HOW TO DEAL WITH FAILURE

HOW TO DEAL WITH FAILURE

It doesn’t have to be this way…

How, in the midst of failure, can we dispel our negativity and pessimism?

1. APPROACH LIFE IN A WIDER CONTEXT – FOCUSSING ON THE END GOAL

Having an open mind can unravel our confusions and unearth more emotional strength to help us continue to persevere. Knowing, striving for, focussing on our end goal can help put our minds at rest — knowing that there is a greater purpose that we are striving towards.
Living for temporary instant gratification is not only illogical and unproductive, but it also distracts us from our true end goal of Paradise — which needs daily effort and striving. Prioritising everything in terms of the wider context stops us from getting overly attached to the many temptations and desires in life.

2. PATIENCE WITH TRIALS

This life is a test. Allah, our one and only true lord, says:
“Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, “We believe” and that they will not be tested? We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false” (Quran, 29:2-3).
“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to Al-Sâbirun (the patient)” (Quran, 2:155).

Being patient in the face of the tests and trials that we encounter is a key survival skill — and this takes daily effort and struggle. Acknowledging that life is a series of tests, helps to instil patience.

3. ACCEPTANCE

Allah says, “And it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.” (Quran, 2:216)

Accepting Allah knows what is best, and submitting to his will and decree happily, patiently and positively is the essence of complete submission that we should all strive for.

4. FORGIVENESS AND SUPPLICATION

Asking for forgiveness (Istighfar), for our known and unknown sins, and supplicating and invoking Allah always should become second nature to us. Supplication (Du’a) is one of the best forms of worship and is a powerful direct connection, available at any time or place, directly to the owner of the universe —who has the power to change everything before the blinking of an eye. He is the most merciful and deserving of our humility and tears. No matter where we are, we can ask our lord for guidance and assistance.

5.  REMEMEBER ALLAH ALWAYS

We will be accountable for our actions, and remembering that each action is being watched by our creator and recorded by his angels can help motivate us, so that our own actions don’t become our own worst enemy and testify against us on the Day of Judgement.

We have been warned: “The similitude of the one who remembers his Lord and the one who does not remember his Lord is like the similitude of the living and the dead” (Bukhari and Muslim). The analogy given here means that to be spiritually alive we should remember Allah. This remembrance (dhikr) in its many forms—encompassing all times of days and all actions—has been taught us to the finest details through the Prophet (SAW): from the many beautiful morning and evening supplications, and those in our five daily prayers, to the specific ones that we recite when eating, getting dressed or travelling. Our Creator, who has blessed us with many known and unknown blessings deserves to be remembered, and it is for our own benefit that we remember him always.

Muhammad (saw) said, “Remember Allah during times of ease and He will remember you during times of difficulty” (Tirmidhi). This remembrance and thankful attitude purifies our hearts and helps us to view the world in a larger perspective and in doing so we can prioritise effectively, and constantly remind ourselves to strive in achieving our ultimate goal of attaining Paradise.

6. ADHERING AND ABIDING BY ISLAM

By increasing our good deeds and worship we gain true success in this world and the next. Allah, our lord, urges us to remember our true purpose;
“And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers. And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me” (Quran, 51:55-56).
We know why we are here and what we need to do. For a Muslim the answers are crystal clear in terms of their long-term vision of achieving Paradise; and — with Paradise in focus — all the other matters rest beautifully within that context. Doing our prayers benefits us in many ways; our hearts are nourished, comforted and rejuvinated through it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Images via Google from freedigitalphotos.net