This past year (2020) has left many of us reeling from its turbulent twists and turns. This past year has brought with it many trials and tribulations. Personally, it brought with it a lot of pain, anger and frustration and an experience I never thought I would ever undergo. 

We all have many choices to make regarding how we deal with the events of 2020 and even life in general. We can choose to let it overcome us, or we can choose to rise above it, learn from it and grow with it. 

I can tell you, with utmost certainty, that either choice is a painful process. Although easier said than done, the latter of the options will leave you feeling refreshed, and it will bring with it a strength unsurpassed and feeling unlike any other.

I thank God (Allah) every day for being a Muslim because, without faith, this year would have left me in shambles and shattered. Through my faith that I can view my test as a chance to grow and as a blessing. Through my faith, I can see the good in this difficulty, and it is through my faith, I can bear my test with patience and persistence. As a Muslim, my belief has taught me that no matter the situation and no matter the outcome My Lord always has my back and that even in hurt and pain Allah Almighty is eternally doing what is best. 

Let us take a look at FAITH and what it means. According to the dictionary, faith is: “complete trust or confidence in someone or something.” The definition, although true; when directed towards God, encompasses so much more. It is a complete trust in a Being unseen and allowing yourself to submit to the will of a “Force” greater than oneself and knowing that no matter the direction your journey takes you, it is the best destination. It is enjoying life with its hills and valleys but learning to appreciate the greater good no matter the situation or circumstance. 

There is a glorious feeling that goes with submitting your life completely to The Higher Being that created you. 

Take a look at the following Hadith; Abu Dharr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Allah Almighty says: Whoever comes with a good deed will have the reward of ten like it and even more. Whoever comes with an evil deed will be recompensed for one evil deed like it or (s)he will be forgiven. Whoever draws close to me by the length of a hand, I will draw close to him / her by the length of an arm. Whoever draws close to me the by length of an arm, I will draw close to him / her by the length of a fathom. Whoever comes to me walking, I will come to him / her running. Whoever meets me with enough sins to fill the earth, not associating any idols with me, I will meet him / her with as much forgiveness.” Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2687

Although the Hadith above speaks mainly about forgiveness, it’s essence speaks about Faith in Allah. Having Faith in The Almighty does not mean that we have to be complacent. We work, fight, sweat and even bleed for the things that we want to accomplish, but we have full faith in the Mercy of our Creator Supreme that our efforts will be rewarded, especially when done with sincerity and for Allah’s pleasure.

We can view efforts made for gain in this life in two ways first, either we get what we work for, or Allah has a gift waiting for us great than we can ever imagine. If you do not see the fruits of your labour in this life, then faith allows you to know that Allah has a greater compensation for you in The Hereafter, InshaAllah. Faith also allows us to recognize that Allah in His Infinite Mercy and Wisdom has a plan for us greater than our own. 

Actions done for gain in the next life should be done with sincerity and only seeking pleasure from The Most High. What is done for Allah should be kept between you and Him.

In this time, when the world seems crazy and out of control, let us learn to have faith and trust in The Creator. Let us use the hurt and the pain brought on by 2020 to help us gain a better communication channel with Allah. Let us work towards becoming closer to Him and find solace in all this chaos in His capable hands. InshaAllah.