Nurturing the Heart: Finding Strength and Resilience in the Light of Faith

In the long journey of life, where storms of adversity and trials relentlessly chase us, it is our faith that serves as the anchor, grounding us. In these trying times, how can we hold onto our faith? How does Islam tell us to keep our hearts alive?

Everything Happens for a Reason

The Quran, the ultimate guide of divine wisdom, offers solace and direction in every kind of situation. The Quran specifically gives advice which is relatable for the trials of this life, including our capacity to deal with difficulty. Allah says:

This verse serves as a reminder of Allah's mercy and compassion, assuring us that He will not test us beyond our capacity. It may feel like the trial you are going through right now is impossible, but He knows you are strong enough to deal with it, and He wants you to succeed.

Additionally, in the Quran Surah At-Tawbah (9:51), Allah reminds us:

"Say, 'Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And upon Allah let the believers rely."

Everything that has happened to you was meant to befall you. Nothing has happened without the approval of Allah, and He is our Al-Waly (our protecting friend).

You may ask, 'If Allah is my friend then why would He give me a tough trial?'. In the same way a doctor will give you a vaccine, it may hurt in the short term but it ultimately aims to strengthen your health. Allah gives you trials to strengthen your heart in conviction and belief. Trust in Him.

Good in Bad

The teachings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provide us with a roadmap for navigating through life's challenges with unwavering faith and resilience. In one of his profound statements, he said:

If you can implementing this viewpoint to life's challenges, you would be able to see the good in even the perceived 'bad'. There is a blessing in everything, small or big. In a beautiful analogy that Mufti Menk raised and if I paraphrase 'you have to loosen the hand which holds onto a hundred dollar bill to be able to grasp millions'. Allah may give you a difficulty, only so He can create space for greater opportunities and blessings.

Patience and Gratitude

Patience (sabr) and gratitude (shukr) are virtues emphasised throughout the Quran and Hadith, serving as powerful tools for maintaining a healthy heart in difficult times. They often both come hand in hand within the Quran, as you cannot be grateful without being patient. let's break these two concepts down.

Gratitude is defined as acknowledging blessings bestowed upon oneself by a benefactor, recognising that these blessings originate from Allah. Gratefulness implies understanding that all blessings are ultimately owned by God, and He knows best how to distribute his favours.

Prophet Moses made this beautiful supplication to Allah which, anyone who knows me knows I am always talking about. Where everything may seem doom and gloom, Allah encourages us to see the immeasurable blessings He has given us to strengthen our hearts, and counteract our endless search for constant satisfaction. Think about it, you might have got to work late but you have a job that pays the bill. Your food delivery came cold but at least you have food to appease your hunger. Gratitude helps to change our viewpoint of life for the better.

Patience is described as bearing afflictions, enduring obedience, and refraining from sins during difficult times. The Quran associates patience with the realisation that everything, including oneself, belongs to Allah. Ultimately, Allah gives our situations and also our solutions. I often say that patience is the only solution to many problems in life. Think about COVID-19 which slammed the world into a dark age. With perseverance, introspection, positivity and compassion we supported one another through times of major uncertainty. There was nothing we could truly do to change the tide but to have faith in Allah that He will give us a solution. For me, patience was the only remedy for a heart in anxiety during these times. In the Quran (Al-Qasas 28:80) it states that:

'Allah's reward is better for someone who has faith and acts righteously, and no one will receive it except the patient'.

Gratitude leads to contentment and the preservation of blessings, while patience fosters endurance and resilience in the face of trials. As Allah reminds us in the Quran (Surah Ibrahim 14:7):

"If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favour]."

Illuminating the Path Ahead

Nurturing our hearts in difficult times by using the teachings of the Quran and Hadith will keep us optimistic in the face of adversity. By drawing inspiration from these divine sources, cultivating patience, gratitude and perspective we can navigate through life's challenges with unwavering faith and resilience.

Let us heed the guidance of Allah and His Messenger, and keep the flame of our hearts burning bright, illuminating the path ahead with the light of faith, hope, and perseverance.