Some mornings when we wake up, some of us may start the day feeling stressed, worried and an overwhelming sense of aloneness overtaking us. As if our mind is covered by layers and layers of dark clouds, with the sense of living but making no difference to the world and that the world could do very well without us, seeing no hope, only despair.

Everyone knows how to thrive in the good times. It is the trying times that separate the one who has substance from the one who merely possesses the image. Through trials and tribulations, we may think that one endures by enduring, thus, the human spirit truimphs over itself. Are we correct in thinking this way?

Imagine if we were given a miracle formula or a pill that would enable us instantly to eliminate all the negative experiences in our life. How wonderful would our life be? We would have no worries and would live stress free. Right? Wouldn't this be the ultimate dream come true?

But the fact is that if such a formula or pill existed, it would not make us happy or even stress-free. Is the emphasis on eliminating negative experiences when trying to alleviate stress the answer? No, the absence of negative experiences in our life does not alone contribute to the quality of our life. As humans we need patience and endurance to meet the challenges in order to develop fully and bring forth all the positive aspects within ourselves. By carefully observing life, we realise that the true nature of crisis is an opportunity in disguise. Without the strength of eemaan and patience to endure the crisis, we will not see the relief and opportunity within. It is within the process of faith in endurance that relief and opportunity reveals itself. Opportunity always exists within a crisis situation, but when we lose heart and faith in a devastating crisis, we are blinded by our own emotion. Only when we can calmly have patience to endure the unendurable, the opportunity for a better alternative surfaces and reveals itself.

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala has foreordained the fate of all of us, written down our impacts and deeds, portioned out between us our livelihood and wealth and created death and life that He Ta'ala may test us which is best in deed. Indeed, belief in Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala's decree and preordainment is one of the pillars of faith. Nothing happens in this universe except by His Ta'ala's Will.

In Surah Al Balad 90:4 Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says (the translation of the meaning): "Verily  We have created Man into toil and struggle" meaning that man is born to strive and struggle; and if he suffers hardships, he must exercise patience, for Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will make his way smooth for him. We must trust in Allah Ta'ala, and do whatever is possible for us in our life's passage and must not be frightened by difficulties. Allah Ta'ala will give us relief and provide a solution if we act with honest and sincere integrity. (Commentary: Abdullah Yusuf Ali - may Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala bless his soul).

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala also  repeats in  ayat 5 and 6 of Surah Al Sharh a.k.a. Al Inshirah 94:5-6 (the translation of the meaning) - "So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief. Verily, with every difficulty there is relief."  These ayat (verses) are repeated twice for extra emphasis so that we know that whatever difficulties or troubles are encountered by men, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala always provides a solution, a way out, a relief, a way to lead to ease and happiness, if we only follow His Path and show our Faith by patience and well-doing. The solution or relief does not merely come after the Difficulty: it is provided with it. The definite article in al 'usr in a generic sense, and translate: "every difficulty". (Commentary: Abdullah Yusuf Ali - may Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala bless his soul).

Please find attached the articles written by Shaykh Muhammad Sâlih al-Munajjid entitled "Dealing with Worry and Stress"  which discusses the different kinds of remedies and treatments taught by Islam:

Prologue / Introduction on "Dealing with Worry and Stress                                                                                         Part 1: Kind of Stress and Worry                                                                                                                             Part 2: Islam's Treatment for Anxiety and Worry                                                                                                     Part 3: Writings of Imam Ibn al-Qayyim on Treating Distress and Grief                                                                     Part 4: Du'a                                                                                                                                                             Part 5: Reminder

So dear brothers and sisters, do remember that no condition is permanent. Fortunate is he who is always God-conscious. Fear Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala in any condition you may find yourself. You can do nothing to prevent what has been destined to happen as you do nothing to attain what has not been pre-ordained. The ability to choose and control is with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala Alone and His choice for His slave is better for him than his choice for himself. Dawood bin Sulaymaan said, "Three things indicate the piety of a believer; his trust in Allah in what he has not attained; his satisfaction with whatever he has attained and his patience over what he has missed." (Sheikh Abdul Muhsin Al-Qaasim - Al-Jum'ah 5 Muharram, 1422 , 20 March, 2001)