How to Find Peace in Times of Hardship

By Dowee Dawit

In these challenging times, people turn to their faith to find a sense of inner peace. Learn about five tips that can help you find your inner peace and equanimity.

Perform Prayer

“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient” (2:153).

Prayer is not only one of the five pillars of Islam; it is also a way to manage one’s stress. By praying five times a day, one can alleviate himself from the stresses of his day. Prayer is a method of communicating with Allah (SWT) about anything that is of importance to him, including stress. While praying, one can ask Allah (SWT) for strength, help and support.

Make Dua (Supplication)

“O Allah! I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being oppressed by men.”

This particular dua is what the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would recite when he felt scared or stressed. To rid the fear and stress from your mind, this dua can help one focus on doing the best that he can. For example, this dua could be said before a final, SAT, or AP exams. However, one should prepare for his exam with the proper amount of studying as well. Allah (SWT) says that He will do his part as long as long as his servant puts in his effort.

Recite Surahs

“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease” (94:5).

“Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease” (94:6).

By reciting Surahs, a sense of calm may wash over you. This Surah displayed above, Al-Inshirah (The Relief), assures people that with every cloud there is a silver lining. After the hardships have occurred, life will return to ease. Common Surahs that are used for relief are Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas (Surahs 112-114). These three Surahs can also be recited before sleeping.

Remember Allah (SWT)

“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured” (13:28).

Once one remembers Allah (SWT), one is put at ease. Allah (SWT) takes care of us, such as giving us clean food and water. Without Allah’s will, we would not be able to move a single finger or blink an eye.

Understand that Allah (SWT) Does Not Give You More Than You Can Take

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” (2:286).

This ayah (verse) is the Quranic equivalent of the Biblical quote, “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able…you may be able to bear it.” Both religions agree with the idea that God does not give you more than you can handle. Every hardship is a test of your faith and strength in your relationship with Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) is testing you because He believes you are strong enough to endure His tests. This is a good quote to reflect on during times of hardship. May Allah give us all the strength to pass our worldly tests and may we get closer to Him whenever we face problems.