How to Maintain Faith in a World Full of Oppression?

In a world where we witness various forms of oppression and injustice daily, preserving faith can be one of the greatest spiritual and moral challenges. However, the Holy Quran, as a book of guidance and light, provides practical and fundamental solutions to confront these challenges. True faith is tested not only in tranquility but also in storms and difficulties, and by standing firm against oppression, it becomes more deeply rooted. Maintaining faith in such circumstances requires a profound understanding of Quranic principles and their continuous application in life. First and perhaps most importantly, is to seek refuge in patience and prayer. The Noble Quran states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." Patience here does not mean passive endurance; rather, it signifies an active and conscious resistance against hardships. Patience means not emptying one's heart of the remembrance of Allah, even when pressures come from all directions. This patience is an inner strength that allows an individual to maintain their peace and stability against external turmoil. Prayer is the pillar of faith and a direct connection between the servant and the Lord. In moments of despair and suffocation caused by oppression, prayer is a solace for troubled souls and a source of strength for believing hearts. Through prayer, one can lift the heavy burden of despair and hopelessness, connect with the Creator of the universe, and seek His aid. This continuous connection reminds humanity that they are not alone and that a higher power is always watching over and supporting them, and no injustice escapes His sight. By standing before the Lord and whispering to Him, one not only finds peace but also gains new insight into their situation and divine promises. The second step is true reliance upon Allah (Tawakkul). When facing oppression, people sometimes feel powerless and helpless, as if caught in a whirlwind of events. But the Quran teaches believers that "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." (Surah At-Talaq, verse 3). Tawakkul does not mean abandoning effort or being passive; rather, it means entrusting the outcome to Allah after putting in diligent effort, believing that He will bring about the best outcome, even if we do not outwardly understand it or grasp the wisdom behind it. This deep conviction prevents spiritual collapse in the face of injustices, because the individual is confident that no power can withstand the divine will, and whatever happens contains goodness or leads towards it. Tawakkul empowers a person to maintain their inner peace in the most difficult circumstances and to be free from anxiety and fear. Thirdly, it is crucial to remember the transient nature of this world and its fleeting existence. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that worldly life is ephemeral, and the Hereafter is the eternal and true abode. In Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 2, it says: "Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, 'We believe,' and will not be tested?" This verse reminds us that trials and tribulations are an inseparable part of the path of faith. Oppression and injustice are, in fact, tools for testing and purifying our faith; they show whether our faith is merely a claim or has deep roots in our hearts. With this perspective, we are not disheartened by oppression; instead, we view it as an opportunity to strengthen and solidify our faith, knowing that the hardships of this world can never compare to the eternal reward of the Hereafter. This understanding of the world's transience reduces the pressure of calamities and expands one's perspective from the narrow worldly horizons to the infinite vastness of the Afterlife. Fourth, steadfastness and perseverance in upholding the truth are paramount. In Surah Hud, verse 112, Allah commands the Prophet and the believers: "So remain steadfast, as you have been commanded, you and those who have repented with you, and do not transgress. Indeed, He is Seeing of what you do." Steadfastness means remaining firm on the path of truth, even in the face of the most severe pressures and threats. This steadfastness not only preserves individual faith but can also inspire others and ignite sparks of hope in despairing hearts. Remembering that Allah is All-Seeing and All-Knowing of our actions empowers us to remain faithful to our covenant with Him under all circumstances and not deviate from the path of justice and truth. Steadfastness means not surrendering to falsehood and maintaining one's faithful identity in an environment that might challenge spiritual values. Fifth, avoiding despair and hopelessness is vital. The Holy Quran considers despairing of Allah's mercy a great sin and attributes it exclusively to disbelievers. In Surah Yusuf, verse 87, it states: "And do not despair of the relief of Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of the relief of Allah except the disbelieving people." Even in the deepest darkness and oppression, one must keep the light of hope alive for divine justice and relief. This hope is a motivator for continued struggle and resistance and prevents oppression from stripping us of our faith. Hope for divine solace and ease is a force that makes a believer resilient against psychological pressures and prevents hardships from leading them to disbelief and inability. Sixth, solidarity and mutual support are essential. The Quran instructs believers: "Cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression." (Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2). In confronting oppression, the presence of a strong believing community whose members support each other and advise each other to patience and truth is crucial. This solidarity serves as a refuge against pressures and a source of strength for maintaining faith. Associating with righteous and faithful individuals reminds one that they are not alone and that others are also treading a similar path, capable of providing comfort and guidance. These positive interactions prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can weaken faith. Ultimately, maintaining faith in a world full of oppression is a continuous journey that requires self-purification, constant remembrance of Quranic teachings, and acting upon them. This path not only preserves faith but elevates it to a level of perfection that no oppression can shake. Strong faith is like the firm roots of a tree that stands resilient and bears fruit even in the fiercest storms; this faith not only endures oppression but can also spread the light of hope and justice within society and contribute to positive changes. By relying on God, practicing patience, and maintaining steadfastness, we can not only preserve our faith but make it stronger than ever in a world full of adversities.