Failure in Islam has a very different meaning than what we usually attribute it to. A Quranic perspective on responding to so-called failures.
Failure in Islam has a very different meaning than what we usually attribute it to. A Quranic perspective on responding to so-called failures.
Trials, hardships, and failures are as much a part of life as ease and success. Life is a rollercoaster ride. Sometimes, however, failures can become overwhelming. This results in feelings of incompetence, anger, and hopelessness.
In Islam, failures in this world are viewed very differently. This is because we believe that the true gauge of success or failure will happen on the Day of Judgement.
Worldly failures are meant to test believers. Ideally, encountering a failure should make Muslims turn towards Allah (SWT). Instead of becoming hopeless or depressed, Muslims must not allow failures to get in the way of their faith. Times such as these should strengthen the faith.
10 Verses From The Quran To Read In Times Of Failure
To face failures with teased resolve and faith in Allah is easier said than done. Failures and hardships can create doubt even amongst the most devoted. Failure by nature is undesirable. When we keep experiencing failures, it can be hard to remain resolute. This is true, especially when failures lead to desperation.
Here are the ten most powerful verses from the Holy Quran that can help against failure:
Verses For Hope
And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent”
[65:3]
This verse of the Holy Quran is beautiful and contains a message of hope. Failures highlight some weaknesses within us. This verse is full of hope as there is a declaration of dependence on Allah (SWT) alone. He is the Master of everything and is All-powerful.
By relying on Allah, a Muslim is not just invoking His favor but also acknowledging that He has power over everything.
Allah does not lay a responsibility on anyone beyond his capacity.”
[2:286]
This is part of the complete verse from the second chapter of the Holy Quran. The verse clearly shows that Allah (SWT) is Merciful and does not burden anyone to the extent that is beyond their capacity. It provides the hope that while we may encounter failures, we possess the strength to handle them by the Grace of Allah.
For indeed, with hardship (will be) ease.”
[94:5]
This short verse of the Holy Quran is a reminder that everything, even difficult times, is temporary. Things eventually change for the better. Every failure is followed by success. Hard times come and go. This is why it is important to remain steadfast and have faith in Allah (SWT).
It is a simple message of hope. Yet it is full of wisdom since losing hope is the real failure since it shows a lack of faith.
So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.”
[3:139]
Failure is unpleasant and undesirable due to the adverse consequences it brings with it. The above verse captures the feeling and provides a remedy against it. It tells the believers not to despair because they have nothing to fear except Allah.
Verses Regarding Failure
Allah (God) does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon that you may be grateful.” [5:6]
Allah (SWT) is Merciful, and the above verse makes that clear. Any hardships and failures we encounter are for our benefit. Failure is one of the many ways in which Allah (SWT) tests us. Are we worthy of His favors or not? If a believer remains patient and prays to Allah even in the depths of despair, then they will succeed.
Do people think once they say, ‘We believe, that they will be left without being put to the test”
[29:2]
This verse from the twenty-ninth chapter of the Holy Quran delivers an important lesson; it relates to how believers will be tested. For believers, it is not enough to proclaim faith in Allah (SWT). One must show it. Allah (SWT) tests us in this world to measure our faith. Failures are part of the test. To succeed, believers must not let failures weaken their faith or shake their resolve.
And the Hereafter is better for you than the first [life]”
[93:4]
Worldly pursuits can take away from the true meaning of life. The above verse clearly states what is important is the Hereafter. This puts failures into perspective. What we view as failures, like not getting a job or not scoring enough on a test, can seem trivial when we stop and consider what real success is.
Verses On The Might Of Allah
Say, ‘Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed is; He is our protector.’ And upon Allah let the believers rely on.”
[9:52]
It is hard to fathom Allah’s (SWT) power. He is Absolute. The verse above indicates how every good and bad thing that happens to us is by Allah’s (SWT) permission. There is wisdom and reason behind Allah’s (SWT) plan. Even if we do not seem to understand it, we must trust Allah (SWT) and the path He has paved for us.
And whoever relies upon Allah-then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.”
[65:3]
Again the verse emphasizes the might of Allah (SWT). Everything we encounter is per Allah’s (SWT) plan. The most we can do is rely on Allah (SWT) completely. Even when faced with failures, one must always turn towards Allah. We must thank Him for His mercy because what we view as failures may be successes.
My mercy is encompassing all things.”
[7:156]
Allah (SWT) is not just mighty He is full of mercy. This is a reminder that we must hope and never give up. Allah’s (SWT) mercy will surely provide deliverance from the trying times.
Failures And Islam
Failure in Islam has a very different meaning than what we usually attribute it to. In Islam, this worldly life is a test. It is full of hardships but also eases. The failure or success is ultimately determined once this life is over.
This provides a message of hope and encourages believers to persevere. Rising above the challenges and always relying on Allah (SWT) is the best way to deal with failure. Reciting the verses of the Holy Quran, like the ones mentioned above, is a good idea.
Rafia occasionally writes for Muslim And Quran.
