The Remembrance of Allah:
Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala says
اَلَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَتَطْمَىِٕنُّ قُلُوْبُهُمْ بِذِكْرِ اللّٰهِ ۭ اَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللّٰهِ تَـطْمَىِٕنُّ الْقُلُوْبُ
“Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah: verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest”.
(Surah Ar Ra’d, Ayah 28)
This ayah emphasises the importance of engaging in various forms of remembrance, such as offering Salaah (prayer), reciting the Qur’an, making supplications (Du’a), and glorifying Allah’s praises. It is important to note here that apart from Salaah and recitation of Qur’an, for the other forms of Dhikr, performing Wudu is not a requirement but one must make sure that the Dhikr is done with attentive heart and being conscious of what one is saying. Only when a person does this will he find true peace and contentment.
The Healing Power of the Quran:
The Glorious Quran holds within its verses not only words of instruction but also profound healing for the ailments that afflict the hearts and souls of believers.
Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala describes the Glorious Qur’an as
وَشِفَاۗءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُوْرِ
and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences) which is in your breasts
وَهُدًى وَّرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ
a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things) for the believers.
(Surah Yunus, Ayah 57)
When we immerse ourselves in the teachings of the Glorious Qur’an, it provides us with solace, guidance, and comfort, soothing our anxieties and sorrows.
Additionally, Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala states in Surah Al-Isra, Ayah 82,
وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْاٰنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاۗءٌ وَّرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ
“And We send down of the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe”
This ayah reaffirms the Quran’s transformative power, offering relief to those who believe and act upon its teachings.
Finding Comfort in Prayer:
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ serves as a model for finding solace in prayer. In a narration recorded in Sunan an-Nasa’i, the Prophet ﷺ emphasized the significance of prayer, stating,
“In this world, women and perfume have been made dear to me, and my comfort has been provided in prayer.”
[Sunan an Nasa’i, Hadith 3940]
This Hadith underscores the profound connection between prayer and inner peace. By turning to Allah in prayer, we can find refuge from life’s worries and stresses, experiencing a sense of tranquility and connection with the Divine.
Taking Responsibility and Letting Go:
Islam teaches us to take responsibility for our actions and to focus on what we can control. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ emphasized this in a Hadith found in Saheeh Muslim, where he reminded us that everyone is a guardian and will be held accountable for their trust.
He ﷺ said, “Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The leader of people is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects. A man is the guardian of his family and he is responsible for them. A woman is the guardian of her husband’s home and his children and she is responsible for them. The servant of a man is a guardian of the property of his master and he is responsible for it. No doubt, every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock.” [Saheeh Muslim, Hadith 1829]
This means that whether we are fulfilling our duties towards our families, managing our personal responsibilities, or protecting what has been entrusted to us, we are responsible for our actions and will be asked about them.
Moreover, the Prophet ﷺ highlighted the importance of focusing on what truly matters. In a Hadith recorded in Tirmidhi, he ﷺ said,
“Indeed, among the excellence of a person’s Islam is that he leaves what does not concern him.” [Jami’ at Tirmidhi, Hadith 2317]
This teaching encourages us to direct our energy and attention to things that are crucial for our well-being and spiritual growth, and to let go of unnecessary distractions and worries.
By doing so, we can lead more fulfilling lives, centered on what genuinely matters and bringing us closer to inner peace and contentment.
Conclusion:
In today’s world, full of distractions and uncertainties, finding inner peace often feels like an impossible dream. Yet, the teachings of the Qur’an and the wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ provides a clear and practical path to achieving tranquility and contentment. By remembering Allah, seeking solace in the Qur’an, finding comfort in prayer, taking responsibility for our actions, and letting go of unnecessary worries, we can develop a sense of inner peace that helps us navigate life’s challenges.
True peace comes from surrendering to the will of Allah and trusting in His divine wisdom and guidance. As we strive to live according to the teachings of Islam in our everyday lives, we can find the serenity and contentment our hearts long for. By focusing on the remembrance of Allah and following a righteous path, we can discover the true source of inner peace.
