Islam Perspective Struggles and Trials“Without Struggle” There is “No Success”
The trials and struggles in our life are a means to test our faith and obedience to Allah and earn rewards in this life and the next.
Hello, Dear Readers and followers, welcome back to my new story, I hope all’s well. Today I planned to talk about struggles and trials which we face at different times and how we can deal with them without getting mental disorders and hurting ourselves.
The struggle is a natural and unavoidable state of self-improvement this leads to, is a result of an ongoing process over many years, in which all human beings are.
The fact that we are struggling doesn’t mean that something is wrong with us. Whether we are struggling to make a living, live in constant fear of the future, or have no idea about our place in the world, all of these are normal parts of the process. There is nothing wrong with us.
The struggle is also inextricably linked to purpose. We struggle because we are working towards something meaningful. Because we are on a mission, of turning something greater than ourselves, into reality. We are just as worthy of love, belonging, and success as anybody else.
Nothing ever comes easy and can never be achieved quickly and also nothing can be done without years of hard work. Every single day, we get a little bit better, and also every single year, we move closer towards our goals, when we are trying to build towards our dreams. Not always is that improvement as easily measurable as when it comes to running, though.
In a sense, a struggle is a form of training. It prepares us and forces us to be ready for the next step. Struggle only ever becomes more. As we are facing harder and harder challenges, the amount of hardship we face only increases. It is our current struggle that prepares us for the next step. The moment we stop struggling is the moment that we stop taking on big enough challenges.
There have been people before us. There have been people who passed through a similar struggle, as we are doing now. And, there are people who are facing it right now. We are certainly not alone in our struggle.
It’s in those moments that we will have to look toward those people, who have already passed through the struggle. It is those people who are going to remind us why our current struggle is worth it. Difficulties and hardships will be our constant companions. Without going through extended periods of hard work, sweat and difficulty, we cannot move beyond our current level of performance.
The Whole result and the value of struggle are that We are formed to become the person we are, through the struggles that we are facing every single day. In a way, it is through the culmination of all the different obstacles, which we have overcome throughout our lives, that our identity is formed. The most difficult situations in our life, are also the most strongly affecting our own development as a person.
It is during difficult moments, that we have to make the most impactful decisions. And it is these decisions, which, in retrospect, tell us the most about who we are, and who we have the potential to become.
Islam Perspective Purpose of Difficulties (Struggles and Trials) in Life
Every challenge we face is like a Game in that there are obstacles to overcome in order to win. Taking ownership of the challenges in our life gives us power over them. Most people who struggle to overcome the challenges they face, feel like victims of their circumstances.
The problem with being a victim is that we have no control over our circumstances and it has power over us. This is why so many people fall into despair and feelings of hopelessness.
The trials in our life are a means to test our faith and obedience to Allah and earn rewards in this life and the next. A true Muslim believes that all matters are in the hands of Almighty Allah.
Allah the Almighty created us to become the best of people and that’s why we are constantly challenged by problems that will force us to grow. It would be impossible to become the best us, without having to overcome the challenges that shape us and our life.
Life is a Testing Ground
Islam is submission to the will of Allah. For one who submits, a mere declaration or display of belief will not be taken for success, but his or her heart and soul will for sure be put to test.
Allah also says:
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.” ( Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 155)
However, for some of us, our faith can get shaken during times of trials and hardships. It is during those times though that we should remind ourselves that a believer’s position and rank are raised in front of Allah and that such a hardship may very well be a sign of Allah’s love for the believer. This can help us in maintaining and even strengthen our faith.
Allah will test us to see whether we follow His commandments or his own desires; whether we live a righteous and godly life or live according to what his NAFS (self ) dictates; whether the faith we display is firmly rooted in our heart or is it merely on the surface and thus is knocked off at a slight wind; whether we will continue to have faith and love of Allah when in calamity as we do when in comfort; whether we will continue to remember and worship him if given bounties and comforts of life as we do when we live a modest life.
Allah will test us to see if our faith, trust, and love of Him is unconditional or if is it conditioned with good health and comfortable life free from stress and anxiety.
For a righteous Muslim, this life is a testing ground where we will continue to be tested until we meet Allah. For us, tests will be done right here on earth while we live, and not after we die. We know that as soon as death arrives and we step into the Next World, our tests are over.
There, we only receive the results of our tests, and then enjoy (or suffer) the fruits of our deeds that we committed during a short span of time called Life.
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Importance and Benefits of Tawakkul | Faith, and Reliance on Allah
Reliance upon Allah is from the highest ranks of closeness to Allah. Tawakkul means leaving everything to Allah. In English, trust means having a firm belief in the reliability of a person who is truthful, a confident expectation or a person or thing confided in.
Tawwakul is about trusting Allah with regard to our livelihood, health, well-being, honor, and dignity, such that whatever happens, we know that it is Allah’s will. One is convinced that the vital needs are in the control of the Lord. A heart full of confidence is the heart of a Mutawakil (the one who trusts Allah).
Relying on Allah is one of the greatest forms of worship. One of the ways that Allah describes the believers is that he says they are:
“those who are patient and upon their Lord they put their reliance”. ( Quran 29:59)
In this verse, Allah describes the believers as people who put their reliance upon Allah. By putting our reliance on Allah we accept that Allah is in total control of our lives and submit to whatever god sees fit for our life. When we make that submission it relieves us of the anxiety that we feel over the potential outcomes of our challenges.
Allah Almighty made relying upon Him a condition for faith. Allah the Almighty Said to His Prophet Muhammad PBUH;
(what means): “…Rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].” [Quran 3: 159]
Reliance to Allah means entrusting one’s affairs to Allah and relying on Him in all matters. Entrusting one’s affairs to Allah entails not turning to something or someone else for support. So reliance on Allah can be with regard to matters of creed, such that the servant’s heart does not turn to anyone else besides Allah. Therefore, we are always putting our reliance on Allah, entrusting all of our affairs to Him.
Imam Ghazali remarks that Tawakul has three meanings:
1. It refers to accepting predestination, being satisfied with Divine providence, and believing that whatever Allah has planned for one cannot be changed. Allah says in The Majestic Quran “And in Allah let the believers, put their trust” (Ibrahim:11).
2. It means always relying on Allah’s help and support.
3. It refers to putting trust in Allah to provide livelihood, provisions, and your daily needs:
“And whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him” (At Talaq:3) and “Once you have taken a decision then put your trust in Allah” (Ale ‘Imran:159).
This video provides a deep understanding of Tawhid and how it relates to the fact that none can benefit or harm except Allah. From this the proper attitude to facing challenges becomes clear; and the most beneficial approach to dealing with “means,” such as medicine for illness, is also skillfully explained.
The one who puts his trust in Allah is like a bird
We depend on material possessions like our career, house, car, gadgets, wealth, reputation, family, and friends. Therefore, our dependence on Allah lessens as our dependency on these material things increases. Shariah has discouraged us from being too materialistic, so it forbids hoarding things, taking interest (riba), and encourages giving charity to overcome our love of Dunya.
Umar ibn Al-Khattab reports that the Messenger (peace be upon him) discouraged us from being money-orientated and said:
“If you trust Allah, He will provide for you as He provides for the birds, they leave their nests in the morning hungry and return with a full belly at dusk” (Tirmidhi)
In another hadith, Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“A group of men and women with hearts like the birds shall enter Paradise” (Muslim).
Another great example of Tawakul is the trust that Prophet Ibrahim had in his Lord, it is said that when he was about to be thrown into Nimrod’s pit of fire, Angel Jibrael offered to save him.
But Prophet Ibrahim declined to say
‘My Lord is fully aware of my circumstances’. Ibn Abbas relates that when Ibrahim was thrown into the pit of fire, he said: ‘Allah alone is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs’.
Putting our trust in Allah is a very powerful way to free our minds of worldly needs and worries, as well as show our profound belief in Divine providence. It is therefore an important pillar of spiritual intelligence as it reflects deep faith, a sense of dependency and trust in Allah.
For more information see:
The Meaning of Nafs and the Struggle Against the Lower Soul ( JIHAD AL-NAFS)
Nafs lexically means soul, the psyche, ego, self, life, person, heart, or mind. Although some scholars have classified the Nafs into 7 stages, there is agreement among Ulama that in the Qur’an, Allah has described at least 3 main types of the Nafs. And these are in rank from worse to better: Nafs al-Ammara Bissu’ (the Nafs that urges evil), Nafs al-Lawwama (the Nafs that Blame), and Nafs al-Mutma`inna (the Nafs at Peace).
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A human’s soul is the scene of a struggle between two competing powers. Divine power attracts him towards heavenly spheres and inspires him to act of goodness. Satanic power tempts him towards realms of darkness and shame and invites him to acts of evil. When the divine forces are victorious, a person emerges as a virtuous and blessed being, in the company of prophets, saints, and the pious. When, however, the satanic forces dominate, the person becomes rebellious and vicious and is grouped with infidels, oppressors, wrongdoers, and those who are cursed.
There are two kinds of people, one is those whose Nafs have overcome them and led them to ruin because they yielded to them and obeyed their impulses. The other kinds are those who have overcome their Nafs and made them obey their commands.
Ibn Kathir says:
“The Mu’min are a people who have been prevented through the Qur’an from indulging in the pleasures of this world; it comes between them and what might destroy them. The Mu’min is like a prisoner in this world, who tries to free himself from its shackles and chains, placing his trust in nothing in it, until the day he meets his Creator. He knows full well that he is accountable for everything that he hears, sees and says, and for everything that he does with his body.” (Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, vol. 9 pg. 276, Cairo 1352)
Jihad al-nafs is the struggle against evil ideas, desires, and powers of lust, anger, and insatiable imagination, placing all of them under the dictates of reason and faith in obedience to God’s commands, and finally, purging all satanic ideas and influences from one’s soul.
This struggle is considered the major struggle (al-jihad al-Akbar) as it is much more difficult than fighting on the battlefield, for in the struggle against the self, one has to constantly battle enemies that are hosted inside his own existence.
Islamic ethical teachings indicate that the one who succeeds in this struggle can rise above and beyond the level of angels, and one who fails in this struggle will descend to a level lower than the level of animals, and may even be grouped among the legions of the devil.
For more information see:
Prophets’ Stories of Struggle
Life is full of challenges and nobody is free from hardship. Even the prophets and messengers were tested with trials and tribulations such as loss of wealth, health, and loved ones.
There are so many inspiring and lesson-filled Prophet stories in the Qur’an. These narrations have not only shaped the history of Islam but also teach us vital lessons about many of the issues that we face in our everyday lives. The Prophets demonstrated the best possible ways that we can be blessed with Allah’s great mercy, and despite the difficulties faced, they stood firm in their faith with utmost patience and perseverance.
There is a very beautiful book, called Stories of the Prophets, written in the Middle Ages by Hafez ibn Kathir. It is easily available and well worth reading.
Prophet Adam (AS)
The very narrations of the creation of Adam (AS) contain important takeaways for us to ponder. We all know the story of Adam and Eve being sent down to Earth to eat the forbidden fruit because of the devil's whispers.
Prophet Yunus (AS)
The mission of Prophet Yunus is a timeless story that tells us there is a way out if only we have faith. It is an interesting story of the prophet Yunus. The unbelievers can learn a big lesson from this story of prophet Yunus. There you can learn how the prophet of Allah kept his struggle to guide the nation. Apart from this, it is the only prophet of Allah who prostrates Allah in the stomach of a big whale who survived in the stomach of the whale for three days.
Prophet Ayub (AS)
There is much to learn from the story of Prophet Ayyub, as he is the ideal example of the afflicted believer who remained patient and faithful to His Lord.
Prophet Ayyub (peace be upon him) was mentioned in the Holy Qur’an four times. He resided in the region that is now Syria. Prior to his illness, Prophet Ayyub was an extremely wealthy man. He possessed treasures of gold and silver, and he owned land, farms, fields, and cattle. He also had many children.
Scholars say that the illness overtook Prophet Ayyub when he was seventy years old. The illness was so severe; historians have written that not a single limb of Ayyub was free from disease except his tongue and his heart, which he used for the remembrance of Allah. He lost his children and his whole family except his wife who remained devoted to him.
Historians have recorded different durations and the extent of the Prophet’s illness. Some claimed his illness lasted three years, others claim seven years, and others claim eighteen years. Regardless of the exact number of years, we can certainly know that Prophet Ayyub patiently bore his illness for a very long time.
Never did Prophet Ayyub lament, grow angry, or reject the fate which Allah had decreed for him. Day and night, throughout the pain and difficult times, Prophet Ayyub would praise his Lord.
Prophet Yusuf (AS)
There is much to learn from the story of Prophet Yusuf, as he is an example of an afflicted believer who remained patient and faithful to his God. Prophet Yusuf from his dream knew he was destined for greatness but it seemed at every turn of his life he was met with difficulties and adversity. He was betrayed by his brothers, sold as a slave, and unjustly imprisoned. Yusuf could have chosen to be bitter and question Allah by saying, “I thought you had ordained for me greatness”. He could have easily complained and asked “why do these things keep happening to me”. But he knew better, he knew Allah had a plan for him and he had to just keep the faith. Yusuf knew by just focusing on being the best he could, treating people right and with respect, and doing more than what was requested that Allah would take care of him.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is a role model for every person of this world who believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment. This source of light and guidance (the Prophet PBUH) can lead us completely. The world has seen a lot of scholars, philosophers, and preachers but none was as great as the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). It’s also an undeniable fact that he has been targeted the most throughout history.
The Life of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, has been a topic of many books and studies. Many people and authors approach the life of Rasulullah, “the pride of humanity.” as not chronological biography. It differs from other books on the Prophet in the sense that they assume a psychological and sociological analysis of the various aspects of the Prophet’s life portraying him as a compassionate father, a profound spiritual leader, a wise statement, a courageous commander, a loving husband, a most reliable and trustworthy person.
A renowned Christian writer named Michael H. Hart wrote a book called “100 Most Influential People” in which he, to the shock of many Christians, designated Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to be number one on the list of the hundred most influential persons throughout the history of humankind. He explained his primary reason for doing that:
“My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels. Of humble origins, Muhammad founded and promulgated one of the world’s great religions, and became an immensely effective political leader. Today, thirteen centuries after his death, his influence is still powerful and pervasive. The majority of the persons in this book had the advantage of being born and raised in centers of civilization, highly cultured or politically pivotal nations. Muhammad, however, was born in the year 570, in the city of Mecca, in southern Arabia, at that time a backward area of the world, far from the centers of trade, art, and learning.”
He infused justice, love, and dignity in all those around him. He spread the power of brotherhood to the extent that it became exceptional in human history. Affirming that these grand virtues were bestowed on him by Allah the Almighty and that He prepared His loyal messenger to call for true religion, is part of one’s belief.
The Qur’an describes the Prophet ﷺas merciful and kind to the believers. Allah the Almighty says, There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.(Quran Surah Tawbah 9:128)
And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds. (Quran Surah 21:107)
The most important event in the history of Islam was the story of Muhammad’s sojourn in the Hirak cave. Along came to the angel Gabriel with the revelation from the Almighty, appointing him as His last prophet. The first revelation that Allah s.w.t. revealed to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the commandment for his people to seek knowledge, through the spirit of “Iqra”.
When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation in Hira’ Cave through angel Jibril, he was asked to “Iqra”, which means read. Astounded, he replied, “I am not literate.” He was asked two more times to read, but he answered again, that he could not read. After that, angel Jibril conveyed the revelation:
“Read in the name of your Lord Who created; created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous Who taught by the pen; taught man that which he knew not” (Surah Al-’Alaq; 1–5).
“Iqra” is a command to read the signs that God has placed in the world so that all of us can understand something of His Wisdom and Mercy. It is a command to learn, through experience and understanding. And as humans continue seeking knowledge, always remember never to be arrogant with the knowledge that we have acquired.
Then came the trials, tribulations, and sufferings endured in calling men to the path of the Almighty.
The saddest part of the Prophet’s life was when his wife Khadijah and uncle Abu Talib passed away in succession.
To make up for these great losses, he was taken for a visit to heaven during the Night Journey.
When he did not make much headway in terms of the number of converts in Mecca, he was commanded to migrate to Medina. Here he was able to establish the first official Muslim administration.
Thus, these are some of the most memorable stories in the history of Islam, these stories, however, are different yet hold an important lesson for us to remember. Amongst them is the virtue of being grateful to our Lord, which is crucial in our life so that other unbelievers can get a lesson.
These timeless stories teach us that there is always a way out as long as we have faith. Never give up. Trust in Allah. He can use us and all situations to do great things beyond our wildest imagination. It is by Allah’s will that we are Muslim. Just as [his Lord chose him and made him of the righteous,] (Al-Qalam 68:50) so we, too, like different Prophets can respond to the call of Almighty Allah and make a difference in our world.
Allah always does what is best: Trusting Allah’s plans
Often in our lives, we get stuck at a point where we question our fate, why me? The answer is always hidden in Allah’s wisdom. The events that are not happening according to our choice are planned with care and love by the Best of all Planners, Allah.
Allah had a plan for you before we were born, and He still has a plan for us. Allah’s plan for us is necessary and glorious. His plan is vital to our success and important to the world. We can trust that when things don’t work out the way we want, Allah has something better planned.
I believe that Allah has a flexible plan for each human being: a plan that allows that us to benefit the world with our unique talents. There is no doubt that Allah has decreed everything that happens in the universe from the beginning of time to the end, and that Allah has written it all in al-Lawh al-Mahfooz (the Book of Decrees).
Our Iman is dependent on how much we trust Allah and His plans. Accepting the hurdles, overcoming them with strong Tawakkul, and bowing our heads in front of His will, are what takes us to the heights of Iman. Having complete faith in Him will also result in a peaceful and contented heart.
The life of every creation is dependent on Allah and His perfect plans. Not a leaf can move without His permission. Similarly, the life of a human being is perfectly planned by Allah SWT. Every decision that he thinks he’s making, has already been written by Allah, and every test, happiness, and sadness are from Him alone because He is the Best decision-maker. He plans whatever is better for us even if we don’t understand.
Islam a Complete Way of Life
Islam is a monotheistic religion based on revelations from the Prophet Muhammad PBUH1400 years ago, which were recorded in the sacred Quran. The word Islam in Arabic means “submission,” reflecting the central core of Islam, which is submission to the will of God.
Islam provides Muslims with a code of behavior, ethics, and social values, which helps them in tolerating and developing adaptive coping strategies to deal with stressful life events. Islam teaches how to live in harmony with others “Seek the life to come by means of what God granted us but do not neglect our rightful share in this world. Do good to others as God has done well to us. Do not seek to spread corruption in the land, for God does not love those who do this” (Quran, 28:77).
In Islam Sharia means ‘the path’ and it refers to the path that Muslims should follow in their life. It provides the guidelines and requirements for two types of interactions: Those between humans and God (worship); and those between humans to humans (social transactions). The main sources of Sharia are the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
The Quran describes the way in which Allah should be worshipped. The Sunna includes all the known sayings, advice, and actions of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), his decisions, and his responses to life situations and to philosophical and legal questions, which are usually derived from what’s called Hadith.
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Strategies for Dealing with Problems from the Perspective of Islam
Problem-solving is one of life’s great challenges for most human beings. Most of us struggle with the daily hardships of life without always having practical problem-solving strategies.
Strategies for dealing with problems from the perspective of Islam include a set of cognitive and behavioral efforts that make human beings overcome the difficulties of life and solve their problems in the best possible way by relying on the source of divine safety.
From the Islamic point of view, problem-solving is the process of effectively confronting challenges without haste or avoidance, which is accompanied by rational optimism.
Research findings showed that trust in God, emotion control, recognizing the problem, identifying goals and obstacles, thinking, and consulting is an important part of the process of dealing with problems that affect how people evaluate the problem and its severity and moderates the effects of crises and severe liver problems and creates a level of acceptance and trust when faced with a problem.
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The reward of struggle and traits
It was narrated from Anas ibn Malik that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Great reward comes with great trials.
Final Thoughts:
Islam is not only a belief, but it is also a complete system of life for Muslims by integrating the principles of beliefs, practices, and secular and religious worlds into one that is inseparable. The system of life is given by Allah which makes the way of Muslim life. It is the identity that Muslims worldwide must hold fast to, and practice strictly, as stipulated in the Quran.
Islam provides guidelines and a method for living daily life. If we follow this way of life, the overall effect it will have on our lives is that it will give us the mindset and tools to be able to deal with our problems. Mindset is probably the most important way to deal with problems because our world is controlled by the way we see it. A person's psychology is 50% of the way to a solution as solutions all start in the mind.
