Surah Ad-Duha is like an antidote for despair. In its peaceful verses, Allah SWT assures our worried hearts that He hasn’t abandoned us. He encourages us to rise and keep moving forward; He is with us and He will reward us very soon.
Surah Ad-Duha offers Perspective in Tough Times
“By the morning brightness. And [by] the night when it covers with darkness. Your Lord has not taken leave of you, [O Muḥammad], nor has He detested [you]. And the Hereafter is better for you than the first [life]. And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied.” (Surah Ad-Duha verses 1-5).
According to a tradition, this surah was revealed to the Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) following a prolonged gap after the first revelation. He was worried that Allah SWT was displeased with him and so had abandoned him. This was never the case. Thus, Allah SWT revealed Surah Ad-Duha and removed the fear from the Messenger (pbuh)’s heart.
Just like in the Messenger (pbuh)’s case, no matter what’s worrying our hearts, Allah SWT is here for us. We can rise above our fears to conquer a new day. We will soon live in the magnified reward of our efforts, in a world far better than this one. So let’s turn to Allah SWT for guidance when we’re feeling lost. He created the sky above and earth beneath us: He is Competent to give His servants the support they need. He was there for the Messenger (pbuh) and He is here for us too!
Picking up the pieces
“Did He not find you an orphan and give [you] refuge? And He found you lost and guided [you], And He found you poor and made [you] self-sufficient.” (Surah Ad-Duha verses 6-8)
In tough times, like the pandemic right now, we shouldn’t believe that Allah SWT has abandoned us. All happens by His planning. Try to remember all those times when you were in need and He helped you. Allah SWT reminded the Messenger (pbuh) of His favors upon him to help him see that Allah SWT has always been Ever-Watchful and Ever-Merciful. In this way, we dispel negativity from our minds, motivate ourselves to pick up the pieces, and move forward. Our blessings far exceed our trials to let’s make the most of them and fulfill our purpose on earth!
Adorn Your Days with Good Deeds
“So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him]. And as for the petitioner, do not repel [him]. But as for the favor of your Lord, report [it].” (Surah Ad-Duha verses 9-11)
Basically, we must work on righteousness. That’s what’s needed to succeed in the times of ease or hardship we face. We shouldn’t take His support for us, during tough times, for granted; we must respond by doing good deeds!
The examples of righteousness given in Surah Ad-Duha’s last three verses revolve around helping and being grateful. Helping people who are vulnerable or in need is a crucial part of a believer’s life. Allah SWT, the Most Appreciative and Giver of Gifts, counts every little effort so everything we do matters!
Moreover, we should live by gratitude and talk about our blessings. By talking about good things, we feel good and hence stay motivated to keep moving forward.
Surah Ad-Duha is a strong source of support for all believers. Just like how the Messenger (pbuh) was comforted by its eleven peaceful verses, anyone who feels worried, anxious, or sad can find ease by embracing Surah Ad-Duha’s messages.
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