In the Qur’an (94:5-6), Allah says:
“Surely, with every difficulty there is relief. Surely, with every difficulty there is relief.”
The Qur’an contains many beneficial reminders that we can use in our everyday lives. This particular ayah (verse) has benefited me in many ways. Because Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) repeats Himself, this is a powerful reminder of the relief that will come once these difficulties or tests come to pass. It’s easy at times to lose hope, but Allah (swt) is giving us something to look forward to. When we have been put into tough situations, in the end is there not relief? Regardless of the situation we come out stronger, because a true believer derives benefit from any hardships. In addition, we must always remember that we will be rewarded in the future for passing these tests, in this lifetime or the next. It is also good to keep your head up during these difficulties, because in these times you will be reminded of all the things in life that you should be grateful for.
As a convert these ayah have allowed me to move forward, even in times when I felt hopeless. Many converts, including myself, find it hard to establish their Muslim Identity. Having to find a balance between our old lives and our new Muslim life is not an easy task. In my life, I’ve had to defend my beliefs against my Christian and Catholic friends whom I grew up with. At first I was treated as a traitor, but after finally establishing a strong relationship with Allah (swt), I was able to show them the true beauty of Islam.
After a year and a half of being Muslim, I decided to wear a hijab, and it was not an easy decision or journey. I come from a predominantly Catholic Mexican family and Islam is a very foreign and intimidating religion. As a result, I was critically questioned and even looked upon as an extremist. Hearing your mother refer to you in such a manner is very heartbreaking. But, Alhamdulillah (All thanks to God), I stuck with my decision because I knew in my heart that I was doing this to please Allah (swt). Now I have an even stronger relationship with my family and more importantly, with Allah (swt). So I remind myself and the readers that at times when you feel like the world is going to end, remember the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the struggles he went through and the faith in Allah (swt) that he never lost because, God willing, relief will come.
Alhamdulillah! I read your comments and agree fully with you. If one door is closed for you then look for other opportunities where 12 doors may be awaiting for you to be opened. Explore them and ignore the setback that has made you sad with inconveniences. I have been going through many ups and down in my family as well as business lives. I am still trying to keep my head high and trying hard to see if I can salvage some of the lost opportunities. But importantly, I am trying all the time with the intention (Niy-yat) that with continuous devotion to do good for the fellow people you will derive the result and satisfaction of achievement at some point of time. Keep your hopes high and do not expect much from what you do for others. Do it for the satisfaction of God (Allah) and for yourself too. Don’t overstretch and do things which are not compatible with your core belief. Btw, I am not a practicing Muslim as such, but do perform Roja in the month of Ramadan (not 19 day running here) and pray whenever I can manage time. Wassalam!