An intelligent and skillful person transforms losses into profits; whereas, the unskilled person aggravates his own predicament, often making two disasters out of one.
Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him was rejected from the city of Taa'if after being forced to leave Mecca, people threw stones at him until his blessed legs bleeded, yet he said "Maybe Allah will raise amongst them those who worship Him alone".
Imam Ibn Taymiyah was put into prison; he later came out an even more accomplished scholar than he was before.. His rather famous quote reflects his optimistic view of this world:
"What can my enemies possibly do to me? My paradise is in my heart; wherever I go it goes with me, inseparable from me. For me, prison is a place of (religious) retreat; execution is my opportunity for martyrdom; and exile from my town is but a chance to travel."
Therefore, if you are afflicted with a misfortune, look on the bright side. If someone were to hand you a glass full of squeezed lemons, add to it a handful of sugar. And if someone gives you a snake as a gift, keep its precious skin and leave the rest.
[And it may be that you dislike a thing that is good for you...] (Quran 2: 216)
Look at the other side of a tragedy - a circumstance of pure evil does not exist, and in all situations one can find goodness and profit and reward from Allah.
[Is not He [better than your gods] Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him...] (Quran 27:62)
From Whom do the weak and the oppressed seek victory? Who does everyone beseech? He is Allah. None has the right to be worshipped except Him.
Therefore it is most advisable for you and I to invoke Him during times of both hardship and ease, to seek shelter with Him in difficult times, and to plead at His doorstep with tears of repentance; then will His help and relief quickly arrive.
[Is not He [better than your gods] Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him...] (Quran 27:62)
He saves the one who is drowning, gives victory to the oppressed, guides the misguided, cures the sick, and provides relief to the afflicted.
[And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him only...] (Qur 'an 29:65)
Learn the prophetic supplications with which you can call to Allah, supplicate to Him, and seek His aid. If you are persistent and sincere in your supplication, you will achieve freedom from worry and anxiety. He is near; He hears all and answers those who supplicate to Him.
If you are living through affliction and pain, remember Allah, call out His name, and ask Him for help. Place your forehead on the ground and mention His praises, so that you can obtain true freedom. Raise your hands in supplication, and ask of Him constantly. Cling to His door, have good thoughts about Him, and wait for His help - you will then find true happiness and success.
(Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.)(Quran 13:28)
Shaykh `Aa'id Abdullah al-Qarnee
Don't Be Sad
Transl. Faisal ibn Muhammad
© 2002 IIPH
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