GenN
28-07-2004, 09:16 AM
Question:
If I am tested with a string of events that didn't turn out the way I had hoped - for example, a cancelled trip, job opportunity lost, etc. - how do I know if I am being tested, punished, or possibly blessed?
Or in other words, for any given calamity, how would one know if Allah is testing him/her, punishing him/her, or blessing him/her even though he/she doesn't know it?
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
The scholars mention that the believer must have respond to tests in two ways:
1. Our first duty is to fear that it may be due to one’s sins and shortcomings.
Allah has told us that,
“Whatever of misfortune afflicts you, it is what your right hands have earned. And He forgives much.” [Qur’an, 42.30]
Thus, we repent from our sins, and turn to Allah Most High, renewing our commitment to the ideal of uprightness that we ask Allah for every time we recite the Fatiha when we say, “Show us the straight path (al-sirat al-mustaqim).” [Qur’an, 1.6]
The ‘straight path’ is the path of uprightness. [Alusi, Ruh al-Ma`ani]
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) told us,
“Remain upright, but you will not be able to. And know that the best of your works is prayer, and only a believer stays on ritual ablution.” [Ibn Maja, with a rigorously authenticated chain of narration, Hakim, and Ibn Hibban, from Thawban (Allah be pleased with him)]
What is meant by “you will not be able to” is that it is inevitable that you will either fail or falter at some times, or (at least) not fulfill Allah’s rights as befits His Majesty and Favor. [Munawi, Fayd al-Qadir]
Rather, we should strive to do our best. When we fail or falter, we should persevere, and return to Allah through repentance. With this, we should remain positive, for our hope lies in Allah, not our actions.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) told us,
“Remain constant (saddidu); do you best (qaribu); and be of glad tiding (abshiru). And know that none of you shall enter Paradise through your works.” The Companions asked, “No even you, O Messenger of Allah?” He said (peace and blessings be upon him), “Not even I, unless Allah envelopes me in His Mercy.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
Given our hope is in Allah, we should heed the words of Imam Ibn `Ata’illah (Allah be pleased with him), who said,
“From the signs of relying in one’s works is loss of hope when a downfall occurs.” [al-Hikam; is it noteworthy that this was chosen by the author as the very first counsel for those treading the spiritual path]
Similarly, our fear is of the rank of Allah. Thus, both our hope and fear are absolute and unconditional.
b) Our second duty when trials befall is to be patient and thankful for the favor of faith, Islam, and for every blessing Allah has bestowed upon us.
We should remember the words of Allah,
“And your Lord proclaimed: If you give thanks, I will give you more; but if you are thankless, lo! My punishment is dire.” [Qur’an, 14.7]
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“Patience is illumination.” [Muslim, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Maja]
Thus, we turn to Allah in both hope and fear, in difficulty and ease, and seek to be realized in our slavehood, thankfulness, and love for Allah in all our states.
Allah tells us,
“As for those who strive in Us, We surely guide them to Our paths, and lo! Allah is with the good.” [Qur’an, 29.69]
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani (faraz@sunnipath.com)
Sunni Path - www.sunnipath.com
My Blog: http://blog.masud.co.uk/faraz.htm
Quality Islamic products: www.Caravansaray.com
If I am tested with a string of events that didn't turn out the way I had hoped - for example, a cancelled trip, job opportunity lost, etc. - how do I know if I am being tested, punished, or possibly blessed?
Or in other words, for any given calamity, how would one know if Allah is testing him/her, punishing him/her, or blessing him/her even though he/she doesn't know it?
Walaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
The scholars mention that the believer must have respond to tests in two ways:
1. Our first duty is to fear that it may be due to one’s sins and shortcomings.
Allah has told us that,
“Whatever of misfortune afflicts you, it is what your right hands have earned. And He forgives much.” [Qur’an, 42.30]
Thus, we repent from our sins, and turn to Allah Most High, renewing our commitment to the ideal of uprightness that we ask Allah for every time we recite the Fatiha when we say, “Show us the straight path (al-sirat al-mustaqim).” [Qur’an, 1.6]
The ‘straight path’ is the path of uprightness. [Alusi, Ruh al-Ma`ani]
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) told us,
“Remain upright, but you will not be able to. And know that the best of your works is prayer, and only a believer stays on ritual ablution.” [Ibn Maja, with a rigorously authenticated chain of narration, Hakim, and Ibn Hibban, from Thawban (Allah be pleased with him)]
What is meant by “you will not be able to” is that it is inevitable that you will either fail or falter at some times, or (at least) not fulfill Allah’s rights as befits His Majesty and Favor. [Munawi, Fayd al-Qadir]
Rather, we should strive to do our best. When we fail or falter, we should persevere, and return to Allah through repentance. With this, we should remain positive, for our hope lies in Allah, not our actions.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) told us,
“Remain constant (saddidu); do you best (qaribu); and be of glad tiding (abshiru). And know that none of you shall enter Paradise through your works.” The Companions asked, “No even you, O Messenger of Allah?” He said (peace and blessings be upon him), “Not even I, unless Allah envelopes me in His Mercy.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
Given our hope is in Allah, we should heed the words of Imam Ibn `Ata’illah (Allah be pleased with him), who said,
“From the signs of relying in one’s works is loss of hope when a downfall occurs.” [al-Hikam; is it noteworthy that this was chosen by the author as the very first counsel for those treading the spiritual path]
Similarly, our fear is of the rank of Allah. Thus, both our hope and fear are absolute and unconditional.
b) Our second duty when trials befall is to be patient and thankful for the favor of faith, Islam, and for every blessing Allah has bestowed upon us.
We should remember the words of Allah,
“And your Lord proclaimed: If you give thanks, I will give you more; but if you are thankless, lo! My punishment is dire.” [Qur’an, 14.7]
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“Patience is illumination.” [Muslim, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Maja]
Thus, we turn to Allah in both hope and fear, in difficulty and ease, and seek to be realized in our slavehood, thankfulness, and love for Allah in all our states.
Allah tells us,
“As for those who strive in Us, We surely guide them to Our paths, and lo! Allah is with the good.” [Qur’an, 29.69]
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Faraz Rabbani (faraz@sunnipath.com)
Sunni Path - www.sunnipath.com
My Blog: http://blog.masud.co.uk/faraz.htm
Quality Islamic products: www.Caravansaray.com