The Believer’s Response to Hardship

Question: A questioner says, “I feel distressed. What advice would you give me?” Sheikh Yahya Al-Hajoori hafidhahullah: The advice is: be patient and remember Allah often. Is there anyone in this world who never feels distressed? [Allah said] “We certainly know that your heart is troubled by what they say. So glorify your Lord with praise, be among those who prostrate, and worship your Lord until certainty (death) comes to you.” Is there anyone in this world who never feels sad? [Allah said] “We know indeed that what they say grieves you. It is not you they deny, but the wrongdoers reject the signs of Allah.” Is there anyone in this world who never worries or feels anxiety? [The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said] “No fatigue, illness, worry, distress, harm, or grief afflicts a Muslim except that Allah removes some of his sins because of it.” Is there anyone in this world who does not struggle? [Allah said] “We have certainly created man in hardship.” A person remains in a constant state of striving and hardship. But the one whose effort, pain, and struggle are for Allah, for His sake, and in obedience to Him is the successful one. Such a person benefits from the pains, illnesses, and difficulties that come his way. As for the one whose struggles are not for Allah, he is deprived of that blessing. Hardship and suffering come to everyone, both the righteous and the wicked. [Allah said] “If you suffer, they also suffer as you suffer, but you hope from Allah what they do not hope for. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” And Allah says: “O human being, you are labouring toward your Lord with great effort, and you will meet Him.” So make your effort, fatigue, hardship, determination, and striving devoted to obeying Allah. Then, by Allah's permission, you will find happiness, and whatever happens to you will not truly harm you. Even if you experience pain, sickness, or trials, you are under the care of Allah, and the reward for your patience is assured. Do not become resentful toward your Lord. [The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said] “When Allah loves a people, He tests them. Whoever is pleased will have His pleasure, and whoever is displeased will have His displeasure.” And Allah says: “No disaster strikes except by the permission of Allah. Whoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart.” Here, belief in Allah refers to believing in His decree and destiny. Whoever truly believes in Allah, Allah guides his heart and increases him in faith. Look also at Allah's saying: “Those to whom people said, ‘The people have gathered against you, so fear them,’ but it only increased them in faith. They said, ‘Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Guardian * So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.” Despite people gathering against them, despite fear and intimidation "so fear them", their faith only grew stronger. They did not complain or become resentful. Instead, they said: “Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Guardian.” As a result: “They returned with favor and blessing from Alla. No harm touched them. They followed the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is the Possessor of great bounty.” Source: https://t.me/madrasatunaa/408