There can be times when everything seems to be against us. We might not have even a moment of respite and no matter where we turn, difficulties would seem to be everywhere. This is more true now than ever before, with a raging pandemic that is refusing to go away. Lockdowns and other preventive measures, although necessary, are having a toll on businesses and individuals alike. More than often, a great deal of us wonder when will the help of Allah come?

Islam is a religion which facilitates and prefers direct communication with Allah almighty. We don't require an intermediary or broker to ask Allah for help. In fact, Allah has encouraged us to ask Him and Him alone for help, through patience and prayer.

The only condition being saber (patience). Only Allah knows the right time and place to send His help. We need to wait with patience and trust him. He will do what is right for us. I vividly remember when covid-19 first started grabbing our attention. Never in a lifetime I would have thought it would continue to be a thing for this long. almost 2 years and counting at the time of writing this article. I remember waiting in line in front of the grocery store recently, because of capacity limits, and wondering to myself, how much longer will this last? The fact of the matter is, none of us know. Even with all our technology and science advancements, we are still in the dark as to when we can go back to some kind of a "normal". Prayer and patience are some tools in our arsenal to keep us afloat. It gives us hope and allows us to pass on some of our worries to Allah.

Hard times do bring with it some hidden blessings. One of them being the correction of human behaviors. The Quran also mentions that some of our suffering will work towards reducing some of our sins. Difficult times guides us to the straight path.

No matter what you are enduring right now, remember that Allah's help is near. Even if you don't find the right words, your tears and struggles travels to Him. Keep going and continue asking for help through prayer.

In conclusion, what the current environment has made us realize is that with all our arrogance and pride, we are still a fragile species and at the mercy of the Most High. Despite our misconceptions of being in charge of our destiny, we are really not. The proof is all the broken dreams of failed businesses, education plans put on hold and a continuing pandemic with no end in sight anytime soon. May Allah help all of us through these difficult times and in Allah let the believers put their trust.

May Allah grant us understanding and He knows best.