If You Are Going Through A Difficult Time, Hold On To Your Deen.
By Naseeha Tayob Ibrahim

Reflections...

Published in: Self
Date: 29 / 06 / 21

A few days ago marked 1 year with Official KNOW and I consider this opportunity a gift and blessing from Allah (swt) because at the time I was in a really difficult place and had very little hope. But I believed that Allah (swt) was with me, all the time, in every moment of sadness, hopelessness and fear. In that time, I was tested but it felt like the kind of test where you know Allah (swt) is doing it for your growth and strength. When I understood this, I was drawn deeper into my Deen because that is the beauty of Islam - holding on to your Deen even when things are difficult, you find safely and comfort in Salaah, Dhikr and Quran.

It is one year later and I have reflected on the growth and change this experience has brought me and I wanted to share a few a things that I’ve learned along the way and that helped me in that time and still are very vital in my purpose and growth. 

Let me begin by saying that there is no changing the past or a situation or eve people. All you can do is change how to react and respond to it. Letting go of the past is not as easy (most of the time) and many people need support to manage the overwhelming experience that feels like a crumbling of walls. Remember, getting help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of true strength. Along with that goes Sabr. It is about having patience yes, and more than that, about how you conduct yourself during that tough time. Sometimes anxiety takes over and you lose a bit of control and project your emotions onto others. Other times you find yourself quiet, withdrawn and lost in thought. In both instances it is can be sign of lost hope. Understood but remember Shaytaan whispers finds an easy target in those who have no faith Allah so learn to be mindful of how you present yourself to others, watch your anger, don’t spill your emotions all over. Be kind to yourself and others. A surefire way to keep yourself in check is Dhikr. Allah says in the Quran “verily in the remembrance of Allah do Hearst find rest’ Through the use of mindfulness you will learn to be more present and conscious rather than reliving past pain and unhealed wounds from the past and while some things may trigger you, by controlling yourself you control how you react to things.

Here’s an important thing to mention - do not talk about your problems out in the open for everyone to know that you are suffering. Talk to those who can offer help with the intention of seeking advice. This is important, otherwise you are just out there complaining which is not helpful and very negative. 

Remind yourself about the good and positive things happening in your life right now. No matter how big or small. Always always always say Alhamdullilah for the little things, the big things, the good days and the bad because there is good in it all. When you open the Quran there are gems in there. Allah speaks to you. Allah says “so remember me and I will remember you”, He says “ If you are grateful I will give you more”, Allah says “call upon me and I will answer you”, Allah says ”seek help through patience and prayer”

Ultimately, Accept that it all was, is and will always be part of Allahs plan for you - We have control over very little in our lives but that little plays a big role in our purpose and worship to Allah (swt). Accept everything that comes your way. Your duty is only to turn to Allah, trust him and take the journey He sets out for you. That is your purpose as a servant of Allah (swt). The final verse in Surah Baqarah states that Allah does not burden a soul with more than it can handle. So the intensity of your test is proportional to the strength of your soul.

Earlier I mentioned a crumbling of walls and I just want to explain that further. When a person goes through change and they’re conscious of it, they start to reflect and change in order to facilitate the process. Like the saying goes - old ways won’t give you new results. So this crumbling of walls feeling is quite normal and is in fact the breakdown of thought patterns and behaviors, feelings, thoughts and ideas and beliefs that are tearing away from us because they do not serve us at that moment and probably won’t in the future. Just like old clothes and shoes, as you grow you need to change it. Make dua to Allah, ask Him for guidance in your journey, to grant you strength and Sabr through your transition and give you the healing and wisdom to see it as a mercy, a blessing and tool to get closer to Allah.

Ibn al Qayyim has said ”do not carry the worries of this life because this is for Allah and do not carry the worries of sustenance because it is from Allah and do not carry anxiety for the future because it is in the hands of Allah. Carry one thing, how to please Allah. Because if you please Him, He pleases you, fulfills you and enriches you."

“If Allah knows [any] good in your hearts, He will give you [something] better than what was taken from you, and He will forgive you; and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (8:70)

On a spiritual note, Forgiveness, a soothing balm for a wound. To be able to forgive is an extremely freeing and liberating thing. Emotionally and mentally. When you forgive, you allow yourself to trust again and your faith is restored.when you forgive and make peace with a person or the past or both, it clears space for more flourishing relationships and better days where you can see and feel Allah (swt) barakah and mercy again. Clear your energy and stay strong. 

About

Naseeha Tayob Ibrahim

I speak. I write. I coach.

I want to make the world a better place.

As an avid reader and writer, it’s no surprise that communications became my career and line of work. There is never one thing in particular that defines who I am, except the fact that I am passionate about everything I do. That made me the odd one out most of my life. It made realize how important it is to listen to my heart.

View profile
Stay in the , subscribe to our newsletter.