Seeking Help at Times of Difficulty | The Ismaili Canada
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Seeking Help at Times of Difficulty

This 17th century calligraphic lion from India
contains the prayer Nad-e Ali.
From
Aga Khan Museum

 

 

“It is You Whom we worship and it is You from Whom we seek support.”

Holy Qur’an 1:5

 

“Ali is from me and I am from him, and he is the protector of every true believer after me.”

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family)

                                                                    

 

In our regular daily lives, each of us faces a variety of difficulties. However, in these extraordinary and uncertain times, many of us are feeling heightened anxiety, stress, isolation, ill health, and perhaps a sense of helplessness.

The Alid Shi’a tradition, to which the Ismailis belong, is rooted in the complementarity between intellect and faith. In such times, we should be wise and rigorously follow the guidance and recommendations of governments, health care practitioners, and scientists to keep ourselves and others safe and healthy. At the same time, believers of all faiths also seek hope and courage by drawing on their faith.

 

Sami Yusuf - Make Me Strong

 

Perspectives on Facing Difficulties

Our faith tells us that struggle is the meaning of life. The Holy Qur’an presents the difficulties that we face in life as tests of our faith, saying:

“Most certainly We shall test you all, so that We might mark out those of you who strive hard and are patient in adversity…” (47:31)

Just as mistakes can be our best teachers, difficulties also show us the strength of our own convictions to seek Allah’s help. We may not always know the reasons why we face problems, but humbly and patiently bowing in submission to Allah in the face of life’s challenges allows us to grow spiritually and foster meaning. Without facing difficulties, it would be difficult to truly appreciate the need for Divine help, grace and mercy in our lives, or for us to experience spiritual growth.

 

This gold amulet box from Fatimid Egypt, 11th-12th centuries, was meant to shield the owner from misfortune. The box likely held paper with protective verses from the Qur’an. On this box, the Kufic inscription reading al-mulk li-llah (“Sovereignty is for God”) also reminded the wearer that God alone is the most powerful ruler. From Aga Khan Museum

 

Putting Trust in Allah

No matter what problems we face in our lives, we can also take comfort when we are told that, “God does not burden any soul with more than it can bear.” (2:286)

When we pray for Allah’s help at times of difficulty, He promises His blessings and mercy:                

“But [Prophet], give good news to those who are steadfast, those who say, when afflicted with a calamity, ‘We belong to God and to Him we shall return.’ These will be given blessings and mercy from their Lord, and it is they who are rightly guided.” (2:155-157)

Therefore, we are asked to put absolute trust (tawakkul) in Allah’s mercy and justice: “…put your trust in God: God loves those who put their trust in Him.” (3:159)

Tawakkul is a form of trust whereby the faithful place their fate entirely in Allah’s hands. They believe that no matter what happens, He will do whatever is ultimately in their best interest. At certain times, this trust may come to be severely tested, and the faithful may come to experience doubt. In such situations, the Qur’an advises the believers to have patience.

This trust in Allah to look after our welfare is expressed very vividly in the common phrase when saying good bye: Khuda Hafiz or Allah Hafiz, meaning “May God be your Guardian/Protector.”

 

 
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