When Tragedy Strikes

When Tragedy Strikes

Asalaam alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. We are all aware of the tragedy that took place in Palestine at Al- Aqsa mosque on Friday night and continues. May Allah protect all of our brothers and sisters. Ongoing oppressive tragedies occur and have been occurring in countries all over the world. Many times we look upon it all and ask why. Why do such things happen and continue to happen? With so much going on around us, it is understandably easy to fall into a deep hole when witnessing all of the unfortunate realities around us. A positive change seems hopeless. We at times may feel helpless not knowing what to do, if there is even anything that we can do. What can help a person through such dark times? How can we remain hopeful and positive? 

In the Quran, Allah tells us this world, albeit a tremendous blessing, is a place of trial. “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return’” (Q. 2:155-156).

These hardships that occur are tests for us, and in the face of them, we must be patient realizing they are temporary by the sheer reality that the world itself is temporary. The end of the quoted verse above is a phrase Muslims say upon hearing of someone’s death. The verses continue, 

 “Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided” (Q. 2:157).

Additionally, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 

“No Muslim suffers weakness, illness, worry, sorrow, vexation, or gloom—even the thorn that pricks him—without Allah thereby expiating some of his misdeeds” (Bukhari).

Essentially even in the worst of the worst situations, there is some good that comes to us whether we are able to see it or not. While Islam encourages people to tackle calamities with patience, that in no way means to be a bystander in the face of oppression. If a person is stuck in an abusive relationship or dealing with something like depression, they most certainly should seek help from imams, counselors, and therapists. When tragedy hits a foreign nation, Muslims should look to help with their resources whether that be time or money. These things may seem minute, but Islam emphasizes doing good, no matter how small. Allah takes account of all things, and as such, even the smallest good we do can snowball into something much grander. 

Lastly, we must not ever lose hope. Allah encourages us in the Quran that with every hardship, certainly there is ease. No matter how bleak outcomes look at a certain point, Muslims are told to never lose hope in Allah. Instead, turn to Him, supplicate, do your due diligence, and trust that everything happens according to His will and He knows best.

Pray today and every day for peace in this country and in this world, tranquility and ease for all those suffering, and ongoing sustenance for those doing well. May God allow us to put our trust in Him and be of those who stand up against oppression while never forgetting He is truly the one in control. May He protect us from hardships and tragedies and keep us in a constant state of thankfulness for our blessings.InshaAllah Ameen 

Sister Rebecca is a SAHM living in Houston Texas. Married for 13 years with two children, and a revert since 2014,  her hobbies include cooking, reading, and spending time with family.