In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

The Path of Tranquility

 “What should I do now? How should I fix this loss? I have no luck; it is as if Allah (SWT) has forgotten me…”

Aren’t these statements familiar? Whenever we lose a property or suffer an economic loss in our lives, we utter similar words intentionally or unintentionally, or it might pass our minds. However, the Holy Quran presents a completely different view where it says:

“Surely We have made whatever is on the earth an embellishment for it, so that We may try them (as to) which of them is best in works ⁽¹⁾”.

Becoming restless over afflictions is the ground for perdition, because it is in fact being displeased with will and action of Allah (SWT). If we do our best and make effort to keep a blessing of Allah (SWT), but we lose that blessing by the will of Allah (SWT), what should we do? Would becoming restless and losing patience return that blessing? Becoming restless over losing worldly positions or properties is equivalent to failing the test of Allah (SWT). In contrast, being patient over such difficulties not only would make one pass the test of Allah (SWT), but also brings about the reward of Allah (SWT). The traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) also invite us to remain patient in such situations. 

It has been narrated that some precious cloth was sent for Imam Jawad (PBUH). The cloth was stolen on the way. The person who was in charge of delivering the cloth to Imam Jawad (PBUH) informed him of the incident in a letter. Imam Jawad (PBUH) replied to his letter with his own handwriting by saying:

“Life and wealth are pleasant blessings of Allah (SWT) which are trusts among us. We benefit from them at the time of happiness and cheerfulness. However, when we become deprived of some of them we will be rewarded instead. Therefore, whoever chooses restlessness over patience will lose a reward, and we seek refuge with Allah (SWT) from such a case ⁽²⁾”.

In this story although that thief had chosen the path of perdition, a wise person would realize that being restless on afflictions is pointless, because whatever Allah (SWT) has willed will eventually taka place, and grief and restlessness will not return the lost property. There is no doubt that after a while, the person has to give up restlessness; therefore, it is better to relief oneself from the pain right from the beginning, so that he would not lose the reward. Of course gaining such attitude requires a lot of effort and patience, which is resulted only from having faith in Allah (SWT) and getting His support.

(The above is a selection taken from “Jaami al-Sa’adaat”, by Allamah Mullah Mahdi Naraaqi (with some summarization and additions))

The Roshd Website congratulates all Muslims, especially you dear friend, upon 10^th of Rajab, the birthday anniversary of the Baab al-Murad ⁽³⁾ (gate of wishes) of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT), Imam Muhammad ibn Ali al-Jawad (PBUH).

Roshd Islamic Shia Website

Footnotes:

1. The Holy Quran, (18:7)

2. Tuhaf al-Uqul, p. 456

3. Imam Jawad (PBUH) is known as Baab ul-Murad (gate of wishes) among Shiites and Sunnis, since he abundantly fulfills the wishes and requests of people.