One of the most memorable parts of Trials & Tribulations is wading through muddy ditches and ponds. It’s the kind of challenge that’s equal parts humbling and thrilling, especially when you’re waist-deep, feeling the water tugging at your legs and your abaya floating around you like a gentle wave.
Trials & Tribulations invites you to embrace discomfort, to step (literally!) into a world outside your comfort zone. And yes, sometimes this means stepping into icy water on a winter challenge! Here’s how to take on this experience with confidence, from balancing tips to warming up after you emerge from the chilly mud bath.
Enjoy the moment
There’s something surprisingly peaceful about wading through a pond, with the water rippling around you and your abaya flowing in the current. Let yourself feel that connection with the elements, the softness of your clothing mingling with the strength of the water.
Embrace the moment—it’s a unique, freeing feeling and adds a touch of serenity to an otherwise intense challenge. Even in the muddy, challenging environment, this experience can offer an unexpected sense of calm and grounding.
Stay balanced
Wading through muddy water is like navigating a hidden obstacle course, so slow down and take deliberate steps. Keep your center of gravity low by bending your knees slightly, which will help you stay steady as you make your way through.
It’s normal to feel suction from the mud around your feet, but this is part of the fun! Step purposefully and don’t rush—take it one step at a time. If you need to, feel for stable ground with each step by pushing your toes down gently before committing your full weight.
You don’t need to be a swimmer
You don’t necessarily need to know how to swim to cross these ponds since many are shallow enough to wade through. However, if you do want to swim, go for it! You can splash around a bit or even try some strokes through the water.
Swimming is a great way to stay active during the challenge and gives you an added sense of adventure. If you’re a non-swimmer, don’t worry—just keep one hand on the rope or fence, or stay close to the edge for an easier exit.
Winter: embrace the icy challenge
Taking part in Trials & Tribulations in winter is a whole different experience, and yes, the water is going to be freezing!
Take this as a chance to experience the resilience of the human spirit and imagine, even briefly, what it’s like for people who face these conditions daily, such as refugees forced to wade through icy rivers in their pursuit for safety.
By embracing each obstacle, including the frigid water, you’re building empathy while challenging your own strength and resilience.
Warm-up tips
Once you’re out of the water, it’s crucial to warm up quickly. A brisk jog for a minute or two helps circulate your blood and raise your body temperature. Shake off as much water as you can (yes, your abaya too!), and keep moving to generate heat.
Some people use thermal gloves or extra under-layers during winter, which can help retain some warmth. And don’t be afraid to pause for a quick stretch if you feel yourself getting too tense from the cold—mobility will help you stay both warm and agile.
Don’t skip any ditch
Skipping an obstacle might feel tempting, but don’t! Trials & Tribulations is about embracing the challenge, every muddy step of the way. Each ditch you cross, each pond you wade through, and every chilly moment you endure builds your confidence and adds to the adventure.
Trust that you’re capable of more than you know, and let your courage guide you through each muddy hurdle.
Lessons from faith
Islam teaches us the value of resilience and seeing good in all situations. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said”
“Strange are the ways of a believer, for there is good in every affair of theirs. If they experience pleasure, they thank Allah and it is good for them; and if they suffer pain, they endure it patiently and it is good for them” (Sahih Muslim 2999).
This hadith encourages believers to approach challenges with gratitude and patience, turning each experience into a source of growth.
During Trials & Tribulations, every obstacle—whether it’s wading through icy water, trudging through mud, or embracing discomfort—can be seen as a test that builds inner strength.
By taking on each obstacle wholeheartedly, you connect with a sense of humility and unity with Allah’s creation, finding peace in the earthy, muddy waters. Embrace every shiver, every challenge, and every splash as part of an experience that will leave you stronger, more resilient, and ready to take on whatever life throws your way.