Life is not always easy or fair. Many times, things do not go our way. Throughout our lives, we are constantly met with challenges that we must deal with. Some difficulties are trivial routine matters, while others may be problems that seem insurmountable to us in the heat of the moment. It is in these times that many of us experience excessive stress and anxiety. Some become depressed and devoid of hope. Some turn to faith while others lose it completely. Everyone has a way of coping with difficult times, which can vary widely.
As Muslims, we believe that challenges are a part of life. They are sent our way to test us. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) says in Surah al-Baqara:
“Be sure We shall try you with something of fear and hunger and loss of wealth and life and the fruits (of your labour); but give tidings of happiness to those who have patience,” [2:155]
The verse quoted above makes it clear that our wealth, health, and relations are a source of test for us. In these times, we should remain patient and pray to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for ease and comfort. Indeed, dua is the best weapon against anxiety and fear. Turning to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), in the toughest of times, keeps us from getting demoralized and depressed.
Useful Duas for when Times are Hard
We do not have to bear hard times alone. We believe that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), the All-Knowing, the Merciful, is always with us. We should invoke His favor through prayer and supplication. Here ae some great duas for all kinds of occasions, recite these for mental clarity, patience, and relief in distressing times:
o Supplication for Patience
Patience and forbearance are the fundamental qualities of a believer. The life of our beloved Holy Prophet (ﷺ) is the prime example of patience. The Holy Prophet (ﷺ), along with his companions (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), withstood great opposition. They even bore all kinds of abuse and torture for the sake of their faith.
The fortitude of the early followers of Islam remains unmatched, but we can learn from how they lived their lives. Instead of getting depressed and stressed over the challenges of life, we should turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and pray to Him for patience. The following dua must be recited frequently, so Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) can bless us with patience:
Laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahul-‘Adheemul-Haleem, laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahu Rabbul-‘Arshil-‘Adheem, laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahu Rabbus-samaawaati wa Rabbul-‘ardhi wa Rabbul-‘Arshil-Kareem.
Translation:
“There is none worthy of worship but Allah the Mighty, the Forbearing. There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Lord of the Magnificent Throne. There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth, and Lord of the Noble Throne.” [Al-Bukhari 8/154, Muslim 4/2092]
Repeat this supplication day and night, and the help of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) will surely arrive.
o Supplication for Good Health
Physical and mental well-being can be a source of great discomfort. Both physical ailments and mental issues lead to a lot of distress. Living in constant pain, or any other acute or prolonged medical condition, is extremely disheartening.
Our body and soul belong to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), and he has complete power over our well-being, or lack of it. It is necessary to always turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) when struck by ill-health, along with getting the necessary medical attention. Here is a short supplication that can be very effective against health challenges that we may suffer:
Bismillaah.(1)’A’oothu billaahi wa qudratihi min sharri maa ‘ajidu wa ‘uhaathiru.(2)
Translation:
“Put your hand on the place where you feel pain and say: “With the Name of Allah”. (Three times) (1) Then say: “I seek refuge in Allah and in His Power from the evil of what I find and of what I guard against”. (Seven times)(2)” [Muslim 4/1728]
Reciting the dua mentioned above in the order and frequency stated can greatly relieve body and mind ailments.
o Supplication for Financial Stability
Financial issues are the leading cause of anxiety and stress. Career or business problems all lead to the fear of financial ruin and the inability to survive in an increasingly competitive world. Many are willing to work hard but find it impossible to land a job that pays enough to make ends meet. Individuals with businesses also encounter major issues.
The following is an easy dua that anyone can memorize and recite frequently for improved financial circumstances:
Allaahummak-finee bihalaalika ‘an haraamika wa ‘aghninee bifadhlika ‘amman siwaaka.
Translation:
“O Allah, suffice me with what You have allowed instead of what You have forbidden, and make me independent of all others besides You.” [At-Tirmizi 5/560]
This beautiful supplication requests Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)’s help from His unlimited bounties; however, at the same time, it includes a prayer for pure and halal sources of these bounties. Even in asking for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)’s favor, we must remain mindful of the bounds that our faith places upon us.
o Supplication for the Oppressed
Living under oppressive conditions, be it politically or socially, can be extremely difficult. Individuals who encounter opposition, either by other individuals or by an entire system, suffer tremendously. Sometimes the only solace from suffering is a cry for help to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Recite the dua below for deliverance from persecution and oppression:
Allaahumma Rabbas-samaawaatis-sab’i, wa Rabbal-‘Arshil-‘Adheem, kun lee jaaran min (name of the person), wa ‘ahzaabihi min khalaa’iqika, ‘an yafruta ‘alayya ‘ahadun minhum ‘aw yatghaa, ‘azzajaaruka, wajalla thanaa’uka, wa laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa ‘Anta.
Translation:
“O Allah, Lord of the Seven heavens, Lord of the Magnificent Throne, be for me a support against (say the person’s name) and his helpers from among your creatures, lest any of them abuse me or do me wrong. Mighty is Your patronage and glorious are Your praises. There is none worthy of worship but You.” [Hisnul 129]
Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has the power over everything and anything, and the supplication above makes that clear. No matter the strength of opposition, we may suffer, relief from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) will always protect us. It is Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) who saved the Ashab-e-Kahf (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), the ‘Sleepers of the Cave’, from being persecuted for their belief. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) miraculously caused them to sleep for hundreds of years and protected them.
o Supplication for Peace of Mind
Nothing is more important than our peace of mind and serenity. Some people have everything that they could ever wish for: wealth, power, connections, and fame, but still suffer from mental unrest. Aside from asking for material possessions and other worldly things, we should ask Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for spiritual fulfilment, which is the source of calm and comfort.
The supplication for requesting for mental peace goes:
Allaahumma laa sahla ‘illaa maal ja’altahu sahlan wa ‘Anta taj’alul-hazna ‘ithaa shi’ta sahlan.
Translation:
“O Allah, there is no ease other than what You make easy. If You please You ease sorrow.” [Ibn Hibban, Hadith no. 2427]
It is worthwhile to memorize these short supplications and recite them often because Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) alone is the all-Mighty and able to resolve all our problems. We can face anything, no matter how difficult, if we have Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) on our side. Even if we are opposed by all of humanity, it is nothing compared to the Might and Power of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) who reigns over all.
Author Bio:
Mughees Qureshi provides copywriting services and writes quality articles and blogs. He is experienced in writing on topics related to all domains with impactful knowledge. He occasionally writes articles for Muslim & Quran.