When will come the Help of Allah?

Trials. At times they are overwhelming. As soon as we get through one, another one seems to simply be waiting for us. Time and time again they pull us backward, and sometimes they slam us flat on our faces not even allowing time for our hands to flail as we fall. They seem never ending, and sometimes it’s just hard to even comprehend why we are going through such things. At the end of the day, we are left in a daze, asking the only question that seems fit: ‘When will this all be over?’ And then we sit, waiting for the answer, hoping that it will come soon.

In the Book of Guidance, which is unlike any other book, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala (exalted is He) speaks to us about such trying times. He knows what is in our souls and He knows the tests and trials that we go through. He knows how we feel in these trying times and He knows exactly what we are thinking, what we are asking.

Allah (swt) says:

“Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you?” (Quran 2:214)

Believe it or not, this is not something new. Throughout history, our ancestors have faced trials and have had to fight through tests. They had goals and visions and wanted to see them through, just as we do. They had family problems and life problems. They failed and they had to figure out how to pick themselves back up after falling. And even though at times we feel that maybe they were stronger than us, perhaps they just knew how to handle things better and they weren’t so affected by the rollercoaster of life; the truth is, it affected them too. Allah (swt) tells us that it did:

“They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, “When (will come) the Help of Allah?”” (Quran 2:214)

They were shaken to their core. They wanted the help, or victory, of Allah to come. They were so tired of going through the tests they were facing. They knew they were weak and that their pain and hurt would not be alleviated until Allah (swt) helped them out of their predicament. And so just like us, they asked, “When will the help of Allah come?”

They wanted to know when all this pain and hardship would be over. And Allah (swt) answered them beautifully. Not only did He answer them, but He also answered you and me. He directed his statement to all of us, letting us know that we too have hope:

“Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near” (Quran 2:214)

Don’t give up. Hold on tight, and realize that the help of Allah (swt) is nearer than you realize. Turn to Him, ask of Him and He will answer.