Rahat-lil-Qalb

Happiness. Contentment. Tranquility.

Embracing Allah’s Mercy and Wisdom: Trusting Through Life’s Trials

Introduction

In this life’s voyage, we stumble across moments of despondency, dejection, misery, regret, uncertainty, and downheartedness. Amidst such situations, resorting to and projecting our thoughts to the spiritual wisdom of the Qur’an can offer us solace and consolation. One of the most comforting themes threaded through the Qur’an is Allah’s Mercy. Probing into the mercy of Allah سبحانه و تعالى (may He be glorified and exalted) in the Qur’an not only gladdens and uplifts our spirits but also reasserts our faith in His infinite compassion and His loving mercy towards us.

Understanding Allah’s Rahmah

The Arabic word ‘Rahmah’ means ‘Mercy’. The very name of Allah سبحانه و تعالى, “Ar-Rahman” (The Most Merciful), and “Ar-Raheem” (The Especially Merciful) signifies the profound extent of His mercy.
But how is this mercy evident in our lives? Allah سبحانه و تعالى says in the Glorious Qur’an:
لَا يُكَلِّفُ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا ٱكْتَسَبَتْ ۗ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَآ إِن نَّسِينَآ أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَآ إِصْرًۭا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُۥ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِۦ ۖ وَٱعْفُ عَنَّا وَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا وَٱرْحَمْنَآ ۚ أَنتَ مَوْلَىٰنَا فَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ

“Allah does not require of any soul more than what it can afford. All good will be for its own benefit, and all evil will be to its own loss. (The believers pray,) “Our Lord! Do not punish us if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord! Do not place a burden on us like the one you placed on those before us. Our Lord! Do not burden us with what we cannot bear. Pardon us, forgive us, and have mercy on us. You are our (only) Guardian. So, grant us victory over the disbelieving people.”

Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 286

This verse from the Qur’an encapsulates a believer’s plea for Allah’s understanding, patience, and above all, His mercy, a mercy that is vast, ever-ready, and unconditional.
Allah’s mercy constantly surrounds us as we navigate through the challenges of this life.
‏إن لله تعالى مائة رحمة أنزلمنها رحمة واحدة بين الجن والإنس والبهائم والهوام، فيها يتعاطفون، وبها يتراحمون،وبها تعطف الوحش على ولدها، وأخر الله تعالى تسعاً وتسعين رحمة يرحم بها عباده يوم القيامة
Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“Allah has one hundred mercies, out of which He has sent down only one for jinn, mankind, animals and insects, through which they love one another and have compassion for one another; and through it, wild animals care for their young. Allah has retained ninety-nine mercies to deal kindly with His slaves on the Day of Resurrection.”

(Bukhari and Muslim, Riyad as-Saleheen 420)

This Hadith not only foregrounds the immensity of Allah’s mercy but also emphasizes that what we witness in this life is merely a speck of the mercy awaiting us in the Hereafter.

Seeking and Embracing Allah’s Mercy

It is never too late to seek Allah’s boundless mercy. By trusting in His forgiveness, seeking repentance, and striving to improve, we can embrace His loving mercy, regardless of past mistakes. In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and broken. Reflecting on the mercy of Allah سبحانه و تعالى in the Glorious Qur’an can be our anchor. It serves as a reminder that no matter how great our problems may be, the mercy of Allah is even greater.
Allah سبحانه و تعالى says in the Glorious Qur’an:
قُلْ يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا۟ مِن رَّحْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ.

“Say, (O Prophet, that Allah says), “O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

(Surah Az-Zumar, Ayah 53)

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ تُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ تَوْبَةًۭ نَّصُوحًا عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمْ أَن يُكَفِّرَ عَنكُمْ سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمْ وَيُدْخِلَكُمْ جَنَّـٰتٍۢ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ

“O believers! Turn to Allah in sincere repentance, so your Lord may absolve you of your sins and admit you into Gardens.”

(Surah At-Tahrim, Ayah 8)

Furthermore, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said,
قَالَ اللَّهُ يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ إِنَّكَ مَا دَعَوْتَنِي وَرَجَوْتَنِي غَفَرْتُ لَكَ عَلَى مَا كَانَ فِيكَ وَلاَ أُبَالِي يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ لَوْ بَلَغَتْ ذُنُوبُكَ عَنَانَ السَّمَاءِ ثُمَّ اسْتَغْفَرْتَنِي غَفَرْتُ لَكَ وَلاَ أُبَالِي يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ إِنَّكَ لَوْ أَتَيْتَنِي بِقُرَابِ الأَرْضِ خَطَايَا ثُمَّ لَقِيتَنِي لاَ تُشْرِكُ بِي شَيْئًا لأَتَيْتُكَ بِقُرَابِهَا مَغْفِرَةً

“Allah the Almighty said: O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it.”

(Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3540)

In a narration in Sunnan Ibn Majah, we find that Messenger of Allah ﷺ said,
التَّائِبُ مِنَ الذَّنْبِ كَمَنْ لاَ ذَنْبَلَهُ

The one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin.

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4250)

A man asked Ibn Umar, “What did you hear Allah’s Messenger ﷺ saying regarding An-Najwa (secret talk between Allah and His believing worshipper on the Day of Judgment)?” He said, “(The Prophet ﷺ said),
يَدْنُو أَحَدُكُمْ مِنْ رَبِّهِ حَتَّى يَضَعَ كَنَفَهُ عَلَيْهِ فَيَقُولُ عَمِلْتَ كَذَا وَكَذَا‏.‏ فَيَقُولُ نَعَمْ‏.‏ وَيَقُولُ عَمِلْتَ كَذَا وَكَذَا‏.‏ فَيَقُولُ نَعَمْ‏.‏ فَيُقَرِّرُهُ ثُمَّ يَقُولُ إِنِّي سَتَرْتُ عَلَيْكَ فِي الدُّنْيَا، فَأَنَا أَغْفِرُهَا لَكَ الْيَوْمَ ‏”‏‏.

One of you will come close to his Lord till He will shelter him in His screen and say: Did you commit such-and-such sin? He will say, ‘Yes.’ Then Allah will say: Did you commit such and such sin? He will say, ‘Yes.’ So, Allah will make him confess (all his sins) and He will say, ‘I screened them (your sins) for you in the world, and today I forgive them for you.

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6070)

These verses and Ahadith uplift us, reminding us that despair has no place in a believer’s heart. Allah’s mercy is always accessible, as He says:
وَقُل رَّبِّ ٱغْفِرْ وَٱرْحَمْ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ

And Say, My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the best of those who show mercy.

(Surah Al- Mu’minoon, Ayah 118)

The Infinite Wisdom and Knowledge of Allah

Dear brothers and sisters, human knowledge and wisdom, even combined, are not even like a grain of sand compared to Allah’s infinite knowledge and wisdom. There is no comparison to it in any way.
Allah (may He be glorified and exalted) says in the Glorious Qur’an:
وَلَوْ أَنَّمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مِن شَجَرَةٍ أَقْلَـٰمٌۭ وَٱلْبَحْرُ يَمُدُّهُۥ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ سَبْعَةُ أَبْحُرٍۢ مَّا نَفِدَتْ كَلِمَـٰتُ ٱللَّهِ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌۭ.

If all the trees on earth were pens and the ocean (were ink), refilled by seven other oceans, the Words of Allah would not be exhausted. Surely Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.

(Surah Luqmaan 31:27)

This verse highlights Allah’s boundless knowledge and power, using a powerful metaphor to show that even all earthly resources couldn’t capture His words.
Once we understand this, we will realize that the rulings of Allah سبحانه و تعالى, all stem from knowledge, justice, wisdom and kindness.
Allah سبحانه و تعالى says:
وَتَمَّتْ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ صِدْقًۭا وَعَدْلًۭا ۚ لَّا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَـٰتِهِۦ ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْعَلِيمُ

The Word of your Lord has been perfected in truth and justice. None can change His Words. And He is the All-Hearing, All- Knowing.

(Surah Al-An’aam, Ayah 115)

Regarding this Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said: “And all His deeds are beneficial, wise, merciful, just and good. Evil cannot be part of the deeds or words of the One Who is on the straight path; rather evil can only be part of the words and deeds of one who drifts away from that path.”

(Madaarij as-Saalikeen bayna Manaazil Iyyaaka Na’budu wa Iyyaaka Nasta’een 1:44)

Allah (may He be glorified and exalted) asserts that His rulings are based on truth and justice and the rulings of others are based on ignorance. And Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an:
وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ حُكْمًۭا لِّقَوْمٍۢ يُوقِنُونَ.

And who is better in judgement than Allah for a people who have firm Faith?

(Surah Al- Ma’idah, Ayah 50)

Allah teaches us that only His revelations are true; all else stems from whims and ignorance, no matter how it’s justified
All of the views and ideas that are contrary to what the Messenger ﷺ brought are based on whims and desires and the rulings of ignorance, even if those who propagate them describe them as rationally-proven facts with certain proof, which is akin to the polytheists describing their idols and statues as gods, and the hypocrites describing their endeavor to spread mischief on earth and turn people away from faith as an effort to spread righteousness and do what is right

(al-Sawaa’iq al-Mursalah 3:1046)

Submitting to Allah’s Wisdom in Trials

After knowing that Allah سبحانه و تعالى is “All Wise” and “All Knower”, do we (an insignificant slave of Allah, a weak creature) know more than what Allah knows, and that with our weak mind we could understand that which The Knower of the unseen cannot understand?
Allah سبحانه و تعالى, in His sublime wisdom, Allah may test believers by concealing the wisdom behind His rulings to assess their faith and see whether he will submit to the ruling of his Lord or will he object to His ruling and take an arrogant stance towards Allah (may He be glorified and exalted).
True believers submit to His will, even if the reasons are unclear, and seek His guidance.
Allah سبحانه و تعالى says in the Glorious Qur’an:
وَرَبُّكَ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَآءُ وَيَخْتَارُ ۗ مَا كَانَ لَهُمُ ٱلْخِيَرَةُ ۚ سُبْحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ وَتَعَـٰلَىٰ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ.
وَرَبُّكَ يَعْلَمُ مَا تُكِنُّ صُدُورُهُمْ وَمَا يُعْلِنُونَ.
وَهُوَ ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ لَهُ ٱلْحَمْدُ فِى ٱلْأُولَىٰ وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ ۖ وَلَهُ ٱلْحُكْمُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ.

Your Lord creates and chooses whatever He wills—the choice is not theirs. Glorified and Exalted is Allah above what they associate (with Him)! And your Lord knows what their hearts conceal and what they reveal. He is Allah. There is no god (worthy of worship) except Him. All praise belongs to Him in this life and the next. All authority is His. And to Him you will (all) be returned.

(Surah Al-Qasas, Ayah 68-70)

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah رحمه الله said:

Allah is not to be questioned about what He does because of His perfect wisdom, mercy and justice, not just because of His subjugation of creation and His might

(Majmoo Al-Fataawa 8/511)

Trusting Allah’s wisdom is central to faith. In trials, when outcomes are unclear, we must trust that Allah, the Just, knows what is best for us. Human reason is limited, but Allah’s knowledge is infinite. Misjudging this can lead to misguidance and distress.

Surrendering to Allah’s Lordship and Wisdom

The first step on the path of Islam is to surrender completely to the Lord of the Worlds, to His power, will, and rulings. A true Muslim submits fully to Allah’s commands and prohibitions, accepting His laws whether they align with personal desires or not. Islam requires total submission, in all matters, big or small.
Allah سبحانه و تعالى says in the Glorious Qur’an:
فَلَا وَرَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّىٰ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَجِدُوا۟ فِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًۭا مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُوا۟ تَسْلِيمًۭا.

But no! By your Lord, they will never be (true) believers until they accept you (O Prophet) as the judge in their disputes, and find no resistance within themselves against your decision and submit wholeheartedly.

(Surah An-Nisa, Ayah 65)

My dear brothers and sisters, we must sincerely renew our faith and surrender to the Lord of the Worlds. Let us cleanse our hearts from doubts and negative thoughts, and turn to Allah in sincere repentance. As our faith strengthens, our trust in Allah will naturally grow.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
ذَاقَ طَعْمَ الْإِيمَانِ مَنْ رَضِيَ بِاللَّهِ رَبًّاوَبِالْإِسْلَامِ دِينًا وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ رَسُولًا

He has found the taste of faith who is content with Allah as his Lord, Islam as his religion and Muhammad as his Messenger.

(Saheeh Muslim, Hadith 39)

Over and above all these things, we must never forget that here is nothing to save us from the pain of doubt, uncertainty, hesitation and confusion for the words of Allah سبحانه و تعالى . Reading it persistently, understanding it, reflecting and pondering upon its meanings, seeking guidance, comfort and reassurance from it, is what will bring about peace and tranquility in our life.
An advice, from a smart and a wise philosopher, who has read the words of wise men and has great knowledge of philosophy and kalaam, says:
“The book of Allah (may He be glorified and exalted), is protection and refuge; in it there is healing, clarity, guidance and light; in it is the answer to every problem and to it will turn everyone who is confused. Its verses that speak in general terms are sufficient for people with sound hearts, and its verses that speak in detail offer sufficient healing for people with doubts in their hearts.
Its apparent meanings will call you in clear words to surrender to that which is hidden from you.
And its hidden meanings will indicate to you that you should comply with its apparent meanings. This is if you understand the difference between the divine and the slave. But if you are controlled by doubts and confusion, and you cannot see the difference between the good and the bad, or differentiate between the true reality of this and the false reality of that, then I fear that you will be doomed and you will continue to be confused, then your fate will be utter loss.”

(Al-Basaa’ir wa’dh-Dhakhaa’ir by at-Tawheedi 2:112-113)

Trusting Allah in Trials and Taking Action

My dear brothers and sisters, we need to understand that Allah سبحانه و تعالى is All-Wise and whatever He does, He does for a reason, whatever happens, it happens for a reason. Allah knows us and this is matched with another important concept, which is where Allah says:
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا

Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope.

(Surah Al- Baqarah, Ayah 286)

Allah does not burden a soul with more than it can bear. Imagine facing an exam made by a robotic system that doesn’t know your struggles, it might feel unfair. But when a teacher who knows you creates the test, it feels more just and tailored to your level.
Now reflect on Allah, the One who created you and knows you better than anyone. He knows your strengths, your pain, your circumstances. So when you’re tested, know that the test is not random. It’s crafted by the All-Wise, All-Knowing, and it is always within your capacity. Trust His wisdom.
There’s an important point about our relationship with Allah. I once read about a brother whose son had autism. People at the Masjid kept telling him, “Pray more, make better du’a… your son will be cured.”
This sincere convert replied, “I am praying and making du’a… why isn’t this being removed?”
My dear brothers and sisters, this mindset is mistaken. Islam is not a transaction. Our relationship with Allah isn’t, “If I do this, He must give me that.” We worship Him out of love, trust, and submission, not as part of a trade.
Our belief system should not be of a decree where we start to think that if I do this and this and this, then all the difficulties of my life will be alleviated. That is not our belief. I will tell you why;
Try to ponder over the stories of the Prophets of Allah (may He be glorified and exalted). They were the ones sent by Allah to teach, guide and purify us.
The Prophets are amongst the most Righteous people of all. The Qur’an speaks of the Prophets as being the greatest human beings of all times and calls them; “Blessed by Allah (may He be glorified and exalted)”. But, my dear brothers and sisters, take a step closer and think. Didn’t these great people face difficulties and trials?
Yusuf عليه السلام being betrayed and enslaved, and Muhammad ﷺ losing his family, they faced trials despite their righteousness. Their challenges show that trials are part of life, not a lack of faith. Trust Allah’s wisdom, not a transactional faith.

Building Trust Through Trials and Action

A step closer in understanding the Wisdom of Allah سبحانه و تعالى will make us acknowledge that its nothing but love and mercy that we receive from Allah because He tests us because He wants to see that if we truly claim to love Him, then are we ready to endure difficulties, oppressions, etc. and after facing the trials will we still be strong in our love for Him. He (may He be glorified and exalted), The Most Gracious wants us to choose Him freely, out of our free will, not forcedly. Ultimately, and beyond all, what Allah سبحانه و تعالى wants for us is only Goodness and nothing else. After facing the trials, it’s we who will receive the benefits in the end, either in this world or in the next.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
مَنْ يُرِدِ اللَّهُ بِهِ خَيْرًا يُصِبْ مِنْهُ

If Allah wills good for someone, He afflicts him with trials.

(Saheeh al Bukhari, Hadith 5645)

Trust in Allah prepares us to face trials with wisdom, strengthening our Eemaan (faith) and those of around us. We trust His wisdom, knowing we can handle challenges with His help.
وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مَخْرَجًۭا. وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُۥٓ.

And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them, and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He (alone) is sufficient for them.

(Surah At-Talaq, Ayah 2-3)

While we are in a hardship we should and we have to turn to Allah, trust Him and be hopeful that only He will relieve us. By His mercy he can grant us ease and restore our happiness. Thinking and analyzing too much can often create bigger problems than the ones we are trying to solve. We must keep in mind that as Muslim we are trained by Allah سبحانه و تعالى who understands the severity of the difficulties we are put into. It’s not about our perception of others or how we are perceived by others. It’s not about when and how we set out to do something or set upon a course of action. It’s not about the perception of what everyone else thinks. What’s more important is, Do We have that trust in Allah? “Even if it is difficult, Ya Allah, I will take the means. Ya Allah, I will do what’s necessary.”
That is what we are taught in Islam. We are taught that we must understand and accept the Asbaab (reasons/causes/means). We cannot sit in a corner and say, “Yaa Allah, my Rizq. Yaa Allah, my provision. Yaa Allah! Deliver it to me.” Rather, we must go seek for that provision. Even if it is difficult, even if it is challenging, we must go and we must take the means. No matter how smart we are or how smart we’ve been told we are, we must still take the means.
This thing goes back to the famous example of a person who did not tie his camel.
A man said “O Messenger of Allah, should I tie my camel and trust in Allah, or should I leave her untied and trust in Allah?” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Tie her and trust in Allah.”

(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2517)

This is a big lesson for all of us to learn from. There is a place for us to have an impact and to have an influence. Those things which are within our capacity and to act upon, we must act upon. And those things which are beyond our capacity, we must understand the balance and the fact that those things are beyond our understanding and reach. We have no influence on what would be on the exam, we have no influence on how the boss thinks or the boss acts. We have no influence on what the trade market is doing. But the things that we do have influence on, the things that we can do, is to understand and implementing the concept of tying our camel and placing our trust in Allah (may He be glorified and exalted).
May Allah increase our Eemaan. May Allah fulfill the needs of those in need. May Allah help us understand and appreciate His wisdom in our lives. May Allah help us to overcome the difficulties and challenges in our lives with our Eemaan intact and increasing.

Conclusion: Faith as a Source of Strength and Peace

Looking at the bigger picture of this life helps us to put our problems and adversities in context. Our faith helps us to have a happier outlook and perspective. Strong established beliefs and spiritual striving are being acknowledged as a form of protection against emptiness. Many confess that the connection to a greater power or truth can give a sense of meaning and purpose. Amongst researchers the link between faith and preventing the feeling of emptiness, as well as combating it, is becoming agreed upon. In fact, it would be fair to predict that our faith and practice of Islam are probably directly, and proportionally, linked to our ability to deal with difficult situations.
Allah(may He be glorified and exalted), The Most Compassionate, wants us to succeed in this life and to achieve true success, positivity and peace. If we use our faith as a strong handhold and follow His commands, we will be taken care of and our troubles can be melted down or eradicated thereby.
May Allah help us all to do and say that which is right. And Allah knows best.
سُبْحـانَكَ اللّهُـمَّ وَبِحَمدِك، أَشْهَـدُ أَنْ لا إِلهَ إِلاّ أَنْتَ أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَأَتوبُ إِلَـيْك

Glory is to You, O Allah, and Praise is to You. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but You. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You.

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