Dealing with loss – Perspective of Islamic positive psychology

Life is full of ups and downs. We cannot avoid or prevent every loss. Some things are beyond our control. However, we can control, to a certain degree, how we react to it and deal with it. Loss can come in many forms, loss of a loved one, career, friendship, health etc. It can also mean shattering of the life we imagined, our dreams and ambitions. Loss is inevitable. One of the most difficult times a person can go through is death of a loved one. In the moment a person may believe that they will never feel any positive emotions again. We may feel powerless because there is nothing we can do to prevent death. The uncertainty of its timing and certainty of its occurrence can be a source of anxiety. While speaking and thinking about death may feel morbid to some, Muslims are encouraged to always be mindful of the certainty of death and prepare for it accordingly. Death is not the ending in Islam, it is a transition to the Afterlife which is the ultimate abode for us. Religious beliefs can be a source of comfort to people. The belief that we can eventually meet our loved ones in Heaven, If Allah wills, consoles us that all is not lost forever. Muslims also feel bonded to their loved ones through dua

,i.e., praying for them and are encouraged to perform good deeds in their name. This practice makes us feel connected to their memories. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “There is no Muslim who is stricken with a calamity and says what Allah has enjoined – ‘Verily to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return. O Allah, reward me for my affliction and compensate me with something better’ – but Allah will compensate him with something better.” Any loss that occurs especially the death of a loved one, forces us to ponder over the finite nature of life on Earth and our everyday actions. It causes us to focus on living our lives connected to Allah and without any regrets. Thus, this becomes a blessing that expiates our sins and brings us closer to Allah. Muslims also believe in Allah’s promise that with every hardship and suffering come ease and that Allah will not burden us more than what we can bear. While grief is natural with every loss, we should not become hopeless. Through patience, resilience and belief in Allah’s mercy we can overcome hardship and become stronger.