Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: Can you suggest a prayer for hopelessness? Though I constantly pray, sometimes I feel I’m being more punished than tested. For the various instances I have witnessed in my life, where there is good there is suffering where there is evil there is ease. Is there no ease ever in our life if we were to live a life of a true believer? Is life going to be a constant struggle for a believer and they will never find happiness?
Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that you are well, insha’Allah.
No, a true believer does find happiness. However, everlasting joy will be in the next life. As for this life, there will be times of happiness and joy, and times of sadness and difficulty.
Though, times of difficulty and hardship are in reality blessings, and a time of returning back to Allah. When one returns to Allah, seeking Him, and trusting in Him, He gives one openings.
Allah Most High says, “And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will grant them a way out, and will provide for them in ways unimagined. And whoever places their trust in Allah, then Allah is their sufficiency. Allah’s affair will surely come to pass–and Allah has made a clear decree for everything.” [Qur’an, 65: 2-3]
Moreover, the sunna as the descriptions of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) tell us is to be constantly cheerful, smiling, and easy-going, even in the face of setbacks and adversity. `Abdullah bin Harith bin Juz’ said, “I never saw anyone who smiled as often as the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).” [Tirmidhi]
So, during these blessed days and nights, re-affirm your resolve to seek the good, make lots of supplication, and be of those who are increased, and relieved of their distress by gratitude and love. Realize the words of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace), “How amazing is the matter of the believer! All of his matter is good, and this is not for anyone except the believer. If ease comes his way, he is thankful, so it is good for him. And if hard times hit him, he is patient, so it is good for him.” [Muslim]
Please also see: Prophetic Supplications for Trials in My Life
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani