Ramadan is usually known as the month of fasting, some say it’s like a marathon but you also will hear that it’s the month of victory, triumph, and spiritual conquest. Several other important historical events also took place during Ramadan, including the victory in the Battle of Badr in A.D. 624, the Prophet Muhammad PBUH going on his mystical night journey, the mi’raj (according to some traditions), and the Prophet returning to Makkah triumphant, having been expelled from his hometown by his enemies earlier in his prophethood.
Muslims worldwide, simultaneously, are going on a journey of devotion, self-discovery, and renewal. Still, this holy month isn’t without its challenges. Just like any other time in life, the road can get bumpy, the sidewalk can be full of unknown boxes and how the drainage gets flooded from time to time. Even with the promise of immense reward at the end, navigating those bumps can be tough. Yet, Ramadan is also a testament to our resilience. These obstacles represent the moments when our plans are derailed, and we must find alternate routes to reach our destination. Let’s talk about overcoming setbacks, conquering internal struggles, and emerging stronger on the other side.
We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure — who say, when struck by a disaster, “Surely to Allah we belong and to Allah we will ˹all˺ return.” Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2:155–156
Based on the surah above, we all know that setbacks, obstacles and test is something we can’t avoid. Life, by its very nature, is imperfect, and it’s unrealistic to expect everything to go according to plan.
Even if my years on this earth don’t really guarantee good advise about how to deal with life. I hope you can give me time and hear me out. All I know so far is that Living in this world and striving to achieve our goals inevitably means encountering setbacks and obstacles along the way. Everything that we do, from learning to walk, learning to talk, going to the grocery store the 1000th time and doing an interview for a Job we’ve been dreaming of for years is not always smooth and according to our plan.
Some setbacks are beyond our control — life and death, natural calamities, conflicts, and even unpredictable weather. There are also setbacks that we predicted but ignored, “ah it wouldn’t happen today” yet it did. Your jacket gets dirty, your shirt button suddenly loose and your tyre is flat. First things first with a setback is acknowledging how it had happened and hindered us. Accepting this reality is an essential part of coming to terms with life’s unpredictability.
Once we acknowledge that setbacks are an inherent part of life, the logical response is to prepare ourselves to face them head-on and face the aftermath. Particularly when pursuing aspirations, obstacles are bound to arise. These challenges serve as tests of our determination and commitment to our goals, ultimately shaping our character and resilience.
Looking at setbacks from a different angle can be transformative. Instead of viewing them solely as roadblocks, consider them as challenges to be overcome. Challenges push us beyond our comfort zones, encouraging personal growth and the development of our strengths. In essence, they provide opportunities for us to tap into our true potential and elevate ourselves to new heights.
It’s often said that every cloud has a silver lining. Similarly, every difficulty presents an opportunity — a chance to learn, grow, and evolve. Rather than focusing solely on the obstacle itself, shift your perspective to see what lies beyond it. By reframing setbacks as something natural and has the potential to be stepping stones toward achieving your goals, we can empower ourselves to overcome them more effectively and emerge stronger on the other side.
Day 18 Ramadan 1445 H
yesterday’s story here: Embracing Ramadan Day 17: The Final Third of Ramadan
- 📜 I am planning to do 30 Days writing for the entire Ramadan Month
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