Troubles of Life
Many of us have come to realise that life doesn’t run smoothly all the time, unexpected problems and worries are inevitably going to arise. In such situations, understanding our deficiency in making calculated decisions and wholeheartedly trusting in Allah is a complete must!
Transformational Advice
Abdullah ibn Abbas (radiy Allāhu ‘anhu) narrates an instance wherein the Prophet (ﷺ) gave him some life-changing pieces of advice, while they were on a journey together. [1]
These pieces of advice — if implemented correctly — are secret ingredients to living a contented life in the face of unexpected troubles.
The Three Pieces of Advice
Allah-conscious Mindset
كُنْتُ خَلْفَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَوْمًا فَقَالَ يَا غُلَامُ إِنِّي أُعَلِّمُكَ كَلِمَاتٍ احْفَظْ اللَّهَ يَحْفَظْكَ
“I was riding behind the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) when he said to me,
‘Young man, I will teach you some words: ‘Be mindful of Allah and He will protect you.”” [1]
The first things Abdullah ibn Abbas is given divine guidance surrounding are the binding rights that Allah has upon us.
It is to be conscious of Him with respect to our day-to-day actions, those that are obligated upon us, as well as those we’re prohibited from. [2]
Gaining the Presence of Allah
احفظ الله تجده تجاهك
“…Safeguard His rights, you will experience His presence.” [1]
The Prophet (ﷺ) further teaches Abdullah ibn Abbas the fruit-bearing outcome of having an Allah-conscious mindset in all aspects of life: the attainment of Allah’s presence.
The more we safeguard Allah’s rights upon us, and value His bounties and favours, the more loneliness and anxiety start to disappear. [3]
As modern-day research proves that mental health is worsening within our communities, this piece of Prophetic advice becomes more pertinent and reassuring than ever!
Freedom through Tawakkul
واعلم: أن الأمة لو اجتمعت على أن ينفعوك بشيء، لم ينفعوك إلا بشيء قد كتبه الله لك، وإن اجتمعوا على أن يضروك بشيء، لم يضروك بشيء إلا بشيء قد كتبه الله عليك
“…And remember that if all the people gather to benefit you, they will not be able to benefit you except that which Allah had fore-ordained (for you).
“And if all of them gather to do harm to you, they will not be able to afflict you with anything other than that which Allah had pre-destined against you.” [1]
This Prophetic advice teaches us that ultimate freedom and contentment lies in God-reliance — which is often described, in the Islamic discourse, as a spiritual behaviour (Tawakkul) that Muslims ought to embody.
Only through surrendering to Allah’s will and divine wisdom, especially during unforeseen circumstances, can we truly attain peace and contentment.
Action Points
Here are a few lessons we can incorporate into our lives with the hopes of experiencing the spiritual benefits in the Prophetic advice:
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Do your best to fulfil Allah's obligations upon us, such as salat, zakat, and fasting during Ramadan.
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Avoid prohibited actions such as backbiting, foul language, disrespecting parents, and unlawful earnings.
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Submit to Allah's wisdom in adversity, while having absolute faith in His superior knowledge of our needs and abilities.
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[1] Tirmidhi, Book 37, Hadith 2,706; Riyādh al-Ṣālihīn, 62 https://sunnah.com/riyadussalihin:62
[2] Nūr al-Iqtibās, 3/ 94
[3] Nūr al-Iqtibās, 3/ 113
