Sometimes in life, hardships befall us. It sometimes feels like difficulties add up on one another and the light at the end of the tunnel, is merely a mirage.
So how do we maintain our productivity during times of tribulation? As Muslims, we should know that they are part of our life in the dunya and we should be prepared to behave in the best way in such times.
Allah has been exceptionally merciful as to provide us with tips to remain steadfast in times of trial:
“And seek help in patience and As-Salah and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for humbly submissive [to Allah]”
[Quran chapter 2, Verse 45]
Patience comes first in the sequence of this ayah. Patience is not an easy behavior to gain.
The Almighty has granted us several examples of patience shown by the Prophets during hard times, in the Sunnah and the Quran. He has also detailed for our perusal their dua’s which received a favorable answer.
One of the most powerful of these narrations told to us by Allah is the one of Ayyub. There are many gems of wisdom in this story for a productive Muslim from which we make this simple steps:
- Step 1 – Say Alhamdulillah first.
- Step 2 – Engage ourselves in repentance in an extensive way.
- Step 3 – Trust Allah whatever befalls us and think well of Him. During the dark times of Ayyub’s tribulations he kept thinking well of Allah.
- Step 4 – We should make dua to Allah alone, using duas from the Quran and Sunnah.
- Step 5 – Be patient; we shouldn’t be hasty in obtaining an answer from Allah And remember, Allah, most merciful loves us and everything that befalls us is for the best.
- Step 6 – Stay away from sins.
- Step 7 – Be proactive by being thankful in times of ease.
“…And whosoever has Taqwa of Allah, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things”
[ Quran chapter 65 2-3].
