Through Thick and Thin

 Through thick and thin,

through up and down,

in rain and shine,

in black and white,

Allah was, is and will always be Al-Fattah (The Granter of Success)

 Ali Ibn Abi Talib says, "Life consists of two days: one for you and one against you. So, when it's for you don't be proud or reckless, and when it's against you be patient, for both days are a test for you." This quote by Ali (RA) sums up the major theme of our lives. The leading cause for breaking down at times of hardships and getting overwhelmed at times of joy is our limited perception of the event that occurs. While dealing with a situation, we consider the empirical or hands-on facts and tend to ignore the actual perception that we should have perceived in the first place. Life, indeed is a test and we are created with a purpose that we need to fulfill. This should be the first thing we need to consider while figuring out situations in our life. 

“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose) and that you would not be brought back to Us?” (Quran 23:115)

We have to understand that our purpose of being created is to return to Allah swt. Setting up a long-term goal of  returning to Allah swt motivates us to reach that goal. Motivation will then help our perception. After setting the  goal, we start perceiving occurrences in terms of our goal. We do not get stuck at a situation and find a way out of it. Hardships and success are part and parcel of life. This is a straight fact that we all know. We should not consider hardships and success as mere events of our lives but as tests from Allah swt. Now, how are we supposed to get through these tests  and maintain a balance ? Well, the answer is - Sabar and Shukar. 

The Prophet ﷺ said: "How wonderful is the case of a Believer! There is good for him in whatever happens to him -and none, apart from him, enjoys this blessing. If he receives some bounty, he is grateful to Allah and this bounty brings good to him. And if some adversity befalls him, he is patient, and this affliction, too, brings good to him" (Muslim).

If we consider hardships and success as comparative concepts, one might thing hardships are a matter of concern. But one must remember that success is also a matter of attention. We have to thank Allah swt for the blessings He bestows us with. Tests can also come in form of blessings. This is an illusion which most of us experience. We become overjoyed and forget to express gratitude to 'The Giver of Gifts & Blessings- Al Wahhaab.' Giving thanks to Allah swt will help us understand the true source of happiness and strengthen our connection with Him.

"This is by the grace of my Lord! – to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And if any is grateful, truly his gratitude is (a gain) for his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, truly my Lord is free of all needs, Supreme in honour!" (Quran 27:40)

When it comes to trials we must not give up and get distressed. It's clearly mentioned in the Quran with hardships comes ease. Trials are temporary and one who bears with patience will taste the fruit of it in Jannah.

We shall test you with something of fear; hunger; loss of wealth, lives and fruits (or crops), but give glad tidings to the patient ones." (Quran, 2:155)

Following the righteous path, making dua and trying our best with the asbabs(resources) we have will facilitate us in facing the trials. 

"Then, whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor fall into distress (suffering) and misery (sadness)." (Quran, 20:123).

Therefore, to establish a balanced harmony we should have tawwakul (trust in Allah swt) We must consider every situation as a blessing and test from Allah and achieve solutions by sabar, salah and shukar. Remember, if you are seeking ultimate contentment in this life, then this life is a test and we shall gain ultimate peace only in hereafter.

O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salāt (the prayer).
Truly! Allah is with As-Sābirīn (the patient ones, etc.).
[Surah al-Baqarah 2:153]

May we always turn to Allah swt through all our sorrows and joy. May Allah make us from the patient. May we be of true believers and ones on righteous path. Aameen