In these days and times, we find that the trials that the Muslim Ummah are up against are many and great. Not only on a universal level, but also on an individual level. When we look around, we find that different individuals handle the fitnah that they go through in different ways. Some are able to cope with them and be patient, while others are unable to control themselves and their reactions.
I wanted to share with you all a question that was asked to Sheikh Uthaimeen that I found his answer to be very beneficial on this topic.
When the Sheikh was asked –
What is the ruling on becoming extremely angered when a trial (or something difficult to deal with) falls upon you?
He replied –
People situations during these times are divided into four categories.
The First Category – Anger and it is of different types.
The First Type – That it happens from their hearts. This is like the one that becomes upset with their Lord, and is displeased with that which Allah has decreed. This is haraam (impermissible). It could possibly lead to kufr. Allah states in His book {And among mankind is he who worships Allah as it were, upon the very edge (i.e. in doubt); if good befalls him, he is content therewith; but if a trial befalls him, he turns back on his face (i.e. reverts back to disbelief after embracing Islam). He loses both this world and the Hereafter.} [Al Hajj : 11]
The Second Type – That it takes place with the tongue. This is like supplicating for destruction and that like it. This also is haraam.
The Third Type – That it happens with the body parts. This is done in ways like the smacking of the cheeks, pulling out of hair and things of this sort. This as well, is haraam and negates the issue of patience that we have been commanded to show in these times.
The Second Category – Patience, and it is as mentioned by the poet;
Patience like its name is sour to the taste
But the reward for it is more sweet than honey
So you see this is something that is hard on the individual but they carry the burden. He dislikes that it happened but his emaan (belief) carries him though and does not open the doors for anger. The situation of it happening and not happening is not something that is equal to him. This is the way that we have been commanded to be. This is because Allah has commanded with patience. He said in His book {And be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are As-Sabirin (the patient ones, et} [Al Anfaal : 46].
The Third Category – Being pleased by way of being happy that the trial has come, so much that it is the same to him whether or not the trial actually happened. For this person, this trial does not bother him. It is not hard on him to carry on even with this trial at his doorstep. This situation is that which is recommended for the believer. Some have said it is waajib (obligatory), but this is not the strongest statement. The difference between this category and the one before it is apparent. It is because the trial happening and not happening is the same to this person and he his happy in this category. The one that came before, we see that the trial was hard on him but he carried on and was patient.
The Fourth Category – Thankfulness. This is the highest of levels. This is that the individual thanks Allah for that which he is tried with because he knows that it will be a reason for his being forgiven from his sins. He knows it may even be a reason for him to gain even more good deeds. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, “There is not a trial that effects a Muslim except that Allah wipes from him some sins, even if it is as simple as a thorn that pricked him” [Al Bukhari & Muslim].
[Taken from Fatawah Arkan al Islam by Sheikh Uthaimeen]
[Translated by Abu Abdillah Abdul Lateef]
For those of you that find it hard to be patient during times of trials:
[CLICK HERE] to see something that will cause you to be patient even if it isn’t in your nature.
