because I was not close to her as it should be. I ask Allah forgivness
I pray for Allah to rest her soul in peace and reward her the paradise insha Allah
Ameen
Alhamdilulah….feeling blessed…Allah SWT is testing me through some hardships..i was not correct in my prayers..but now i am able to perform my prayers on time..and i remember my Allah all the time.i know that he is watching me and what ever is happening to me is just to bring me back to him..and i loved to be his slave…may Allah bless me with this to the rest of my life until i met him…
Asalamwalaikum.
Jazak Allah for you efforts that truly come as guidance to the believers. Alhamdulilah. We are very quick to forget what favours Allah bestows upon us in hardship. I have been suffering from health anxiety for four years. I have been to the doctor several times in these last years fearing I have this or that illness. But SubhanAllah not once has my fear been confirmed by my doctor. I have have always been sent away and told that I am healthy Alhamdulilah. It is no doubt the work of the Dhahran that I still fear in our hearts. Trust in Allah is the key. May Allah grant every believer a faith in Him that shatters mountains. In sha Allah Ameen.
Allahu Akbar!..I read this beautiful and highly inspirational article just after finding myself in a helpless situation. Masha Allah the article was very helpful
Jazkumullah bi khair
SUBAHAN ALLAH! This article i received at the right time. MAY ALLAH us away from all forms of distress and misfortunes and guide us with patience. ameen
Trials and tribulations are part of earthly life none can escape nor anyone should lose patience –Everything happens for a reason!
Nothing happens by chance or by means of good luck. Illness, injury, love,lost moments of true greatness all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, trials there is danger one may get arrognce .kibr;forgetfulness towards Alla towards deen
Thank you very much for the article. It was great and a good reminder for us to trust Allah at any situation and know that God never leaves us alone. Amen.
thank you so much for this wonderful guidance
salam to all my brother and sisters. i’m facing a lot of challenges and difficult time in my life right now please pray for me. and i pray for all of you as will, Allah give all of you good health joy happiness,prosperity, in Allah 99 names, Ameen….Ameen…
masha Allah what a great work may Allah help you ?n all th?s good job you are do?ng ?n shar?ng the words of allah and help?ng people to be more strong on the deen
Alhamdulillah! Very good works…… Inspiring…… May Allah save us all.
Assalamualaikum
Brother this isnreally a fact which you have posted Masha Allah
Alkhamdolillah
We all will be tested being muslims may be with different things and times.
Some with loss of life and some with other odds. But the point is that never.lose hope and faith in Allah. For if you lose hooe the Satan will grab you. And that is his plan.
So always pray pray and pray.
And make dua and dua and dua .
And remeber Allah loves us equal to 70 mothers then how come he can see us in stress. NO NEVER.
Alkhamdolillah the best if the naimat or gifts by Allah is the Iman.
So my advice to all you please pray shukkar nawafil for being a muslim.
Nothing is more important than imaan
We have been blessed with it. And it is Allah whi gave it to us and we never thank him .
Alkhamdolillah Alkhamdolillah
This world today has become so difficult to live as true muslim. It catches you towards itself. The cell fones the social media and tv dish songs and movies but to remain steadfast is a test.
May Allah protect us from all evils.
And please look after your children.it is your duty to put them on the righteous path. For you will be blamed if they get astray.
Allah Hafiz.
Salam. Am pleased because I have learned a lot from the above advice and all what the noble book says about destiny from Allah.
Wonderful site.
Jazakallah khair shukran shukran this is much benifit may Allah swt bless you in your health your wealth and your family ameen
My daughter suffering phsycic problem bc she lost her love with her boy friend kindly perform dua for her she is in hospital as soon she get release from hospital im alone here in hospital they are not allow to meet with so please pray for her as soon as possible she get rid fron hospital
salam. I make dua all the time and I read at the same time for my A’level exam and now the outcome(result) turnout to be bad. wen I saw my result I said alihamdulilahi though it was really bad because the result is my only hope to continue my education. I feel strong and determined after reading this article. may Allah bless this brother.. and I will keep making dua even if there’s no way, I know Allah(SWT) will make a good way for me…