Life rarely unfolds in a straight line; rather, it seems to operate with a see-saw effect — up and down, down and up. I kid you not: this week I received some really good news, and then literally ten minutes later I was met with very sad news indeed.

It feels at times that when joy is sitting on top of the bed, gloom is quietly looming underneath it. For many people, this emotional roller coaster is familiar, and it highlights the fragile balance of our earthly experience.

Islam acknowledges this reality and provides a framework for navigating it with faith, patience, and inner strength. I can truly say that without Islam as my guide, I would be an emotional and lost soul. Allah and Islam are my rock, Alhamdulilah.

From an Islamic perspective, hardship is not an interruption to life; it is woven into its very design. The Koran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offer insight into why trials occur and how believers can confront them without falling into despair.

The Koran is clear: tests accompany faith. “Do people think they will be left alone because they say, ‘We believe’, and not be tested?” (29:2). This verse reminds Muslims that difficulties are not signs of divine abandonment, but a part of spiritual refinement. In Islam, tests are purposeful, not punitive or punishment.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) further emphasised this reality, saying: “When Allah loves a people, He tests them.”

In a world that often interprets comfort as success and hardship as failure, Islam presents a counter-narrative. Trials purify the soul, strengthen resilience, and draw the believer closer to God. Sometimes they arrive to elevate our rank, sometimes to protect us from greater harm, and sometimes to redirect us back to our spiritual centre.

The Koran says this beautifully: “We will surely test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives, and fruits. But give good news to the patient.” (2:155)

Hardship is acknowledged openly, but hope is given equal prominence. The promise of “good news” reinforces that support from Allah accompanies every challenge.

Where hardship is part of the journey, despair is the danger to avoid. Islam warns believers against losing hope. “None despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.” (12:87)

Rather, hope is upheld as a central characteristic of true faith. One of the most comforting verses in the Koran declares: “O My servants who have wronged themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.” (39:53)

The Prophet Muhammad expressed this balance of realism and optimism when he said: “Victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship.” It is a reminder that every storm has an end and every difficulty carries its own avenues of ease.

For Muslims navigating life’s unpredictable see-saw, Islam offers a steadying truth: hardship may shake us, but it does not define us. Through patience, remembrance, supplication, and trust in God’s plan, despair can give way to resilience and hope.

Even when trials arrive suddenly — sometimes within minutes of joy — Islam reassures us that relief, whether seen or unseen, is always on the way.

Bermuda, continue to be steadfast and never despair of God’s mercy.

Have a blessed week filled with hope, love and purpose.

As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam