During times of deep trial, despair, and sadness, we should seek comfort and guidance in the words of Allah(God) in the Quran. Allah reminds us that all people will be tried and tested in life, and calls upon us to bear these trials with “patience, perseverance and prayer.” Indeed, Allah reminds us that many people before us have suffered and had their faith tested; so too will we be tried and tested in this Pandemic (the Prefect Storm).

There are dozens upon dozens of verses that remind us to be patient and trust in Allah(God) during these times of trial.

Read and ponder the following verses that were revealed 1432 years ago:

“Seek Allah’s help with patient perseverance and prayer. It is indeed hard except for those who are humble.” (2:45)

“Oh you who believe! Seek help with patience, perseverance and prayer, for God is with those who patiently persevere.” (2:153)

“Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives, and the fruits of your toil. But give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who say, when afflicted with calamity, ‘To Allah(God) we belong, and to Him is our return.’ They are those on whom descend blessings from their Lord, and mercy. They are the ones who receive guidance.” (2:155-157)

“Oh you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy. Vie in such perseverance, strengthen each other, and be pious, that you may prosper.” (3:200)

“And be steadfast in patience, for verily Allah(God) will not suffer the reward of the righteous to perish.” (11:115)

“Be patient, for your patience is with the help of Allah.” (16:127)

“Patiently, then, persevere – for the Promise of Allah(God) is true, and ask forgiveness for your faults, and celebrate the praises of your Lord in the evening and in the morning.” (40:55)

“No one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune.” (41:35)

“Verily man is in loss, except such as have faith, and do righteous deeds, and join together in the mutual enjoining of truth, and of patience and constancy.” (103:2-3)

May Allah(God) grant us patience and perseverance during this perfect storm.

Imam Kedar A. Malik

Middletown Islamic Center