A believer’s response to deep despair

Life is never simply a collection of happiness. Sometimes there is laughter, sometimes tears; sometimes fulfilment, sometimes disappointment; sometimes comfort, and sometimes such overwhelming sorrow that a person may feel they can no longer go on.

At such times, thoughts of death may cross some people’s minds. But a believer’s faith is that life is not something I created for myself; it is a trust bestowed upon me by Almighty Allah.

Allah has given human beings life to test them. Therefore, every moment of life has value.

Today’s unbearable suffering may open the door to tomorrow’s relief. The morning comes after the night that seems to be the end. Almighty Allah says: “And do not kill yourselves. Surely Allah is Most Merciful to you.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:29)

Life is a trust bestowed by Allah

People do not come into this world of their own choosing. Their birth, life, health and time are all gifts from Allah. Therefore, people must be responsible for the lives entrusted to them. Allah says: “Do not despair of the mercy of Allah.” (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53)

Even when every path seems closed to a person, no path is ever closed to Allah.

What should a believer do in times of hardship?

1. Pour out your heart to Allah: There are things that cannot be shared with everyone. But nothing is hidden from Allah. Your pain, tears, fears and despair can all be expressed to Him. Allah says: “Call upon Me; I will respond to you.” (Surah Ghafir, 40:60)

Therefore, instead of isolating yourself in times of sorrow, turn towards Allah. Go into prostration and, with tears, speak to Him in your own words: “O Allah, I am weak; grant me the strength to remain patient.”

2. Make prayer your refuge: In times of hardship, prayer is not merely an act of worship; it is a spiritual refuge for a believer. Allah says: “O believers! Seek comfort in patience and prayer. Allah is truly with those who are patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:153)

It is reported that whenever the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) faced a difficulty, he would turn to prayer. (Abu Dawud, Hadith 1319)

Therefore, in times of adversity, one should not abandon prayer; rather, one should hold on to it even more firmly.

3. Put your trust in Allah: In times of difficulty, a believer may say: “Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Protector.” (Surah Al Imran, 3:173)

This is not merely a phrase; it is a declaration of complete trust in Allah. When a person says, “I cannot do this,” a believer says, “Allah can.”

4. Recite this supplication in times of adversity: Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said that when a Muslim faces a calamity and makes the following supplication in accordance with Allah’s command: “O Allah, reward me for my calamity and grant me something better in its place.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 918)

What a remarkable lesson! A calamity is not merely a source of suffering; through patience and trust in Allah, it can become a source of reward and blessing.

5. Remember that there is relief with hardship: Almighty Allah gives us great hope by saying: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” (Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:5-6)

The same statement is repeated twice. This means that hardship in a believer’s life is not permanent. The problem that seems unbearable today may, months or years from now, become one of life’s greatest lessons. Therefore, a temporary hardship should never lead to a permanent decision.

6. Never despair of Allah’s mercy: No matter how great a person’s sins or how deep their troubles, the door of Allah’s mercy remains open to them. Allah says: “Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Surely Allah forgives all sins.” (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53)

Therefore, thinking, “There is no way out for me,” is dangerous for a believer. We may not be able to see the way forward, but Allah can.

No matter how long the night, dawn will come. And no matter how deep the sorrow in a believer’s life, Allah’s mercy is greater still. The life that seems like a burden today may, by Allah’s will, become a source of hope for others tomorrow.

Therefore, not death but hope; not despair but patience; not isolation but seeking support; and when the doors of people seem closed, returning to Allah’s door—that is the path of a believer.

May Allah grant us all lives free from despair. Ameen.