Should I Put My Trust in Allah Most High Despite Life’s Challenges?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Is Islam on par with the term “God helps those who help themselves”? It has been quite a long time since I have been going through challenges, which are part of life. Sadly, I don’t see a way out or what I can do myself. I don’t even feel my prayer getting accepted.
Should I give up everything and put my trust in Allah? Or keep trying to find out what I can do? (I don’t think there’s anything I can do at this point)
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question, and I pray and hope this answer reaches you while you are in a good state, Amin.
Yes, Islam is on par with the term, God helps those who help themselves, which is a phrase that originated in Ancient Greece. One has to act and then put trust in Allah Most High. A passage with similarity can be found in the Quran:
- “Indeed, Allah would never change a people’s state until they change their own state of faith.” [Quran, 13:11]
- “Surely Allah is with those who shun evil and who do good deeds.” [Quran, 16:128]
- “Is there any reward for goodness except goodness?” [Quran, 55;60]
- “Allah Most High says, O believers! If you stand up for Allah, He will help you and make your steps firm.” [Quran, 43:7]
Take Care of Your Hereafter, Allah Most High Takes Care of You
Abu Nu‘aym (Allah have mercy on him) reported that Sufyan al-Thawri, (Allah have mercy on him) said, “Behave well in your private life, and Allah Most High will make your public life excellent. Take care of what is between you and Allah Most High, and he will take care of what is between you and the people. Work for your Hereafter, and Allah Most High will suffice your affairs in this world. Sell your worldly life for your Hereafter, and you will profit in them both together, and do not sell your Hereafter for your worldly life, or you will lose them both together.” [Asbhani, Ḥilyat al-Awliya’]
Challenges are Part of Every Human’s Life
I don’t know the exact issues you face, but I can see from your attempts to find a solution and by contacting us. However, the true reality is that Allah Most High is redirecting you to Him with these challenges, and He loves you.
You have been turning to Allah Most High. That has been a huge gift. Many a time, the pain does fade, but the benefit remains. Paradise was created for people like you. People who turn to Allah Most High seek His help and aid amid crushing trials. Anyone can worship Him when life is a breeze.
Contextualize Your Challenges in Life
The Truthful, Trusted Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whomever Allah wants much good for, He keeps testing them.“ [Bukhari] This is what is happening to you. Keep turning to Him.
Turn to Knowledge, Action, and Good Company
Believers make Shaytan tired by remembering Allah’s Most High, especially collectively. Just continue to worship Allah Most High as you are doing now. However, try to worship collectively, with all prayers in the congregation, even at home. Also, attend communal programs and circles, like circles of knowledge and remembrance. This will give you added and needed strength. Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Verily, the believer can wear out his devils just as one of you exhausts his camel on a journey.” [Ahmad] So continue; you will wear out Shaytans’ whisperings.
Find Practical Solutions -Reach Out to Others
You need to reach out to someone local who can help you. Many people feel ashamed to tell others about their problems because they feel they can’t turn to anyone, are alone, or don’t want to be a burden. Don’t be this person.
Many people will find helping you rewarding. Lay your issues out to someone and ask for help. Maybe they can point you to someone who can. Don’t do this alone. You don’t have to.
In summary – know that these tests are here to polish you so you shine in the long term. Ask for help. You might feel alone, but maybe others don’t see your struggle. Tell someone whom you would send others to for help.
I pray Allah Most High removes your difficulties for you – and everyone else – and that He gives you good physical, spiritual, and emotional health, amin.
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.
Related:
- How Can I Get My Questions Answered by God?
- Evil and Pain Are Not Synonymous.
- How Can I Find Inspiration in Seeking Knowledge?
- How do I Be Truly Sincere in My Religion as I Have a Lot of Misgivings and Doubts?
- Devil’s Tricks – The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained. [Video]
- A Reader on OCD and Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings).
- The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained. [Lecture Series]
- Purification of the Heart by Hamza Yusuf.
- Istikhara, The Prayer of Seeking Guidance: The Ultimate Guide – A Reader.
- How Does One Perform The Prayer Of Need (Salat al-Haja)?
- Prayer of Repentance: Salat al-Tawba.
Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course: Essentials of Islam: Modern Challenges to Our Faith and How to Respond?
I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.
