Surrender to the Peace of Wisdom
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
In life, we often encounter situations or mindsets that we once believed to be safe, only to discover later that they are more harmful than we initially thought. These circumstances may involve habits, relationships, or thought patterns that hinder our understanding of our true situations. We may develop a type of conditional confidence that diminishes the moment we rely on it, leading us to realize that this confidence has always existed within us, but our environment has rejected it. In such situations, we seek various ways to protect ourselves and come to recognize that the only true safety lies in the power of our prayers. Through this, we gather the strength to accept our reality and establish necessary boundaries, all while maintaining respect for others, even when they may not comprehend our struggles or be able to offer support.
Each day presents a fresh beginning to face the same challenge. While it may seem that the key to victory lies in using the same resources your opponent relies upon, Allah (swt) tells us that true protection and defense are found in recognizing the limits of worldly means and believing in the unlimited potential that He provides. You stand on sacred ground—not only in the present moment but throughout history and into the future. Regardless of what material resources you may lack, Allah (swt) has left behind a legacy, a torch passed from prophet to prophet, guiding you to practice faith, surrender, and resilience. By following their example, you position yourself to receive His miracles, drawing strength from the divine rather than the fleeting powers of the world.
Our morals and values are fundamental to our identity as we train our daily intentions and intuitive skills. This means that each day is different from the last, and if we remain fixated on the past, we limit our mindset's potential for growth instead of expanding it. Through this understanding, we realize that deep, enduring beliefs shape what we truly want in life. You are more than just warriors claiming strength or declaring victories without achieving peace. Feeling tired yet continuously battling exhaustion can be especially challenging when you are inevitably dominated. Regardless of who is watching or what is expected, you are and will always be left to reveal the authentic reality of being overpowered.
مَن ذَا الَّذِي يُقْرِضُ اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا فَيُضَاعِفَهُ لَهُ أَضْعَافًا كَثِيرَةً ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْسُطُ ۖ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ
"Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan, so He may multiply it for him many times over? And Allah withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned."
In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:245), the Quran reminds us that it is Allah who provides and sustains us. He invites us to lend Him our willpower by surrendering ourselves, demonstrating the miracles that can unfold when we solely praise Him. As the world demonstrates the urgent need for your justice and strength, Allah (swt) calls upon us to exemplify what it means to rely entirely on Him for support, free from any associations. He will grant us provision, sustenance, and protection as we navigate our lives.
In this context, we can acknowledge that you are facing circumstances that are beyond your capacity to cope. You may feel undermined, overpowered, and disrespected. The will to fight only comes from the confidence that Allah instills in you, even as someone who feels overpowered and alone. However, this divine confidence can diminish when you rely on worldly means for defense. Your environment is holy and sacred and it calls for the assurance only found in your prayers. Therefore, when you find yourself in danger and filled with fear, pray—even if you feel doubt. This is how Allah (swt) will light your path, guiding you to accept that you are in a situation that requires surrender. Surrender to the reality of your circumstances while maintaining your self-respect and respect for others, regardless of their inability to understand your struggles. Rather than seeking help from external sources, turn to the One who can truly assist you in all your circumstances.
وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ خَيْفَةً فَمَشْيًّا أَوْ رُكْبَانًا ۗ فَإِذَا أَمِنتُمْ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَذِكْرِكُمْ آبَاءَكُمْ أَوْ أَشَدَّ ذِكْرًا
"And if you fear [an enemy], then pray on foot or riding. But when you have become secure, remember Allah, as He has taught you that which you did not know."
In Surah 2:239, Allah (swt) instructs us on how to maintain prayer even in times of danger, emphasizing that prayer is not just a ritual, but a powerful tool for protection. The verse highlights the importance of turning to prayer regardless of the circumstances, reinforcing that in moments of fear or danger, we are to rely on the strength of our faith rather than physical weapons. Allah broadens the context of danger, reminding us that prayer acts as a shield. He even provides alternative methods, such as performing tayammum (dry ablution) when water is unavailable, showing that no situation should prevent us from praying. The emphasis on prayer "especially" in dangerous moments emphasizes its vital role in protecting us spiritually, as we are constantly exposed to negative influences, both seen and unseen. The time between prayers can be viewed as countdowns to our next opportunity to renew our spiritual protection.
فَخَرَجَ مِنْهَا خَائِفًا يَتَرَقَّبُ ۖ قَالَ رَبِّ نَجِّنِي مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ
"So he left it, fearful and anticipating [apprehension]. He said, 'My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people.'"
Surah Al-Qasas (28:21) tells how Prophet Moses, filled with fear and apprehension, fled the city he thought could offer him safety. He called out, "My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people." This verse highlights his vulnerability as he was pursued by those intent on wrongfully accusing him of killing a man during a dispute.
Moses' fear suggests that the city may have had negative influences from the beginning. His departure signifies a retreat from a place he hoped would be secure. The unintentional killing serves as a metaphor for the overwhelming challenges we face when defending ourselves, similar to relying on resources like weapons that may not truly serve our needs. Fleeing in fear reflects the state we experience when we choose to give up our worldly defenses and turn to Allah, seeking His guidance and support in our ultimate reliance on Him.
So, what does true submission to Allah’s will mean if you stop physically fighting and instead choose to disarm yourself, embracing the real meaning of tawakkul (reliance on Allah)? It means understanding that even when you feel overpowered or outnumbered, your strength lies in acknowledging your dependence on Allah’s unseen support. Choosing not to fight in a conventional sense doesn’t mean weakness; it’s a form of strength that reflects deep trust in Allah’s assistance. In such moments, your prayers and duas become powerful weapons, inviting divine help and blessings to sustain you. True submission involves letting go of control, knowing that victory and survival are ultimately in Allah's hands, and that His unseen forces will aid you in ways beyond the physical.
وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فَلَنُكَلِّفَ أَنْفُسَهُمْ إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ أُولَـٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ
وَنَزَعْنَا مَا فِي قُلُوبِهِم مِّنْ غِلٍّ إِخْوَانًا عَلَى سُرُرٍ مُّتَقَابِلِين
"And those who have believed and done righteous deeds—We charge no soul except within its capacity. Those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally. (42)
And We will remove whatever is in their breasts of resentment, so they will be like brothers, on couches facing each other." (43)
In Surah Al-A'raf (7:42-43), Allah (swt) assures believers that He does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear, emphasizing that our trials are within our capacity. However, this also holds us accountable for neglecting the strength Allah has instilled in us to actually handle these challenges. We are responsible for recognizing our own potential and not ignoring the inner resilience we possess in facing life's difficulties.
In the following verse, Allah (swt) offers a beautiful depiction of the ultimate reward for those who remain patient and steadfast in their faith. He promises to remove all pain, resentment, and suffering from the hearts of the righteous in Paradise, where rivers will flow beneath them. They will proclaim, "Praise to Allah, who has guided us to this; we would never have been guided if Allah had not guided us." This verse reflects the profound realization that true guidance comes only from Allah, as confirmed by the messengers who brought His truth.
Throughout the Quran, Allah reminds us of our humble beginnings—created from a mere clot and shaped by His will—demonstrating how something so small can evolve into a magnificent human being. This subtle reminder encourages us to use our intellect, emphasizing that peace must remain at the core of our actions. When frustration or feelings of being overpowered take hold, there is no greater act of self-respect than trusting in your Rabb and embracing the peace He intends for you. By doing so, we honor the path He has guided us on and open ourselves to the rewards of patience and faith.
الَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ الرَّسُولَ النَّبِيَّ الأُمِّيَّ الَّذِي يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّـهِ وَكَلِمَاتِهِ وَيَأْمُرُهُم بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَاهُمْ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَيُحِلُّ لَهُمُ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَيُحَرِّمُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْخَبَائِثَ وَيَضَعُ عَنْهُمْ إِصْرَهُمْ وَالْأَغْلَالَ الَّتِي كَانَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ فَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِهِ وَعَزَّرُوهُ وَنَصَرُوهُ وَاتَّبَعُوا النُّورَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ مَعَهُ أُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ
"Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong, and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil, and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So those who have believed in him, honored him, supported him, and followed the light which was sent down with him are the successful."
In Surah Al-A'raf (7:157), Allah (swt) emphasizes the significance of following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as a key to gaining knowledge and achieving peace. Allah highlights that the Prophet was "unlettered," meaning his wisdom came not from reading or formal education, but through divine inspiration. This illustrates that his understanding was directly guided by Allah. As a leader, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) exemplified a deeper, divinely inspired knowledge. By following his teachings, we are guided toward righteousness, moral clarity, and true success, inviting the spiritual peace, justice, and overall well-being.
In Surah Al-A'raf (7:196), Allah (swt) emphasizes the importance of relying on His guidance and protection by making the Quran our constant companion:
"Indeed, my protector is Allah, who has sent down the Book; and He is an ally to the righteous."
إِنَّ وَلِيِّيَ اللَّهُ الَّذِي نَزَّلَ الْكِتَابَ وَهُوَ يَتَوَلَّى الصَّالِحِينَ
“Inna waliyyiya Allahu allathee nazzala alkitaba wahuwa yatawalla alssaliheena”
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that making the Quran our guide secures Allah’s help and protection. By following the teachings of the Quran, we align ourselves with Allah’s care and safeguard our journey through this world and into the next. The Quran, as scripture, is more than a book of laws—it is a collection of witnesses, narratives, promises, warnings, and above all, guidance.
Allah's instructions through the Quran are meant for our salvation. When the Lord of the Worlds gives you direction to protect yourself, it is both profound and simple: surrender to His will and keep the Quran close, as a source of light and wisdom in every aspect of life. By doing so, we ensure His guidance and protection are always with us and He will confirm your trust and belief in Him, His angels, the Quran, His Prophets and all the articles of faith.
A powerful way to start nurturing surrender and trust in Allah (swt) is by making this beautiful dua a part of your daily prayers and times of supplication:
“Allahumma inni abduka wa ibn abdika wa ibn amatika, nasiyati bi yadika, madin fiyya hukmuka, adlun fiyya qada’uka, as’aluka bi kulli ismin huwa laka sammayta bihi nafsaka aw anzaltahu fi kitabika aw allamtahu ahadan min khalqika aw ista’tharta bihi fi ilm il-ghaybi indak an tajala Al-Qur’ana rabi qalbi wa nur sadri wa jala’a huzni wa dhahaba hammi.”
Translation: “O Allah, I am Your slave, the son of Your slave, the son of Your female slave. My forelock is in Your hand. Your command over me is forever executed, and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every Name belonging to You which You named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or taught to any of Your creation, or have preserved in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that You make the Quran the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety.”
The wisdom of this dua lies in helping us recognize the reality of life: we are inherently bound to Allah and the laws of the Quran, regardless of our circumstances. Our forelock symbolizes the divine aspect of our prefrontal cortex, representing our ability to make mature decisions and conduct our lives wisely. Allah’s command and His plan for us are rooted in His profound wisdom and the justice reflected in the Quran. His names and attributes are evident in all of His judgments, and His laws are embedded not only in the Quran but also within the unseen realm of creation.
This dua reminds us to maintain our trust in Allah, even when we lack a feasible understanding of our situations. Connecting with the Quran allows us to understand Allah swt and our intentions. He illuminates our path with the truths we need to navigate life's challenges, driving out sorrow and relieving the pressures we face. In this way, we learn to surrender our worries to Him, embracing His guidance as we journey through life.
This kind of surrender doesn't happen overnight; it requires experience, time, and the development of both intention and willpower to place the level of trust in Allah (swt) that He desires. It’s the essence of living with the certainty that Allah reveals through our personal journeys. Once we embrace this surrender, Allah makes things easier than we ever expected. This is why He reassures us twice in the Qur'an that "With hardship, there is ease"—reminding us that through every challenge, ease will follow. Inshallah.
Do not neglect your dua and azkar—once you experience the benefits of their regular practice, you will never leave it.
The dua and azkar mentioned serve to protect Muslims from various harms and evils, by the will of Allah. However, this protection is not guaranteed in every situation. If someone suffers harm despite consistently reciting these azkar, it is part of Allah's decree, may He be exalted, and there is profound wisdom in His commands and decrees.
“For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allah” 13:11
“So be patient — Allah’s promise is certainly true. Seek forgiveness for your shortcomings. And glorify the praises of your Lord morning and evening” 40:55
“…Endure with patience what they say; and glorify and praise your Lord before sunrise and before sunset.” 50:39
Dua to protect yourself from fear of harm:
ذَٰلِكُمُ اللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ خَالِقُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ ۖ فَاعْبُدُوهُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَكِيلٌ
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ آذَوْا مُوسَىٰ فَبَرَّأَهُ اللَّهُ مِمَّا قَالُوا ۖ وَكَانَ عِندَ اللَّهِ وَجِيهًا يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَقُولُوا قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا يُصْلِحْ لَكُمْ أَعْمَالَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَمَن يُطِعِ اللَّهَ
وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا
الَّذِي خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيَاةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ۖ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفُورُ وَالَّذِي خَلَقَ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ طِبَاقًا ۖ مَا تَرَى فِي خَلْقِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ مِنْ تَفَاوُتٍ ۖ فَارْجِعِ الْبَصَرَ ۖ هَلْ تَرَى مِنْ فُطُورٍ
Dhālika Allāhu rabbukum lā ilāha illā huwa khāliku kulli shay'in fa'budūhū wa huwa 'alā kulli shay'in wakīl.
Yā ayyuha alladhīna āmanū lā takūnū kalladhīna ādhaw Mūsā fabarra'ahu Allāhu mmā qālū wa kāna 'inda Allāhi wajīhan - Yā ayyuha alladhīna āmanū ittaqū Allāha wa qūlū qawlan sadīdan - Yusliḥ lakum a'mālakum wa yaghfir lakum dhunūbakum wa man yuṭi' Allāha wa rasūlahu faqad fāza fawzan 'aẓīmā
Alladhī khalaqa al-mawta wal-ḥayāta liyabluwakum ayyukum aḥsanu 'amalan wa huwa al-'azīzu al-ghafūr Wa alladhī khalaqa sab'a samāwātin ṭibāqā mā tarā fī khalaqi al-raḥmāni min tafāwutin fa-rji'i al-baṣar hal tarā min fuṭūr
"That is Allah, your Lord; there is no deity except Him, the Creator of all things. So worship Him, and He is, over all things, Disposer of affairs.
O you who have believed, do not be like those who harmed Moses; but Allah cleared him of what they said, and he was distinguished in the sight of Allah.
"O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.
"He will make [good] your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment.
And it is He who created seven heavens in layers. You do not see any in the creation of the Most Merciful any inconsistency. So return your vision to the sky, and see if there is any rift.”
Subhanaka Allahuma wa bi-hamdika wa tabarak-
ismuka wa ta ala jadduka wa la illaha ghayrak
Purity belongs to Allah, all Praise be to Him
Purity belongs to you O Allah and All Praise be to You
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship besides You.
I beg forgiveness from You and I repent before You.
"So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth. And let them not disquiet you who are not certain in faith" 30:60