Spiritual nourishment helps us through challenges
We live in an age where complaining has almost become second nature. Scroll through social media, listen to conversations in a queue, or tune into the daily news, and it is easy to conclude that negativity has become our default language. Rising prices, difficult jobs, family pressures, poor health and global uncertainty all provide ample reasons to feel overwhelmed.
Islam does not deny that life can be difficult. In fact, the Koran openly acknowledges human struggle. What it does offer is a refreshing perspective: while we may not always control our circumstances, we can choose how we respond to them.
One of the most touching examples comes from the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his beloved daughter, Fatimah. Like many people today, she was exhausted. Daily household chores were physically demanding, and the constant grinding of grain had left her hands rough and calloused. When she learnt that servants had become available, she hoped her father might provide one to lighten her burden.
Instead, the Prophet visited Fatimah and her husband, Ali, that evening and offered something far more enduring. Before going to sleep, he advised them to glorify God by saying Subhan Allah (Glory be to God) 33 times, Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to God) 33 times, and Allahu akbar (God is the Greatest) 34 times. He told them that this would be better for them than having a servant.
At first glance, this advice may seem surprising. Why not simply provide practical help? Yet the Prophet was teaching a profound lesson: while external assistance eases the body, spiritual nourishment strengthens the heart. A grateful heart and a mind connected to God can often bear burdens that once seemed unbearable.
This does not mean Islam forbids expressing pain or seeking help. The Koran tells us that the Prophet Ya'qub (Jacob), grieving the loss of his son, said: “I only complain of my sorrow and grief to Allah.” (Koran 12:86). Islam distinguishes between honestly expressing hardship and allowing constant negativity to consume our outlook.
The Koran also offers hope with the reassuring promise: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” (Koran 94:5—6). It reminds us: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you.” (Koran 14:7).
Gratitude in Islam is not pretending life is perfect; it is recognising that even in difficulty there are blessings worth noticing.
Perhaps this timeless lesson is more relevant today than ever before. While we should work to improve our circumstances and support those in need, we should also cultivate inner resilience.
The Prophet's advice to his weary daughter teaches us that peace does not always begin when our problems disappear. Sometimes it begins when our hearts learn to remember, trust and thank the One who never abandons us.
In a world that often encourages us to focus on what is missing, Islam's surprising cure for a weary heart gently invites us to rediscover the strength that comes from gratitude, remembrance, hope and faith.
Bermuda, keep on striving for endurance and fortitude, Allah promises that by doing, so a good end is in view, and Allah’s promise is true.
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
