When I came across this verse in the Qur’an, I stopped reading it for a while. 'finally, beat them (lightly)' (4:34)

At the time, I had recently taken my shahadah in July 2023. And although I had read the Qur’an once before while still researching Islam, this time was different. Just a month before becoming Muslim, I had experienced a DV incident that left me with panic attacks and flashbacks. So when I read this ayah, this time it felt too close to home and I wasn’t ready to face it.

This verse, along with the one that says: 'Whatever good befalls you is from Allah, but whatever bad happens to you is from your own self.' (4:79) nearly sent me spiraling. I couldn’t help but feel like it w

A brother came to me asking for advice about some family problem, and during the course of the conversation happened to remark, 'My family problems are weird. I don't think anyone in the world has a weirder family than I do!!' To which I replied, 'No, that is not the case. The fact of the matter is that EVERY family has its politics, and EVERY household has tensions that outsiders are not aware of. If even the household of Yaqub, the son of Ishaq, could have such high tensions that murder was contemplated, then there is no household on earth that is free of jealousy and intrigue and politics. Just because you are not aware of family tensions, and sibling rivalries, and aunt/uncle attitude

'We have made some of you a trial for others. Will you ˹not then˺ be patient?' This is perhaps the most bitterest of pills to swallow in this life but it is the price we must pay if we want the best in the afterlife. This temporary life, this fleeting existence is ultimately a test of our patience and Allah has declared His love for those who are patient. Whatever it is, the love of Allah is worth it.