Every person passes through alternating phases in life of happiness and despair, health and sickness, wealth and poverty. Here’s a short Islamic Survival Kit, to help one through the hard times:
1. Keep a cool head
We are told in a narration: Indeed, the affairs of a Believer are amazing. They are all for his benefit. If he is granted ease of living he is thankful; and that is best for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship he has patience; and that is best for him. [Muslim]
Every situation is from Allah and can be a means of reward if approached correctly.
2. A time to rest
The Qur’aan says: Certainly, We shall test you with fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits; but give glad-tidings to the patient… [2:155]
For a Muslim, hardships are not inconveniences hidering him from normal activities; they are occassions of rest and introspection, chances to link oneself with Allah. A narration states: Hardships continue to befall a believing man and woman in their bodies, family and property, until they meet Allah, burdened with no sins. [Tirmidhi]
3. Sign of Allah’s Love
A narration tells us: Whenever Allah Wills good for a person, He subjects him to hard times. [Bukhari]
According to the Hadith, those closest to Allah suffer more difficult hardships, the Prophets first then the best of people after them according to their closeness to Allah. [Ahmad/Tirmidhi]
Adapted from an article by Sheikh Salim al Hilali
