Among the attributes essential for man's spiritual as well as worldlyprogress and prosperity are Sabr (patience) and Shukr (gratitude).
The conditions and circumstances which occur to man, be these voluntaryor involuntary are of two types: pleasing or displeasing. If thecircumstances occurring to man are pleasing, he should consider theseas favours from Allah Ta'ala and offer his heartfelt appreciation andgratitude. He should consider such bounties more than what he actuallydeserved and verbally he should recite the praises of Allah Ta'ala.Furthermore, he must not employ such bounties of Allah Ta'ala in sinfulavenues, e.g. spending wealth in un-Islamic customs; using one'sstrength, influence and knowledge in ways deprecated by the Shariah.This is the meaning of Shukr.
On the other hand, the circumstances arising may be displeasing,causing anxiety and difficulty to one. When man is confronted with suchconditions, he should consider that in these untoward conditions AllahTa'ala has placed some benefit which is not discernible ordinarily.Such conditions are subject to Allah's Wisdom and they are for thebetterment of the one involved in the displeasing condition. Theattitude of the Mu'min in such circumstances should be one ofresignation. He should not complain nor display impatience. If thedispleasing occurrence is a command of the Shariah, he should adhere toit firmly and not permit frustration and worry to overtake him. If thecondition is some calamity which has befallen him, he must bear it withfirmness and not be overwhelmed by despondency. This is the meaning ofSabr.
Of the two attributes, Sabr is the more difficult. Thisattribute is more in demand since man is confronted more withcircumstances which are displeasing and difficult to him. As examples,some conditions of displeasure will be cited here.
� The nafs of man becomes agitated and perplexed at the imposition ofDeeni duties which have to be rendered. It thus attempts to escape suchacts which are commanded by Allah Ta'ala. It desires the commission ofharaam and seeks a release from the obligations of Salaat, Saum, etc.It becomes displeased when an unlawful source of income has to bebanished. It feels a great burden in discharging the rights of others.In such cases man has to adopt courage and suppress the baneful urgesand dictates of the nafs. He has necessarily to overcome his urges ofthe nafs and proceed undaunted with the execution of the commands ofAllah Ta'ala, irrespective of the displeasure the nafs suffers. Suchdispleasure and apparent difficulty will be short-lived. Firmness andharnessing the nafs into obedience will very quickly produce comfortand peace. The initial displeasure will be transformed into pleasure.
� The calamities of poverty, sickness, death, persecution by enemies,loss of property, etc. When confronted by such misfortunes, reflect onthe possible wisdoms underlying these calamities. The greatest benefitto be achieved from such displeasing conditions is thawaab from AllahTa'ala. Allah Ta'ala has promised great reward for the Believerovertaken by calamities.
This cannot be undone and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated.
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