Three conditions are tokens of the
servant’s happiness [sa’adat al-abd], and the signs of his success in this
world and the next. No servant is without them, but is always shifting from one
to the other.
These are:
1. When blessed, he gives thanks (Shukr);
2. when tried with difficulties/trials,
he perseveres (Sabr); and
3. when sinful, he seeks forgiveness (Tawba).
1. Shukr for blessings: The first condition is the
blessings which come to the servant from Allaah سُبحانه
وتعالى, one after another. What secures them
is gratitude [Shukr], based on three supports: (a) inward
recognition of the blessing; (b) outward mention and thanks
for it; (c) and its use in a way that pleases the One to
whom it truly belongs and who truly bestows it.