5 Ways Islam Teaches Us to Face Hardship in a Positive Manner
Give Gratitude
If you give thanks, I will certainly grant you more; but if you are ungrateful for My favours, My punishment is severe.
Surah Ibrahim 14:7
2. Self-Accountability through Istighfar
Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not."
Riyad as-Salihin 1873
3. Maintain Good Character and Make Dua for others
So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].
Surah Al-Imran, 3:159
4. Have Taqwa (Mindfulness) of Allah during Hardship
On the authority of Abu Abbas Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:
One day I was behind the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) [riding on the same mount] and he said, “O young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]:
Be mindful of Allah and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, then ask Allah [alone]; and if you seek help, then seek help from Allah [alone].
And know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, they would not benefit you except with what Allah had already prescribed for you. And if they were to gather together to harm you with anything, they would not harm you except with what Allah had already prescribed against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.”
Hadith 19, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi
5. Have a Growth Mindset
I am given this Hardship not because Allah hates me but because he Loves me and wants to Elevate me
It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people He tests them. Whoever accepts that wins His pleasure but whoever is discontent with that earns His wrath.”
Sunan Ibn Majah 4031
