Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life’s struggles? Have you ever questioned why things don’t always go the way you hoped? You’re not alone. Many of us feel this way at some point. But there’s a reason behind every hardship, and that reason is deeply rooted in our existence—our purpose, as created by Allah.
Allah Created Us and Everything Around Us
Allah is the Creator of the heavens, the earth, and everything in between. He created you, your emotions, your thoughts, and every challenge you face. Allah knows how you feel. He knows your pain, your fears, and your struggles. He also knows what you are capable of overcoming. In the Qur’an, He assures us:
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…” (Qur’an 2:286)
This means that no matter how difficult your trial seems, you have the strength within you to endure it. Your struggles are not punishments; they are opportunities—opportunities to grow closer to your Creator and to elevate your status in the Hereafter.
Life is a Test: The Gift of Free Will
Unlike animals, humans have intellect—the ability to choose between right and wrong. This is what sets us apart. We have the choice to be grateful or ungrateful, kind or cruel, patient or impatient.
Think of the case of two individuals who both lose their jobs. One turns to Allah, makes dua, and continues to strive with hope in his heart. The other falls into despair, loses faith, and becomes bitter. The same test, two different outcomes. This is the essence of free will—our response to life’s challenges determines our success, not the challenge itself.
How Should We Respond to Hardships?
- Reciprocate Goodness with Goodness If someone is good to you, be good to them. If someone offers you kindness, return it. This fosters love and unity in the Ummah.
- When Faced with Harm, Pray for Them If someone hurts you or causes you distress, rather than seeking revenge or harboring resentment, pray that Allah softens their hearts. The Prophet (ﷺ) endured immense hardship from people, yet he prayed for them, not against them.
- Guard Your Speech Backbiting and slander harm not just others but also your own soul. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
- Understand That Life Was Never Meant to Be Easy Life is not about having no struggles. It’s about making the struggles easier through faith, prayer, and trust in Allah’s plan. Everything that happens, happens by His decree, and whatever is written for you will come to you at the right time.
Patience and Faith
There is a sister who lost her husband at a young age, leaving her alone with two small children. Instead of despairing, she turned to Allah. She prayed, worked hard, and trusted in Allah’s plan. Years later, not only did she build a stable life for herself and her children, but she also became an advocate for single mothers, helping countless women find strength in their struggles. This is the power of faith—it turns pain into purpose.
Allah’s Mercy and Wisdom
Allah’s mercy is vast, and His wisdom is beyond our understanding. Sometimes, what we see as a hardship is actually a blessing in disguise. Reflect on past difficulties in your life—weren’t there moments where you later realised that what you once thought was terrible actually led you to something better? Allah knows what’s best for us, even when we don’t.
A Message for You
If you are feeling lost, hold on. Allah is with you. Pour your heart out in prayer. Trust in His wisdom. Know that every hardship, every tear, and every moment of struggle is a step toward something better—either in this life or in the next.
For more guidance, read our related articles on Kashmir Welfare Foundation, where we discuss patience, faith, and the importance of supporting one another in times of need.
You are never alone. You are loved. And most importantly, you are stronger than you think.
May Allah grant you ease, patience, and unwavering faith. Ameen.
