Imām ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Saʿdī said:¹ “The Prophet (ﷺ) has related to us that the believer is able to multiply his earnings, his goodness, and the rewards of his actions, with regards to whatever befalls him whether happiness or despair. Thus, an agent of goodness or evil may come to two individuals, but they differ widely in how they are able to cope. This difference correlates with their īmān and righteous deeds. For someone with these two qualities can meet both good and evil with thankfulness and patience and what delineates from these two [characteristics]. Consequently, this individual is able to achieve a level of happiness, delight, and removal of worry and stress, [both on what has transpired and what may transpire in the future]. He can do away with feelings of consternation as well as that which constricts his heart causing despair. Thus, he is able to live a life of tranquillity.”

Endnotes:

1. Al-Wasāʾil al-Mufīdah li-al-Ḥayāt al-Saʿīdah: 34

Translated by: Riyāḍ al-Kanadī