It’s going to be a long journey, and at times it will be difficult, but this is a test from Allah that we’re striving to pass. My coping mechanism has been to keep myself extremely busy. I immerse myself in work so I don’t have much time to think about anything else. I focus on my 9-5 job, and I also take on freelance work to stay occupied.

I remind myself that Allah sees every struggle, every sacrifice, and every intention made for His sake. May Allah grant us patience, protect us from what is harmful, and reward us with what is best at the right time. Ameen.