1. Patience
He should exercise sabr (patience), as this is the hallmark of a true believer. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) has advised that if a beleiver experiences favourable conditions, he should express gratitude, and this is good for him. And if he experiences unfavourable conditions, he should exercise patience, and this is good for him.” (Sahih Muslim #2999)

2. Be hopeful
He should not become despondent and lose hope in the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala. Rather, he should continue to hope for the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala, as the power and grace of Allah Ta‘ala is above all worldly means. A believer is always pleased with the decree of Allah Ta‘ala.

3. Continue fulfilling obligations
He should not allow the difficulty to cause him to become negligent in regard to fulfilling his Islamic obligations.

4. Persevere with dua
He should continue to make dua to Allah Ta‘ala to make the matter easy for him, and he should also adopt the means to remove the problem. However, he should not place his reliance on the means, but he should place his reliance upon Allah Ta‘ala. Through turning to Allah Ta‘ala in dua, Allah Ta‘ala will place barakah in the means and cause the desired effect to materialise.

5. Make Istighfar
He should continuously engage in istighfar and beg Allah Ta‘ala to forgive his sins.

6. Wish well for others
If a calamity has afflicted any of his Muslim brothers, then he should regard his brother’s difficulty as his own difficulty, and if he is able to assist him, then he should make dua for his

Muslim brother and adopt the similar means in assisting him that he would have adopted to remove his own problem.

(Adapted from the writings of Hakeemul Ummat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi R)