I Keep Trying to Tie My Camel
Dear Fatima,
I know that we must first tie our camel and leave the rest to Allah SWT. My anxiety has me trying to look for more camels to tie. Is that the case is tying my camel not just a single act and it actually doing ALL that I could? How do I know and learn when to just leave it to Allah SWTI know that we must first tie our camel and leave the rest to Allah SWT. My anxiety has me trying to look for more camels to tie. Is that the case is tying my camel not just a single act and it actually doing ALL that I could? How do I know and learn when to just leave it to Allah SWT.
“Trust in God, but tie your camel.”
Relayed by the scholar Al-Tirmidhi, said by the Prophet SAW who, when one day he saw a Bedouin leaving his camel without tethering it, questioned him as to why he was doing this. The Bedouin replied that he was placing his trust in Allah SWT and had no need to tie the camel. The prophet Mohammed then replied, “Tie your camel and place your trust in Allah SWT.”
This invites us to take note of what it is we have control over, then to take action if needed and want, and then to trust the process. It helps us navigate the tension we can sometimes experience between feeling anxious and helpless over the events in our lives. Finding the balance in taking action and letting go in our lives is something we’re all often called on doing, and yet many of us respond in all action and no faith or the opposite, relying too heavily on faith when it might behoove us to take a bit more action in our lives. Often there can be anxiety associated with both taking action and also in tolerating the unknown when we let go – as such, I invite you to be gentle with yourself. There is no right or wrong way to take action or practice faith, both take practice.
- Dua: Ask Allah
Turn each anxiety, each fear and each concern into a dua (supplication). Look at it as another reason to submit to God and be in Sajdah (prostration), during which you are closest to Allah SWT. God listens and already knows what is in your heart, but He wants you to ask Him for what you want. Build your relationship with Allah SWT, make him your friend. The Prophet SAW once said that in prayer, he would find rest and relief. He would also regularly ask for God’s forgiveness and remain in prostration during prayer praising God (tasbeeh) and asking for His forgiveness (Bukhari). Allah SWT wants you to be specific. The Prophet advised us to ask Allah SWT for exactly what we want instead of making vague duas.
“Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah SWT loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds. Do not make mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear. And longing (in your hearts): for the mercy of Allah SWT is (always) near to those who do good” (Quran 7:55-56).
- Tie your Camel: Do your part
Although we know only Allah SWT is in control, we are also responsible for making the right choices and doing the right thing. We must take action. We must work to alleviate the hardships we, our families and our communities face.
“Verily Allah SWT does not change men’s condition unless they change their inner selves” (Quran 13: 11).
Turn each worry into a dua and each dua into an action plan. That will show your commitment to your request and will focus your energy in the right direction.
- Seek help through Sabr
Seek help through Sabr and Salat (Quran 2:45).
Allah SWT provides us with two critical tools that can ease our worries and pain. Patience and prayer are two stressbusters we often neglect. Sabr is often translated as patience, but its more than just that. It also includes self-control, perseverance, endurance and a focused struggle to achieve in one’s goal. Patience implies resignation, however incorporating this concept of sabr, we are invited to remain steadfast to achieve our goals despite all odds. Being patient gives us control in situations where we may feel we have little to no control. We cannot control what happens, but we can control our reactions. This can help us keep us in check as we approach challenges and difficulties.
- Allah SWT is the Provider, al Razzaq
“How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah SWT Who feeds them and you, for He hears and knows all things (Quran 29:60).”
By reminding ourselves that He is the Provider, we will remember that all challenges in life, is in God’s Hands.
“And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if anyone puts his trust in Allah SWT, sufficient is (Allah SWT) for him. For Allah SWT will surely accomplish His purpose. Verily, for all things has Allah SWT appointed a due proportion (Quran 65:3).
- Do Dhikr
When your heart feels heavy with stress, anxiety, or grief, remember Allah SWT and surround yourself with His Dhikr. Dhikr refers to all forms of the remembrance of Allah SWT, including salat, tasbeeh, making dua (supplication), and reading Quran.
“And your Lord says: ‘Call on Me; I will answer your (prayer)…” (Quran 40:60)
By remembering Allah SWT we are communicating with the only One Who not only Hears and Knows all, but Who can change our situation and give us the patience to deal with our difficulties.
“Remember Me, and I shall remember you; be grateful to Me, and deny Me not”
(Quran 2:152).
- Relying on Allah SWT
Once you have established a plan you intend to follow through on to deal with a specific issue or problem in your life, put your trust in the most Wise and the All-Knowing. Do all you can, and then trust in Allah SWT.
“When you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah SWT” (Quran 3: 159).
- Connect with other humans
You are not alone. We are not suffering in silence. Through our shared connections, we will be able to maneuver the chain of isolation that leads to depression and anxiety.
- Gratitude
Develop your to do list for the day. Start a gratitude journal that you can write in every day. This too can help with placing things in perspective in regards to what you can and cannot do.
- One step at a time, one day at a time, one hour at a time
Ideals are wonderful things to pursue. But do that gradually. Think, prioritize, plan, and move forward. One step at a time. Our success depends on our sincere efforts to the best of our abilities.
Again, I invite you to be kind to yourself as you find this balance. I pray Allah SWT makes this easier for you and bring you ease as you go through any challenge in life.
Sincerely,
Your sister in Islam
“Fatima X”
