#LIFE_LESSONS

Don't be Sad! Sheikh ’Uthaymeen raḥimahullāh said: Man is never free from error, sin, or shortcomings in fulfilling his duties. But when Allāh wills good for His servant, He hastens the punishment for him in this world—whether through his wealth, his family, his own self, or someone connected to him. The point is that the punishment is hastened, for such trials expiate sins. Thus, when the punishment is hastened, Allāh purifies His servant by way of them, such that the person meets Allāh free of sin. The hardships and afflictions serve to cleanse him, to the extent that even the agony of death may be intensified for him to stone for one or two remaining sins, so that he departs this world pure and free from all wrongdoing. This is indeed a blessing, for the punishment of this world is far lighter than that of the Hereafter. However, if Allāh wills evil for His servant, He grants him respite and draws him on gradually, bestowing blessings and withholding misfortunes, until—Allāh forbid—he becomes deluded and rejoices arrogantly in what Allāh has granted him. Then, when he meets his Lord, he is overwhelmed by his sins and is punished for them in the Hereafter. We ask Allāh for well-being.