Hollywood Stars Seek Peace: A Reflection on Remembrance of God, Addictions, and Life's Struggles
"Who profess faith and whose hearts are comforted
by this reminder of God. Listen! It is through this reminder of God that hearts
are comforted." – Qur'an 13:28
Reading
time: 6-8 minutes
The tragic death of Matthew Perry in October 2023 sent shockwaves through millions of fans worldwide. The beloved Friends star, who brought laughter to countless homes, died from the acute effects of ketamine—a stark reminder that behind the brightest smiles often lie the deepest struggles.
The
Universal Search for Peace
Perry's
struggle was not unique. Across the globe, people from all walks of life
grapple with inner turmoil, anxiety, depression, and addiction. We live in an
age of unprecedented material progress, yet rates of mental health issues
continue to climb. Advanced medical treatments offer hope, but many find
themselves caught in cycles of temporary relief followed by deeper despair.
The Qur'an
speaks directly to this human condition, declaring itself as the 'Reminder':
"Undoubtedly, We Ourselves have sent down this
reminder and only We shall protect it." Qur’an (15:9)
"And We have created everything in pairs so that
you may receive a reminder." Qur’an (51:49)
The
concept of pairs—day and night, sky and earth, man and woman—reveals that each
complements the other to fulfill a purpose neither could achieve alone. This
pattern invites reflection: just as all things have counterparts, this worldly
life too must have a partner—the Hereafter. Unless worldly life is complete in
itself (which observation proves it is not), it calls for a complementary life
to fulfill its purpose.
Understanding
the Qur'an's message keeps a soul anchored with purpose throughout life,
realigning pursuits away from drugs, alcohol, or hedonistic living toward the
remembrance of God.
God
Declares Pursuit of Wealth as His Bounty
The Qur'an
speaks to our innate nature, declaring earning wealth as divine bounty:
"Then, when the prayer ends, disperse in the
land, and seek God's bounty, and remember God in abundance so that you may
succeed." Qur’an (62:10)
Even
during Hajj, when pilgrims devote themselves entirely to worship, the Qur'an
permits trade along the pilgrimage route. This demonstrates that earning a
livelihood is considered a form of Allah's bounty—work and worship are
complementary aspects of a believer's relationship with God.
"And seek the abode of the Hereafter in whatever
God has given you and from this world do not forget to take your share... and
the way God has looked upon you with favour, you also look upon others with
favour." Qur’an (28:77)
This verse
reminds us that everything is God-given, not a consequence of our ability
alone.
The
Divine Test
While God
commands us to plan and strive, He alone holds the keys to every soul's
provision. God deliberately distributes wealth unequally as a sacred
examination: the wealthy are tested by abundance—will they recognize their role
as stewards? The poor are tested by scarcity—will they maintain faith?
In God's
perfect design, embedded within every fortune is a predetermined portion that
rightfully belongs to those in need. This is not charity—it is divine justice.
When wealth is hoarded while others suffer, it violates the sacred trust placed
in human hands. We are trustees, not owners. Hence, the Qur’an’s status is
accorded by God as the REMINDER.
and in their wealth was a share for those
who ask and the deprived. Qur’an (51:19)
When
the Soul Seeks What Matter Cannot Provide
Perry had
access to the best medical care, loving friends, and professional support. Yet
something fundamental was missing—a conscious relationship with God that could
provide lasting stability. The Qur'an points to the truth that human beings
have a tangible connection with God. When we neglect this connection, we search
for peace in substances that cannot provide the deep rest our souls crave.
"This day I have completed your religion for you
and have completed My favour to you." Qur’an (5:3)
As
Socrates said: "An unexamined life is not worth living." The Qur'an
provides answers to life's fundamental queries through this divine connection.
The
Path to Inner Peace
The Divine
Scripture, Psalms, highlight our connection with God most tangibly.
"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my
deliverer." (18:2)
The Qur'an
echoes this in Chapter 112:
"Declare: 'In reality, God is One and Alone. God
is everyone's support. He is neither father nor son, and there is none like
Him.'" Qur’an (112:1-4)
The word
'support' means a rock behind which refuge is sought. God is the rock of refuge
and protector. When His people turn to Him, He responds:
"Tell them: My servants, who have been unjust to
their souls, do not lose hope in God's mercy. God shall forgive all the
sins." Qur’an (39:53)
"Your Lord has already said: 'Call me! I shall
accept your pleadings.'" Qur’an (40:60)
Regular
remembrance of God grants us perspective during crisis, revealing we are part
of something infinitely greater than our circumstances. It becomes our inner
strength, infusing struggles with purpose and meaning. Most powerfully, it
offers hope beyond the temporal:
"Those who are God-fearing, when they are tempted
by Satan in any way they immediately turn their attention to their Lord and
their hearts light up at once." Qur’an (7:201)
Conversely,
the Qur'an warns:
"He who turns away from the remembrance of the
Most Merciful, We depute a devil on him; then he becomes his companion." Qur’an
(43:36)
A
Balanced Approach to Healing
A
relationship with God should complement, not replace, professional mental
health care. The most effective outcome is that the person does not feel the
urge to enter the life-threatening domain of addiction.
Prophet
Abraham (peace be upon him) is considered the father of all Divine Faiths –
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. God quotes his statement and relationship
with Him in the Qur’an that most accurately and clinically highlights the
complete roadmap for us.
"Lord of the worlds, Who has created me; then it
is He Who guides me. And Who makes me eat and drink and when I get sick, it is
He Who cures me... from whom I have hope that on the Day of Judgement He shall
forgive my sins." Qur’an (26:77-82)
Honoring
the Struggle
Matthew
Perry's legacy extends beyond his comedic genius. His openness about addiction
helped reduce stigma. Perhaps the most fitting way to honor his memory is to
recognize the full complexity of human needs: physical, emotional, social, and
spiritual.
As we remember Perry and countless others who struggle, let us hold space for both professional treatment and a relationship with God. In that combination, many shall find the peace that truly puts hearts to rest.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, please seek professional help. Meanwhile, do consider accessing God’s message, the Qur’an, as a valuable complement and seek God’s remembrance and supplications through it.
Those
interested in connecting to God may share their comments below. On my part, I
offer free counselling (no strings attached) based on the message of God
through the Divine Scriptures. God promises He certainly shall open up the
hearts and minds of those who strive in their cause of God.
[Give glad tidings to My servants, O Prophet:]
Those who are bearing difficulties for Our cause, We shall definitely guide
them to Our ways, and undoubtedly God is with those who act in a thorough
manner. Qur’an (29:69)
Word of
Caution: True Piety Transforms The Soul, Not The Surface
Authentic
connection with God occurs in the silent sanctuary within, requiring no
external display or public theater. Some grow a beard or change their attire
for a religious appearance. God does not condone this act. The essence of
spirituality lies not in performing devotion for others to witness, but in
cultivating an inner radiance visible only to the Divine.
A quiet
revolution of the heart that needs no audience save the Creator Himself. May
God bless Mr. Matthew Perry with His Eternal Kingdom of Paradise. Amen
Beautifully written article, Mr. Yazdani.
ReplyDeleteThe pursuit of happiness has been part of the human experience since humanity began. Throughout history, philosophers have consistently emphasized the psychological and spiritual dimensions of our quest for inner peace. This journey cannot be complete without cultivating a strong relationship with Allah. God's messengers and prophets have repeatedly reminded us of this fundamental truth.
You correctly emphasize that healing mechanisms and psychological support should be sought through qualified professionals. However, this therapeutic work reaches its fullest potential when combined with a strong relationship with God, as He alone possesses the power to heal ailments of the body, mind, and heart.
If you'll allow me a brief mention here—this is precisely why we compiled our book about the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah for children. Our goal was to establish a foundation of faith and love in children from an early age, providing them with a spiritual anchor to hold onto through life's blessings and challenges. The book is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F18QWTPR."
Yes, I really appreciate your endeavour to come up with this book on the attributes of God.
DeleteLoved reading this Sir, aptly written! I could relate with the intricate human struggles that you mentioned in this blog. It helped me refresh my lens that this life is indeed temporary and a mere test, and God shall complete us in the hereafter.
ReplyDeleteLike Allah says in the Qur'an (51:49) that He has created everything in pairs so that we are reminded.
DeleteThe reminder is that this world too has a pair - the Hereafter that complements its existence.