There is so little that we know as human beings about our own selves. We think we know everything, when in reality, we do not. Few of us can say we knew exactly where we would end up in adulthood when we were kids, who our best friends would be, what kind of jobs we would have, what kind of home we would live in, or who we would marry. We all have hopes and dreams—but ultimately those are just, well, hopes and dreams. They may even be in realistic reach, but there is no way we really know what type of future lies ahead of us.

Throughout my life, this whole unknown future concept scared me immensely—even to the point of tears. It was not about having control over a situation per se, but more so a severe lack of confidence, worry, and anxiety due to not being able to prepare myself (or knowing how to) for whatever was to come. The dilemma was not knowing when or how or who, whether that was figuring out what to major in at college, what post-grad life would be like, getting married, moving away from home, going on Hajj (the Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah), starting a family…the list continues.

Islam recognizes this very big knowledge gap that humans have in regards to their own lives. It acknowledges we do not know all, nor are we supposed to. What Muslims are encouraged to do in these kinds of situations is “tie their camel” and then put their trust in Allah. In other words, do your due diligence and leave the rest to God. There is only so much we can control about our lives, and to be able to deal with the rest we need to rely upon and trust God.

Over the years, I bookmarked many verses from the Quran about trusting God that brought me great comfort. Whenever I trek toward uncharted territory in my life, I refer back to these verses to give myself comfort.

“…place your trust in Allah. Surely, Allah loves those who place their trust in Him.” (Q. 3:159)

If placing trust in Allah will result in His love, what other comfort can we ask for in our time of uncertainty and need?

“If Allah helps you, there is none to overcome you. And if He abandons you, then, who is there to help you after that? In Allah the believers should place their trust.” (Q. 3:160)

When I read this verse, I am reminded that God is my true, best friend. He is the one to turn to for help, and we must realize He can right all of our affairs.

“…Enough for me is Allah. There is no god but He. In Him I have placed my trust, and He is the Lord of the Great Throne.” (Q. 9:129)

This verse first caught my attention thanks to my teacher. She told me every morning and evening she read this verse seven times and no matter how much she had on her plate, God took care of it all. Somehow, someway, she was able to complete all her tasks in the day even when it seemed their simply was not enough time. Personally, I have used this verse to calm myself down prior to doctor’s appointments or blood tests—things that really make me squirm and feel uncomfortable. It really feels miraculous the way God soothes souls through verses like these.

“And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things.” (Q. 65:3)

The first sentence in this verse brings me the ultimate comfort. It highlights how we humans do not know—we cannot even fathom how beautifully God takes care of us and our affairs. No matter what we are going through, Islam teaches us to simply trust Him, and He will be enough for us. Again, He knows, while we know not. And once we submit to this reality, the bumpy road ahead in the future will look a lot more smooth.

Six Uplifting Verses from the Quran

Have you ever read a book that presented a new message to you each time you opened it? No matter how often you revisit the pages, there is a new lesson learned, a fresh takeaway to reflect on. The Quran is like that. You can read it over and over again, and each time, a new verse hits you—or an old verse affects you in a new way.

There have been moments in the past where I was uncertain of the future, very frightened at what was to come. Am I prepared? How will I handle it? Am I good enough? The thoughts swirled around in my head over and over, and they kept me awake at night. There was technically no way to know the answer to these questions until I was in the thick of the future situation, and obviously by then it would be too late. These are the types of lows for which the Quran can be a perfect remedy. It was at these moments that I found immense solace in the verses God revealed.

Below are just six instances from the second chapter of the Quran alone in which God provides much comfort to those individuals who may be facing a hardship.

“O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Surely, Allah is with those who are patient.” (Q. 2:153)

In the above verse, patience is the character trait that is highly emphasized. In many places in the Quran, Allah tells mankind to practice patience, for life is full of ups and downs. The underlying theme here is that the difficulty will pass over, and patience while turning to God will help an individual to get through it.

“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’ Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.” (Q. 2:155-157).

Here again, we see the theme of patience come up. This set of verses highlights this life is only a temporary realm, and it is supposed to contain difficulty. The true, everlasting peace is with God in the afterlife for those who spent their lives following His commands. This verse becomes especially relevant at the time of a person’s death. When hearing of someone’s passing, a Muslim responds with quoting the above verse by saying, “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.”

“Allah intends (to provide) ease for you and does not intend (to create) hardship for you.” (Q. 2:185)

This verse above is one of the most beautiful to come across in the thick of difficulty. It always makes me feel like God is consoling me, telling me that whatever this trial is, it is coming from Him only to make me a better person and strengthen my trust in His divine will.

“When My servants ask you about Me, then (tell them that) I am near…” (Q. 2:186)

When reading the above verse, I am always reminded that Allah is close to me. If I ever feel distant from Him during a trial, it is due to my own running away and negligence. He is close, His help is close. All we need to do to unpack it is supplicate to Him with all our heart. It is a beautiful and intimate relationship that ever person has the potential to tap into.

“It could be that you dislike something, when it is good for you; and it could be that you like something when it is bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not know.” (Q 2:216)

This verse makes me think of something my parents would tell me—they know what is best. At the time, I simply will not see eye to eye with them, but in retrospect, they are always right. Things happen in life that you just cannot understand—some things do not work out even though on paper they make so much sense. A marriage, an admission to a school, or a job offer can all fall through the cracks. It is at this point that a Muslim is expected to understand this occurrence is from Allah, and even though we do not understand it or we do not like it, He knows best.

“Allah does not charge a soul except (with that within) its capacity.” (Q. 2:286)

This verse comes in the last part of chapter two of the Quran. It is a part of a set of verses that many Muslims commit to their memories because it is full of important reminders, like the one above. Whenever I read this, it reminds me that God knows me better than myself. I may not know if I can get over this hump in front of me, but the sheer fact that I am facing it means I can get through it because it was sent from God, and He promises in the verse above that He only tests a soul to its capacity. I have always seen this verse as basically a guarantee that I will make it through. It is a very comforting realization to come to, and it is coming straight from God.

Six Descriptions of Heaven from the Quran

For as long as I can remember, there has been a certain depiction of Heaven and Hell portrayed in popular culture. Heaven is always luminescent, white, and in the clouds, while Hell is dark, red, and fiery underground. I remember seeing these scenes in cartoons as a kid, but there was always a comedic air to it. In Islam, there is nothing funny about the topic of Heaven and Hell—they are very much serious realities.

Heaven and Hell are oft-repeated themes in the Quran, for they serve as a reminder to mankind regarding the temporary nature of this world. A person will be taken to task for their actions during their lifetime on this earth, and in the end, he or she will end up in either Heaven or Hell. The mention of these places in the Quran can serve as a motivation for people to do good and avoid bad. Below are just a handful of verses specifically about Heaven. They paint a beautiful picture of the scene that awaits those who spend their lives doing good works.

“And give good tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds that they will have gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow. Whenever they are provided with a provision of fruit therefrom, they will say, ‘This is what we were provided with before.’ And it is given to them in likeness. And they will have therein purified spouses, and they will abide therein eternally.” (Q. 2:25)

The phrase “gardens beneath which rivers flow” is a very common scene depicted about the eternal Heaven. Other descriptors mentioning lush, green, and life are also common elements that arise.

“Their Lord gives them good tidings of mercy from Him and approval and of gardens for them wherein is enduring pleasure. [They will be] abiding therein forever. Indeed, Allah has with Him a great reward.” (Q. 9:21-22)

A great reward is God’s pleasure, for that is what any practicing Muslim is working toward. Heaven is a result of that pleasure, but ultimately His approval, love, and glad tidings are what we hope to achieve.

“Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – their Lord will guide them because of their faith. Beneath them rivers will flow in the Gardens of Pleasure. Their call therein will be, ‘Exalted are You, O Allah,’ and their greeting therein will be, ‘Peace.’ And the last of their call will be, ‘Praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds!’” (Q. 10:9-10)

This pair of verses highlights what the conversation in Heaven will be like—peace. For a believer who worked in this life to please Allah, there is no greater comfort and pleasure than hearing a greeting of peace from his Lord in the ultimate abode of Heaven.

“Those will have gardens of perpetual residence; beneath them rivers will flow. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and will wear green garments of fine silk and brocade, reclining therein on adorned couches. Excellent is the reward, and good is the resting place.” (Q. 18:31)

In the above verse, we get a tangible and detailed description of what the inhabitants of Paradise will be adorned with—gold and silk. They will be in the most comfortable and luxurious of spaces for all of eternity.

“…the chosen servants of Allah. Those will have a provision determined—fruits; and they will be honored in gardens of pleasure on thrones facing one another. There will be circulated among them a cup from a flowing spring, white and delicious to the drinkers; no bad effect is there in it, nor from it will they be intoxicated.” (Q. 37:40-47)

Another pleasure of Heaven is that of its fruits and drink. Whenever I cut different types of fruit, I am always reminded of Allah and His greatness—there is such an intricacy and uniqueness in each fruit. Bananas, oranges, pomegranates, kiwis, grapes…and that is only what we have been exposed to living in the United States! We have not even heard or dreamt of what is available in other parts of the world, let alone Paradise. This verse additionally describes the special drinks of Heaven, which unlike drinks in this world, cause no harm and only result in joy and satisfaction.

“[Other] faces, that Day, will show pleasure. With their effort [they are] satisfied. In an elevated garden, wherein they will hear no unsuitable speech. Within it is a flowing spring. Within it are couches raised high and cups put in place and cushions lined up and carpets spread around.” (Q. 88:8-16)

Here too, we get more descriptors of the comforts in Paradise. Couches, cushions, carpets, and my favorite—no ill speech! A pet peeve of mine was always hearing people throwing around curse words on the bus at college. My mind would jump to verses like this that promised no vain or vulgar talk in a place like Heaven, which definitely was something to look forward to.