When will it end? How long must I try?
Trust in Allah's timing.
Life happens to everyone without exceptions in health, wealth, relationships, provisions, and more. Everyone faces tests at every moment of their lives, whether through having what they desire or experiencing the absence of it. When we encounter the trial of not having, we become aware of the trial and strive to find a solution.
Sometimes, finding the light at the end of the tunnel can be difficult. Persistently trying in such situations may feel overwhelming, leading us to wonder, "How long should I endure?" We feel like the solution is too far from us.
We are thinking of our timing…
Think of Allah’s Timing!
Allah Says:
Verily! They see it afar off, But We see it (quite) near.
(Quran 70:6-7)
In this ayah, Allah SWT describes the mindset of disbelievers about the final day. Allah says it is so close! than they think about it. We are on a journey to meet Allah (SWT) in the hereafter, and when Allah says that day is quite near, we must remember that this life is a mini part of that comprehensive journey—it is like a blink of an eye compared to the Akhirah (hereafter). Are we constantly forgetting that?
Do we fall into the whirlwind of thoughts about the tests and problems of this life and get caught up with stress and anxiety? Are we so tunnel-visioned in this world and its materialistic measurements of success? What if we break from it, think beyond, and remain conscious of our actual journey towards Allah SWT? Think in Allah’s timing. It is near!
Could we stop anything that happened to us in the past? Could we get anything that did not come to us despite our efforts? All that happened in our lives was according to the plan of Allah SWT, and He is in full control!
Then, what is my role?
If everything unfolds according to Allah’s plan, then what is our role? Islam does not advocate for a passive existence. As believers, we cannot simply say, "I trust Allah’s plan, and take no action."
Anas ibn Malik reported: A man said,
“O Messenger of Allah, should I tie my camel and trust in Allah, or should I leave her untied and trust in Allah?” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Tie her and trust in Allah.”
Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2517
We must actively use our free will to align ourselves as closely as possible with Allah’s will, even when it goes against our desires. e.g., 'dropping the hammer' at prayer times, giving to others when you need all of them, holding back your arguments even when you are right, being patient with your young kids…. So in any situation, as servants to Allah SWT, we keep putting our efforts to align with the plans of Allah SWT. Throughout Ramadan, we have been trained to control our desires and work on strengthening our taqwa (God-consciousness).
Imagine being tested with illness. In that situation, what we desire is complete healing and a return to good health. May Allah (SWT) cure all who are struggling with their health, reward them for their patience, and grant them shifa' (healing). However, if Allah has determined that enduring the test longer will elevate us to a higher level in the Akhirah, then as believers, we should accept this outcome, even while expending our best efforts toward treatments as required.
Again, we need to think in Allah’s timing.
The genocide in Palestine by the state of Israel and its allies restarted at the end of Ramadan. It is heartbreaking to see the images and visuals coming out. When will it end? On the other hand, while the world is pleading to super powers and the international community for justice, the young and old, men and women of Palestine say: Allah is sufficient for us. They serve as role models for believers across the globe, exemplifying faith in Allah’s timing.
Allah Says:
……and the ultimate outcome is only for the people of righteousness.
(Quran 20:132)
Six-year-old Hind Rajab and countless other children who have lost their lives in this genocide are already among the highest in paradise. May Allah accept the martyrs of Gaza, the West Bank, and beyond, and weaken the oppressors.
When we are tested in life (actually, it is happening every moment of our life in this world), think in Allah’s timing. It is near. Then react with your words, thoughts, and actions in pleasing Him alone, and have a complete trust in Allah SWT.
Du'a of the week
Ya Allah, I ask you for contentment after the Decree.
[Sunan an-Nasa'i 1305]
Sincere Duáas
Haneef
Join our free workshop on beating procrastination!
Time is a divine creation and one of the crucial resources we can use to succeed on our journey to Allah SWT. Unfortunately, the world is designed to distract us from what truly matters. We find ourselves constantly connected and pulled in different directions, leading us to live a life that falls short of our true potential.
Each distraction comes with an opportunity cost, preventing us from realizing our potential as professionals, parents, partners, and community members.
Are you struggling with procrastination, especially regarding your work, family, spirituality, or other commitments?
Join me on Saturday, April 19th, from 18:00 to 17:30 (CET) for TaQwa Minds’ free interactive workshop, “Procrastination Detox: Three TaQwa Habits for a Productive Life.” The recording will be available for viewing only if you are registered.
