Whenever a person faces hardship, there are three scenarios.
In the first scenario, he/she gives up and walks away from challenges or complains and blames those around them.
In the second, they swap out prayer time, family time and general quality time for the “hustle” because they think more money or stuff will solve their problem.
However, in both cases, the person will fall into a depression, feel sad about their situation or feel powerless – this is because they disconnect from Allah 
and the meaning and wisdom behind hardships. They don’t understand “why this is happening to them” or “what they did to deserve this”.
Thankfully, there is a third way for a ProductiveMuslim to deal with hardship because their understanding of Barakah culture means that their outlook is different.
When a ProductiveMuslim faces hardship, he or she takes a step back from their difficult situation and thinks about it from a higher level.
For example, they remember that Barakah Culture is about how to achieve more with less, instead of more with more, until the point of exhaustion.
So, they step back from their life with all its worries, anxieties, problems, and think about it from an Akhira (Hereafter) perspective. Then, they ask themselves the question: what does this ALL mean when compared to the Hereafter? What does this ALL mean when compared to eternity in Jannah?
One of the main misunderstandings we all have in this life is that if we do good, we should get good in this life and hereafter.
But this is not entirely true.
This life is not the life we’ll get justice in. If this were the case, there would be no need for a Day of Judgement or Akhira.
There is always a duality in this life; there’s good and bad, justice and injustice, mercy and oppression, love and hate, truth and falsehood, etc.
Remember that your role in this life is to live your life according to how Allah asked you to do, seeking His pleasure, avoiding His anger.
And Allah promises you in many places in the Quran, that if you do just that, He’ll give you a ‘good’ life. Allah says in the Quran:
“Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him will We give a new Life, a life that is good and pure and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” (Surat Al-Nahl, Verse 97)
“He that is righteous and patient,- never will Allah suffer the reward to be lost, of those who do right.” (Surat Yousef, Verse 90)
During times of hardship, it’s essential to remember that there are effective ways to deal with any difficulty.
Here are 7 practical steps to help you face any difficult situation
1. Salah
Make sure you stick to praying on time – 5 times a day. Never miss a Salah. Do your best to pray each Salah with sincerity as if it’s your last in this world. No amount of hustle will ever make up for it!
2. Read the Quran
This Quran is so beautiful that no matter what difficulties you face, you’ll find solace in it.
3. Make Dua (supplication)
Simply and directly speak to Allah from your heart through dua. Know that He hears you and will reassure you. Especially make the dua for removing anxiety.
Give Sadaqah (charity)
Give lots of charity, as much as you can. It helps push away hardship. If you can’t give money, even kind words or physical sadaqah will do (i.e. helping people physically or emotionally).
Set Goals and Have Vision
Don’t let Shaytaan play with you and keep replaying the video of your hardship in your mind again and again. Move on! Set new goals, new projects. Remember you’re with Allah , so nothing should stop you!
Wake up Early
Wake up before fajr and work on your ideas and projects, or simply read the Quran. Getting busy before daybreak is a definite way to move away from your hardship and overcome challenges. Get most of your ideas/work done in these early hours. These are blessed hours. Do it mindfully and sincerely for Allah , not to prove you can “hustle”.
Hardship is Not Lost. Remember, Allah will never forget the injustice/hardship you faced, so don’t worry about seeking revenge or trying to get justice
In the end, I pray that Allah removes all your ordeals and hardships, blesses you all with a good life and helps you remember Him day and night, for “Verily, with the remembrance of Allah, do hearts find rest”. (Surah Ar-Ra’d , verse 28)
