Among the most beneficial means that eliminate anxiety (qaliq) and sorrow (hamūm) of a person overcome by trials and calamities, is for him to struggle to lighten its difficulties by imagining the worst possible thing that could happen.

This means he is able to weigh and predict worst possible scenarios and outcomes and then being prepared to face them. He builds strategies able to better position himself to minimize risks as much as possible. With preparedness and stratagem, he will unlock the mental block and deal with sadness and loss by the very attempt to reach out for goodness and reject pathways of harm.

When one is stricken with fear (kawf), or illnesses (asqām), or poverty (faqr) and deprivation (‘adm) of what he likes and covets, let him receive these afflictions with tranquility (tamā’miyah) and dedication (tautīn) in resisting the worst that these afflictions could bring. Thus, one combines the qualities of determination and tireless efforts that keep him engaged rather than feeling anxiety on account of the afflictions that struck him.

Even if the challenges are great, his strong determination will ease the burden of his mind and ease his pain, preoccupied with navigating outcomes according to his ability. Within him merges an impressing etiquette and a steady soul diverting attention away from negativity, seeking also to renew strength (tajdīd quwa) to face challenges while relying (i’timād) on Allāh- convinced of His assistance and hoping for reward. There is no doubt that these approaches have a huge role in achieving happiness (surūr) and peace of mind (insharāh al-sudūr). It can be witnessed and tested and many people have experienced it, and whoever tastes it knows it.

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Book: 8 Steps To Happiness
Awakening The Inner Self in Pursuit of Personal Change
By Shaykh Abū ‘Abdu-r-Rahmān Nāsir as-Sa’dī
Translated from the original arabic
Dār as-Sunnah Publishers
P. 35, 36

Do you wish Allah to help you and support you?

Allāh the Most High says,

إِلَّا تَنصُرُوهُ فَقَدْ نَصَرَهُ اللَّهُ

“If you do not help him, (it makes no difference to the Prophet, because) Allah has already helped him…” (Sūrah Tawbah 9: 40)

Allāh has taken it upon himself to support His Prophet ﷺ – but, He has warned the people not to leave off supporting him, in order to avoid (His rightful) punishment descending on the betraying nation and (being) replaced by another who do support.

No nation disgraces the Prophet ﷺ except that Allāh will disgrace it. The Prophet ﷺ is not in need of anyone’s defence – rather, everyone is in need of defending him, as proof of their Īmān (faith) in him.

Whosoever does not stand up in support of the Dīn (religion) of Allāh, then he should not anticipate Allāh’s support (to descend).

Allāh the Most High says,

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن تَنصُرُوا اللَّهَ يَنصُرْكُمْ

“O you who believe, if you will help (the religion prescribed by) Allāh, He will help you…” (Sūrah Muḥammad 47: 7)

Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Aziz Aṭ-Ṭarefe