A lot of things can calm us : from music to theatre. Exercise and laughing can help us endorphins and some foods can give us momentary pleasure. But what do we do when we need inner peace? An inner peace that can send a surge of tranquility and calmness all throughout our physical, mental and spiritual souls.

Everyone has their own way of finding inner peace but for myself and a lot of other Muslims, we find it through Allah (s.w.t) and Islam. You can find a bunch of calming verses in the Quran that will help guide you throughout your life. And here are a few :

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

لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا

It is important to understand that every hardship that we face in life is a test from Allah (s.w.t). It is a test of patience, devotion and trust in Allah (s.w.t). With that test and challenge, we must implicate this verse from Surah Al-Baqarah into our lives. Allah (s.w.t) does not burden anyone with any trouble in which they are unable, physically or mentally, to bear.

This means that regardless of the situation, Allah (s.w.t) is choosing to test you with that challenge because He knows that you can get through it : that you are strong enough. So trust in that, trust in that strength that Allah (s.w.t) gave you. Because after the storm, comes a rainbow.

2. “Whoever puts his trust in Allah; He will be enough for Him.” (65:3)

وَمَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ

Trust is a huge entity. Trust takes a lot of thought, vulnerability and care to give up. It is not easy to trust what you do not know, or what you have no control over. That is what is so beautiful about Islam : it is the opportunity to trust Allah (s.w.t).

And believe that His plan for you in the best plan that could ever be for you. I understand that it takes a lot of strength and it is frightening to go through life not knowing what could or could not happen : but that is life.

Life is rolling with the waves and all we can do is ride out the waves and pray for the best. This does not mean not make an effort in life, but rather it means : do all that you can and the very best you can with what you can control. The rest, leave in up to Allah (s.w.t), He will do what is best for you.

3. “Do not lose hope, nor be sad. You will surely be victorious if you are true believers.” (3:139)

وَلَا تَهِنُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَنْتُمُ الْأَعْلَوْنَ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِينَ

We get down and we get sad. That is all apart of what makes us human. When we find ourselves in a position like that, we have to implement the teachings of the Quran as well as the previous verses mentioned in this blog. Allah (s.w.t) is always with us. He is always guiding us and watching over us, no matter how much we sin, He is there. Knowing that He is all around should give us some comfort. That what ever happens to us is what was meant to happen and that no matter how far we astray ourselves from Islam or Allah (s.w.t), He will always be with us and wanting the best for us. Therefore, we have to appreciate his His blessings and be true believers and find solace in His presence.

4. “No misfortune ever befalls except by permission of Allah. And whoever has faith in Allah - He will guide his heart. And Allah is Knowing of all things” (64:11)

مَاۤ اَصَابَ مِنۡ مُّصِيۡبَةٍ اِلَّا بِاِذۡنِ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَمَنۡ يُّؤۡمِنۡۢ بِاللّٰهِ يَهۡدِ قَلۡبَهٗ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عَلِيۡمٌ

In Islam, one of the pillars of Iman is : belief in preordainment or devine destiny (al-Qada’ and al-Qadar’). This means that we, as humans, are subjected to free will by Allah (s.w.t) but also, we are predestined to a story : our fate, our destiny. These are pre-determined destinies created for us by Allah (s.w.t). It is important that we understand that we are not in control of everything, that power lies with Allah (s.w.t). The things that we are not able to control, have to be accepted. It is ill-advised for us to question why bad things happen to us, as everything that happens : is by permission of Allah (s.w.t). Everything that He does has a purpose : as a lesson to make us stronger or to bring Him closer to us. Trust in Him and trust your destiny is for your benefit.

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

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ اسْتَعِينُواْ بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلاَةِ إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ

Prayer is one of the best ways for us to feel calm, internally and externally. It is not something that happens sporadically, it happens anytime you pray, with good and true intentions.

Relieve your heart and mind of stress and the hardships of this life. Remind yourself of the greatness and beautifulness of Heaven (Jannah) and what we have to be questioned for in the Hereafter.

Make that your goal, pray to Allah (s.w.t), make your du’a to Him to help you in this life and in the Hereafter. Prayer is just one way we can get closer to Allah (s.w.t) and appreciate His blessings.

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Article is written by: 

Fatin Najwa binti Daud, is a medical student studying at IMU Malaysia. She is a freelance writer of this blog at Zaahara. Interests include music, art, sports and travel.

-Photos are taken from google images

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