YOUR RECOMPENSE IS WITH ALLAH
When Allah, the Exalted, takes something away from you, He compensates you with something better, but only if you are patient and seek your reward from Him. The Prophet (bpuh) said:
“Whoever has his eyesight taken away from him and is (then) patient, he will be compensated for it with Paradise.”
The Prophet (bpuh) said in another hadith:
“Whoever loses a loved one from the people of this world and then seeks his recompense with his Lord, will be compensated with Paradise.”
So do not feel excessive sorrow over some misfortune, because the One Who decreed it has with Him Paradise: recompense and a great reward.
Those that are afflicted in this world and are close to Allah will be praised in the highest part of heaven:
(Peace be upon you, because you persevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!) (Qur’an 13: 24)
We must contemplate the reward one receives for forbearing hardship.
(They are those on whom are the Salawaat [i.e. blessings] [i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and they are those who receive His Mercy. And it is they who are the guided-ones.)
(Qur’an 2: 157)
Truly, the life of this world is short and its treasures are few. The Hereafter is better and everlasting and whosoever is afflicted here shall find his reward there. And whosoever works hard here shall find ease there. As for those who cling to this world, who are attached to it, and who are in love with it, the hardest thing for them to bear would be to lose the world’s comforts and riches: they desire to enjoy this life alone. Because of this desire, they don’t react to misfortune as well as others do. What they perceive around them is this life alone: they are blind to its impermanence and insignificance.
O’ afflicted ones, if you are patient you lose nothing; and though you may not perceive it, you are profiting. The person who is afflicted with hardship should reflect upon the outcome in the Hereafter, the outcome for those who are patient.
(So a wall will be put up between them, with a gate therein. Inside it will be mercy and outside it will be torment.) (Qur’an 57: 13)
FAITH IS LIFE ITSELF
Those that are wretched, in the full sense of the word, are those that are bereft of the treasures of faith. They are always in a state of misery and anger.
(But whosoever turns away from My Reminder [i.e. neither believes in this Qur’an nor acts on its orders, etc.] verily for him is a life of hardship.)
(Qur’an 20: 124)
The only means of purifying the heart and of removing anxieties and worries from it is to have complete faith in Allah, Lord of all that exists. In fact, there can be no true meaning to life when one has no faith.
The best course of action that a confirmed atheist can take, if he will not believe, is to take his own life. At least by doing so, he will free himself from the darkness and wretchedness in which he lives.
How base and mean is a life without faith! How eternally accursed is the existence enveloping those who are outside of the boundaries set down by Allah!
(And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away [from guidance], as they refused to believe therein for the_ first time, and We shall leave them in their trespass t0 wander blindly.)
(Qur’an 6: 110)
Has not the time come when the world should have an unquestioning faith – that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah? After centuries of experience, should not mankind be led to the realization that having faith in a statue is ludicrous, that atheism is absurd, that the Prophets were truthful, and that to Allah alone belongs the dominion of the heavens and earth? All praise is due to Allah and He is upon all things capable.
In proportion to the level of your faith – strong or weak, firm or wavering – will you be happy and at peace.
(Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a true believer; verily, to him we will give a good life [in this world with respect, contentment, and lawful provision]. And we shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do [i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter].)
(Qur’an 16: 97)
The ‘good life’ that is mentioned in this verse refers to having a firm faith in the promise of our Lord and a steady heart that loves Him. People who lead this ‘good life’ will also have calm nerves when afflicted with hardship; they will be satisfied with everything that befalls them, because it was written for them, and because they are pleased with Allah as their Lord, with Islam as their Religion, and with Muhammad as their Prophet and Messenger.
EXTRACT THE HONEY BUT DO NOT BREAK THE HIVE
Everything that has gentleness in it is beautified, and whatever lacks it is spoiled. When you meet someone, giving him a bright smile and a kind word, you are displaying a characteristic of the truly successful man, a characteristic that even a bee exhibits. When a bee lands on a flower (doing so for a practical purpose) it does not destroy it, because Allah rewards gentleness with that which He does not give for harshness. There are certain people, whose personalities are like magnets, attracting everyone who is nearby, simply because they are loved for their gentle talk, their good manners, and their noble deeds.
Winning the friendship of others is an art that is mastered by those that are noble and pious; a circle of people constantly surrounds them. Their mere presence in a gathering is a blessing, and when they are absent they are missed and asked about.
These blessed people have a code of conduct entitled:
(Repel [the evil] with one which is better [i. e. Allah ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger and to excuse those who treat them badly, then verily He, between whom and you there was enmity, [will become] as though he was a close hriend.lr (Quran 41: 34)
They suck out malice from others with their sincerity, forgiveness, and gentleness. They forget evil that was enacted upon them and preserve the memory of kindnesses received. Biting, harsh words may be aimed at them, but such words pass by their ears without entering and continue on their path without ever returning.
They are in a state of calmness. People in general, and Muslims in particular, are safe from suffering any harm at their hands. The Prophet (Blessings and Peace be upon him) said:
“The Muslim is the person whose tongue and hand do not harm other Muslims. And the Believer is he whom others trust, with their blood and wealth.”
He (bpuh) also said:
“Verily, Allah ordered me to keep relations with those that cut me off, to forgive the one who does an injustice with me, and to give to those who withhold from me.”
(Those who repress anger and who pardon men; verily Allah loves the good-doers.)
(Quran 3: 134)
Give to such people glad tidings of an imminent reward in this world, in terms of peace and tranquility.
Also give glad tidings to them of a great reward in the Hereafter, of Paradise, wherein they will be in close proximity to their forgiving Lord.
VERILY, IN THE REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH DO HEARTS FIND REST
(Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.)
(Qur’an 13: 28)
Truthfulness is beloved by Allah and is purifying soap for the heart. And there is no deed that gives such pleasure to the heart, or has greater reward, than the remembrance of Allah.
(Therefore remember me, and I will remember you…)(Qur’an 2: 152)
Remembrance of Allah is His paradise on earth, and whoever does not enter it will not enter the Paradise of the Hereafter. Remembrance is not only a safe haven from the problems and worries of this world, but it is also the short and easy path to achieving ultimate success. Read the various revealed texts that refer to the remembrance of Allah, and you will appreciate its benefits.
When you remember Allah, clouds of worry and fear are driven away, and the mountains that make up your problems are blown away.
We should not be surprised when we hear that people who remember Allah are at peace. What is truly surprising is how the negligent and unmindful survive without remembering Him.
)[They are] dead, lifeless, and they know not when they will be raised up.) (Qur’an 16: 21)
O’ whosoever complains of sleepless nights and is in shock over his misfortune, call out His Holy Name.
(Do you know of any that is similar to Him! [There is nothing like unto Him and He is the All-Hearer; the All-Seer])
(Qur’an 19: 65)
To the degree that you remember Allah, your heart will be calm and cheerful. His remembrance carries with it the meaning of total dependence upon Him, of turning to Him for aid, of having good thoughts about Him, and of waiting for victory from Him. Truly, He is near when supplicated: He hears when He is called and He answers when He is invoked, so humble yourself before Him and ask of Him sincerely. Repeat His beautiful blessed name, and mention Him as being alone worthy of worship. Mention His praises, supplicate to Him, and ask forgiveness from Him: you will then find – by the will of Allah- happiness, peace, and illumination.
(So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the excellent reward of the Hereafter) (Quran 3: 148)
OR DO THEY ENVY MEN FOR WHAT ALLAH HAS GIVEN THEM OF HIS BOUNTY?
(Or do they envy men for what Allah has given them of His Bounty?)
(Qur’an 4: 54)
Jealousy is a disease that wreaks havoc not only on the mind, but also on the body. lt is said that there is no repose for the jealous one and that he is an enemy wearing the garb of a friend. In doing justice to the disease of jealousy, one can say that it is a fair one, for it begins with its bearer, killing him first.
I forbid both you and myself from jealousy, because before we can show mercy to others we must first show it to ourselves. By being jealous of others, we are feeding misery with our flesh and blood and we are giving our sound sleep to others.
The jealous person lights a fire and then jumps into it. Jealousy begets grief, pain, and suffering, thus destroying what was once a calm and virtuous life.
The curse of the jealous one is that he contests fate and contends that his Creator is unjust.
How like a disease is jealousy, yet unlike other diseases W the one afflicted by it receives no reward in the Hereafter. The jealous person shall remain in fury until the day he dies, or until the good fortune of others departs from them. Everyone can be reconciled except the jealous one, because reconciliation with him requires that the blessings of Allah are removed from you or that you give up your talents and good qualities. If you were to do this, then perhaps he would become happy despite himself We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of the jealous one, a person who becomes like a black poisonous snake, finding no repose until it releases its venom into an innocent body.
So stay far away from jealousy and seek refuge in Allah from the jealous person, because he is constantly watching you.
ACCEPT LIFE AS IT IS
The pleasures of life are short-lived, and more often than not, they are followed by sorrow. Life means responsibility, a journey wherein change is constant and difficulties are relentless in their onslaught.
You will not find a father, a wife, or a friend who is free from problems. Allah has willed for this world to be filled with two opposites: good and evil, righteousness and corruption, happiness and misery. Thus goodness, uprightness, and happiness are for Paradise; evil, corruption, and misery are for the Fire. The Prophet (bpuh) said:
“This world is cursed along with all that is in it, except for these: the remembrance of Allah, what follows it (i.e. good deeds and whatever Allah loves), the scholar, and the student.”
So live according to your reality without always envisioning the ideal life, one that is free from worry and toil. Accept life as it is and adapt accordingly to all circumstances. You will not find in this world such things as the flawless companion or the perfect situation, because flawlessness and perfection are qualities that are foreign to this life. It is necessary for us to make amends; to take what is easy and leave what is difficult; and very frequently, to overlook the faults and mistakes of others.
FIND CONSOLATION BY REMEMBERING THE AFFLICTED
Look around you, to the right and to the left. Do you not see the afflicted and the unfortunate? ln every house there is mourning and upon every cheek run tears.
How many tribulations and how many people persevere with patience? You are not alone in your troubles, which are few compared to those of others. How many sick people remain bedridden for years while suffering from unspeakable pain?
How many have not seen the light of the sun for years due to their imprisonment, having knowledge of nothing but the four comers of their cell?
How many men and women have lost their dear children in the prime of youth?
How many people are troubled or tormented?
Find consolation with those that are worse off than you; know that this life is like a prison for the believer, an abode of grief and sadness. ln the morning castles are bustling with inhabitants; then in an instant, disaster occurs, and they are empty and desolate. Life can be peaceful, the body in good health, wealth abundant, and children healthy; and yet in only a matter of days, poverty, death, separation, and sickness can all take their place.
(And you dwelt in the dwellings of men who wronged themselves, and it was clear to you how we had dealt with them. And We put forth [many] parables for you) (Qur’an I4: 45)
You must adapt like the experienced camel, which manages, when necessary, to kneel upon a rock. You must also compare your difficulties with the difficulties of those around you, and with those that have come before you: you should realize that you are in good shape relative to them, and that you have merely been pricked by tiny difficulties. So praise Allah for His kindness, be thankful for what He has left for you, seek recompense from Him for what He has taken, and seek consolation with those that are afflicted.
You have a perfect example in the Prophet (bpuh). The entrails of a camel were placed upon his head; his feet bled; his face was fractured; he was besieged in a mountain pass until he was forced to eat tree leaves; he was driven out of Makkah; his front tooth was broken in battle; his innocent wife was accused of wrongdoing; seventy of his Companions were killed; he was bereaved of his son and of most of his daughters; he would tie a stone around his stomach to lessen the pangs of hunger; and he was accused of being a poet, a magician, a soothsayer, a madman, and a liar – all at the same time. Yet Allah protected him throughout these severe trials and tribulations. Prophet Zakariyah (Zacharia) was killed, Prophet Yahya (John) was slaughtered, Prophet Moosa (Moses) was afflicted with great trials, Prophet Ibraheem (Abraham) was thrown in the fire, (may peace be upon them all), and the lmams of righteousness followed them upon this path. ‘Umar was assassinated, as was ‘Uthmaan and ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with them all). Many scholars of the past have been flogged, imprisoned, or tortured.
(Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such [trials] as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty; ailments and were shaken.) (Qur’an 2: 214)
THE PRAYER…..THE PRAYER
(O’ you who believe! Seek help; in patience and the Prayer.)
(Qur’an 2: 153)
lf you are beset with fear and anxieties, stand up right now and pray: your soul will find comfort and solace. The prayer — as long as you perform it sincerely with a wakeful heart — is guaranteed to have this effect for you.
Whenever the Prophet (bpuh) was afflicted with hardship, he would say:
“O’ Bilal! Give us comfort and call for the prayer.”
The prayer was his joy and pleasure; it was the delight of his eye.
I have read biographies of many righteous people, who would always turn to prayer when they were surrounded by difficulties and hardship, people who would pray until their strength, will, and resolution returned to them.
The Prayer of Fear (which is performed during battle) was prescribed in situations wherein limbs are severed, skulls fly, and souls depart from their bodies – a time when strength and resolution can only be derived from heartfelt prayer.
This generation, which is consumed by psychological sicknesses, must return to the Mosque, going there to perform prostration and to seek Allah’s pleasure. If we do not do this, tears will burn our eyes and grief will destroy our nerves.
By earnestly performing the five daily prayers, we achieve the greatest of blessings: atonement for our sins and an increase in rank with our Lord. Prayer is also a potent remedy for our sicknesses, for it instills faith in our souls. As for those that keep away from the Mosque and away from prayer, for them are unhappiness, wretchedness, and an embittered life.
(For them is destruction, and Allah will make their deeds vain)
(Qur’an 47: 8)
ALLAH [ALONE] IS SUFFICIENT FOR US, AND HE IS THE BEST DISPOSER OF AFFAIRS [FOR US]
(Allah [Alone] is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs [for us].) (Qur’an 3: 173)
By leaving your affairs to Allah, by depending upon Him, by trusting in His promise, by being pleased with His decree, by thinking favorably of Him, and by waiting patiently for His help, you reap some of the greater fruits of faith and display the more prominent characteristics of the believer. When you incorporate these qualities into your character, you will be at peace concerning the future, because you will depend on your Lord for everything. As a result, you will find care, help, protection, and victory.
When Prophet lbraheem (Abraham) was placed in the fire, he said, “Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and he is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).” Thereupon, Allah made the fire to be cool, safe, and peaceful for lbraheem. When the Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) and his Companions were threatened by the impending attack of the enemy, they said words that are related in the first part of this verse:
(“Allah [Alone] is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs [for us].” So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.)
(Qur’an 3: 173-74)
No person by himself is capable of fighting against the current of misfortune, nor can he fend off the blows of disaster when they strike. This is because man was created weak and fragile. However, when in times of difficulty, the believer places his dependency and trust with his Lord; he knows that all difficulties can be overcome.
And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed (Qur’an 5: 23)
O’ you who wish to be sincere to yourselves: depend upon the All-Mighty, the All-Rich to save you from calamity and disaster. Live your lives according to this precept: Allah Alone is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of our affairs. If you have meager means, if you are deep in debt, or if you are in any kind of worldly difficulty, call out: “Allah Alone is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of our affairs.”
If you face your enemy and are alarmed, or if you fear the misdeeds of the oppressor, say aloud: “Allah Alone is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of our affairs.”
(But Sufficient is your Lord as a Guide and Helper.)
(Qur’an 25: 31)
Say [O’ Muhammad]: Travel in the land….
(Say [O’ Muhammad]: Travel in the lands. (Qur’an 6: 11)
There is one activity worthy of mention here, because it both gives pleasure and removes dark clouds that may hang over you; namely, for you to travel through the lands, observe the open book of creation, and appreciate all of its wonders. During your journeys, you can see gardens of splendor and beautiful green meadows. Leave your home and contemplate that which surrounds you. Climb mountains, traverse valleys, ascend trees, and drink sweet, pure spring water. Thereupon, you will find your soul to be free like the bird that sings and swims in the sky in perfect rapture. Leave your home and remove the black blindfold from your eyes, and then travel through the spacious lands of Allah, remembering and glorifying Him.
To isolate yourself to the confines of your own room, while passing the hours away with lethal idleness, is a certain path to self-destruction. Your room is not the only place in the world, and you are not the sole inhabitant of it. Then why do you surrender yourself to misery and solitude`? Call out with your eyes, ears, and heart:
(March forth, whether you are light being healthy young and wealthy or heavy [being ill, old and poor].)
(Qur’an 9: 41)
Come, recite the Qur’an beside a mountain brook or among the birds as they sing.
Traveling to different lands is an activity which doctors recommend, especially for those who are feeling downcast, constricted by the narrowness of their own rooms. Therefore go forth and find delight in traveling.
(And they think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying]: ‘Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to you! (Qur’an 3: 191)
PATIENCE IS MOST FITTING
Those who meet hardship with a strong bearing and a patient countenance are in the minority. But we must consider this, though it may seem obvious: if you or I will not be patient, then what else is there for us to do? Do you have an alternative solution? Do you know of any provision that is better than patience?
Those that achieve greatness have to surmount an ocean of difficulties and hardships before finally achieving success. Know that each time you escape a difficulty you will have to face another.
Through this constant conflict, you must arm yourself with patience and a strong trust in Allah.
This is the way of the noble-minded: they face difficulties with firm resolution, and they wrestle hardship to the ground.
Therefore be patient and know that your patience is only through Allah. Have the patience of one who is confident of forthcoming ease, of one who knows that there will be a good ending and of one who seeks reward from his Lord, hoping, that by facing difficulties, he will find expiation for his sins. Have patience, no matter what the difficulty and no matter how dark the road ahead seems. For truly, with patience comes victory, and with difficulty relief follows close behind.
After having read biographies of some successful people from the past, I became amazed at the amount of patience they displayed, at their ability to bear heavy burdens only to emerge as stronger human beings. Hardship fell upon their heads like the lashing of freezing rain and yet they were as firm as mountains. Arid then, after a short time had passed, they were rewarded for their patience with success.
Source: Islam Basics By Aaidh ibn Abdullah Al-Qarnee
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