Professor Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness wrote, “The human being is the only animal that thinks about the future. We think about the future in a way that no other animal can, does, or ever has, and this simple, ubiquitous, ordinary act is a defining feature of our humanity.” Humans, in the course of thinking about the future, may end up with more peace of mind or they may end up with confusions, uncertainty, lack of inner peace, and to the extreme, can decide to end their lives and the life of others.
Peace of mind is often easier said than attained; when attained, the challenge is to maintain it. This article reviews what Muslim scholars have said about peace of mind (al aman al nafsi).
In this article, peace of mind refers to the state of mind whereby one feels a sense of ease and peace within the face of challenging circumstances. This implies a state free of despair, grudge, remorse, or blame, and more importantly maintaining a constant positive attitude with Allah and with oneself or others, despite heavy losses or afflictions.
SIGNIFICANCE OF PEACE OF MIND
We live in what some thinkers call a – VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) world. A lot of Individuals as well as corporations face demanding circumstances without having any foreknowledge about it or being unable to take appropriate timely action. Remez Sasson asserts, “Often, even when being in good financial condition and in good health, people have no peace of mind…”
Peace of mind is good for health and an honorable living. Peace of mind is associated with habits such as steadfastness (thabat), exuberance and hope, and free from despondency, anxiety, stress, worries, fear, and mental and emotional restlessness.
HOW TO ACHIEVE PEACE OF MIND?
One school of thought advocates for training, as peace of mind “is an acquired skill which requires time, practice and perseverance to develop, just like any other skill. Often, the skill package contain “learning to change mental attitude and developing inner strength and inner detachment, through meditation and other means.”
The question is, if it is possible to maintain that peace of mind? One may argue that the given tips therein are temporary in nature. Below are some of the more permanent ways to maintain peace of mind as shared by Muslim scholars.
STRONG FAITH
As a matter of fact, those who believe and do not taint their faith with wrongdoings will feel more secure and will be better guided. [Holy Quran, 6:82].
Thus having strong faith in God and in His ability to rescue His believing servants, and cherishing the thought that one is under the protection of the Most Powerful, leads to feeling inner peace.
In the story of Moses and the Israelite, when they were approached by the powerful army of the Pharaoh, the Israelite felt that this was their end. However, Moses had strong belief. We are told in the Holy Qur’an:
“And when the two companies saw one another the companions of Moses said, “Indeed, we are to be overtaken!” [Moses] said,
“No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.” Then We inspired to Moses, “Strike with your staff the sea,” and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain.” (26:61-63).”
At any trying moment that has incapacitated one’s ability to find a way out, they must remember that Almighty Lord is not incapable, powerless or stoppable by any force. They should direct their thinking and hope towards Him, and say “Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.” Or “Indeed, Lord is with me/us.”
As faith increases, so does inner peace. Without faith in Him and the commitments to do deeds that uplift faith, any perceived inner peace shall be delusional and unsustainable. Devoid of faith in Him, surely, one is moving on a losing path. “Losers indeed are those who deny the meeting with Allah until the Hour takes them by surprise, then they will cry, “Woe to us for having ignored this!” They will bear ˹the burden of˺ their sins on their backs. Evil indeed is their burden!” (6:31).
Finally, they must reflect on this question from the Holy Quran: “Ask them: “Who delivers you from calamities in the darkness of the land and of the sea, when you call upon Him in open humility and silent terror: If You deliver us from this affliction, we shall become truly grateful.” Say, “It is Allah who saves you from it and from every distress; then you [still] associate others with Him.”” (6:63). Therefore, He is the best hope and the best savior.
- TOTAL TRUST
“And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He alone is sufficient for them”. (65:3)
This is referred to as a tool of the believer, of the past and present. A Believer never abandons his reliance in Allah, as it is only though reliance or trust alone that can change and improve his affairs and he never relents to do his duty because it is all that he needs to improve! What one can do, must do it with total reliance to Almighty as success or failure never comes except when He wills. So why fear the future? Why lose hope in times of difficulty or distress? Why feel overjoyed for a success? Everything belongs to Allah, thus they must trust in Him to rescue them from distress and be grateful for any success. Quran narrates,
“Those to whom hypocrites said, “Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.” But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, “Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs”. So, they returned with favor from Allah and bounty, no harm having touched them. And they pursued the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.”” (3:173-174).”
3. REMEMBRANCE
“Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest!” (13:28).
Believers must constantly remember Allah; early morning and at night. Besides, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us what to do and the words to say at times of distress or sadness. Some of them are:
- It is reported that “When anything distressed the Prophet (PBUH), he prayed.”
- The Prophet (PBUH) used to invoke Allah at the time of distress, saying, “La ilaha illal-lahu Al-`Azim, al- Halim, La ilaha illal-lahu Rabbu-s-samawati wal-ard wa Rabbu-l-arsh il-azim.”
- “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) taught me some words to say at times of distress: Allah! Allahu Rabbi la ushriku bihi shay’an (Allah, Allah is my Lord, I do not associate anything with Him).”
“Whenever a matter would distress him, the Prophet (PBUH) would say: ‘O Living, O Self-Sustaining Sustainer! In Your Mercy do I seek relief (Yā Ḥayyu yā Qayyūm, bi-raḥmatika astaghīth).’” And with this chain, “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: ‘Be consistent with: “O Possessor of Majesty and Honor (Yā Dhal-Jalāli wal-Ikrām).’”
- SUPPLICATION
The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Du’a (supplication) is worship.” Supplication is a weapon of a believer. It is a form of worship that a believer upholds during good times and bad times. Therefore, it is very important to constantly supplicate when one is in a good situation so that they can be answered when in distress.
The Prophet (PBUH) said “He who wants to be happy to receive a response during distress or hardship, let him supplicate a lot when he is fine or happy.” “Get close to Him during the moments of ease, He will be close to you during hardships.”
- POSITIVE ATTITUDE FOR EVERY DISTRESS
Hassan Al Basri said “Don’t hate hardships that you face. Perhaps that which you hate, is what will save you and perhaps that which you like, may harm you”
“…Perhaps you dislike a thing and Allah makes therein much good.” (3:19)
We must know that distress and hardship are a blessing in disguise for those who are patient and hope for a reward from their Lord. The believer psychology is to remember that, Allah forgive sins in return for every discomfort that we experience in our lives. Surely, trials are part of believer’s life journey, perseverance is his coach and His Lord is the only hope for reward for every distress and hardship.
“Do you think you will be admitted into Paradise without being tested like those before you? They were afflicted with suffering and adversity and were so violently shaken that even the Messenger and the believers with him cried out, “When will Allah’s help come?” Indeed, Allah’s help is always near.” (2:214).
