Sorrow, sadness and natural emotions.

Assalaamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,

It's been quite along time since I last posted on here. I was itching to share the following reminder with you all. A topic I enjoy speaking and writing about. Hope it serves to be benficial InshaAllah...

My post today is directed to all those who are going through a time of sadness or grief. You have probably noticed how my posts tend to follow a similar trend and similar themes. The topics of sadness, sorrow, emotions, journeys and reflections are always things I enjoy to write about. It is because I feel they are topics that are extremely relevant in today's time. We live in a world which is constantly changing, today you may be happy and tomorrow you may be sad and vice versa. Allah (swt) tells us of the certainty of the tests and turmoil we may have to face on this journey of life. This is a mercy from Him as he informs us beforehand of the trials we may have to undergo. He says:

"And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits,but give good tidings to the patient...” (2:154)

He, the Most High, for certain will test us. Each of our tests are unique and are specifically designed for us. Allah (swt) knows what we are capable of handling for He says: "Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity..." (2:286). A test for you may not be so much of a test for your friend or another person. In a world where oppression is rising,wars are breaking out and people are being discriminated against, we know for a fact that we too will be tested with something alike, either less or more,depending on our strength and Imaan. People in life will hurt us, say insolent things to us, hate us, curse and argue with us. We in return may feel sad,unworthy, devalued and upset, yet even within these situations come great reward.

Sadness is an emotion just like happiness and anger. Many people I come across feel like they have to suppress their emotions, hide away in a little cave and keep their feelings bottled up. Yes, it's extremely helpful and recommended to sometimes get away from everything, close the doors and just take time out to reflect, ponder and think about Allah (swt) and the purpose of life. However, don't feel like it's 'sinful' to be sad, because just like happiness is an emotion, never blameworthy or seen as wrong, so too is this innate emotion of sadness or grief. We as humans *have* to feel a variety of emotions; anger, guilt, fear, love, sadness, and so on because they are just part of us and our feelings and it's healthy for us to keep our balance. What can become a sin is how we react to these situations. Does violence result from our anger? Do we celebrate our happiness by going out clubbing and partying? Do we fall in love in the wrong way? Are we fearful of people more than Allah? Do we whinge, moan and complain when we are put to test? When we ask ourselves these questions we come to realise that it is indeed our reaction and our actions that come as a result of these situations, which will either draw us closer to Allah or further away from Him.

I want to mention a few points of advice for those who are feeling down about a certain situation or grief has overcome them. Even if it as small as revising for an exam and feeling frustrated at the amount of work load you have, or something as big as losing a job or a loved one, so that sadness has seeped its way into your heart and your eyes cannot contain the tears. Take a break from the worries that are troubling your mind, let your mind escape into reflection, and contemplate on your true purpose of this wavering world .

1) You have many blessings - One thing that will fill your heart with peace is reflecting upon the blessings Allah has showered you with and the many favours He has bestowed upon us. They surround us from above us, below us and from every direction. Allah says:

"And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favour of Allah , you could not numerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust andungrateful." (14:34)

Look around at the many things Allah has given us. Our health, our safety,nourishment, air to breath in, water to give us energy. We possess so many things life has to offer, yet we remain ignorant! So contemplate on these blessings and don't be sad!

2) Anticipate the ease - You have all most probably read or heard the ayah in Surah Inshirah through which Allah (swt) illuminates hearts, gives us hope and strengthens our Imaan. For He says:

"After every hardship is ease, verily, after every hardship isease." (Surah Inshirah: 4-5)

The scholars have commented on this ayah saying that Allah (swt) here promises to be give two eases after every hardship! SubhanAllah! So if you're finding it tough now and if things just seem to get harder, recite these verses and know that your ease is surely to follow. For - the morning follows the night, light follows darkness, and tears are followed by a smile. I recall once I bought a key-ring whilst I was in high school from one of the stalls; on the key ring it was written "After every storm comes a rainbow" - I totally fell in love with this quote, firstly I love imagery, idioms, phrases, clichés - yes, I am abit of a literature and language geek, and so this key ring was very precious to me. The fact that we may be going through a storm now, lightning may be striking from all angles, yet it is of surety that the rainbow will come, and life will be filled with happiness and colours so bright. Indeed, it is better to go through temporary hardship now than eternal pain and suffering in the hereafter.

3) It could worse - When you're going through a difficult time, remember that you're not the only one. Allah (swt) will test each one of us, yet our tests are unique and designed only for ourselves, as Allah (swt) burdens no soul with more than it can bear. When one is filled with sadness and grief,they should realise that what they're going through could have been a million times worse. So say Alhamdulillah. The Sahaabah would thank Allah (swt) when they were stricken by calamity, as they would be grateful that it was a hardship endured in their worldly endeavours and not in their religion. Always think positive. Think about the situation of others, we don't have to look far! SubhanAllah, people are suffering in all parts of the world. In Syria, children are left dying in the hands of their fathers and mothers, women are being raped, and blood is being shed. So, thank Allah and realise that you have it easy than a lot of others. Reflect, and let your heart be put at rest.

To be continued Insha’Allah...