Calamity is one of the most trying things one can have to face. As Westerners, we are rarely exposed to the level of hardships and tribulations that those in poorer countries face. May Allah protect us and eliviate the hardship from those suffering

I was recently with two dear friends of mine, each of whom suffered a calamity which is hard to face, but each of their response was nothing short of prophetic:

The first, after hearing the bad news, almost never flinched. All of those around him sought to comfort him, but not knowing what quite to say. But what was more spectacular was the complete contentment and satisfaction in what Allah had decreed. He had given it his all (something we can all testify to) yet Allah decided something other than what he wished, and he was almost jovial about it.

A few days later, a friend had also received some news that was difficult to take. Seeking some comfort, his response was to open the Qur’an and to read the first verse he could see:

“The command of Allah is coming, so be not impatient for it. Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him.” [Al-Nahl 16:1]

Turning to me and my first friend, smiled, and said “It’s the will of God I’m just trying to rush things!”, to which my first friend – who had been afflicted the first calamity – instantly replied “of course it’s all the will of God! Alhamdulillah!”

These incidents made me reflect deeply on my own state. I have never been the best at being patient in the face of hardship. I have never really had any major hardship that have required me to be so patient. I pray I never have to face such situations, but I wonder how one can control such a state of emotion and being in a time which really tests you for who you are.

The Du `a of Ta’if — a beautiful, powerful supplication made by our Beloved Prophet ﷺ after he had been driven out of Makkah by his people — is a great supplication for anyone to make, especially when we are at our low points. It embodies his state and contentment during what was the most difficult period of his life. Sheikh Hamza’s commentary below is spectacular and far better than anything I could do.

May Allah make us all follow in the footsteps of our belover messenger ﷺ

O Allah, To Thee I complain of my weakness, my lack of resources and my lowliness before men.

O Most Merciful! Thou art the Lord of the weak and Thou art my Lord.

To whom wilt Thou relinquish my fate!

To one who will misuse me?

Or to an enemy to whom Thou hast given power over me?

If Thou art not angry with me then I care not what happens to me.

Thy Favor is all that counts for me.

I take refuge in the light of Thy Countenance, by which all darkness is illuminated.

And the things of this world and next are rightly ordered.

I wish to please Thee until Thou art pleased.

There is no power and no might save in Thee.

Sh. Hamza Yusuf (may Allah preserve him and benefit us by him) briefly expounds on this beautiful, poignant du`a in the following video, please benefit:

[youtube http://youtu.be/gEKcN1iwxh0]