The Prick of a Thorn: Coping with the Trials and Tribulation

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The Prick of a Thorn: Coping with the Trials and Tribulation

In 'The Prick of a Thorn: Coping with the Trials and Tribulations of Life', Dr. Aisha Utz helps the reader to understand the logic of events in a seemingly chaotic world, to comprehend the rationale for seemingly unbearable trials and tribulations, and to implement sound Islamic methodology in finding the most effective coping techniques.
The book’s title was inspired by a saying of Prophet Muhammad (sa):

'Every fatigue, illness, distress, worry, grief, or harm that befalls the Muslim, including the prick of a thorn, will be accepted by Allah as expiation for some of his or her sins.' (Bukhari)

The times in which we are living are fraught with wars, natural disasters, and various other tribulations, in addition to the ongoing struggles within our own souls.

This book will help the reader to understand the logic of events in a seemingly chaotic world, to comprehend the rationale for seemingly unbearable trials and tribulations, and to implement sound Islamic methodology in finding the most effective coping techniques.

The book’s title was inspired by a saying of Prophet Muhammad (sa): (Bukhari) Appreciating the wisdom and mercy associated with each trial that we face is the first step toward beneficial coping. Ultimately, tribulations should lead to increased servitude to the Creator, an appreciation of the bounties that He has bestowed upon us, and a level of spirituality that allows us to transcend the challenges that we face.

A Muslim female professional, whom I had met just after beginning a new position in the university, requested a private meeting with me. As we settled into her office, she began to share with me the story of her young daughter who had been suffering from a serious, potentially fatal medical condition for several years. She proceeded to describe the treatments, surgeries, and recurring visits to medical specialists, sometimes in other countries. As she related the details of her story, she burst into tears, and expressed intense feelings of guilt and grief related to the situation. She was plagued by nagging thoughts of being responsible for her daughter illness, and being punished by Allah for the misdeeds that she may have committed. She had also been suffering from some mild symptoms of depression, which were beginning to interfere with her ability to function normally at work and at home. Doctors had suggested another surgery for her daughter that could potentially be life-threatening, and she doubted whether she had the capacity to cope with the added stress of such an event. I spent an hour, counselling her from an Islamic perspective, and providing her various explanations and coping mechanisms while also integrating Quranic verses and hadiths (statements or actions of Prophet Muhammad [sa]) into the conversation as appropriate.

The outcome of that hour-long session was truly amazing. Due to her level of faith, she readily responded to my suggestions, and took to heart what I had to say. While she primarily required some clarification, reminders, and redirection, the effect was profound. I spoke to her again, a week or so later, and she reported that she was functioning well. She thanked me for what I had done.

The Prick of a Thorn by Dr Aisha Utz Here a taste of what inside The more trials you face, the more sins you reduce.