By Sumaiya Rabeya
Have you ever stood at the seashore and felt as if life, like the vast expanse of the ocean, was right there in front of you? Our lives often resemble the waves crashing one after another, testing us in various ways. It’s a series of challenges, each one following the other. Whether you practice devotion, serve a higher purpose, or impart religious education – life’s challenges keep rolling. This analogy holds true for everyone. For me, this may be a bit more geared toward women. The responsibilities of family and motherhood pile on top of each other for us.
But life’s connection with the sea is more than about the waves. The waves may seem relentless, but they provide an opportunity for those who remain alert. Life’s trials may come, and their intensity remains unpredictable. So, what is preventing these challenges from engulfing us? It depends on how firmly we stand, much as it does for the waves. The waves can be intimidating and may flood our way to uncertainty. If our beliefs and actions are strong, we can face the overwhelming waves of life that come as tests and trials. We may feel lost and drowning, yet the waves will not totally engulf us. As I stand by the seashore, I remember the moments of patience and endurance when I faced life’s tests. My resilience wavered, even though my faith and actions were strong. Yet, my Lord sustained me and gave me strength when I needed it the most. Even when I felt uncertain, I still had faith in His timing.
Allah says to us: “And rely upon Allah; and sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 3). This verse alone can give so much hope to the believers. It advises believers to rely on Allah with all their confidence and faith. It inspires me to rely on Allah for support and guidance through every obstacle’s life has thrown over me. It motivates me to seek His help in times of need, and turn to Him for direction and guidance. My Lord then reassures me that HE is “sufficient.” This means that Allah is entirely competent, capable, and independent. Nothing is beyond His capacity because HE has all the strength and resources at His disposal. If a person puts his trust in Allah, they acknowledge that Allah is more than capable of resolving any issue or challenge. In essence, the phrase “Disposer of affairs” highlights Allah’s role as the one in charge of organising and managing everything in the cosmos. It emphasises His control over all that exists. As the ultimate Organiser and Planner, Allah is the one who determines how everything will turn out in the end.
This is the beauty of tawakkul (putting trust in Allah). It teaches us to rely on Allah in times of uncertainty, knowing that HE is enough to manage all of our affairs. Despite the efforts and plans we make as humans, the ultimate authority and control rest with Allah . In Him, we find comfort, strength, and guidance, amidst the challenges that life presents us.
My tawakkul doesn’t give me certainty. Instead, it allows me to be calm in that uncertainty. The trust stems from knowing that Allah is Al Wadud (The Most Loving) and Al Adl (The Embodiment of Justice). It means that even though I do not know what the future looks like, I know who has the power to decide it – Allah azza wajjal. I am certain of His justice and perpetual love: “And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose” (Surah At-Talaq, 2-3).
Suffering and anxiety often result from our futile attempts to hold the power in our grip. A task that is quite challenging given our inherent limitations as humans. Whereas knowing that the most powerful being, the Creator of the world, is the one curving the way brings peace and sakinah (tranquillity). Our Lord is always with us, leading us towards the best destination, even if it seems beyond our comprehension.
We are believers, O our Cherisher! Forgive us our sins, pardon our wrongdoings, and take us among the righteous. Ameen.
About The Author:
Sumaiya Rabeya is a researcher and content writer. She is the co-founder of a Malaysia-based media-production company. Sumaiya is also a community volunteer, actively working on various projects related to Islamic dawah, social engagement and women. Born in 1989, she graduated with a degree in Politics and International Relations and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Gender Studies. Moreover, she has been working as a media content writer for over a decade. As a Bengali. young mother, she feels responsible in creatively contributing to society.