One of the most common doubts that enters the heart of a Muslim during times of hardship is this: "If I am following the truth, why is my life difficult? Why does the one who disobeys Allah seem to have ease?"
Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, rahimahullah, addresses this directly in his book Trials and Tribulations: Wisdom and Benefits. The following is an excerpt from pages 17, 21, and 22.
Complete Felicity Is Found in the True Religion
Ibn al-Qayyim said:
Complete felicity is to be found in the True Religion, by implementing it in speech and deed. Those who follow this religion are the ones who attain this felicity, as Allah, Exalted is He, says:
"Guide us to the Straight Path — the path of those whom You have favored; not the path of those whose portion is anger, nor those who have gone astray." (Al-Fatihah 1:6–7)
"They are the people guided by their Lord. They are the successful." (Al-Baqarah 2:5)
The Doubts of Those Who Are Tested
More than one person has said: "When I repent to Him and work righteous deeds, He restricts my provision and makes life difficult. When I return to sin and submit to my lusts, provision and ease come freely to me."
These false thoughts are built upon two foundations:
The first: The servant thinking well of himself and his religious practice — believing he has fulfilled what is obligatory and avoided what is prohibited — while believing that his opponent has not — and therefore that he is more deserving of Allah's aid.
The second: His belief that Allah could possibly not aid the follower of the True Religion, not appoint for him any success in this world, and leave him in subjugation and oppression despite his establishing what Allah commanded — inwardly and outwardly.
Both of these foundations are false. The servant who truly follows the True Religion will find its fruits — but the fruit may be delayed, the test may be real, and the wisdom behind it may not be immediately visible. Allah does not abandon those who are sincere. But He tests them, and the test itself is a form of honor.
This same patience and sincerity in turning back to Allah is the very prescription Ibn al-Qayyim offers in his other work on the heart's afflictions, The Disease and the Cure.
About the Book
Trials and Tribulations: Wisdom and Benefits by Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah is one of the most powerful works on understanding hardship through the lens of iman. Available at The Islamic Book Cafe for $13.00.
Baarakallahu feekum — The Islamic Book Cafe | Portland, Oregon
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