Eman Sakina

Life is full of trials and tribulations. Every person encounters challenges—loss, disappointment, grief, or uncertainty – at some stage of one’s life. Personal loss, financial struggles, health challenges, and social injustices are all part of a human being’s journey through life. These moments can become overwhelming, yet Islam offers a framework of hope and resilience in these difficult times.

Friday Musings

In Islamic teachings, resilience thrives through faith, patience, and trust in Allah's wisdom. ‘Sabr’, embodying endurance and courage, is honoured as a virtue rewarded by Allah. Trust in Allah's decree provides strength and purpose amid challenges.

Prophetic stories, like those of Ibrahim and Musa, showcase resilience through unwavering faith. Prayer, a powerful spiritual connection, offers strength beyond rituals.

Embracing trials as tests for spiritual growth strengthens endurance. Solidarity within the community fosters resilience and compassion. Reflecting on the ultimate purpose in adversity deepens faith and trust. Islamic perspectives offer profound insights into facing adversities with faith and patience.

The Qur’an does not shy away from the reality of hardship. Instead, it prepares believers to face it with courage. Allah says: “Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be tested?” (Qur’an 29:2)

This verse reminds us that trials are a way of testing sincerity. They separate true faith from shallow belief, teaching patience and reliance on Allah.

Patience (sabr) is one of the greatest tools for resilience in Islam. It is not passive suffering, but an active choice to remain steadfast, to avoid despair, and to continue striving. The Prophet Muhammad once said:

Whoever practices patience, Allah will give him patience, and no one is granted a gift better and more comprehensive than patience.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Through patience, a believer gains inner stability, viewing trials as opportunities for growth rather than destruction.

True resilience requires trust—knowing that no matter how heavy the burden, Allah’s wisdom is greater. Tawakkul (placing trust in Allah) allows a believer to do their best while surrendering the results to Allah. This prevents the heart from drowning in anxiety or hopelessness. As Allah assures in the Qur’an: “And whoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him.” (Qur’an 65:3)

This reliance is a source of calmness, because it shifts the focus from fear of the unknown to confidence in Allah’s mercy.

Faith equips Muslims with spiritual practices that nurture resilience. Prayer (ṣalah) offers not just a duty, but a refuge, a space where worries are placed before Allah. Similarly, dhikr (remembrance of Allah) soothes the troubled heart: “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (Qur’an 13:28)

These acts connect the believer to a higher power, giving meaning to suffering and guiding the heart away from despair.

In Islam, adversity is not a punishment for the believer, but purification. The Prophet taught: “No calamity befalls a Muslim but that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it, even if it were the prick of a thorn.” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This perspective transforms suffering into a chance for forgiveness, resilience, and closeness to Allah. What seems like a setback often carries hidden blessings.

Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive outlook even in the face of trials and tribulations. By nurturing a positive mindset, individuals can strengthen their faith and trust in Allah's plan, finding comfort in the belief that every hardship is a test of faith and an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Adopting a growth mindset allows individuals to persevere through challenges with a sense of determination and resilience, knowing that setbacks are temporary and can lead to personal development and spiritual elevation.

As the Qur’an beautifully assures: “For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” (Qur’an 94:5–6)

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Through faith, Muslims learn that adversity is not an end, but a path to growth, purification, and nearness to Allah.