"Loneliness, Communal Relationship and the Sufficiency of Allah (swt) as His Surrogate"

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim Alhamdulillahi rabbil-‘alamin was-Salatu was-Salam ‘ala Sayyidil-Mursalin wa ‘ala ‘Alihi wa Sahbihi Ajma’in. As Salamu 'alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

---

Loneliness, a condition that every human encounters at some point, can feel both oppressive and liberating. It strips away distractions and reveals the bare state of our hearts, testing what lies within when there is no audience but Allah. In Islam, loneliness is neither inherently negative nor positive; rather, it is a moment of opportunity and a test of our relationship with the Creator. When approached with mindfulness, solitude can transform from a trial into a profound means of drawing closer to Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم warned against unchecked solitude, as it leaves a person vulnerable to Shaytaan. It is narrated that Shaytaan accompanies the person who isolates himself, whispering thoughts that lead to sin or despair. To guard against this danger, Allah instructs us in the Qur'an:

"وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ فِي نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعًا وَخِيفَةً وَّدُونَ الْجَهْرِ مِنَ الْقَوْلِ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ وَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ الْغَافِلِينَ"

“Remember your Lord inwardly with humility and reverence and in a moderate tone of voice, both morning and evening. And do not be one of the heedless” (Surah Al-A'raf: 205).

This act of remembrance (dhikr) is a shield against the whispers of Shaytaan, keeping the heart alive with faith even in moments of solitude.

Loneliness often creates a heightened awareness of one’s vulnerability and susceptibility to sin. In such moments, avoiding transgression becomes a form of worship. If sin feels inevitable, even sleep—ordinarily neutral—transforms into an act of ibadah (worship) when it serves to protect one’s faith. By seeking refuge in sleep or constructive activity, the believer demonstrates restraint and obedience, two qualities beloved to Allah.

Loneliness also offers a unique opportunity to reflect deeply and connect with Allah. This is exemplified in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام). In his solitude, Ibrahim observed the natural world, searching for the true God. He first considered the stars, then the moon, and then the sun, but each celestial body set and failed to meet the criteria of a divine being. Ultimately, his contemplation led him to recognize Allah, the One and Only Creator. This journey of reflection is beautifully encapsulated in the verses:

"Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the day and night there are signs for people of reason. ˹They are˺ those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth ˹and pray˺, 'Our Lord! You have not created ˹all of˺ this without purpose. Glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the Fire.'"

(Surah Ali Imran: 190-191)

In solitude, the believer has the chance to ponder these signs, deepening their awe of Allah and their understanding of His greatness. This process of reflection not only strengthens iman (faith) but also reveals the true content of one’s heart.

The Qur'an repeatedly reminds us to find solace in Allah, who is the curer of all problems and the sufficient Trustee of Affairs. As Allah says:

"وَلَا تُطِعِ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِینَ وَٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقِینَ وَدَعۡ أَذَىٰهُمۡ وَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ وَكِیلࣰا"

“Do not yield to the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Overlook their annoyances, and put your trust in Allah. For Allah is sufficient as a Trustee of Affairs” (Surah Al-Ahzab: 48).

This verse reminds us that solitude should not lead to despair. Instead, it is a time to turn to Allah with trust, seeking His guidance and aid in navigating life’s challenges. Through this, loneliness transforms into a moment of profound reliance on Allah, reaffirming that He alone is enough.

Prayer and dhikr are vital anchors for the believer in times of loneliness. Performing the five daily prayers consistently and engaging in the morning and evening adhkaar strengthen the heart and build resilience. These acts remind the believer that, while humans may leave one another, Allah is ever-present, offering companionship, mercy, and forgiveness.

Additionally, connecting with Allah fosters healthier connections with others. The biography of Malcolm X illustrates this beautifully. His account highlights how the Muslim community, through its shared connection to Allah, was able to treat drug addiction more effectively than any clinic. This demonstrates that a relationship with Allah not only enriches the individual but also builds bonds of love and support within the community. This unity is a manifestation of the divine wisdom and mercy that flow from connecting with Allah.

The path to a deeper connection with Allah lies in two profound realizations. The first is recognizing Allah’s greatness by observing His creation and countless blessings. From the majesty of the heavens to the intricacy of a single cell, every detail points to Allah’s infinite knowledge, power, and mercy. The second is recognizing our own insignificance in comparison to Him, reflecting on our weaknesses, flaws, and utter dependence on His mercy. Together, these realizations cultivate humility, gratitude, and love for Allah, bringing us closer to Him even in moments of loneliness.

In conclusion, loneliness is a test that holds immense potential for spiritual growth. By guarding against Shaytaan through remembrance of Allah, reflecting on the signs of creation, and maintaining acts of worship, the believer transforms solitude into a profound connection with the Creator. Far from being a state of despair, loneliness becomes an opportunity to deepen one’s faith, refine one’s character, and strengthen bonds with Allah and the community. Through this process, the heart finds tranquility, knowing that in every moment—alone or surrounded—Allah is always near.