As Muslims, we are constantly reminded that life is a journey of tests. For me, one of the heaviest was dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Allah says in the Qur’an, “Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, ‘We believe’, and will not be tested?” (29:2)

Hardships are not meant to break us but mould us into beautiful believers. It is in such moments of grief and uncertainty that the tools Allah has given us reveal their true power and the best of these two tools for me are salah, and dua’a.

Salah is more than just an obligation, it’s like the key to the barakah in your life. Prostrating before Allah constantly reminds me how He is ultimately the only One who has control over my life. He is the best of planners. In other words, He has already planned our lives in the most perfect way He could have possibly done so. So why do we stress? Of course, it’s human instinct to overthink and fret over the worldly challenges, but in prayer, it’s almost as though you’re speaking to your Lord and all you need to do is trust His plan that whatever the outcome may be, is what your Lord dreams best for you. No matter what comes your way, allow salah to be what calms you and keeps you grounded.

“And seek help through patience and prayer” (2:45)

Alongside salah, I found miraculous strength in dua’a. There are a number of reasons why dua’a should be a staple in every Muslim’s life but at its core, it’s about tawakkul. Having tawakkul that Allah WILL answer you. Think about it. You’re asking the One who can make the impossible possible. For your dua’a to be answered, it won’t always mean Allah will give you exactly what you ask for, rather receiving that which is better for you and something you could never imagine. Making sincere dua’a allows you to walk away from your problems lighter, stronger and more patient.

When loss entered my life, I didn’t have any answers but I had salah. I didn’t have much strength but I had dua’a. I’ve learnt that even during pain, during loss, during sorrow, there will always be wisdom and a path back to Allah. Challenges will come, that’s guaranteed. They’ll come in a few different forms; hardship, temptation, loss or uncertainty but the truth is as human beings, we ultimately have no control over these things. What we do have control over is how we react and respond. Islam teaches us not just to endure trials, but to rise through them with iman. Salah gives us tranquility, and dua’a gives us strength. Both together brings us closer to the One who never abandons us.

So through every test, I remember the words I once heard, ‘Whatever you do, make a difference’. Only later did I realise the weight of these words and who said them, my beloved Uncle. Words that continue to comfort me, reminding me that even in navigating our challenges, we always have the chance to leave behind something greater than ourselves.

Hence, whatever you do, make a difference.

  • Nadeem Shahzad Ahmed

May Allah guide us all through our trials and strengthen us with patience. May He let every believer experience the beauty I found in turning to Him – the beauty which helped me when I felt lost.