We often wonder how our life came down to this. Instead of traveling around the world, we are still stuck at the same place. We thought that marriage are full of roses but we forgot that roses have thorns. The high pay job we now have comes at the expense of family. We couldn't quite grasp the fact that we are condemned to die at such young age. And there are many other downs unique to each of us.
However we know, lamenting can never help. We acknowledge the fact that we only have this one life here on earth, so we need to hold ourselves together. Surely, there is peace amidst all of these.
1. Count our blessings
Try and list all the favors that God has given us. For instance eyes to see, a nose to smell, a tongue to taste, ears to listen, legs to walk, clothes to keep warm, family to go home to, friends to hang out with, a car to travel, and many others. You'll find that the things that God has already given us is uncountable.
"And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful." (Quran: Chapter 14, Verse 34)
2. Observe those who are less fortunate than us
We always envy those who have more than us. But we rarely see people who own less than us. For example the homeless, people in war torn countries, people who live a lonely life, unemployed, etc. So force ourselves to look at those below us. As a result, we become more grateful and at peace with ourselves.
"When one of you looks at one who stands at a higher level than you in regard to wealth and physical structure, he should also see one who stands at a lower level than you in regard to these things (in which he stands) at a higher level (as compared to him)." (Sahih Muslim no. 2963)
3. Know that God is the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful, and the All Knowing
The One God in Islam has many names. Two of them are Ar-Rahman (Most Compassionate) and Ar-Rahim (Most Merciful). This means that ALLAH loves and never have ill intention towards us whatsoever. In addition to that, the name All Knowing suggests that everything that happen in our lives, whether good or bad, happens for a reason. Thus, even when we are in a bad situation, do not be angry at God because it happens with love and reason. Instead, accept it with a humble heart.
4. Effort, pray, and submit (EPS)
Being grateful is not enough, however. We should do something about our situation whatever it may be. Unemployed? Be your own boss by starting a business. Marriage in shambles? Set up an appointment with a marriage counselor. In between efforts, pray to God that HE'll give you better. Submit yourself to him and understand that:
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