"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times" is a famous quote from the novel A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. It was written in 1859 and highlighted the French revolution. The opening statement of the novel contrasts the ambiguity within society during times of upheaval and social strife. The next line poignantly expresses a hard truth that exists in in this moment in time “…it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.”
Teens and adolescents might find a message in this fictional classic. The current situation in the U.S. sparks heated public discourse and debate at levels not seen since the 1960’s Vietnam war era. As in the 1960’s, teenagers find themselves discussing and debating the ethics and consequences of ICE raids in immigrant community, presidential overreach in civil rights, suppression of free speech from political opponents to president Trump, glorification and celebration of racist and Islamophobic media personalities, reorganization of voting districts for political gain, and financial and material support for the ongoing famine and genocide taking place in Gaza. Truly this represents the worst of times and an age of foolishness where the people are being distracted by the skilled media magicians of a corrupt pharaoh.
The Quran teaches mankind that with every difficulty there is relief and extremes in public opinion force contemplation. Muslim Teens may feel especially bothered by the pendulum swing for and against US intervention in the Gaza genocide and the erosion of ethnic, cultural and religious civil liberties. Teens must exercise patience and tawakkil. This fortitude begins with du’a. Look to Surah Al-Baqarah ayah 250 “Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people.” Teens can exercise patience and self-control by making dua seeking five essentials: – guidance -hidayah, forgiveness - magfirah, acceptance - qubuliya, help -nusrah, and ease – aafiya.
Make du’a
Hidayah – guidance from Allah
- Muslim teens tend to be up late at night anyway or often seek solace in their bedrooms away from others. This is a time for contemplation. If a teen finds that they don’t know how to respond to the negativity they face in this political climate of strife, that guidance and peace can come solely from Allah.
- Make istikhara when seeking guidance. Istikhara involves praying two non-obligatory rak’ahs followed by a du’a seeking guidance from Allah. Many Muslims pigeonhole istikara as a prayer to made solely for big life changing decisions, but the example of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is to submit to Allah for all things.
It’s narrated that the Prophet ﷺ used to teach the sahaba the istikhara for each and every matter as he used to teach the sahaba surahs from the Holy Qur'an
[Sahih al-Bukhari #6382].
Magfirah – forgiveness from Allah
- If a teen has found that they have spoken out of turn, given into anger during a debate or even wished ill upon someone, this is the time to beg forgiveness from Allah and pray for more patience.
Whoever does evil or wrongs themselves but afterwards [sincerely] seeks God’s Forgiveness, they will find God Very Forgiving [and] Most Merciful.
Surah An-Nisa 4: 107
"If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not."
[Abu Dawud]. Riyad as-Salihin 1873
Qubuliya – acceptance from Allah
- Teens may feel that whatever efforts they are putting forth may not be enough. Here they need only turn to the Holy Quran where we find another teen working with his father and asking Allah to accept his efforts. As teens call on Allah note this ayah from the Quran:
And ˹remember˺ when Abraham raised the foundation of the House with Ishmael, ˹both praying,˺ “Our Lord! Accept ˹this˺ from us. You are indeed the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
Surah Al Baqarah 2: 127
Nusrah – help from Allah
- Surely a teen understands that through the help of Allah, victory, salvation, understanding and ease will result. Teens must appreciate the value of dua – even short ones that can be whispered in the moment to regain composure and cool the fires of anger.
- Remember the short du’a: "Hasbunallaahu wa ni'mal-wakeel (حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيل)", which translates to "Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs". This dua is taken from the Holy Quran Surah Al-Imran 3 – ayah 173
Aafiyah – ease from Allah
- Teens must believe that even in these times that are so controversial and uncomfortable that this is not a permanent situation. Turn sincerely with khushoo:
“O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness); Ease my task for me;”
Surah Taha 20:25-26
Author bio: Mahasin D. Shamsid-Deen is the news curator and content manager for Muslim Network TV (MNTV) and contributing writer for Sound Vision. She holds a Master’s degree in English Writing and has worked as both a High School and College ESL Instructor and Writing Instructor for more than a decade. Mahasin has numerous published articles, books, essays and is a published playwright with three award winning stage plays. She is currently writing her dissertation for her doctoral degree.
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