People run away from feeling sadness out of fear of being vulnerable. When we look at the strongest people in our history, our prophets, do we not see the sadness they have been through?
The trials they have endured, and the tears they have shed - they’re the most vulnerable people who have ever lived, and they’re the most honored and remembered people to exist. When our own Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has endured sadness, who are we to shy away from it?
The Quran is a book of sad stories with beautiful endings. And as Muslims, the Quran is there to guide us through that sadness. As soon as one accepts feelings of sadness, then the fear of possibly being sad forever kicks in. You will never be sad forever, you were not created for that. Your sadness will come and go, just as waves that hit a shore come and go. And after at most 100 years or so of being tested in this world, you will have an eternity of contentment, never to experience sadness again.
According to research from Dr. Brené Brown, “People who have a strong sense of worthiness and love believe that what made them vulnerable made them beautiful”. Your sadness, your struggle is making you the most beautiful version of yourself. Just as a coal has to go through intense amounts of pressure and heat to become a diamond. Or how the butterfly has to go through the cocoon stage to form its wings to be able to fly. This dunya is not only about getting to heaven or hell, it’s also about unveiling who Allah created you to be.
“No misfortune ever befalls except by permission of Allah. And whoever has faith in Allah - He will guide his heart. And Allah is Knowing of all things” (64:11)
