Mental Resilience
Mirza Rizwan Ali Baig (Hyderabad, Telangana, India) is a researcher and writer focused on Islam and Astronomy. A member of both NASA STEM and the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), his work in science outreach and religious thought is inspired by the wisdom and teachings of Imam Ali (AS), guiding his efforts to explore the intersection of faith and knowledge. He is on a personal journey to relearn Islam, recognizing how cultural influences, especially in South Asia, have shaped the understanding of the religion.
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esilience in Islam is more than just putting up with adversity. It’s about strengthening your faith and discovering purpose in them. We are reminded by the Quran and the teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (AS) that although hardships are an inevitable aspect of life, they also bring about great benefits. We develop the inner fortitude required to face life’s obstacles with purpose by practicing self-reflection (Tafakkur), patience (Sabr), and faith in Allah (Tawakkul).
Core Pillars of Mental Resilience in Islam
1. Patience (Sabr)
Patience is an active state of faith-based steadfastness rather than passive endurance. It entails clinging to moral principles, avoiding negative responses, and continuing to act morally even in the face of difficulty. Imam Ali (AS) eloquently explains the value of patience:
“Patience is of two kinds: patience over what pains you, and patience against what you covet.”
“He who practices patience will never be deprived of success, even though it may take a long time.”
He also advised Ash‘ath:
“If you endure, even then matters will move on as ordained by Allah, but in that case, you will deserve reward; while if you lose patience, matters will again move as ordained by Allah, but in this case, you will be bearing the burden (of sins).”
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (AS) further emphasizes its necessity:
“Patience is to faith what the head is to the body; if the head is cut off, the body perishes. Similarly, if patience goes, faith also disappears.”
Essentially, life will proceed as destined, but patience brings peace and divine reward. The Quran reassures:
“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” (Quran 94:6)
“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without measure.” (Quran 39:10)
2. Trust in Allah (Tawakkul)
Struggles in life are not without purpose. When we put our trust in Allah, we perform our best work and leave the results to Him, not the other way around. According to Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (AS), Tawakkul is:
“Tawakkul is that you do not fear anyone except Allah.”
Imam Ali (AS) explains:
“Tawakkul is freeing oneself from dependence on people.”
“He who relies on his intellect is ruined, and he who relies on Allah is never disappointed.”
When we place our trust in Allah, we stop worrying about what is beyond our control. The Quran reminds us:
“Do not weaken and do not grieve, for you will be superior if you are believers.” (Quran 3:139)
“And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely upon Him.” (Quran 3:159)
“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord, they rely.” (Quran 8:2)
Faith gives us the fortitude to endure life’s setbacks with a sense of heavenly confidence.
3. Reflection (Tafakkur)
Reflection enables us to derive meaning from adversity, by strengthening our faith and bolstering our resilience. Imam Ali (AS) emphasizes its importance:
“An hour of reflection is better than seventy years of worship.”
“There is no worship like contemplation (Tafakkur).”
The Quran also encourages deep reflection:
“Do they not reflect within themselves?” (Quran 30:8)
Reflection enables us to reinterpret challenges as chances for development rather than impassable roadblocks.
Building Resilience in Daily Life
Resilience isn’t developed overnight; it is cultivated through consistent spiritual and mental habits. Here are a few practical steps:
1. Daily Spiritual Practices
Maintaining a strong spiritual connection strengthens our resilience. Some beneficial practices include:
| Practice | Benefit |
| Salah (Daily Prayers) | Brings structure and a direct connection to Allah. |
| Reciting Dua (Supplications) | Builds trust in Allah and provides emotional comfort. |
| Reading Quranic Tafsir | Enhances understanding and offers guidance during difficult times. |
| Zikr (Remembrance of Allah) | Calms the heart and reduces stress. |
Duas from Sahifa Sajjadiya, such as Dua 7 (for patience in hardship) and Dua 54 (for relief from distress), offer immense comfort during challenges.
2. Self-Reflection (Muhasaba)
Islam encourages self-accountability as a means of self-improvement. Imam Ali (AS) advises:
“One who struggles against himself so as to obey God, in the eyes of God, his station is that of a pious martyr.”
“He who takes account of himself profits, and he who is heedless suffers loss.”
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (AS) also said:
“A believer should set aside time every day for self-reflection. If he has done good, he should increase it, and if he has done evil, he should seek forgiveness.”
The Quran echoes this principle:
“O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow – and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” (Quran 59:18)
A daily practice of self-reflection helps us remain on the right path and continuously improve.
3. Support from the Community
A strong support system is necessary for resilience. Islam emphasizes the importance of cooperation and community. By reminding us of Imam Hussain’s (AS) strength in Karbala, Shia traditions like Majalis help us become more resilient. Acts of compassion that assist us in concentrating on the well-being of the group rather than our personal issues include charitable giving and volunteer work.
Conclusion
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) suffered enormous trials—losing his parents at an early age, suffering persecution, and being betrayed—but his everlasting faith in Allah and resolute patience made him the ultimate exemplar of resilience. The Ahlul Bayt (AS) followed this path, displaying unwavering strength in the face of adversity. Despite the tragic events of Karbala, Imam Hussain (AS) declared:
“I have not risen except to seek reform in the Ummah of my grandfather.”
His steadfast drive demonstrates that true resilience stems from faith, purpose, and trust in Allah.
Islam teaches that resilience is more than just enduring challenges; it is about growing through them. Patience (Sabr), faith in Allah (Tawakkul), and self-reflection (Tafakkur) help us tackle obstacles with wisdom and strength. Unlike beliefs that dismiss suffering as useless, Islam offers clarity, demonstrating that every adversity is a step toward something higher.
By adopting regular habits of prayer, reflection, and finding support from our community, we not only survive but thrive in life, knowing that Allah’s purpose is always for the greater benefit.
More from this writer:
https://communityonfriday.net/the-erosion-of-empathy
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