The meaning of chaos in Islam and how to deal with it
The world around us can seem chaotic, crazy, and difficult. Why is the world the way it is and how do we deal with it? Allah (God) created our universe for a purpose. In this life, we are meant to be tested in many different ways. As we navigate this world filled with hardship and tragedy, it is important to turn to Allah in the face of heartache, hardship, and loss.
Why do bad things happen?
The reason bad things happen is because this world was No created to be a paradise, to be perfect, but as a test for humanity. It is said in the Qur’an: “Verily, you (the believers) will be tested in your wealth and in yourselves”- (Quran 3:186), which means that we are tested in all our possessions and worldly attachments. The challenges we face in this life are meant to help us grow, rectify our shortcomings in ourselves, reaffirm our faith, and increase our trust in Allah. All the “bad” things that happen to us are proofs from God. They are not a curse or a punishment, but a potential blessing. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “If Allah wants the good of someone, he afflicts him with trials” (Bukhari). At the same time, we can take comfort in knowing that this world is impermanent and that Allah tests us only with what we can handle.
Why test those who believe in Allah and follow Him? Well, that goes back to the first point: this world is a test. What comes after death, with the will of Allah, is the reward, which lasts forever, free from pain and suffering. And the people who get this reward are those who put their faith in Him. That faith is tested through these tests. How will you react? Will you turn to Him or will you walk away?
How do people become familiar with chaos?
Our life, childhood, opportunities and experiences shape our personality and how/why we make decisions. For example, both Batman and the Joker had traumatic childhoods. The way they responded was reflected in their future: Batman used his trauma as a motive to save the city from him, while Joker took him and tried to destroy his city. “Any good thing that happens to you is from Allah, and any misfortune that hits you is by your own doing.” (Quran 4:79). It is up to us to decide how the world should be.
coping with chaos
Chaos in this world is nothing more than a test. To face such tests, we must put our trust in Allah. These tests are given to us to reaffirm our faith, so we must go through them with patience and confidence. We have a choice in how we react to it, so let’s react to it in a way that pleases Allah and pray that He rewards us in the hereafter, the life that is forever. We must remember that we have a choice and that we have the ability to differentiate between good and evil, so as not to hurt others. It is written in the Qur’an, “…Only those who patiently persevere will receive their reward without limit”. (Quran: 39:10)
