There are moments in life when the weight of the world seems unbearable – when fear, grief, or hardship threaten to consume us.

During such times, many find solace not in human intervention or worldly solutions, but in turning to Allah with complete submission and trust. One of the most powerful expressions of this trust is the phrase: “Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal wakeel.”

This means: “Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.” (Surah Al ‘Imran 3:173)

These were the words spoken by the believers when they were warned about the strength and plots of their enemies. Instead of retreating in fear, they responded with unwavering faith, affirming that Allah was enough for them – His power, His wisdom, and His will would protect and guide them.

We must put our complete reliance on Allah in times of hardship. In a world where uncertainty is constant, this verse reminds us that we are not alone.

We are never without help, and never abandoned – no matter how heavy the burden or how strong the opposition. When people plot against us, when injustice seems to prevail, when our resources dwindle and hope seems faint, this phrase anchors the heart.

“Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal wakeel” is not merely something we recite with the tongue; it is a declaration from the heart. It means: I give up worrying. I surrender my situation to the One who never sleeps, never makes a mistake, and never lets His servants down.

Allah knows what we cannot comprehend, and He is always acting in our best interest – even when it does not feel like it.

The companions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) were no strangers to hardship. They were mocked, attacked, and forced to leave their homes and families. Yet in every test, they turned to Allah with this phrase. Their strength did not lie in numbers, wealth, or weapons – it lay in their conviction that Allah was in control. Their belief and faith was indeed their shield.

After the Muslims faced a setback in the Battle of Uhud, rumours spread that the enemy was regrouping for another attack.

The Prophet and his companions were told that they were outnumbered and that returning to the battlefield would be dangerous. But rather than succumbing to fear, the believers declared, “Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.”

That response didn’t just calm their hearts – it strengthened their resolve. They went forward, knowing that success was in Allah’s hands, not in material advantage.

Whether you're struggling with grief, illness, financial stress, injustice, or loneliness, “Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal wakeel” is medicine for the soul. Reciting it brings calm, because it reminds you that your burden is being carried by the One whose mercy has no limits.

“And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him.” (Surah At-Talaq 65:3)

So, if you’re going through something right now – something you haven't even told anyone about – know this: you are not forsaken. Say it with your heart full of need and your tongue full of hope: “Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal wakeel.”

Let it be your shield. Let it be your silent prayer. Let it be the rope you hold onto when everything else is slipping away.

Throughout the Koran, we see where the prophets of Allah turned to Him with this level of trust. We too must build ourselves to have the trust of the prophets. Prophet Ibrahim (as), when he was thrown into the fire, said, “Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal wakeel” – and Allah made the fire cool and safe for him. (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:69)

This phrase wasn’t just a statement. It was a key to deliverance. It’s what turned fire into a sanctuary, fear into peace, and weakness into strength. It is as powerful today as it was then.

Make it a part of your day, in fact make it a daily routine, to recite “Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal wakeel”. Whisper it before a difficult conversation. Say it when opening a letter you fear. Breathe it as you try to sleep with worries on your mind. Teach it to your children so that they grow up knowing that real strength lies in tawakkul – reliance on Allah.

In fact, it was my granddaughter Jennah – just three years old at the time – who first taught me to recite “Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal wakeel”. She would sing it so sweetly, almost like she was singing her ABCs. She inspired me to make it my mantra.

In every season of life, “Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal wakeel” reminds us who truly holds our affairs. I can attest that some of my darkest moments have also been some of the most enlightening and uplifting.

It’s in those low places that I discovered the depth of faith, the strength that comes from surrender, and the hope that springs eternal when you trust in your Lord completely.

There’s a gospel song by CeCe Winans that I absolutely love. Its lyrics resonate deeply with my soul and echo the journey I’ve been on:

I love You, Lord

For Your mercy never fails me

All my days, I've been held in Your hands

From the moment that I wake up

Until I lay my head

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

'Cause all my life You have been faithful

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.

Allah, in His mercy, assures us not once but twice in Surah Ash-Sharh (verses 5 and 6) that with every hardship comes ease. The struggle is not without purpose, and the pain is not permanent. Just as night always gives way to dawn, every trial is followed by relief – sometimes in ways we never imagined.

So, when you say “Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal wakeel”, trust that the One you are relying on is already preparing your ease, even as you walk through the storm.

May Allah be your strength, your guide, and your protector. May He be sufficient for you in every trial and every sorrow, and may you witness the ease that always follows hardship. Ameen.

Bermuda, let us continue to raise our voices against the wars and genocide unfolding before our very eyes. Let us stand together in prayer, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.

In these trying times, may we also turn our attention inward – to care for and support one another within our own small but precious island community. The power to address and overcome our challenges lies within us. Unity, compassion, and collective action will carry us forward.

Bermuda, may your week be blessed, purposeful, and peaceful.

As-salaamu ‘alaikum (peace be upon 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