Why being uncomfortable leads you to the truth

1) Guilty of Sins

Feeling even a pinch of guilt when doing something that is against what Allah has allowed for is a sign of faith. This discomfort is like a natural alarm in your soul; it rings when something is wrong. Having no guilt at all is problematic, so be grateful of the discomfort and rectify your actions. In a Hadith,

It was narrated that Ibn Ma’qil said:

“I entered with my father upon ‘Abdullah, and I heard him say: ‘The messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Regret is repentance.” My father said: ‘Did you hear the Prophet (ﷺ) say: “Regret is repentance?” He said: ‘Yes.’” (Grade: Hasan)

2) Struggle (in acts and worship)

Every striving believer will face this struggle. At times worship is easy, and at others; hard. There are moments of energy and moments of laziness. This is normal, and one should not see this as a reason to cease all efforts. In fact, it is all part of the journey. Allah SWT says:

وَٱلَّذِينَ جَـٰهَدُوا۟ فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمَعَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

As for those who struggle in Our cause, We will surely guide them along Our Way. And Allah is certainly with the good-doers.

(Surah Al-Ankabut Verse 69)

3) Negative Self-thoughts

It was narrated in a Hadith:

“Some of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, ‘We find in ourselves thoughts that are too terrible to speak of.’ He said, ‘Are you really suffering from that?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘That is a clear sign of faith’ (or ‘clear faith’).”

This Hadith was a conversation between the Prophet ﷺ and His companions, where they were worried of their negative thoughts and wanted to be excellent Muslims. The Prophet never dismissed this nor blamed them for it, and gave them assurance that such feelings or doubts is a sign of faith. It is on us to continuously use such thoughts to our advantage and seek Allah through it.

4) Fear of Hypocrisy

When we know we love Allah, we become more cautious of the things we do. This was the attitude of the Sahabi named Hanzalah ibn Abi Amir. He thought he had become a hypocrite as he felt himself being a different person whenever he was with the Prophet or doing acts of worship than when he was with his family and loved ones. Abu Bakr Radiyallahu Anhu, who he confided to was also affected and had similar feelings about himself. They then went to the Prophet to consult on the matter and the Prophet answered them:

By Him in Whose Hand is my life, if your state of mind remains the same as it is in my presence and you are always busy in remembrance (of Allah), the Angels will shake hands with you in your beds and in your paths but, Hanzala, time should be devoted (to the worldly affairs) and time (should be devoted to prayer and meditation). (Grade: Sahih)

5) Being different in choosing goodness

Making Hijrah (reformation) is a challenge when our surroundings do not allow for it. It can be difficult to make choices that are unconventional and different, especially when we choose deen over culture. This discomfort is praiseworthy, and the striver should persist in the truth, even when he is alone on the journey. The Prophet SAW said:

Islam began as a something strange and it will return to being strange, so blessed are the strangers. (Grade: Sahih)

In another Hadith, He ﷺ said:

They are righteous people among many evil people. Those who disobey them are greater in number than those who obey them. (Grade: Sahih)