CAN FAITH HELP YOU?

For some people a diagnosis with breast cancer leaves them struggling with the concept of religion, finding it impossible to believe. For others, like Zaheen Qaiser, it deepens their faith. Here she explains why...

Zaheen (left) was diagnosed with breast cancer in April during lockdown. Had the pandemic not happened, she would have been boarding a flight for a family holiday to Canada and celebrating her 20-year work anniversary at the National Portrait Gallery. Here, Zaheen shares her personal thoughts on how her faith as a Muslim anchored her in uncertain times.

In many religions, including Islam, illness is seen as a mercy from God. As a Muslim I believe that life is a test and that we are tested in many ways, including with illness and affliction. It is often said that if God wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts them with trials.

One thing I’ve learned is that many things happen along life’s journey, but it’s often how we deal with them that is important.

My faith teaches patience in times of difficulty because of the belief that God is with the patient. I accepted the will of God so I never because cancer is very common.

My faith also teaches that in times that require us to be patient, we should also be grateful. It was important for me to remember that my cancer had not negated all the other blessings in my life – it had actually amplified them. Everything – from having a roof over my head, food to eat, a loving family and good friends – made me feel even more grateful.

I expect the lockdown helped a lot of us to refocus on what is truly important in life. It did for me, and my cancer did the same.

I see my cancer as a guest, albeit one that is neither welcome nor unwelcome. In Islam, guests are honoured. I therefore see my cancer as something that should be given respect and treated well until it is ready to leave.

Taking the time to get to know my cancer and living with it may even help me understand its purpose and how this experience is to shape the rest of my life.

It has certainly slowed my life down, given me time to focus on myself for a change and appreciate each new day as the gift that it is. In asked, ‘Why me?’ In fact I thought, ‘Why not me?’

this way, my cancer has given me the opportunity to make a stronger connection with God, to re-establish my faith and trust in Him.

At the moment I am halfway through chemo (and its side effects), which can be tough. But I view it as a means to an end.

I constantly remind myself that ease always follows any difficulty, that it is just a temporary phase and that Insha’Allah (God willing) ‘this too shall pass’.

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