Among the greatest blessings a person can possess is one that most people overlook entirely — the blessing of iman. While people chase provision, health, and status, the believer carries something far more valuable in his chest: the knowledge that his Lord is Allah, that he has been guided to the truth, and that this life is not the end.
Dr. A'id al-Qarni, rahimahullah, draws our attention to this overlooked blessing in his book Don't Be Sad. The following is an excerpt from page 183.
Remember That You Believe in Allah
Allah, the Most High, says:
"Nay, but Allah has conferred a favor upon you, that He has guided you to faith." (Qur'an 49:17)
One particular blessing overlooked by most people is the vantage point afforded to the believer when he observes the disbeliever — one who rebels, denies Allah's signs, disbelieves in His perfect attributes, in His messengers, and in the Hereafter.
Furthermore, the believer performs all obligatory acts of worship. Perhaps his execution of those acts is not perfect, yet simply performing them is in itself a great blessing — a blessing for which few are grateful.
"Is then he who is a believer like him who is Fasiq (disbeliever and disobedient to Allah)? Not equal are they." (Qur'an 32:18)
Some commentators of the Qur'an have said that among the pleasures of Paradise for the believers is to be able to look upon the people of the Fire and then thank their Lord for what He has given them.
A Reflection
When sadness and hardship come — and they will come — one of the most powerful remedies is to remember what you have been given. You have been given iman. You know who your Lord is. You know why you are here. You know where you are going.
The disbeliever faces the same trials as you, but without any of that. He carries his hardship without hope, without certainty, without a Lord to turn to. You are not in that position. That alone is worth immeasurable gratitude.
So when grief settles in — remember that you believe in Allah. This same gentle reassurance runs through another excerpt from the same book — O Allah! | A Book Excerpt from Don't Be Sad.
About the Book
Don't Be Sad by Dr. A'id al-Qarni is one of the most widely read Islamic books of our time — a profound guide to finding peace, contentment, and hope through reliance on Allah. Available now at The Islamic Book Cafe for $28.00.
Baarakallahu feekum — The Islamic Book Cafe | Portland, Oregon
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