How to connect to God's light in extreme despair?

In life's challenging and despairing moments, when we feel engulfed in darkness with no apparent way out, seeking divine light and connecting with it is the ultimate remedy and source of peace. The Holy Quran, the guiding scripture for Muslims, is replete with verses that not only forbid despair but also illuminate clear paths to regain hope and connect with the boundless source of mercy and light, Allah Almighty. These moments of despair can stem from various roots: loss of loved ones, consecutive failures in personal or professional life, incurable diseases, financial woes, or even feelings of loneliness and aimlessness. However, it's crucial to understand that no matter how difficult or dire a situation may seem, a window to divine light is always open, and we can establish this connection through specific steps guided by Quranic teachings. The first and most crucial step to connect with God's light in despair is to remember His absolute power and infinite mercy. Allah introduces Himself in the Holy Quran as “Nur As-Samawati wal-Ard” (The Light of the heavens and the earth). This declaration helps us understand that divine light is not merely an abstract concept but an all-encompassing and eternal truth that permeates all existence. Therefore, even in the deepest darkness, this light exists, and we must perceive it with the eyes of our hearts and align ourselves with it. Let us not forget that Allah is closer to us than our jugular vein, always hears our pleas, and is aware of our condition. This belief, in itself, ignites the first spark of hope in despairing hearts. One of the most pivotal ways to achieve this connection is through “patience” (Sabr) and “prayer” (Salat). In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, Allah states: “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” Patience here means enduring hardships with contentment and reliance on God, not passivity or abandoning effort. Prayer, the pillar of faith and the believer's ascension, is an opportunity for direct and unmediated communication with the Creator. In moments of extreme despair, prayer can become a safe haven where one unburdens their heavy sorrows and anxieties, seeking refuge in the divine presence with a broken yet hopeful heart. Prolonged prostrations, sincere supplications, and tears shed in solitude with God seemingly cleanse the heart of despair's rust, paving the way for divine light to enter. “Dhikr” or the constant remembrance of Allah, is another way to keep the lamp of hope lit in the heart. In Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28, it is stated: “Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” Repeating the beautiful names of Allah (Asma-ul-Husna), glorifying Him (Tasbeeh), seeking forgiveness (Istighfar), and praising Him (Hamd) are all forms of Dhikr. These remembrances not only occupy the tongue but also draw the soul and heart towards Allah. When the heart finds tranquility in the remembrance of Allah, there is no room left for despair and anxiety. Divine light penetrates the depths of human existence through this tranquility, dispelling all darkness. Reading and reflecting upon the verses of the Quran is also one of the most powerful sources of connecting to divine light. The Quran is a healing for hearts and a guide for guidance. When a person is immersed in despair, divine verses can illuminate the path like rays of light and bring tranquility. Discovering the divine wisdom behind calamities and problems, understanding that every hardship is accompanied by wisdom, and realizing that “Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease” (Surah Al-Sharh, 5-6) are among the fruits of contemplating the Quran. This understanding not only bestows patience upon a person but also convinces them that God's light will dawn after every darkness. Another important point is to avoid despairing of God's mercy. Allah says in Surah Az-Zumar, verse 53: “Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'” This verse indicates that even the most sinful individuals should not lose hope in divine mercy, let alone someone who, in a state of despair, seeks to connect with His light. Opening the door of the heart to repentance and seeking forgiveness, even if the despair is not due to sin, is a way to remove obstacles and accelerate the entry of divine light. Finally, helping others and performing good deeds can also be a gateway to divine light. When a person, in the depths of despair, extends a helping hand to another or assists them, they shift their focus away from their own problems. The positive and luminous energy of helping fellow human beings returns to their heart. Allah has repeatedly emphasized kindness and good deeds in the Quran and guaranteed their reward. This act, in addition to its spiritual reward, also brings peace and hope in this world, making one realize that despite hardships, they can still be a source of good and kindness. This itself is a manifestation of divine light that shines through one's being. Thus, connecting to God's light in extreme despair is not a random occurrence but the result of a conscious and diligent path pursued through faith, patience, prayer, remembrance, Quranic recitation, and helping others. This path will ultimately lead to true peace and freedom from the darkness of despair.