Written by:  Sr. Tahera Kassamali (Orlando, Florida)

The inner disturbances that afflict the human heart prevent him from enjoying true peace of mind. These disturbances often stem from a resentment of circumstances and an inability to accept things that cannot be changed. One of the signs of faith is a calmness and strength of spirit bestowed by submission to Allah. Outer circumstances cannot disturb this inner serenity. Submission is to trust that God knows all things and has a master plan for our affairs. The Holy Qur'an says: Perhaps you dislike something while it is good for you, and perhaps you love something and it is evil for you, and Allah knows while you do not know. (2:216)
 
The women of Karbala have given us many lessons, among them the peace that can be gained from submission to Allah's decree. When Zaynab binte Ali (a) saw her brother going off to the battle field, she prayed:

       O our Lord, accept from us this sacrifice
      My God, if this pleases You, then take until You are well pleased

The pleasure of Allah is a paramount consideration in all affairs, and if it was His will that Husayn (a) be martyred, then Zaynab (a) would accept and submit. Submission and being pleased with Allah's decree was their armour against the pain of the tragedy.
 
Ridha is the Arabic term used to denote the quality of being pleased with Allah's decree. The following hadith are strong on the importance of ridha:

• The peak of obedience to Allah is ridha, whether the servant likes it [the decree] or dislikes it. (Imam as-Sadiq, as)
• The root of ridha is trust in Allah.  (Imam Ali, as)
• How can a believer be a believer when he is angry at his lot and resents his position, while he knows that the Decreer on him is Allah? (Imam al-Hasan, as)

The fruits of complete submission include freedom, peace, happiness and tranquillity. Lead a more peaceful and happier life regardless of your circumstances by submitting to what Allah has decreed. As Imam as-Sadiq (a) says: Happiness and comfort lie in Ridha and Yaqeen, while worry and grief lie in doubt and anger at Allah's decree.