Patience in Affliction & Gratitude in Affluence: A Believer’s Guide to Divine Wisdom

Embracing Patience in Hardship and Gratitude in Prosperity: A Deep Dive into Islamic Teachings

Adhering to Patience in Times of Affliction and Gratitude in Times of Affluence

In the beautiful and profound teachings of Islam, believers are reminded time and again to adopt a mindset of patience in times of hardship and gratitude in times of prosperity. This balanced approach is a reflection of the trust that a Muslim places in Allah’s wisdom, recognizing that both ease and hardship are part of His divine plan. The Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) provide profound insights on how to navigate life’s trials and blessings with faith, composure, and gratitude.

1. Understanding Divine Decree

Allah (SWT) reminds us in the Qur’an in Surah Al-Hadid (57:22-23) that every event, whether it is a trial or a blessing, is written in the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfūz) before it comes into existence. This decree is not random; it is by Allah’s perfect will and wisdom. Allah says:

“No calamity or blessing occurs on earth or in yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah. In order that you may not grieve at the things that you fail to get, nor rejoice over that which has been given to you. And Allah likes not prideful boasters.” (Al-Hadid, 57:22-23)

This verse serves as a reminder that both moments of joy and sorrow are preordained and part of the divine plan. It encourages us not to be consumed by grief over what we lack, nor to become arrogant or boastful in times of success. Every moment in life, good or bad, has been carefully designed to serve a higher purpose.

2. The Wondrous Nature of the Believer

In the words of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), the affair of a believer is indeed wondrous. In an authentic narration from Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Wondrous is the affair of a believer, as there is good for him in every matter; this is not the case for anyone but a believer. If he experiences pleasure, he thanks Allah and it is good for him. If he experiences harm, he shows patience and it is good for him.” (Muslim #2999)

This narration teaches us that the believer’s response to both prosperity and adversity is a source of goodness. When experiencing joy, a believer expresses gratitude towards Allah (SWT), acknowledging that all blessings come from Him. In times of hardship, patience is demonstrated as a sign of faith in Allah’s plan. Both responses, gratitude in times of ease and patience in times of difficulty, are acts of worship that draw the believer closer to Allah.

3. The Reward of Patience and Gratitude

Both patience (sabr) and gratitude (shukr) are highly encouraged in Islam. Patience is not simply a passive acceptance of hardship but a strength of heart and soul that trusts Allah’s plan. When a believer faces difficulty, whether it be loss, illness, or personal struggles, patience becomes a means of maintaining faith and seeking closeness to Allah. The Qur’an says:

“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:153)

Similarly, gratitude is an active form of worship, where the believer expresses thanks to Allah for His countless blessings, both material and spiritual. The Qur’an commands:

“If you are grateful, I will surely increase your favor upon you.” (Ibrahim, 14:7)

Allah promises an increase in blessings for those who show gratitude. Whether these blessings are material wealth, good health, or peace of mind, all are considered gifts from Allah that must be acknowledged with thankfulness.

4. Divine Wisdom Behind Trials and Blessings

Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya (رحمه الله) beautifully explained the believer’s approach to trials and blessings. He said:

“The Divine Decree related to the believer is always a bounty, even if it is in the form of withholding (something that is desired), and it is a blessing, even if it appears to be a trial, and an affliction that has befallen him is in reality a cure, even though it appears to be a disease. Unfortunately, due to the ignorance of the worshiper, and his transgressions, he does not consider anything to be a gift or a blessing or a cure unless he can enjoy it immediately, and it is in accordance with his nature.” (Madārij as-Salikīn 2/215-216)

This profound statement reminds us that even what seems to be a difficulty may be a hidden blessing. An illness, for example, may purify a person’s soul, leading them to repent and seek closeness to Allah. Similarly, the withholding of something we desire may be Allah’s mercy, preventing us from harm or guiding us to better things.

What appears as a trial may in fact be a cure for spiritual ills such as arrogance, greed, or negligence. Thus, the believer’s perspective on trials and blessings must be shaped by faith in Allah’s wisdom. Allah knows what is best for His servants, even if they cannot always see the wisdom behind every event.

5. Maintaining Humility in Times of Affluence

While it is easy to become complacent and forgetful in times of affluence, Islam calls for humility and mindfulness of Allah’s generosity. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned against arrogance and pride, emphasizing that wealth and status are temporary blessings from Allah. A true believer understands that wealth is not a measure of their worth but a trust from Allah that should be used in ways that please Him.

In the Qur’an, Allah reminds us:

“And when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more; but if you are ungrateful, My punishment is indeed severe.'” (Ibrahim, 14:7)

Wealth and prosperity, if not accompanied by gratitude and humility, can lead to heedlessness and arrogance. The believer is reminded to use their blessings in a manner that serves Allah’s pleasure, sharing with those in need and remaining conscious of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions.

6. The Importance of Reflection

In times of hardship or ease, the believer is encouraged to reflect on their actions and their relationship with Allah. The Prophet (ﷺ) taught his companions the importance of keeping a balanced perspective on both good and bad times. He said:

“The strong person is not the one who can overpower others, but the one who controls himself when he is angry.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This reflects the believer’s ability to maintain inner peace and trust in Allah, regardless of external circumstances. Patience in hardship and gratitude in ease are not only about outward actions but also about inner calm and reliance on Allah.

Conclusion

Patience in times of affliction and gratitude in times of affluence are the cornerstones of a believer’s character. Both qualities are acts of worship that bring the believer closer to Allah, strengthening their faith and providing peace of mind. Through the trials and blessings of life, a believer must remember that all events are part of Allah’s divine decree, designed to purify the soul, increase good, and guide the heart. Whether experiencing ease or difficulty, the believer’s response is one of trust in Allah’s wisdom, recognizing that both blessings and trials are opportunities to grow in faith, humility, and gratitude. May Allah grant us the strength to remain patient in adversity, thankful in prosperity, and steadfast in our devotion to Him.