Search Website

What has the holy household taught us?

Everyone experiences challenges such as mental health issues at different points in their lives. For many, the challenges are continuous and never fully leave us. We may often find ourselves asking why we are facing them: Why me?

Being tested is part of life. But everyone has the ability to choose how they will perceive these obstacles. Some can see them as positives, others as negatives. Whenever I go through a trial, I try my best to thank my Lord for every difficulty I endure in life. Even if I do not understand why, I always have faith I will eventually come to know these unanswered questions whether in this life or the next.

I try to show gratitude for Allah (swt) in every hardship because of the life lessons I learned from the Holy Household of Prophet Muhammad (sawa) on how to deal with life struggles.

Imam Ali (as), the first Imam of the school of the Ahlulbayt, was a leader and guide given to us by Allah (swt) in all areas. During his prayer in the holy month of Ramadan, Imam Ali (as) was attacked. After being struck, he saw that his killer was distraught, and had requested for a sweet drink to be brought to him so that he may calm down. This is an extraordinary act of kind character demonstrated in one of the most difficult hardships Imam Ali (as) had to go through. The kindness Imam Ali (as) showed in this situation teaches us how to keep our dignity, respect, and morals in all situations.

Thus, whenever we face issues in life from work, school, strangers, businesses, and even family or friends, we must not let our negative emotions be executed in an immoral way. Imam Ali (as) has given a perfect example of how to react in a negative situation and we should work our hardest to apply this knowledge in all hardships we will endure.

Imam Ali (as) said, “Life consists of two days, one for you and one against you. So when it’s for you, don’t be proud or reckless, and when it’s against you be patient, for both days are tests for you”

Second, we have Imam Hussain (as). The unimaginable suffering and tragedy of Imam Hussain (as) on the Day of Ashura is a lesson for hundreds of millions around the globe. It is widely known that he was deprived of water, saw the massacre of his own family, dealt with unbearable cruelty, and deep heartbreak. Despite the severe circumstances, Imam Hussain (as) never submitted to injustice or oppression. Imam Hussain (as) has given the entire world an example of standing up for truth and justice. He (as) teaches us the peak of morality, how to be steadfast in this temporary life and helps us to focus on the ultimate goal – serving Allah (swt) by maintaining the highest manners and standing for justice, peace and equality. Whenever we face struggles in our daily life, we should take inspiration from Imam Hussain (as) and seek strength in working to please Allah (swt) and act upon that which is righteous.

Imam Hussain (as) said “Death with dignity is better than the life of humiliation”

As a third example, if we look at the life of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) he was imprisoned for much of his Imamate. The oppressors kept him in inhumane conditions and treated him with cruelty and disrespect. Yet, despite the situation. Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) viewed the imprisonment as a positive event as he looked forward to worshipping Allah (swt).

Imam Kadhim (as) said, “O God, I always used to ask You to free me from other duties in order to worship You; and You have answered me, so thanks be unto You for doing so.”

His level of patience was shown brilliantly in the prisons where he spent time. As his followers, we can learn patience from the man who practiced compassion when imprisoned.

The Zahra Trust wishes all people immense blessings and patience through life hardships and to remember the life difficulties of the Imams and how we can calm our hearts by reflecting on how the Holy Household (pbut) have dealt with trying adversities and remained steadfast in doing righteous acts for the love of Allah (swt).

Contributed by: Wasefah Askari