Relief is Indeed Near

In times of distress; being touched by a storm of trials, the earth despite its spaciousness seems constrained and the self feels suffocated. There is no need to flee anywhere; it will not help to get away. Indeed the pains are in the chest, and wherever one goes they will still be there...

What then, is the way to a near relief?

Know first, that relief is neither gained by getting back what one has lost, nor getting what s/he desires. Nor also, by the happening of a specific thing as many people think. In fact, many do blindly believe that the gift of a fat bank account is the relief. Not at all. Relief is a gift in the hand of Allah (swt), and He bestows it on whom He wills. "And that it is He who makes [one] laugh and weep. And that it is He who causes death and gives life. (53:43-44)". 

For the seeker of the relief; looking for security, release from anxiety and finding back the taste of the joyful life, flee to Allah; the Giver of Security, the Sovereign, The Most Kind, the Beneficent. He has the perfect plan for His servants. Therefore, someone should not suggest to Allah the way s/he should get the help!

Remember the people of the cave. They were looking for a refuge of safety and peace. It was not in a palace they found it, but in a cave... "When you turn away from them and the things they worship other than Allah, betake yourselves to the Cave: Your Lord will shower His mercies on you and dispose of your affair towards comfort and ease.” (18:16).

Remember the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his companion Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him. Disbelievers thought they can trap them in the cave, but Allah willed that in the cave, they would be saved. "...when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, "Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us." And Allah sent down his tranquility upon him and supported him with angels you did not see and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the word of Allah - that is the highest. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise. (9:40)".

Remember that Allah (swt) is the Hearer of the supplication, and read: "Is not He, Who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and Who relieves its suffering, and makes you (mankind) inheritors of the earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Little is that you remember! (27:62)".

A fast relief is then possible as it is in the Hand of the Most Merciful. It requires a few steps to gain it:

- Patience: which is the key for the relief. "O you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that you may prosper. (3:200)".

- Salah (prayer): in it, is the universe of bliss in the life of this world. "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient. (2:153)".

The Salah is ascension of the soul, beyond space and time, to meet the Most High. When such ascension occurs, relief descends.

However when enchained with worries; the soul cannot ascend and no relief can then descend. The seeker of relief, tired from the wait, falls in despair, and then desists from thinking that in the Salah is the path to the relief. Where is then the trust in Allah’s promise?

Desist not O believer!, persevere and keep praying. In the first set of prayers offered, one would be fully distracted, simply because s/he is still filled with worries. But SubhanaAllah, keep persevering on praying and at every set of Salah performed, you will see the worries start to dissipate and ascension begin to take place…have the glad tidings, relief is indeed coming!

"And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness.. (20:132)".