We are provided with a teaching that can be called ‘high thinking’—that is, thinking by rising above problems. Its purpose is to nurture in a person a way of thinking that is not centred on problems but rather rises above problems to find solutions. A person who possesses this sort of high thinking will very quickly discover that where only difficulties seemed to exist, opportunities were also present through which not only could the problems be solved but also one’s failures could be turned into successes.
There has never been an exception in human history about anyone not facing loss, grief or adversity at some point in life. But the Quran offers a profound insight, a universal law of nature, in just few powerful words it says, So surely with every hardship there is ease. The important aspect of this verse is that God Almighty says ease comes along with hardship and not after the hardship.
In another words, whenever you face a difficulty or a situation, there is already a hidden opportunity waiting to be discovered. So instead of dwelling on the problem, try to find where is this ease hidden in this hardship? What door is being opened behind the difficulty that I see? Most people do not ask the right questions. For example, why do problems come at all? How should I respond when they do? The answer to the first is spiritual.
God Almighty has created every human being with immense potential. But this potential lies in a dormant state until it is awakened by pressure. Think of it like this, a sugar cane is filled with sweet juice.
But this juice doesn't come out by wrapping it in a cotton. It comes out when it is repeatedly put under the crusher. Likewise our inner strength, our resilience, our creativity, our faith emerges when we are pressed by life.
A coal under pressure becomes diamond. Likewise your struggle reveals your brilliance. Be honest and think, would you pray as sincerely in comfort as you do in pain? Would you grow as much in ease as you do in adversity? Probably not.
And that brings us to the second question. What should I do when I face an adversity, a situation or a challenge? The answer is simple. Adopt a positive mindset.
Because positivity breeds creativity. It opens your mind. It helps you to think clearly.
In contrast, a negative mindset is like a psychological suicide. It shuts down your thinking. It convinces you that there is no way forward.
It makes you blind to opportunities. So if life knocks you down, don't be sad. Don't look at it as an end.
Look at it as a new beginning. Reflect. Re-plan.
