A calamity that makes you turn to Allaah is better for you than …

Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

“A calamity that makes you turn to Allaah is better for you than a blessing which makes you forget the remembrance of Allaah…”

Imaam Ahmed was asked: How are you today?

 

 

It was related from Al-Marroodhee that he asked (Al-Imaam) Ahmad:

How are you today (lit. How is your morning)?

He replied: 

How can one’s day be while he is required by his Lord to perform obligatory acts of worship?

(How can one’s day be while) his Prophet is calling him to practice the Sunnah?

(How can one’s day be while) two angels are requiring from him to correct his deeds?

(How can one’s day be while) his nafs urges him to follow its desires?

(How can one’s day be while) Iblees is beckoning him to commit all types of indecent, evil deeds?

(How can one’s day be while) the Angel of Death is observing him (waiting) to take his soul?

(How can one’s day be while) his dependents are asking him to provide them with maintenance?

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Taken from Siyaar A'laamin Nubalaa by Al-Imaam adh-Dhahaabee; volume 11/227

Translated by Dawud Adib

The Arkaan (Pillars) of Gratitude

Pertaining to what Al Baaree [The Originator (Allaah سُبحانه وتعالى)] mentioned with regards to His Favours conferred upon the slaves, of the facilitation of the means of transport (through riding beasts and ships):

''In order that you may mount on their backs, & then may remember the Favour of your Lord when you mount thereon, & say: ''Glory to Him Who has subjected this to us, & we could never have it (by our efforts).  And verily, to Our Lord we indeed are to return!''

(43:13-14)

Mentioned (in the above) are the three pillars of gratitude, & they are:

Free Time & Health for Obedience

“A person may be healthy but not free due to being busy with earning a living, or he could be without need (for earning a living) & not be healthy.  If the two factors come together & laziness from acts of obedience overcomes him, he is deceived.  The full [picture] is that this world is a farm of the next world.  In it is business whose profits will appear in the next life.  So whoever uses his free time & health in doing acts of obedience is in an enviable position, fortunate, & blessed, & whoever uses them in acts of disobedience is deceived.  Because free time is followed by business, & health by sickness, even if it is only old age.”

Ibn al-Jawzī [d. 597H/1201CE]

Purpose of Seeking Knowledge

“My brother, seek out knowledge in order to apply what you learn.  And do not seek out knowledge in order to vie with scholars, to compete & debate with foolish people, to eat the food of the rich, & to gain the services of the poor.”

Sufyān al-Thawrī [d. 161H/778CE]