Knowing that the Lord of the Heavens and the earth has a plan for you, and is there to hold you as you go through this difficulty, was among the most comforting feeling for Alisha. At first I needed to really try and make her believe that better things would be coming.

Making marriage a heaven or a hell depends on us. However, many people, especially those in troubled marriages, are prone to be pessimistic and prefer to blame everyone or everything except their own ill manners and misconduct.

Prophet Muhammad and his companions knew something that is not often displayed today. They were able to face difficulty with a certain determination in their heart; and they were grateful for even the seemingly small blessings. They took pleasure in praying at night while the people were asleep.

Human desires are insatiable. And for this reason, the more we chase after this world, the less we are satisfied. If we chase after the love of a human being, especially in ways that are not lawful, inevitably we will be let down because no human being is perfect.

The beginning of ultimate happiness and contentment is once you start to acknowledge and enjoy the little things in life. Make the best out of what you have – the little, yet significant things right by your side that have long been taken for granted could contain abundant joy…

No matter how difficult things become, remember the importance of your relationship with God. Only God can truly alleviate all forms of hardship from the world. Only God can grant double ease for each hardship.

It came to a point where I felt as if I could not take much more. I ask Allah (SWT) in desperation to show me what I needed to learn, how I needed to change. I needed to know what Allah was guiding me to or away from so that I could just feel better, stable…

How often have we heard people with debilitating diseases or terrible disabilities thank God for their conditions, or speak about pain and suffering bringing blessings and goodness into their lives? How often have we listened to others speak about horrific experiences and ordeals, yet continue to thank God?

I wasn’t even sure I was going to wear the hijab. I felt uncomfortable about being “exposed” as a Muslim at my daughter’s wedding. What would the other side of the family think (they’re mostly Catholics)? What would my daughters’ father think (he’s an ordained minister)? And most importantly, what would my daughter and her fiancé think?

The values of the Quran hold a Muslim responsible for treating all people, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, kindly and justly, protecting the needy and the innocent and “preventing the dissemination of mischief”. Mischief comprises all forms of anarchy and terror that remove security, comfort and peace.