The Islamic Perspective of the Benefits of Coping With Adversity

The Human structure is naturally inclined to put up with feelings such as Self-pity, self-rejection and pessimism, at the beat of the negatives that adversity tends to bring. For the fear of pain, torture and sufferings, people allow their minds to be evaded by twisting emotions they allow to rule them, rather than take full control of the situation.
Whether it's a chronic disease situation, family in disarray, financial calamity, life mess or career disappointments, there can always be a better way to view adversity, to effectively cope and manage the threats on your happiness. We cannot eliminate adversity as, it is part of the challenges of Allah SWT said we will face in life, but we can surely live above it.
When you look beyond the negatives you feel towards a difficult situation, you will find that there is always an uplifting meaning you can attribute to it. All you need do is, switch angle, and view your situation from a different perspective. Adversities tend to come with specific lessons to be learnt and more often than not, they make you stronger if you allow a positive outlook to it. This is not to say there are no breaking points in life, but beyond this, is just a chance of rediscovery, if you do not give up hope, or give in to despair, worry and those other emotions that creep in when challenges come. When you fail to crumble, you can begin to feel the strength that lies within you, and communicate not with the pains of your body, but with the salvation in you can receive in connecting with Allah SWT.
When you positively appraise threatening events, you are more likely to adapt positively to the situation, creating positive changes in your personal and spiritual wellbeing.
It is not surprising that during deep trials and challenges, relationships with family and friends become more strengthened, when you accept it, you will gain positive optimism, patience, courage, resilience, tolerance and sometimes, a valued change in your life's priorities. Adversities creates a whole new vision if your thoughts are properly channelled.
"Oh you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy. Vie in such perseverance, strengthen each other, and be pious, that you may prosper." (3:200)
The point is that, we generally have a basic assumption of a "set-order" of life, which makes adversity become a shattering experience when it happens, because we have assumed we are invulnerable to harm and can set value to everyday event. In reality however, this is nothing but a personal theory that holds no ground. Knowing and accepting the realities of change helps you better accommodate the new realities and build structures for your personal adaptation. In the holy Qur'an, Allah SWT said: "Seek Allah's help with patient perseverance and prayer. It is indeed hard except for those who are humble." (2:45)
We know tribulation and trials are not what any individual calls for, but as Muslims, we need but accept it when it happens, be steadfast and go back to Allah SWT in repentance and seek help in patience, while we persevere.
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "A Muslim, male or female, continues to remain under trial in respect of his life, property, and offspring until he faces Allah, the Exalted, with no sin record"
(At-Tirmidhi).
Managing Adversity
Be grateful to Allah SWT, for the other things that give you wholesome happiness, for in your gratitude, you will make a path for self-rediscovery, you will be able to look beyond your present situation and look ahead to the opportunities that lies beyond the present predicament.
Abu Yahya Suhaib bin Sinan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is good for him" {Sahih Muslim}.
To effectively manage any crisis situation or any adversity, you need to acknowledge it and accept it. Shying away from the challenges or not accepting it, will rather make it a bigger issue and extend the process and time to tackle it.
Re-evaluate yourself. As earlier said, adversity helps you grow in mind and in soul, it makes you become closer to your Creator and strengthen your faith, it helps you identify what is important and what is not, and gives the opportunity for positive personality change, thereby helping you to practise and grow with a 'mind-set' of a true Muslim.
"No one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune." (41:35)
By understanding that there also benefits in any situation you find yourself, no matter how difficult at first, you will be able to explore and understand the positives sides to your situation. You will also be able to put the new reality adversity brings, to a good use if you view it with an open mind. Change your mental frame from seeing your situation as a problem to a prospect.
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "He whom Allah intends good, He makes him to suffer from some affliction"
Al-Bukhari
Take action. Adversity demands you do something. You need to decide what steps you can almost immediately take to help yourself; no matter how little. Getting to do something no matter how small, is definitely more productive than doing nothing but wallowing in self-pity and complaining.
Remembering Allah in regular prayers, regular recitation of the Qur'an and seeking further guidance in the Hadith of the Holy Prophet (May the peace and blessings of Allah be with him), will go a long in helping to alleviate sufferings at times of deep sorrow and hardship.
"Oh you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for God is with those who patiently persevere." (2:153)
Develop new strategy, technique or a manner or get help from a professional therapist/practitioner, if need be. Help is always around the corner, but most of all, the greatest of help lies in your acceptance and connection with Allah SWT.
"O you who believe! Have patience and contend in patience, be vigilant and be informed, and fear Allah so that you may succeed."Surah Al Imran v200.
We are all different, unique and special as individuals and have different approaches to things. You will be best suited to draw a plan of how you want to carry life. It is the responsibility of every individual to decide what they want and how they want it.
The way you manage adversity will define who you are and determine where you are heading; because that turn you call 'adversity' can be your opportunity for greatness.
" So indeed with hardship is ease.
Indeed with hardship is ease.
So when you finish the prayer, strive in supplication.
And incline towards your Lord".
Suratul Inshirah Q94:5-8
May Allah SWT always guide us aright and accept our acts of Ibadah. Amin
Mutiat Adebowale is trained and certified life Coach who also works with Muslim Women. If you have queries or want to know the benefits of coaching to the Muslim Woman, please visit my website - http://www.muslimahresources.co.uk.
For Queries relating to my articles or other Personal Development or Coaching topics, Please feel free to e-mail me at - info@muslimahresources.co.uk.
Asalam Alaikum.