In the Name of Allāh.

The greatest blessing Allāh could bestow upon a person is that He grants him or her ‘Eeman (Islam – that the person is a Muslim). Then, one of the greatest blessings of Faith is that everything Allāh decrees for the believer, whether in ease or hardship, will be good for him. Recorded in Musnad Ahmad (12495), Anas Ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه) reported: The Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said, “I am amazed by the believer. Verily, Allāh does not decree anything for the believer except what is good for him.”

For this reason, ‎a believer will thank Allāh no matter what happens, even if it appears bad since he or she doesn’t know the hidden good Allāh keeps in it. Recorded in Musnad Ahmad (1495), Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (رضي الله عنه) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “I am amazed by the believer. If he is granted goodness, he praises Allāh and is grateful. If he is afflicted with a calamity, he praises Allāh and is patient…”

Thus, being thankful to Allāh and patient in the face of calamity is a sign of sound Faith (in Allah). True Muslims don’t resort to transgressions (i.e. disobey Allah) when faced with mishaps. They instead trust Allāh’s Plan, solely rely on Him and remain firm upon good. In Siyar A’lam An-Nubula (4/105), Ash-Sha’bi reported: Shuraih said: “Verily, if I am afflicted with a calamity, then I praise Allāh four times. I praise him that it was not worse than it was. I praise him when he provides me with the patience to bear it. I praise him when he guides me to supplicate appropriately and hoping for reward, and I praise him for not making it a calamity in my religion.”

Respected brethren! Let’s be true believers. Remember, Allāh does not decree anything for the believer except what is good for him. I beseech Allah to grant us forbearance. (Aameen)