“The true greatness of man lies in his capacity for eternal progress, otherwise in this temporal sphere he is the weakest of all things, being subject to hunger, thirst, heat, cold and sorrow.”
Imam Ghazali
Life can be quite a wrestle. We all know that. But don’t you worry. Whatever challenges you’re facing — things will get better sooner or later. You just have to keep pushing forward.
Find comfort in knowing that it’s only dunya. You’re in the lowest place. As a matter of fact, that’s what the word dunya literally means. If you’re hoping for things to be smooth-sailing and perfect, you’re in the wrong place.
And you know what the beautiful thing is, despite how overwhelming your struggles can be? It’s that if you simply bear them patiently, you would already be rewarded immensely and be forgiven for your sins. As the Prophet (pbuh) said in hadith verified by Bukhari, “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim — even a prick from a thorn — except Allah forgives his sins for it.”
It is no wonder that Allah emphasizes twice in the Qur’an (94:5-6) that with hardship comes ease. Take note that He doesn’t say that ease only comes at the end of hardship. The hardship itself is already blessing, if you’re willing to humbly accept it.
Ramadan’s a great time of the year, because among other reasons, it helps us a lot in finding our balance again. It keeps reminding us that life here is extremely short and temporary when it’s compared to the Hereafter. A lifetime here is so cancelled out when it’s compared to infinity.
As you might already know, fasting isn’t easy, and it can truly demand the best of ourselves. But no matter how challenging it can be, it ends with us breaking our fast at dusk every day. It teaches us that if we only persevere a little longer, we will find the success and triumph that we are looking for — be it in our current life or in the Hereafter.
So if you’re worked up or stressed, feel better remembering that your hardship doesn’t last forever, even if it might seem like it. It’s only dunya.
Hold your head up high, and keep pushing forward. It’s gonna be just fine.
Izzat Zailan 