Ihsaan Magazine May 2020 Issue - Living your best Life | Page 21

3. Own Your Obstacles
Musa (AS) pleaded:
“Make easy for me this task and untie the knot from my tongue” [Qur’an: Chapter
20, Verses 26-27]
He took his greatest concerns and impediments to success directly to Allah
[SWT].
How often do we choose to ignore our obstacles instead of acknowledging their
presence?
A toxic manager, an early deadline, inadequate experience, a limited budget etc.
Obstacles not only impede our progress, they often present very real harm. This
harm is magnified when compounded with an unhealthy level of anxiety and
fear.
The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (SAW), taught us
“If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts them with trials.” [Bukhari]
In this lens, we see that obstacles by themselves are not evil. But rather, our
obstacles, can be a means for us to draw closer to Allah (SWT) and that which
Allah (SWT) deems good for us.
We learn from Musa (AS) to not ignore the obstacles in our way, but rather
accept them, acknowledge them and ask Allah for the means to overcome them.
If we ignore our fears and downplay our obstacles, we hinder our growth- our
ability to be greater tomorrow than who we are today.
4. Build a Support Network- Starting with Your Family
Musa (AS) knew the critical nature of good company:
“and grant for me a helper from my family.” [Qur’an: Chapter 20, verse 29]
Often times we think that our trials are our own to bear, this verse helps us to
see that when we doubt that we can do things on our own and we feel like we
need that additional support, that we can ask Allah to grant us support from
our family and loved ones. Our beloved Rasool (SAW) is another example of the
blessings of having good company. Khadija (RA) supported the Prophet (SAW)
when no one else would, through a very difficult time in his life. The rightly
guided Caliphs were a means of comfort during his (SAW) tenure of Prophethood.
There are examples throughout history that prove time and time again that those
around you can either ground you or drown you.
Every success requires rock-solid intentions and an unwavering vision of the
destination.
Family was placed by Allah (SWT) to always be by our side. Ask Allah for their
love and support through difficult times. Yes, additional companionship through
pious friends and community is also a major blessing, but this should never take
away from the desired support of your family.
Our Lord, grant us spouses and children who are coolness to our eyes and make us
leaders of the pious! [Qur’an: Chapter 25: Verse 74].
With these steps in mind, apply the lessons of this du’a to your own struggles;
use the du’a to not only acknowledge your fears and feelings but also embrace
them to empower you and give you the necessary confidence you need.
As with other Quranic du’as, this one carries weight not only because they are
the words of Allah (SWT) but also because they were used by the greatest people
of the past when facing fierce tribulations. During our tough times, internal
feelings of inadequacy, fear, and self-doubt can bring out the worst in us.
Honesty with ourselves, humility in making du’a, and a family-centred support
network help transform these feelings into the confidence and courage needed to
succeed. These are ultimately the first steps to living your best life.