A Blue Muslim

Human beings are social by nature. We have many methods of expression, not just in speech but through our facial expressions, our hand gestures, our body language and much more. It is clear we are built to be able to communicate complex information, not just about our surroundings but our ‘self’ too. But things don’t always pan out that way. 

Loneliness is complex and often misperceived as self-inflicted, and to only affect those who don’t talk to others much, or perhaps the opposite: social interaction is only important to those who have a lot of it. From my experience, I kept to myself throughout school and would spend most breaks and lunchtimes in the library. But what socialising and friends I had was important and enough; that alone didn’t make me ‘lonely’. On the opposite end, a person can have many friends and still experience loneliness. 

Regardless of being an extrovert or an introvert, we are all susceptible to loneliness. Some burdens we feel as if we must face alone, and they take over our lives. We withdraw from those around us because they can’t help, and we turn further inwards. Social interaction is important, but at times it can’t help, and despite being surrounded by people, we can feel alone. 

When the mind is despairing, and the ship leaves its course, and when you feel as if there is no one who could walk through the door and draw you out of the pit you dwell in, remember the lessons from those who were sent to teach us and show us the guidance of Allah. They were not left without trial, and went through difficult emotions as you may feel. 

How despaired was Yusuf AS after being thrown in the well by his brothers? How alone was Yunus AS in the belly of the whale? How lost was Musa AS when he fled Egypt, with no idea of where to go? And in these places, where no aid of man could come, where hope was far off, the prophets turned to Allah swt, and Allah provided them a way out.

Allah tells us in Surat At-Talaq: 

 وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مَخْرَجًۭا وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ 

 “And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them. And provide for them from sources they could never imagine”. 

This is where true tawakkul is displayed, where there is no end or way out in our sight, we must place our trust in Allah. 

It is important to remember a verse which you recite at least 17 times a day: 

 إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ 

When you recite these verses, you stop talking in the third person... The servant praises his lord and then addresses Him directly - 

 “You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help”. 

So put these verses into action, when you are isolated, when you face hardships by yourself, remember you are not truly alone, place trust in Allah, rely on Him in all cases and turn to Him for your way out. I used to think peace was when things were quiet. I learned that peace is trusting Allah when things get loud. 

May Allah give us tawakkul and make us among those who are open with Him and turn to Him often.

-Abdulsattar Hussain