'By embracing uncertainty, may we surrender to the fact that the Almighty is in ultimate control of all things, and may we find tranquillity in that.'

Chaimaa El takes us through her reflection of 2020 and how this year has reminded her to embrace uncertainty. Chaimaa is a Graduate in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies and frequently writes about spirituality and Islam on her blog.

'It’s important to recognize that it is also okay to feel anxious given the fact that we are living in very odd times.'

As we near to the end of 2020, it’s no doubt this year has been filled with uncertainty, rendering it a difficult one for many people. It’s also served as a beautiful reminder that uncertainty is part and parcel of life. Everything in life changes, except for Allah. So if anything, this reminder that nothing is truly in our hands helps us remember that ultimate reassurance and safety can solely be sought through turning back to Allah swt.

Allah reminds us that He alone has certainty and control over the most fundamental affairs in this life. “Indeed, Allah [alone] has knowledge of the Hour and sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs. And no soul perceives what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul perceives in what land it will die. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” [Luqman 31:34] Perhaps this is why we have struggled a lot this year, given its uncertainty. As the short-sighted humans that we are, we crave control at all times, so when this pandemic came and changed the course of how everything in society functions, when we were forced to cancel our plans and shift the way we go about our usual, everyday lives, we were forced to surrender to the reality that we as humans are limited. 2020 has helped us remember that we may plan and plan but unless Allah wills something, it will never take place. This year leaves us with no option then, other than to wholeheartedly embrace uncertainty whilst always putting our trust in Allah swt.

'Our hearts are sometimes broken, and sometimes whole. Our hearts have survived storms, some storms we never imagined possible to survive. But our hearts only become beautiful when they yearn for the love of Allah.'

 I recently came across a quote online, which mentioned the changing nature of the heart. Our hearts are sometimes broken, and sometimes whole. Our hearts have survived storms, some storms we never imagined possible to survive. But our hearts only become beautiful when they yearn for the love of Allah. Embracing Allah’s love instils hope within us. It allows us to be calm, knowing that whatever happens, even if we were to lose everything we have, we will never lose anything if our trust in Allah is unshaken. The sole solution to our perpetual state of worry, stress and anxieties is to always remember that our affairs are being taken care by Allah swt. May our hearts forever be in a state of tranquillity at the remembrance of Him, for “surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort”. (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28)

'We should embrace the fact that we will deal with fluctuating moods of ups and downs, and it's perfectly alright to feel low at times. Periods of uncertainty and emptiness are exactly what we need to be able to fill ourselves with Allah’s love swt.'

It’s important to recognize that it is also okay to feel anxious given the fact that we are living in very odd times. This pandemic has resulted in an influx of people suffering from emotional difficulties. Many are grieving the losses of their loved ones, and others are trying to navigate their way through the uncertainty of this pandemic. Surah Al-Maarij (70:19) reminds us that “Indeed, mankind was created anxious” so we should embrace the fact that we will deal with fluctuating moods of ups and downs, and it's perfectly alright to feel low at times. Periods of uncertainty and emptiness are exactly what we need to be able to fill ourselves with Allah’s love swt, so let these difficult times serve as a way of reconnecting with your Lord. By embracing the sole certainty in life that is Allah, we put all our anxieties, worries and uncertainties in His hands, for He is Al-Wakeel, the One we rely on and entrust our affairs to. 

'May our hearts find comfort in the fact that there is no need to worry about ourselves, for as long as our heart belongs to Allah, we shall have full conviction that He will always lead the way.'

The Prophet ﷺ narrated the beauty of placing one’s trust in Allah “Were you to put your complete trust in Allah, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds. They go out hungry in the morning and return filled in the evening.” (Al-Tirmidhi). The birds leave in the morning in a state of uncertainty, not knowing how they will eat but are motivated to go and seek their sustenance, ultimately knowing that whatever was decreed for them by Allah would reach them. This is a beautiful portrayal of tawakkul.

By embracing uncertainty, may we surrender to the fact that Allah swt is in ultimate control of all things, and may we find tranquillity in that. May our hearts find comfort in the fact that there is no need to worry about ourselves, for as long as our heart belongs to Allah, we shall have full conviction that He will always lead the way.