I've Hit Rock Bottom

[Rock Bottom]

Normally im really strong and can hold myself together i've alwalys had to look after my self since i was little, but I feel like Allah has given me to much this time. I’m always depressed and cry every time like yesterday I cried for 1hour and half non stop till I fell asleep, I even cry in my sleep coz I have sad dreams about my life. I feel so lonely all the time I hardly see my parents as my mum doesn't live at home at the moment nor I’m I married because of my parents even though I’ve been wanting too get married for 5years now (yes I have talked to them about it) yet on the other hand I’m not attracted to my own kind and I’m scared of men due to personal stuff happening to me. I have no friends and when I try to make friends I tell them my problem then never see them again. I’m soooo messed up I don’t even know if Allah loves me or not, I don’t know what I have done to make him this angry. I try my best to get closer to Allah, I mean I study and recite the Quran everyday, I pray all my namaaz on time, I have given up so much for Allah with no help from my family. I have no plans for my life, just watch everyday go pass me. I hate waking up. I try to keep myself busy but my depression doesn’t go away. I’m still so young and facing a lot of troubles in my life and I feel everything that I been effected with it will come even worse later on my life. i feel like im drowning and theres nobody to help me either they dont to help me or just dont care. I feel like I have hit rock bottom.

[Nasibah]

Asalamu A'laikum,

Clearly you seem depressed, but has this clinically proven. Do understand that depresseion is like any other disease, and therefore seeking medical assistance is not shameful. The feeling of extreme and continuous depression is due to chemical imbalances in the brain.

Acts of worships are VERY therapeutic. Increase your salah and and continue to read the quran. However this time, with a strong believe that Allah WILL cure you through these deeds.

There are speicific duas that you can make for depresseion such as;

Allaahumma innee ‘abduka wa ibn ‘abdika wa ibn amatika, naasiyati bi yadika, maadin fiyya hukmuka, ‘adlun fiyya qadaa’uka, as’aluka bi kulli ismin huwa laka sammayta bihi nafsaka aw anzaltahu fi kitaabika aw ‘allamtahu ahadan min khalqika aw ista’tharta bihi fi ‘ilm il-ghaybi ‘andak an taj’ala al-Qur’aana rabee’ qalbi wa noor sadri wa jalaa’a huzni wa dhahaaba hammi

Which means;

O Allaah, I am Your slave, son of Your slave, son of Your female slave, my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every Name belonging to You which You named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that You make the Qur’aan the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety

And another;

La ilaaha ill-Allaah al-‘Azeem ul-Haleem, Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah Rabb il-‘arsh il-‘adheem, Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah Rabb is-samawaati wa Rabb il-ard wa Rabb il-‘arsh il-kareem

Which means;

there is no god except Allaah, the All-Mighty, the Forbearing; there is no god except Allaah, the Lord of the Mighty Throne; there is no god except Allaah, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth and Lord of the noble Throne

Allah says that he does not give us any more then we can handle. Perhaps you are going through these difficult times so that you may be cleansed of your sins.

And finally; isolation increases depression. Insha'Allah make an effort to make friends with practicing muslims. That way; you'll have people to talk to and share your problems with.

May ease your pain and increase you in sabr. Ameen.

[Future_scholar]

dear sister (im asuming you are)

im saddened to hear your depressed as i would be saddened to hear any of my sisters getting hurt, may allah remove that from you,

secondly, sister dont you know that allah tests those whom he loves?, didnt you the stories of the sahaabah, what they went through, how for example bilal (ra) would get punished so badly he's whole back would be fried due to the heat of the sun?

dont you know that nations before us were even tested worse, as some of them would be cut into two's by a saw, and what was their sin? they only believed in allah the almighty

sister this world is only temporary be patient and aakhirah insha allah will be yours,

how joyful wil be the day u meet the prophet (peace be upon him) in Al Kauthar drinking from that fountain with him, how joyful will you be when allah gives you your book of deeds on your right hand,

oh sister dont be fooled, a muslim shoudnt be depressed, when u got allah as ur lord, islam as ur religion and muhammad (peace be upon him) as ur prophet , you got the whole world and much better then that,

and about marriage, how do you know allah isnt delaying marriage for u because he wants u 2 marry that special guy, how many sisters married looking for hapiness and joy only ending up in night mares?

trust in allah and allah will be their for u, never does allah let his slaves down, he will give you what u deserve,

u said u dont have friends, when allah says that His friends are the auwliyaa (the righteous), is their a better status then having allah as your friend?,

anyway dont let shaytaan play with you as allah loves the believers, read the quran more often, and just have faith in allah,

each one of went through a period of sadness and loneless and im no exception but we can all tell u that it was only a matter of time when people flock to you seeking ur friendship and u see the whole world opened up for you,

fear allah sister! allah doesnt do dhulm (oppression) to his slaves even the least, this is due to either to wipe out ur sins, or to test ur patience so in turn allah can raise u in status.

anyway sorry if my talk was in anyway offencive or harsh for u are my sister amongst my sisters

salamu aleykum and i hope allah cures you from this and gives you the best in this world and hereafter.

[TheGarden]

Assalamu alaykum,

After reading your post i just want to recommend a book to you which will be of great benefit Insha-Allah.

The book is called 'Don't Be Sad'. If you can not get hold of it, you can read it online at: http://kalamullah.com/books.html. The book is full of great advice.

I will post the blurb here:

''At a time in which the Muslims are beset with trials from every periphery and within, comes this heartening book rooted in the commandments of Allah (swt), the Sunnah and the excellent guidance and examples of the muslims that have come before us.

DON'T BE SAD is an absolute must-read for all people. It is full of practical advice on how to teplace it with a pragmatic and ultimately satisfying Islamic outlook on life. It exposes to the modern reader how Islam teaches us to deal with the tests and tribulations of this world.

So, take heart and hold firmly onto the rope of Allah.''

May Allah remove ya difficulties.

Wassalam.

[Khubaib]

Mashallah excellent advice given thus far. Sometimes because of isolation or bad memories it is easy to get depressed but you have to try your best to not let it get out of control and take over your life. Try your best to maintain composure and think about the advantages Allah :Swt: gave you and use them to keep yourself busy. Inshallah you will find a husband to keep you company but in the meantime perhaps you can find islamic events to attend in your area or be active on this forum or another and find some sisters to talk to on msn or paltalk. Also it's not necessarily that you are not doing enough ibadah but you have to have more hope that it will help you. Try not to despair. Also look at the time you have as a gift you can spend to improve yourself instead of a burden. Continue to be patient and ishallah things will become easy for you soon.

:salams:

[PiElle2]

right, now that you have hit rock bottom, it can't get any lower... :o so start looking for ways to pick yourself up... even if it's little by little, it's still some development. :D

always remember, you are stronger than you think and Allah loves you. you can do it! :up:

[RaNdOm]

:salams

hmmm..

u know it's true... we have to think of Allah :Swt: as our Friend... because as long as He is happy with us, how can we ever lose? instead of concentrating on how u feel maybe if u concentrate on why u may feel this might make you feel more comforted...

like i know it's hard when it hurts but we should try and think about the fact that maybe Allah :Swt: wants us to grow in terms of our patience or in terms of our trust in Him... inshaAllah one day there will be a day that because of reassuring yourself the moment u feel like that u will only think of the good or the ease after ur hardship rather than letting urself get swept in the hardship...

imagine it like... say your on a boat and there's a storms and the waves are proper forcing ur boat to go in all kinds of directions... but it's only a short journey to an island u can see in the distance... so u push urself to withstand it and keep rowing towards the island cos u know the ease is so near... instead of thinking about the rain that's hitting u or the waves pushing u side to side... u think about the island... and all of that doesn't matter anymore... but u see at the moment its like ur letting the clouds block ur view to the island and all u see is the storm around u....

u need to keep ur trust in Him so strong that nothing will let it waver inshaAllah... read the translation of the Quran a lot and you'll see that it brings your heart to rest in a way u couldn't even imagine

u can read and listen at the same time on this website: www.quranexplorer.com

inshaAllah u gotta be strong... n don't feel hesitated to contact me if u want...:salams

hmmm..

u know it's true... we have to think of Allah :Swt: as our Friend... because as long as He is happy with us, how can we ever lose? instead of concentrating on how u feel maybe if u concentrate on why u may feel this might make you feel more comforted...

like i know it's hard when it hurts but we should try and think about the fact that maybe Allah :Swt: wants us to grow in terms of our patience or in terms of our trust in Him... inshaAllah one day there will be a day that because of reassuring yourself the moment u feel like that u will only think of the good or the ease after ur hardship rather than letting urself get swept in the hardship...

imagine it like... say your on a boat and there's a storms and the waves are proper forcing ur boat to go in all kinds of directions... but it's only a short journey to an island u can see in the distance... so u push urself to withstand it and keep rowing towards the island cos u know the ease is so near... instead of thinking about the rain that's hitting u or the waves pushing u side to side... u think about the island... and all of that doesn't matter anymore... but u see at the moment its like ur letting the clouds block ur view to the island and all u see is the storm around u....

u need to keep ur trust in Him so strong that nothing will let it waver inshaAllah... read the translation of the Quran a lot and you'll see that it brings your heart to rest in a way u couldn't even imagine

u can read and listen at the same time on this website: www.quranexplorer.com

inshaAllah u gotta be strong... n don't feel hesitated to contact me if u want...

[-Espérer-]

I can relate to some of the things you have mentioned, sis. I know what it means to hit rock bottom, and not being able to find that last bit of strength to get up. If you want to talk, PM me. I'm all ears. (Im a sis, btw). :)

[Rock Bottom]

Jazakallah khair for all replies mashallah they were really good.

Future scholar - Mashallah your advise really nice and enjoyed reading it. Alhamduillah i have read a lot of stories of the sahaabas and the prophets and what they went through. but because i dont have any practising friends or anything to remind me i just simply forget and at the moment i really need the most help i can find but cant find anyone.
I think what really put my imaan down is that every problem came one after another and they werent even small. and just lost it.

The Garden - Jazakallah khair inshallah will read it.

Khubaib - what you said about isolation and bad memory is so true, but like i said im normally am strong and hold everything together but i really have just hit rock bottom and dnt know how to get up. and what you said about hope i think thats what kept me going but now i realised all those time i hoped nothing has come true, i feel like the more i hope the sad i get. Where i live im actually the only muslim ive only been 1 event my whole entire life. and as for making friends i find it hard i will make a friend but then will never hear from them again and i hate having to talk about my problems over and over again i just a friend that i can see like every week, who will be my my side when and to get along with, even at college i had few friends but then they started to talk about me behind my back, and like now i just became distant with these 2 gals becuase they started to talk behind my back. they know what im going through but still dont care.

Random - MAshallah when i read your post i actually had a smile, i loved your example :) but because i had sooo much things happened to me i just think now is it still a test or is Allah angry at me. seriously i cant afford not having Allah by my side his the only thing ive got and just even thinking hes angry at me makes me wanna just rot and die away.

I just wanna say MAy Allah reward everyone who posted you lot have helped me and think outside my own life and like into the Akhira as this life is short i just simply forget and not get remined that oftern. Inshallah you will help me even more with your wonderful words :)

[*Love*]

Normally im really strong and can hold myself together i've alwalys had to look after my self since i was little, but I feel like Allah has given me to much this time. I’m always depressed and cry every time like yesterday I cried for 1hour and half non stop till I fell asleep, I even cry in my sleep coz I have sad dreams about my life.
I had times like these =( I understand how it feels *hugs*
I feel so lonely all the time
Next time remeber that you have someone *me* =)
I hardly see my parents as my mum doesn't live at home at the moment nor I’m I married because of my parents even though I’ve been wanting too get married for 5years now (yes I have talked to them about it) yet on the other hand I’m not attracted to my own kind and I’m scared of men due to personal stuff happening to me. I have no friends and when I try to make friends I tell them my problem then never see them again.
I'm your friend *seriously* =) And I will not judge you, I'm very open-minded person, also you can try seeing a councellor , you might not like it in the beginning, but it will help you eventually, if you need help to find a councellor or so please let me know, I can go with you if you want (do you live in London?) or you can use helplines such as http://www.samaritans.org/
I have no plans for my life, just watch everyday go pass me. I hate waking up. I try to keep myself busy but my depression doesn’t go away. I’m still so young and facing a lot of troubles in my life and I feel everything that I been effected with it will come even worse later on my life.
My dear you need some help and fresh air, try to have some ice-cream in the park, treat yourself and go out with people who respect youn and love you, if you don't have such people around you, then you start with yourself, love yourself =) I'v been through that I know how it feels =( I will be more than happy if there is anything I could do to help you and I'm serious about that
i feel like im drowning and theres nobody to help me either they dont to help me or just dont care. I feel like I have hit rock bottom.
There is me =)
you need first to have the intention to help yourself and then to let others help you =)
Take care and please reply ASAP as I'm gonna think about you
Yours
Love

[RaNdOm]

Jazakallah khair for all replies mashallah they were really good.

Future scholar - Mashallah your advise really nice and enjoyed reading it. Alhamduillah i have read a lot of stories of the sahaabas and the prophets and what they went through. but because i dont have any practising friends or anything to remind me i just simply forget and at the moment i really need the most help i can find but cant find anyone.
I think what really put my imaan down is that every problem came one after another and they werent even small. and just lost it.

The Garden - Jazakallah khair inshallah will read it.

Khubaib - what you said about isolation and bad memory is so true, but like i said im normally am strong and hold everything together but i really have just hit rock bottom and dnt know how to get up. and what you said about hope i think thats what kept me going but now i realised all those time i hoped nothing has come true, i feel like the more i hope the sad i get. Where i live im actually the only muslim ive only been 1 event my whole entire life. and as for making friends i find it hard i will make a friend but then will never hear from them again and i hate having to talk about my problems over and over again i just a friend that i can see like every week, who will be my my side when and to get along with, even at college i had few friends but then they started to talk about me behind my back, and like now i just became distant with these 2 gals becuase they started to talk behind my back. they know what im going through but still dont care.

Random - MAshallah when i read your post i actually had a smile, i loved your example :) but because i had sooo much things happened to me i just think now is it still a test or is Allah angry at me. seriously i cant afford not having Allah by my side his the only thing ive got and just even thinking hes angry at me makes me wanna just rot and die away.

I just wanna say MAy Allah reward everyone who posted you lot have helped me and think outside my own life and like into the Akhira as this life is short i just simply forget and not get remined that oftern. Inshallah you will help me even more with your wonderful words :)

:salams

AWESOME article someone sent me...

The Islamic life is the best life that a person could live, but sometimes things get so difficult that I feel that I have no hope of carrying on.


Praise be to Allaah.

You have done well by realizing that the Islamic life is the best life that a person could live. This is a great truth which few people understand, let alone become convinced of. Allaah has stated that in more than one place in his Book.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)”

[al-Nahl 16:97]


And Allaah has stated that whoever turns away from faith in Allaah and remembrance of Him exposes himself to a life of hardship and misery, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’aan nor acts on its teachings) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.”

125. He will say: ‘O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before).’

126. (Allaah) will say: ‘Like this: Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) came unto you, but you disregarded them (i.e. you left them, did not think deeply in them, and you turned away from them), and so this Day, you will be neglected (in the Hell‑fire, away from Allaah’s Mercy).’

127. And thus do We requite him who transgresses beyond bounds [i.e. commits the great sins and disobeys his Lord (Allaah) and believes not in His Messengers, and His revealed Books, like this Qur’aan], and believes not in the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord; and the torment of the Hereafter is far more severe and more lasting”

[Ta-Ha 20:124-127]

Once you have understood this, and it has become deeply rooted in your heart and you are at peace with it, then you will know that Allaah has not created this universe, with the earth and the heavens, the seas and the rivers, the mountains and plains, the oases and the deserts, except for your sake, O poor, weak creature. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“He it is Who created for you all that is on earth” [al-Baqarah 2:29]

Then you will realize that the great purpose for which you exist in this world is to worship your Lord and Creator, Who has created all things well:

“And I (Allaah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)”

[al-Dhaariyaat 51:56 – interpretation of the meaning]

He has only created life and death in order to test His slaves in their performance of this duty of worship:

“Who has created death and life that He may test you which of you is best in deed. And He is the All‑Mighty, the Oft‑Forgiving”

[al-Mulk 67:2 – interpretation of the meaning]

Then Allaah honoured His slaves and promised those who do good in this world that in the Hereafter theirs will be Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, in which is that which no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, nor has it ever entered the mind of man. By the same token, He has warned those who do evil and neglect His rights over them that theirs will be a blazing Fire, in which they will neither live nor die, in which He has created all kinds of punishments and torments, hearing of which would turn a child’s hair white, let alone seeing them and suffering them. We ask Allaah to keep us and you safe from that… ameen.

Once you know this with certainty, then you will know that succeeding in this test is a serious matter which can only be achieved with a measure of effort and hardship which requires patience and forbearance. But this is hardship which passes swiftly and difficulty which soon comes to an end, because it is followed by eternal rest and happiness. So what is an hour of hardship and a moment of pain when compared to that eternal delight. We ask Allaah to bless us and you with His grace and Paradise…ameen.

You should also note – may Allaah guide you – that the more religious commitment becomes something strange and the fewer people there are who truly adhere to it – as is the situation nowadays – the more difficult it becomes to remain steadfast. It is hard to be different from the vast majority of people. Hence Allaah in His wisdom increases the reward of the sincere believers who remain steadfast in adhering to the truth, those who give precedence to pleasing Him over everything else and sacrifice that which is most precious to them for the sake of achieving that. In Saheeh Muslim (145) it is narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Islam started as something strange and will go back to being something strange as it began. So glad tidings to the strangers.”

In Sunan al-Tirmidhi (3058) it is narrated from Abu Tha’labah al-Khushani (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “After you there will come days during which being patient will be like holding on to a live coal. The one who strives during those days will have a reward like that of fifty men who strive as you do.” According to another report: It was said: “O Messenger of Allaah, the reward of fifty men like them or like us?” He said: “No, the reward of fifty men like you.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, 3172


These ahaadeeth and others indicate that at the end of time, there will be many evil and corrupt people, and few who are good and righteous and fear Allaah. That is because there will be so much fitnah (temptation and tribulation) and because sin and temptation will be so widespread that adhering to Islam will become something strange and may even become something strange among the Muslims themselves.

These ahaadeeth also indicate that adherence to Islam is not something easy, rather it is like holding on to a live coal. What will help a person to do that, after guidance from Allaah, is being patient in adhering to this path until he meets his Lord not being negligent or heedless, so he will meet a Lord Who is pleased with him and not angry with him, and will give him a great and much-multiplied reward. If a person truly understands this, he will regard as insignificant whatever he encounters for the sake of that which is waiting for him with his Lord, by the will and grace of Allaah.

What we have said applies if you feel that things are too difficult for you and you fear that your patience is weak and that you are slipping and not remaining steadfast.

However, if you are feeling that you have no hope of spreading this Islamic life that you live among those who are around you, and bringing them back to Islam as you are obliged to do, because of the opposition and resistance that you encounter, you should know that every step that you take in that direction is a victory and an act of charity. A good word is a charity, and you do not know when a word that you have spoken may take effect in the heart of the one who hears it and be of some benefit to him, even if that is after some time. So you should not give up hope that it will do some good one day.


“And when a community among them said: “Why do you preach to a people whom Allaah is about to destroy or to punish with a severe torment?” (The preachers) said: “In order to be free from guilt before your Lord (Allaah), and perhaps they may fear Allaah”

[al-A’raaf 7:164]

Beware of letting despair enter your heart. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Certainly no one despairs of Allaah’s Mercy, except the people who disbelieve”

[Yoosuf 12:87]

Beware of despair for it is misguidance:

“And who despairs of the Mercy of his Lord except those who are astray?”

[al-Hijr 15:56]

Remember that your efforts will never be lost, so long as you remain on the right path. The point where your life ends, this is your destination:

“He who emigrates (from his home) in the Cause of Allaah, will find on earth many dwelling places and plenty to live by. And whosoever leaves his home as an emigrant unto Allaah and His Messenger, and death overtakes him, his reward is then surely, incumbent upon Allaah. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”

[al-Nisa’ 4:100]


Then will come the turn of those who come after you, to take the flag from you and continue the rest of the journey. How many of this ummah are still left: “Allaah will continue to plant new people in this religion and use them in His obedience.” Narrated by Ibn Maajah and classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Sunan Ibn Maajah, 1/5.


Be certain of the promise of Allaah to this ummah of support and help:

“And indeed We have written in Az‑Zaboor [i.e. all the revealed Holy Books the Tawraat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Psalms, the Qur’aan] after (We have already written in) Al‑Lawh Al‑Mahfooz (the Book that is in the heaven with Allaah) that My righteous slaves shall inherit the land (i.e. the land of Paradise)”

[al-Anbiya’ 21:105]

“This matter (i.e., Islam) will reach as far as the day and night reach, and Allaah will not leave any house of mud or hair but He will bring this religion into it … and Allaah will bring glory to Islam and humiliation to kufr.” Narrated by Ahmad and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 32.

I urge you to remain steadfast in your religious commitment and not to turn away from it despite the many fitnahs and temptations and the many obstacles. Remember that the good end will be for those who fear Allaah (the pious).

You should strive to find all means that will help you to remain steadfast in adhering to the religion of Allaah. On this website you will find an essay which describes ways and means of remaining steadfast in Islam. I advise you to read it and study it.

In conclusion I would like to leave you with these great verses from the Book of Allaah which He revealed to His slave Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to be a healing for the believers’ hearts and a remedy for their ills. Read them and ponder them, and if you can look up the commentary on them in one of the books of Tafseer such as the Tafseer of Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Sa’di or Tafseer Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) then that will be good.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):


“Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, ‘When (will come) the Help of Allaah?’ Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allaah is near!”

[al-Baqarah 2:214]

“Alif‑Laam‑Meem.

[These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’aan, and none but Allaah (Alone) knows their meanings.]


2. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: “We believe,” and will not be tested.

3. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allaah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allaah knows all that before putting them to test)”

[al-‘Ankaboot 29:1-3]

“And for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah and the other articles of Faith) and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall make them enter with (in the entrance of) the righteous (in Paradise).

10. Of mankind are some who say: ‘We believe in Allaah.’ But if they are made to suffer for the sake of Allaah, they consider the trial of mankind as Allaah’s punishment; and if victory comes from your Lord, (the hypocrites) will say: ‘Verily, we were with you (helping you).’ Is not Allaah Best Aware of what is in the breasts of the ‘Aalameen (mankind and jinn)”

[al-‘Ankaboot 29:9-10]

“And among mankind is he who worships Allaah as it were upon the edge (i.e. in doubt): if good befalls him, he is content therewith; but if a trial befalls him he turns back on his face (i.e. reverts to disbelief after embracing Islam). He loses both this world and the Hereafter. That is the evident loss”

[al-Hajj 22:11]

“Verily, those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allaah (Alone),’ and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): ‘Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!’”

[Fussilat 41:30]

“Verily, those who say: ‘Our Lord is (only) Allaah,’ and thereafter stand firm (on the Islamic Faith of Monotheism), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

14. Such shall be the dwellers of Paradise, abiding therein (forever) a reward for what they used to do”

[al-Ahqaaf 46:13-14]


And there are other verses which encourage us to remain steadfast in our religious commitment and describe what Allaah has promised to the sincere believers. The Book of Allaah is filled with verses which state this and explain it in the most eloquent manner. So I advise you to read and ponder the Qur’aan. By Allaah’s Leave you will find in it the best help in remaining patient and not despairing or finding the way too long. For this world will quickly come to an end, then each person will find that which he has sent on ahead with his Lord; it is good, all well and good, but if it is bad then the outcome will be bad:

“On the Day when every person will be confronted with all the good he has done, and all the evil he has done, he will wish that there were a great distance between him and his evil. And Allaah warns you against Himself (His punishment) and Allaah is full of kindness to (His) slaves”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:30]

I ask Allaah to open your heart to goodness and to make you steadfast in adhering to the truth until You meet Him. May he divert all evil away from you, for He is All-Hearing, Ever Near. And Allaah knows best.

May Allaah send blessings and peace upon His slave and Prophet Muhammad and upon his family and companions.

[a Brother]

The Islamic life is the best life that a person could live, but sometimes things get so difficult that I feel that I have no hope of carrying on.


Praise be to Allaah.

You have done well by realizing that the Islamic life is the best life that a person could live. This is a great truth which few people understand, let alone become convinced of. Allaah has stated that in more than one place in his Book.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)”

[al-Nahl 16:97]

And Allaah has stated that whoever turns away from faith in Allaah and remembrance of Him exposes himself to a life of hardship and misery, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’aan nor acts on its teachings) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.”

125. He will say: ‘O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before).’

126. (Allaah) will say: ‘Like this: Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) came unto you, but you disregarded them (i.e. you left them, did not think deeply in them, and you turned away from them), and so this Day, you will be neglected (in the Hell‑fire, away from Allaah’s Mercy).’

127. And thus do We requite him who transgresses beyond bounds [i.e. commits the great sins and disobeys his Lord (Allaah) and believes not in His Messengers, and His revealed Books, like this Qur’aan], and believes not in the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord; and the torment of the Hereafter is far more severe and more lasting”

[Ta-Ha 20:124-127]

Once you have understood this, and it has become deeply rooted in your heart and you are at peace with it, then you will know that Allaah has not created this universe, with the earth and the heavens, the seas and the rivers, the mountains and plains, the oases and the deserts, except for your sake, O poor, weak creature. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“He it is Who created for you all that is on earth”
[al-Baqarah 2:29]

Then you will realize that the great purpose for which you exist in this world is to worship your Lord and Creator, Who has created all things well:

“And I (Allaah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)”

[al-Dhaariyaat 51:56 – interpretation of the meaning]

He has only created life and death in order to test His slaves in their performance of this duty of worship:

“Who has created death and life that He may test you which of you is best in deed. And He is the All‑Mighty, the Oft‑Forgiving”

[al-Mulk 67:2 – interpretation of the meaning]

Then Allaah honoured His slaves and promised those who do good in this world that in the Hereafter theirs will be Paradise as vast as the heavens and the earth, in which is that which no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, nor has it ever entered the mind of man. By the same token, He has warned those who do evil and neglect His rights over them that theirs will be a blazing Fire, in which they will neither live nor die, in which He has created all kinds of punishments and torments, hearing of which would turn a child’s hair white, let alone seeing them and suffering them. We ask Allaah to keep us and you safe from that… ameen.

Once you know this with certainty, then you will know that succeeding in this test is a serious matter which can only be achieved with a measure of effort and hardship which requires patience and forbearance. But this is hardship which passes swiftly and difficulty which soon comes to an end, because it is followed by eternal rest and happiness. So what is an hour of hardship and a moment of pain when compared to that eternal delight. We ask Allaah to bless us and you with His grace and Paradise…ameen.

You should also note – may Allaah guide you – that the more religious commitment becomes something strange and the fewer people there are who truly adhere to it – as is the situation nowadays – the more difficult it becomes to remain steadfast. It is hard to be different from the vast majority of people. Hence Allaah in His wisdom increases the reward of the sincere believers who remain steadfast in adhering to the truth, those who give precedence to pleasing Him over everything else and sacrifice that which is most precious to them for the sake of achieving that. In Saheeh Muslim (145) it is narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Islam started as something strange and will go back to being something strange as it began. So glad tidings to the strangers.”

In Sunan al-Tirmidhi (3058) it is narrated from Abu Tha’labah al-Khushani (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “After you there will come days during which being patient will be like holding on to a live coal. The one who strives during those days will have a reward like that of fifty men who strive as you do.” According to another report: It was said: “O Messenger of Allaah, the reward of fifty men like them or like us?” He said: “No, the reward of fifty men like you.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, 3172

These ahaadeeth and others indicate that at the end of time, there will be many evil and corrupt people, and few who are good and righteous and fear Allaah. That is because there will be so much fitnah (temptation and tribulation) and because sin and temptation will be so widespread that adhering to Islam will become something strange and may even become something strange among the Muslims themselves.

These ahaadeeth also indicate that adherence to Islam is not something easy, rather it is like holding on to a live coal. What will help a person to do that, after guidance from Allaah, is being patient in adhering to this path until he meets his Lord not being negligent or heedless, so he will meet a Lord Who is pleased with him and not angry with him, and will give him a great and much-multiplied reward. If a person truly understands this, he will regard as insignificant whatever he encounters for the sake of that which is waiting for him with his Lord, by the will and grace of Allaah.

What we have said applies if you feel that things are too difficult for you and you fear that your patience is weak and that you are slipping and not remaining steadfast.

However, if you are feeling that you have no hope of spreading this Islamic life that you live among those who are around you, and bringing them back to Islam as you are obliged to do, because of the opposition and resistance that you encounter, you should know that every step that you take in that direction is a victory and an act of charity. A good word is a charity, and you do not know when a word that you have spoken may take effect in the heart of the one who hears it and be of some benefit to him, even if that is after some time. So you should not give up hope that it will do some good one day.

“And when a community among them said: “Why do you preach to a people whom Allaah is about to destroy or to punish with a severe torment?” (The preachers) said: “In order to be free from guilt before your Lord (Allaah), and perhaps they may fear Allaah”

[al-A’raaf 7:164]

Beware of letting despair enter your heart. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Certainly no one despairs of Allaah’s Mercy, except the people who disbelieve”

[Yoosuf 12:87]

Beware of despair for it is misguidance:

“And who despairs of the Mercy of his Lord except those who are astray?”

[al-Hijr 15:56]

Remember that your efforts will never be lost, so long as you remain on the right path. The point where your life ends, this is your destination:

“He who emigrates (from his home) in the Cause of Allaah, will find on earth many dwelling places and plenty to live by. And whosoever leaves his home as an emigrant unto Allaah and His Messenger, and death overtakes him, his reward is then surely, incumbent upon Allaah. And Allaah is Ever Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”

[al-Nisa’ 4:100]

Then will come the turn of those who come after you, to take the flag from you and continue the rest of the journey. How many of this ummah are still left: “Allaah will continue to plant new people in this religion and use them in His obedience.” Narrated by Ibn Maajah and classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Sunan Ibn Maajah, 1/5.

Be certain of the promise of Allaah to this ummah of support and help:

“And indeed We have written in Az‑Zaboor [i.e. all the revealed Holy Books the Tawraat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Psalms, the Qur’aan] after (We have already written in) Al‑Lawh Al‑Mahfooz (the Book that is in the heaven with Allaah) that My righteous slaves shall inherit the land (i.e. the land of Paradise)”

[al-Anbiya’ 21:105]

“This matter (i.e., Islam) will reach as far as the day and night reach, and Allaah will not leave any house of mud or hair but He will bring this religion into it … and Allaah will bring glory to Islam and humiliation to kufr.” Narrated by Ahmad and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 32.

I urge you to remain steadfast in your religious commitment and not to turn away from it despite the many fitnahs and temptations and the many obstacles. Remember that the good end will be for those who fear Allaah (the pious).

You should strive to find all means that will help you to remain steadfast in adhering to the religion of Allaah. On this website you will find an essay which describes ways and means of remaining steadfast in Islam. I advise you to read it and study it.

In conclusion I would like to leave you with these great verses from the Book of Allaah which He revealed to His slave Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to be a healing for the believers’ hearts and a remedy for their ills. Read them and ponder them, and if you can look up the commentary on them in one of the books of Tafseer such as the Tafseer of Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Sa’di or Tafseer Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) then that will be good.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, ‘When (will come) the Help of Allaah?’ Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allaah is near!”

[al-Baqarah 2:214]

“Alif‑Laam‑Meem.

[These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’aan, and none but Allaah (Alone) knows their meanings.]

2. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: “We believe,” and will not be tested.

3. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allaah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allaah knows all that before putting them to test)”

[al-‘Ankaboot 29:1-3]

“And for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah and the other articles of Faith) and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall make them enter with (in the entrance of) the righteous (in Paradise).

10. Of mankind are some who say: ‘We believe in Allaah.’ But if they are made to suffer for the sake of Allaah, they consider the trial of mankind as Allaah’s punishment; and if victory comes from your Lord, (the hypocrites) will say: ‘Verily, we were with you (helping you).’ Is not Allaah Best Aware of what is in the breasts of the ‘Aalameen (mankind and jinn)”

[al-‘Ankaboot 29:9-10]

“And among mankind is he who worships Allaah as it were upon the edge (i.e. in doubt): if good befalls him, he is content therewith; but if a trial befalls him he turns back on his face (i.e. reverts to disbelief after embracing Islam). He loses both this world and the Hereafter. That is the evident loss”

[al-Hajj 22:11]

“Verily, those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allaah (Alone),’ and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): ‘Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!’”

[Fussilat 41:30]

“Verily, those who say: ‘Our Lord is (only) Allaah,’ and thereafter stand firm (on the Islamic Faith of Monotheism), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

14. Such shall be the dwellers of Paradise, abiding therein (forever) a reward for what they used to do”

[al-Ahqaaf 46:13-14]

And there are other verses which encourage us to remain steadfast in our religious commitment and describe what Allaah has promised to the sincere believers. The Book of Allaah is filled with verses which state this and explain it in the most eloquent manner. So I advise you to read and ponder the Qur’aan. By Allaah’s Leave you will find in it the best help in remaining patient and not despairing or finding the way too long. For this world will quickly come to an end, then each person will find that which he has sent on ahead with his Lord; it is good, all well and good, but if it is bad then the outcome will be bad:

“On the Day when every person will be confronted with all the good he has done, and all the evil he has done, he will wish that there were a great distance between him and his evil. And Allaah warns you against Himself (His punishment) and Allaah is full of kindness to (His) slaves”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:30]

I ask Allaah to open your heart to goodness and to make you steadfast in adhering to the truth until You meet Him. May he divert all evil away from you, for He is All-Hearing, Ever Near. And Allaah knows best.

May Allaah send blessings and peace upon His slave and Prophet Muhammad and upon his family and companions.


Islam Q&A

[Pennypacker]

Many years back, I realized a clear pattern in the lives of the prophets: they all faced extremely difficult situations. I came to the conclusion that a sign of Allaah's love is His testing you. I believe I am clinically depressed considering how long I've been depressed (the premise being that normal depression wouldn't be this severe and wouldn't last years), but I feel that it is a blessing at times, as strange as this sounds. It's His way of testing me.

Now, this doesn't mean that I don't try to look for professional help (i.e. psychiatrist). I'd absolutely love to see a psychiatrist to help me through my problems, but my obstacle is rather simple: the cost of therapy is prohibitive. If you can afford professional help, go for it. I am not sure what a psychiatrist can do for me, but I know I can't do anything for myself and I'd rather trust someone educated than myself.