By Shaykh Sulaiman Moola
A disciple once asked his mentor for a simple piece of advise, which will safeguard him against arrogance during prosperity and protect him from despondency during adversity. The answer was most amazing, “Just reflect on the following thought” whispered the mentor, “This moment will surely pass”. How profound and true!
If only we could engrave this in our hearts and reflect over this message daily, life would be very different. In fact, Imām Shāf’ie (may Allāh’s mercy be with him) echoes the same sentiments in a stanza of a long poem, wherein he says:
ولا حُزْنٌ يَـدُومُ و لا سُــــرُورٌ ولا بُـؤْسٌ عليــك و لا رَخَـــاءُ
“Neither grief nor joy remains, nor affluence nor penury.”
Very often in life, we envy someone due to a privilege that he or she enjoys, but soon thereafter we find ourselves sympathising with the very same individual due to a tragedy that struck him or her. Almighty Allāh makes mention about the nation of Qārūn, who were initially envying his glory, but subsequently lamenting his ill fate.
فَخَرَجَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِ فِي زِينَتِهِ ۖ قَالَ الَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا يَا لَيْتَ لَنَا مِثْلَ مَا أُوتِيَ قَارُونُ إِنَّهُ لَذُو حَظٍّ عَظِيمٍ
“So he came out before his people in his adornment. Those who desired the worldly life said, “If only we possessed what Qārūn has! Undoubtedly, he is extremely fortunate (a man of mighty fortune).” (Qur’ān 28:79)
Soon thereafter, things changed drastically in his life, and so did the perception and envy of people change.
Almighty Allāh further mentions, narrating his tale:
فَخَسَفْنَا بِهِ وَبِدَارِهِ الْأَرْضَ فَمَا كَانَ لَهُ مِن فِئَةٍ يَنصُرُونَهُ مِن دُونِ اللَّـهِ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُنتَصِرِينَ
“So We plunged Qārūn and his home within the ground (the ground swallowed him together with all his possessions). There were no troops to help him against (the punishment of) Allāh, nor could he assist himself.” (Qur’ān 28:81)
وَأَصْبَحَ الَّذِينَ تَمَنَّوْا مَكَانَهُ بِالْأَمْسِ يَقُولُونَ وَيْكَأَنَّ اللَّـهَ يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَقْدِرُ ۖ لَوْلَا أَن مَّنَّ اللَّـهُ عَلَيْنَا لَخَسَفَ بِنَا
“The next morning those who yearned to be like him the previous day said, “O dear! Indeed, Almighty Allāh increases sustenance for those bondsmen He wills and decreases (for whoever He wills). If it were not for Allāh’s favour on us, we also would have been plunged (into the earth like him).” (Qur’ān 28:82)
It is surely the practice of Almighty Allāh in this worldly life, to rotate hardship and ease, pain and comfort, suffering and peace amongst people, by turns, therefore it is naive and foolish to be envious of the material glory of others.
In conclusion, we share with you the advise of the Messenger (peace and blessings upon him) to a Companion (may Allāh be pleased with him). A person once came to the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) and said,
جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ دُلَّنِي عَلَى عَمَلٍ إِذَا عَمِلْتُهُ أَحَبَّنِي اللَّهُ وَأَحَبَّنِي النَّاسُ
“Guide me to the performance of an action by virtue of which Allāh and His creation will love me.”
He (peace and blessings upon him) replied,
فَقَالَ ازْهَدْ فِي الدُّنْيَا يُحِبَّكَ اللَّهُ وَازْهَدْ فِيمَا عِنْدَ النَّاسِ يُحِبَّكَ النَّاسُ
“Have no desire for this world, Allāh will love you, and have no desire for what people possess, people will love you.’” (Ibn Majah)
Life is fickle. May Allāh grant us all contentment and ease.
