How often do things not go your way? Whether it be missing the last bus, or failing a test even though we made du’ah? How do you deal with the problems that arise every single day? In the moment when you are upset, you are most likely to say things such as “Why is this happening to me?” or “What have I done to deserve this?” The answer is simple; it is the Decree of Allah, ‘Azz wa Jal. How we deal with the trials we face in life is up to us- pleased or displeased. Dealing with them in a way which Allah will be pleased with however, should be our ultimate goal.

Every so often we find ourselves falling into the trap of the shaytaan and are easily swayed if our supplications are not answered. We should remind ourselves, constantly, if need be, not to hasten in supplication. No matter what difficulties have befallen us, whatever our circumstances and situations may be, we should strive to persevere in patience. It goes without saying that we should put aside our problems and difficulties and count our blessings.

It is reported that Shurayh – Allâh have mercy on him – said, “If I am afflicted with a calamity, I praise Allâh for it four times: I praise Him because it wasn’t worse than it was, I praise Him when He gives me the patience to bear it, I praise Him for enabling me to say al-istirjâ’ (‘To Allâh we belong and to him we will return’) in hope of a great reward, and I praise Him for not making it a calamity in my religion.”

Al-Dhahabî, Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ`, in his biography of Shurayh Al-Qâdî. Source.

This serves as a reminder to me, first and foremost, that we should be patient and not lose hope in Allah (Subhanah wa Ta’ala).

Being content with the Qadar or Divine Decree of Allah is of great significance. This Pillar of Faith is something that we all believe in, and is also something that we should all be satisfied with, as Allah, the Most High, has chosen this way for us. For all we know, the reason for our anxieties and difficulties could be trials and tests decreed for us by Allah (Subhanah wa Ta’ala) to make us better Muslims. Patience with that which Allah has decreed is of great reward and is beautiful in the Sight of Allah, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people, He tests them. Whoever accepts that wins His pleasure, but whoever is discontent with that earns His wrath.”
–Narrated by Tirmidhi

Ask yourselves, when it comes to the tests that you face in your day to day lives, are you earning the pleasure of Allah (Subhanah wa Ta’ala) or are you earning His wrath? Wa iyadubIllah, may we be protected from that, aameen. Being discontent with the circumstances we face is not wise, as what initially seems bad for us may turn out to be what is best for us.

Allah, The Blessed and Exalted, says in the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning):

“It may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.”
– Surah Al-Baqarah 2:216

We should really be thankful and grateful for our circumstances. It may be that something you really want is actually the reason that you will be led astray from the path of Allah (Subhanah wa Ta’ala). In truth, missing out on something you’ve been making du’ah for may be a good thing. This may be why He has kept it away from you. Now it may also be that you loathe something which turns out to be beneficial to you for you, both in this life and the hereafter.

As Muslims, we should realize that we have to be content with our situation and know that whatever He has chosen for us is for the best. Rather than complain to Allah (Subhanah wa Ta’ala) about our problems and why our prayers are not answered, we should count the numerous blessings that have been bestowed upon us and be thankful. How often does something not go our way and suddenly our imaan has decreased? Do we turn away from Allah, ‘Azz wa Jal, or do we say “Alhamdulillah, QaadarAllahu wa maa shaa fa’al” and be pleased?

Allah, The Glorified, says in the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning):

“And surely, We gave you authority on the earth and appointed for you therein provisions (for your life). Little thanks do you give.”
– Surah Al-A’raf 7:10

Allah (Subhanah wa Ta’ala) states that He has given us ability to do as we please and has blessed us with provisions to live (i.e. food, shelter) and we are still ungrateful. Is this not our condition? Brothers and sisters do not let the whispers of the shaytaan affect you and lead you every which way. Remember not to worry and always comfort yourself with the words of the Messenger (peace be upon him):

“How wonderful is the situation of the believer, for all his affairs are good. If something good happens to him, he gives thanks for it and that is good for him; if something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him. This does not apply to anyone but the believer.”
–Narrated by Muslim

May Allah (Subhanah wa Ta’ala) open our hearts to contentment with His Decree, give us peace of mind about our matters and concerns, make our hardships easy, fill our hearts with happiness and grant us satisfaction in our affairs. *Aameen*

Author: Kulsoom Kazim

We should take everything as a blessing, and not be saddened over small things.
We need to open our eyes and see those who smile despite every reason to cry.

Take a look around and see the people who are not happy with their Blackberries,
Or at those stressed with home renovations, because of extra money on their hands.
Take a look at the upset child without his favourite meal – rather he ate at a restaurant.

Now close your eyes, and imagine those without a roof on their head.
Imagine the little boy who continues to smile despite having lost a leg.
Imagine having only one piece of bread to eat every day.
Just imagine the lives of others on the Earth.

Why? Why are we so ungrateful?

Are we ungrateful because we have extra clothes to wear?
Because we have a variety of foods to choose from?
Are we upset because we have to share a room with our siblings?
Or are we sad because we have to attend school with our friends?

Is that a reason to be ungrateful?

We often wake up day after day and go to school with big frowns on our faces.
We greet people with negativity and walk around as if we haven’t been given anything.
We think so much of ourselves that we forget about the whole planet around us.
It’s so sad, pathetic actually. The world can be such an evil and selfish place, but we don’t have to be!

Take a moment to think about others.
Put yourself in others’ shoes and walk around to understand the paths they have to tread.

“Indeed, We guided him [i.e., man] to the way, be he grateful or ungrateful”
[Quran 76: 3]

We can choose one of two paths, so why not choose the one with the better ending?
Why not choose the one that will benefit you in this world and the hereafter
Open your eyes, and look around now, you have endless blessings to be grateful for.
Open your eyes, and look around now, you have every reason to say “Alhamdulillah“