Finding Allah in Loneliness: Strength in Solitude

Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام’s reliance on Allah for almost a millennium while walking alone

– Atoofa Nasiha

My Dear Allah,

I’m alone now, completely alone. I have realised that no one is coming. My voice is too loud to be heard. I have to work for myself, by myself. I cannot ask anyone for help or even socialise because my presence bothers them. The silence haunts me. Even in a room full of laughing people, I find myself alone. I feel as though I do not exist, and the people around me do not seem to care. With this loneliness, every step I take forward without guidance scares me most of the time. I have no one to rely on, not even anyone to share all this with but you.

While being alone is sometimes perceived as independence, a sense of solitude, and even a privilege for some, becoming lonely turns into a nightmare.

Feeling lonely is not only about being physically alone. Sometimes, you can be surrounded by people, even laughter and conversation, and still feel invisible. That silence inside is heavier than any empty room. Loneliness stings most when it comes from those we expect love, warmth, and support from. It feels as though the world has space for everyone else, but not for us.

The Loneliness in the mission of Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام

If we look through the Quran, Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام  is one of the Prophets who experienced the same loneliness. And for how many years? It was 950 years, almost a millennium.

When recalling his story, along with the number 950 and the giant ship he built, do not forget that Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام was alone during his prophecy, not just physically, but also emotionally.

Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام was sent to a nation deep in ignorance. Ibn Kathir mentions they were the first people after Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام to openly worship idols, carving images of their righteous men and later taking them as gods. Their society was filled with arrogance and rebellion, united in disbelief. In this environment, Allah chose Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام to call them back to Tawheed.

First, Allah tells us about his plea to the people:

إِنَّآ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦٓ أَنْ أَنذِرْ قَوْمَكَ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۭ

We sent Noah to his people (and directed him): “Warn your people before a grievous chastisement comes upon them.” (71:1)

قَالَ يَـٰقَوْمِ إِنِّى لَكُمْ نَذِيرٌۭ مُّبِينٌ

Noah said: “My people, I have certainly been sent as a clear warner to you, (71:2)

أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱتَّقُوهُ وَأَطِيعُونِ

that you serve Allah and fear Him, and follow me; (71:3)

يَغْفِرْ لَكُم مِّن ذُنُوبِكُمْ وَيُؤَخِّرْكُمْ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍۢ مُّسَمًّى ۚ إِنَّ أَجَلَ ٱللَّهِ إِذَا جَآءَ لَا يُؤَخَّرُ ۖ لَوْ كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

He will forgive your sins and will grant you respite until an appointed term. Indeed when Allah’s appointed term comes, it cannot be deferred; if you only knew!” (Surah Nuh 71:4)

Like every Prophet, Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام was deeply concerned for his people. His first step was to communicate with them, to make them realise that he had been sent as a Prophet.

This is how loneliness begins. It does not appear overnight. It comes after trying every possible way to connect, to build friendships, to find someone who stands by you when you need them the most.

قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّى دَعَوْتُ قَوْمِى لَيْلًۭا وَنَهَارًۭا

He said: “My Lord, I called my people by night and by day, (71:5)

فَلَمْ يَزِدْهُمْ دُعَآءِىٓ إِلَّا فِرَارًۭا

but the more I called, the farther they fled. (71:6)

وَإِنِّى كُلَّمَا دَعَوْتُهُمْ لِتَغْفِرَ لَهُمْ جَعَلُوٓا۟ أَصَـٰبِعَهُمْ فِىٓ ءَاذَانِهِمْ وَٱسْتَغْشَوْا۟ ثِيَابَهُمْ وَأَصَرُّوا۟ وَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ ٱسْتِكْبَارًۭا

And every time I called them so that You might forgive them, they thrust their fingers into their ears and wrapped up their faces with their garments and obstinately clung to their attitude, and waxed very proud. (71:7)

And when people shut their doors, we turn our direction towards the Qibla, because we know Allah’s door is always open. If we re-read the ayah carefully, we understand how helpless and lonely he remained day and night, as he said. We do not get too intimate with our Rabb when we have people to share our problems with; hence, it is evident that Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام  was lonely. He describes how his people rejected him. Beyond that, they turned away in public, blocking their ears as though his words were not worth hearing. He was left standing alone, surrounded by his people, yet unheard.

Third, after this long struggle, Allah mentions the outcome:

وَأُوحِىَ إِلَىٰ نُوحٍ أَنَّهُۥ لَن يُؤْمِنَ مِن قَوْمِكَ إِلَّا مَن قَدْ ءَامَنَ فَلَا تَبْتَئِسْ بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَفْعَلُونَ

“It was revealed to Noah that no more of your people, other than those who already believe, will ever come to believe. So do not grieve over their deeds.” (11:36)

And then Allah answers him. The message was clear. Out of all the years and effort, only a few people had believed him. According to a narration stated by Mufti Menk, it was a minimum of 11 and a maximum of 80 people who believed in Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام.

But what was even worse? When the family becomes the major cause of leaving us alone. Nuh’s عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام wife and his own son did not stand with him. The family he would expect support from left him alone, choosing disbelief over him.

Fourth, when the punishment of Allah arrived:

وَلَقَد تَّرَكْنَـٰهَآ ءَايَةًۭ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍۢ

And We left the Ark as a Sign. Is there, then, any who will take heed? (54:15)

فَكَيْفَ كَانَ عَذَابِى وَنُذُرِ

So how awesome were My chastisement and My warnings! (54:16)

وَلَقَدْ يَسَّرْنَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ لِلذِّكْرِ فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍۢ

And We left the Ark as a Sign. Is there, then, any who will take heed? (54:17)

The flood came, and Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام entered the ship with the few believers. Everyone else, including his son, was left behind. This was not only survival, but also a heart-wrenching loneliness, losing his people, his home, and his family.

Finally, Allah records the painful moment with his son:

وَهِىَ تَجْرِى بِهِمْ فِى مَوْجٍۢ كَٱلْجِبَالِ وَنَادَىٰ نُوحٌ ٱبْنَهُۥ وَكَانَ فِى مَعْزِلٍۢ يَـٰبُنَىَّ ٱرْكَب مَّعَنَا وَلَا تَكُن مَّعَ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ

The Ark sailed along with them amid mountain-like waves. Noah, spotting his son at a distance, called out to him: ‘My son, embark with us, and do not be with the unbelievers.’ (11:42)

قَالَ سَـَٔاوِىٓ إِلَىٰ جَبَلٍۢ يَعْصِمُنِى مِنَ ٱلْمَآءِ ۚ قَالَ لَا عَاصِمَ ٱلْيَوْمَ مِنْ أَمْرِ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا مَن رَّحِمَ ۚ وَحَالَ بَيْنَهُمَا ٱلْمَوْجُ فَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُغْرَقِينَ

The son replied: ‘I will go to a mountain for refuge and it will save me from the water.’ Noah said: ‘None can save anyone today from the command of Allah except those on whom He may have mercy.’ Thereupon a wave swept in between the two and he was drowned. (11:43)

Imagine being on a mission for years, with only a few people accepting your call, but not your family, friends, or those closest to you. That is when you truly remain alone in a crowd. Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام’s son turned away, choosing the world over faith. Even the companionship of family was taken from him. In that storm, with the ship carrying only a few, Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام had no one’s companionship but Allah alone, and that was his only strength.

Now, when we connect all these ayahs, we see how this loneliness was physical isolation because people did not accept his message and moved away from him, and emotional isolation because his family on whom he depended and should have felt safe did not believe in him. Being left alone on his path was no less than a betrayal.

But the core lesson we have to observe is how Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام remained firm, steady, and consistent in his mission while he was left alone, and how relying on Allah gave him strength. Let’s see how science supports this benevolent strength with faith.

Finding Strength in Solitude Through God’s Presence

In a world where mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent, the Islamic tradition offers profound insights into finding strength and resilience through faith. Central to this is the concept of relying on Allah (tawakkul) and engaging in practices that foster spiritual well-being.¹

1. The Role of Faith in Mental Health

Research indicates that a strong sense of religiosity is associated with better mental health outcomes. For Muslims, practices such as daily prayers (salat), remembrance of Allah (dhikr), and reliance on God (tawakkul) provide a framework for coping with life’s challenges. These practices offer a sense of purpose, community, and inner peace, which are crucial for mental well-being. Studies have shown that individuals who engage in these spiritual practices report lower levels of anxiety and depression, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of faith-based coping mechanisms.²

2. Coping with Solitude Through Spiritual Practices

Solitude can be a source of strength when approached with a mindset rooted in faith. Islamic teachings encourage individuals to turn to Allah in times of isolation, finding solace in prayer and remembrance. This spiritual engagement transforms solitude from a state of loneliness to one of reflection and connection with God. The act of supplication (dua) and seeking forgiveness not only provides emotional relief but also reinforces a sense of purpose and belonging.³

3. Faith as a Protective Factor Against Despair

In contrast to individuals who may resort to harmful coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or self-harm, those with a strong faith foundation often exhibit greater resilience. The Islamic perspective emphasises the sanctity of life and the importance of seeking help through spiritual and community support. Believers are encouraged to view hardships as tests from Allah, fostering a mindset that promotes perseverance and hope. This outlook not only aids in managing stress but also prevents the onset of more severe mental health issues.⁴

4. Building Resilience Through Prayer and Gratitude

Regular engagement in prayer and expressions of gratitude (shukr) are fundamental in Islamic practice and serve as effective tools for building psychological resilience. These practices help individuals maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity. By acknowledging blessings and seeking strength through prayer, believers cultivate a mindset that enhances their ability to cope with life’s challenges. This approach aligns with findings in positive psychology, which highlight the benefits of gratitude and spiritual practices in promoting mental health.⁵

Relating to Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام

Building on the scientific insights, the history of Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام show how he was able to maintain his mental well-being by relying on Allah. How did he cope? Through intense prayers and supplications with deep concentration (Khushu). That is how his faith became a protective factor against misery, and Allah brought contentment to his heart. As Allah says,

فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ

And when you are resolved on a course of action place your trust in Allah; surely Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him). (3:159)

Evolutionary science research also shows that praying with faith and relying on God reduces anxiety, provides emotional relief, and strengthens resilience.

Just as Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام believers today can turn to their faith in moments of loneliness to find purpose, calm, and inner strength.

Well, this strength through faith is seen in the lives of other Prophets as well. When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه were hiding in the cave during their migration, Allah mentions in the Quran:

لَا تَحْزَنْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَنَا ۖ

“Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us.” (9:40)

In this moment of complete isolation and danger, when their enemies were just outside the cave, the Prophet ﷺ comforted his companion with the reminder that Allah’s presence is enough. This consolation by Rasulullah ﷺ reminds us that true companionship and security come only from Allah, not from the number of people beside us.

Similarly, when Prophet Musa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام and his followers were trapped between the sea and Firaun’s army, the people panicked. But Musa عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام said with full conviction:

قَالَ كَلَّآ ۖ إِنَّ مَعِىَ رَبِّى سَيَهْدِينِ

Moses said: “Certainly not. My Lord is with me; He will direct me.”  (26:62)

Lessons from Quran and Science on Finding Strength in Solitude

1. Solitude does not equal weakness

Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام spent centuries calling his people towards Allah, yet only a few believed. Scientifically, research in psychology shows that being alone can strengthen self-reflection and decision-making. Solitude allows the mind to process challenges and strengthens inner conviction. Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام teaches us that being alone while pursuing a righteous mission is a mark of resilience, not vulnerability.

2. Endurance builds character

Being isolated and rejected by his people, including his own family, Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام endured emotional pain without giving up on his mission. Studies in behavioural science show that repeated exposure to challenges and stress, when managed correctly, builds mental fortitude and emotional resilience. His patience under extreme loneliness demonstrates how endurance in solitude can cultivate inner strength.

3. Clarity emerges in isolation

When left alone by his family and community, Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام’s focus on his mission increased. Neuroscience suggests that solitude enhances focus and problem-solving abilities because the brain is free from constant social distractions. In isolation, one can reflect on priorities and take decisive actions, just as Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام did when building the Ark and warning his people.

4. Empathy and awareness increase

Experiencing loneliness allowed Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام to connect deeply with the suffering and disbelief around him. Psychological studies indicate that periods of solitude increase emotional intelligence and empathy because one becomes more aware of one’s internal states and how others respond to challenges. His patience and repeated warnings show how solitude can foster compassionate understanding for others, even those who reject you.

5. Strength is cultivated through consistent action

For 950 years, Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام remained consistent in calling people to faith despite rejection. Research in habit formation shows that repeated, disciplined actions strengthen mental pathways and resilience. His life illustrates that consistent effort, even when unnoticed, gradually builds inner strength and effectiveness in achieving long-term goals.

6. Solitude emphasises dependence on God over humans

Ultimately, Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام had no companion but Allah. Scientific studies on human psychology emphasise that reliance on a higher purpose or belief can reduce feelings of loneliness and increase life satisfaction. His story reminds us that true strength is not in depending on others for validation, but in cultivating a firm connection with God, especially when human support is absent.

7. Perspective Transforms Isolation

Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام viewed solitude not as punishment but as an opportunity to focus on his mission and relationship with Allah. Similarly, cognitive studies suggest that how we interpret isolation determines its psychological impact: seeing it as a chance for growth rather than a burden increases resilience and self-efficacy.

8. Strength Emerges from Trust and Patience

Ultimately, Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام’s trust in Allah allowed him to endure centuries of hardship. He teaches us that patience and reliance on a higher power transform solitude from a place of weakness into a source of strength. Science supports this: individuals who maintain hope and trust during trials demonstrate higher stress tolerance and emotional stability.

Dua for relying solely on Allah

حَسْبِىَ ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ ٱلْعَرْشِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ

“Allah is sufficient for me; there is no deity except Him. I place my trust in Him, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.”

(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:129)

References

1. Yaqeen Institute, Faith in Mind: Islam’s Role in Mental Health 
2. Isdianto, A., et al., The Impact of Tawakal and Dhikr on Mental Health and Stress in Modern Life, ResearchGate
3. ResearchGate, Mental Health and Spirituality: Qur’anic Teaching and Approaches to Mental Health in the Modern Era
4. Yaqeen Institute, Fortitude Through Faith: The Muslim Pandemic Experience 
5. ResearchGate, Gratitude to God and Its Psychological Benefits in Islamic Contexts: A Systematic Review