Nazish has been stuck inside the same four walls in Karachi for 12 years. She's in Asia's largest asylum, a place not just for mentally ill women, but a dumping ground for Karachi's unwanted, inconvenient women. And their numbers are growing: originally housing just 400 patients, 1700 women are now crammed inside.
Said Nursi (1877–1960) was a prominent Islamic scholar, thinker, and reformer who left an enduring mark on the intellectual and spiritual landscape of the Muslim world. His works, particularly the Risale-i Nur (Epistles of Light), continue to inspire millions seeking a deeper understanding of faith in the modern age.
Early Life and Education
Born in Nurs, a small village in eastern Turkey, Said Nursi exhibited extraordinary intellectual abilities from a young age. He mastered various Islamic sciences, including Quranic exegesis, hadith, and jurisprudence, by his teenage years. His brilliance earned him the title “Bediüzzaman” (The Wonder of the Age).
A Scholar in a Time of Change
Nursi lived through a period of intense political and social transformation in the late Ottoman Empire and the early Turkish Republic. Witnessing the decline of Islamic institutions and the rise of secularism, he dedicated his life to reviving faith and religious education. Rather than engaging in direct political opposition, he focused on strengthening individuals' spiritual and intellectual foundations through his writings.
The Risale-i Nur: A Beacon of Light
One of Nursi’s greatest contributions to Islamic thought is the Risale-i Nur, a collection of Quranic commentaries written in a style accessible to ordinary people. In these writings, he addresses themes such as the existence of God, the purpose of life, and the harmony between religion and science. His approach sought to reconcile faith with rationality, making Islamic teachings relevant in the modern era.
Persecution and Perseverance
Throughout his life, Nursi faced imprisonment and exile due to his teachings and influence. The secular authorities of Turkey saw his emphasis on religious revival as a challenge to their vision of modernization. Despite being subjected to harsh conditions, he remained steadfast in his mission, continuing to write and teach even under duress. His patience and resilience became a testament to his unwavering commitment to his faith.
Legacy and Influence
Today, the Risale-i Nur movement has followers worldwide. His works have been translated into multiple languages, reaching people across different cultures and backgrounds. Many see him as a reformer who provided a bridge between traditional Islamic values and contemporary intellectual challenges.
Said Nursi’s life exemplifies the power of faith, knowledge, and perseverance. His legacy continues to inspire those who seek to understand Islam in a way that harmonizes with reason and modernity. In a world grappling with spiritual crises and ideological conflicts, his teachings remain a source of guidance and hope.
Life is filled with tests, and trauma and depression are among the most difficult challenges one can face. Islam provides spiritual, emotional, and practical guidance to help individuals navigate these struggles with faith and resilience.
1. Trust in Allah’s Mercy and Wisdom
Allah reminds us in the Quran:
“Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Quran 39:53)
No matter what we have endured, we must believe that Allah’s mercy is greater than our pain. Everything happens according to His divine wisdom, even if we do not understand it at the moment.
2. Seeking Help is Encouraged
Islam does not advocate suffering in silence. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged seeking both spiritual and medical assistance for hardships. He said:
“O servants of Allah, seek treatment, for indeed Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3436)
This means that therapy, counseling, and medical help are valid and necessary steps toward healing, just as we seek treatment for physical ailments.
3. The Power of Prayer (Dua) and Remembrance (Dhikr)
Turning to Allah through dua and dhikr can bring immense comfort. Some beneficial supplications include:
“Hasbiya Allahu wa ni‘mal wakeel” (Allah is sufficient for me, and He is the best disposer of affairs.) (Quran 3:173)
“Ya Hayyu, Ya Qayyum, bi rahmatika astaghith” (O Ever-Living, O Sustainer, in Your mercy I seek relief.)
Reciting Surah Al-Duha (93:1-11) is also known to uplift the heart during times of sorrow.
4. Patience (Sabr) and Hope
Allah promises that patience brings reward:
“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” (Quran 94:6)
Even in our darkest moments, relief will come. Keeping hope alive and reminding ourselves of the transient nature of worldly suffering can provide emotional strength.
5. Finding Support and Giving Back
Surround yourself with supportive, positive people who encourage healing.
Engage in acts of charity and kindness, as helping others can lighten one’s burden and bring inner peace.
6. Strength in the Sunnah
The Prophet (ﷺ) faced immense trials, including the loss of loved ones and personal suffering. Yet, he always turned to prayer, trust in Allah, and service to others. Emulating his approach can offer solace and perspective.
Final Thought:
Struggles with trauma and depression do not make you weak or less faithful. Allah is always near, and every step you take toward healing is valuable in His eyes. Keep praying, keep seeking help, and trust that Allah will bring you through this hardship stronger than before.
If you need specific duas or further guidance, feel free to ask. May Allah grant you peace and healing. Ameen. 🤲🏽
How did we lose Jerusalem after Salahuddin’s victory? What will it take to liberate Masjid al-Aqsa today? What can we learn from the Crusades, the rise of Zionism, and the internal divisions that have plagued the ummah? Join Dr. Omar Suleiman on this story of resilience, betrayal, and a question that still haunts us: will we rise to reclaim what was lost?
A Path to Jannah
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “I and the one who cares for an orphan will be together in Paradise like this,” and he held his two fingers together (Bukhari). This hadith highlights the elevated status of foster parents in the Hereafter. By providing love, care, and support to a child in need, a Muslim secures a lofty place in Jannah.
Earning Continuous Rewards (Sadaqah Jariyah)
Fostering a child is an ongoing act of charity (Sadaqah Jariyah). Every meal provided, every lesson taught, and every act of kindness shown to the child contributes to a continuous stream of rewards. Even after one’s passing, the good deeds instilled in the child will continue to benefit the foster parent.
Strengthening the Ummah
Islam encourages strong community bonds. When a child is cared for within a loving and Islamic environment, they grow up with the right values and morals, contributing positively to society. Fostering is an act that strengthens the Ummah by ensuring no child is left abandoned or neglected.
A Means of Attaining Allah’s Mercy
The Prophet (peace be upon him) was known for his immense kindness to orphans, and he instructed Muslims to do the same. In a hadith, he mentioned that softening one’s heart comes from caring for an orphan (Ahmad). Fostering children invites Allah’s mercy and softens the hearts of those involved.
A Great Act of Compassion and Love
The rewards of fostering extend beyond the spiritual realm. Many foster parents find a deep sense of fulfillment in providing a home to a child in need. The love and attachment formed through fostering bring joy and purpose to both the child and the foster family.
Following the Example of the Prophet (PBUH)
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself was an orphan, raised by his grandfather and later his uncle. His compassion towards orphans and vulnerable children serves as an example for Muslims to follow. Fostering a child is a way to emulate his noble character and fulfill a great Sunnah.
Fostering children in Islam is not just an act of kindness; it is a means of attaining immense rewards in this life and the Hereafter. It is an opportunity to transform a child’s life, strengthen the Muslim community, and draw closer to Allah’s mercy. May Allah bless and reward those who open their hearts and homes to children in need. Ameen.
After 7 months on the front lines, British-Iraqi surgeon Dr. Mohammed Tahir returns from Gaza with a shocking firsthand account of what’s happening inside the warzone. From hospitals collapsing without aid to thousands of patients still awaiting evacuation, his testimony exposes the true scale of suffering—and the global inaction enabling it.
Abdul Qadir Jilani, also known as Al-Ghawth Al-Azam (the Supreme Helper), is one of the most revered figures in Islamic history. Born in 1077 CE in Gilan, Persia (modern-day Iran), he later migrated to Baghdad, where he became a leading scholar and spiritual guide. His teachings emphasize piety, sincerity, and submission to Allah, making him a beacon of spiritual enlightenment for Mu
Sincerity and Devotion to Allah
One of Abdul Qadir Jilani’s fundamental teachings is the importance of sincerity (ikhlas) in worship and daily life. He emphasized that every action should be performed purely for the sake of Allah, without any expectation of worldly gains or recognition.
Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)
He taught that true faith requires complete reliance on Allah. This trust (tawakkul) means surrendering one’s worries and desires to God’s will, knowing that He provides and guides.
Self-Purification and Spiritual Discipline
Abdul Qadir Jilani stressed the importance of purifying the heart from sins and arrogance. He encouraged constant self-reflection, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and adherence to righteous deeds to achieve inner peace and closeness to God.
Humility and Compassion
A hallmark of his teachings was humility. He advised his followers to avoid arrogance and pride, treating all people with kindness and compassion, regardless of status or wealth.
Importance of Knowledge and Scholarship
Jilani was a strong advocate for seeking knowledge, both religious and worldly. He believed that learning strengthens faith and helps individuals become better servants of Allah.
Fighting Against Injustice and Corruption
He was known for speaking out against corruption and injustice in society. His sermons often called for fairness, honesty, and moral integrity, urging rulers and common people alike to uphold Islamic principles.
The Power of Prayer and Remembrance
Abdul Qadir Jilani emphasized the importance of daily prayers, supplication (dua), and dhikr as a means of drawing closer to Allah. He taught that constant remembrance of God strengthens the soul and shields it from negativity.
Legacy of His Teachings
His spiritual philosophy and ethical guidance continue to influence countless people. The Qadiriyya Sufi order, which he founded, remains one of the most prominent Sufi paths, spreading his teachings of love, humility, and devotion to God across the world.
The teachings of Abdul Qadir Jilani serve as a timeless guide for Muslims seeking spiritual growth and moral excellence. His emphasis on sincerity, humility, and devotion to Allah provides a path toward a meaningful and righteous life, making his legacy an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.
Meet Selin 👋 a PhD student from London, here to share herjourney and insights on a variety of topics, including Islam, lifestyle, academic life and fitness.
Salahuddin al-Ayyubi (rh) is one of the greatest heroes in Islamic history. How did he liberate Masjid al-Aqsa after nearly 90 years of the Crusaders’ occupation? Take a deeper dive into his story, including the early centuries of the Muslim rule in Palestine, the motivations of the Crusades, the mentorship of Nuruddin Zengi in Syria, Salahuddin's rise to power in Egypt, his personal piety, and his road to victory in Jerusalem.
Yes, my Entire Christian American White family became muslim. Sounds crazy right? We have been saved by Allah's mercy
