Everything happens for the Good !

Many times, we find ourselves facing situations that go against our will and desires. In such moments, we often blame destiny or ourselves for not receiving what we desire, believing we are deprived of blessings. However, later on, we may come to realize that these seemingly adverse events were, in fact, blessings in disguise.

Let me share a story that touches the heart and illustrates the idea that everything that happens, happens for a reason:

Once, in a kingdom, there was a garden keeper who sent fruits daily to the king. One day, he noticed an abundance of ripe fruits – coconuts, apples, pears, and many others. Strangely, he chose to pick grapes. On his way to the palace, he couldn’t stop blaming himself for not selecting larger, more appealing fruits.

Upon arriving at the palace, the king seemed lost in thought and didn’t respond as usual. The garden keeper placed the grapes by the king’s side. Unintentionally, the king started tossing grapes towards the man and eating them himself. What was even more peculiar was that each time he threw a grape, he said, “Alhamdulillah” (which means “Thanks to God”).

After some time, the king realized the oddity of his actions and asked the man why he had been saying “Alhamdulillah” whenever he threw grapes. The man then narrated his experience, explaining that he had initially planned to bring coconuts, apples, pears, and other substantial fruits. However, I had only taken grapes that day, berating himself the entire journey to the palace. Yet, when I served the grapes to you (king), he noticed the king throwing them at him. Instead of feeling upset, he thanked God, realizing that everything happens for a reason. He couldn’t have prevented the king from doing this.

This story serves as a powerful reminder that in life, we may encounter adversity and lose hope at times. However, we should have faith in a higher power and trust that everything unfolds for a greater purpose. At times, we even lose control of ourselves, and it can be challenging to understand why certain events occur as they do. Yet, in those moments of doubt and uncertainty, it is essential to remember that there might be a grand design at play, a plan beyond our comprehension.

It’s during these moments of adversity that our patience and resilience are put to the test. We should learn to patiently bear everything, knowing that there might be a superpower controlling our destiny and plan. This belief can provide solace and strength, helping us navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and acceptance. So, let us embrace the notion that everything happens for a reason, even when the path seems unclear, and have faith that the grapes we receive today might be the blessings we need tomorrow.

Life’s Tests: Patience & Gratitude

God tests human beings in various ways throughout their lives. These tests are seen as a means to evaluate one’s faith, sincerity, and devotion. Every individual is tested in the following aspects:

Honor and Disgrace: God tests individuals by placing them in situations where their honor or reputation may be at stake. This can involve facing criticism, false accusations, or challenging circumstances that may affect one’s standing in society. These tests can also bestow individuals with honor, respect, and fame.

Health and Sickness: God tests us by granting good health or afflicting us with illness. Through these tests, individuals are reminded of their dependence on God and are encouraged to seek His mercy and guidance in times of both wellness and sickness.

Profit and Loss: God tests us with prosperity and adversity in matters of wealth and material possessions. This test challenges individuals to demonstrate gratitude and contentment when blessed with abundance and patience and resilience in times of financial difficulty or loss.

Grief and Happiness: God tests us with moments of joy and times of sorrow. These tests serve as reminders of the transient nature of life and the importance of relying on God’s guidance and strength during both moments of celebration and times of hardship.

While people often perceive suffering or hardships as detrimental, they can serve as a means to purify and fortify an individual’s faith, character, and perseverance. Therefore, it is important to face these tests with patience, trust in God, and a steadfast commitment to one’s beliefs.

Every person is in one of these states at all times, and they can be divided into two pairs of states: good and bad. This means that a person will either be in a state of honor or disgrace, health or illness. So Allah tests individuals in two states: either a person is grateful in good states or not, and whether they are patient in bad states or not.

Thus, two papers are formed: one paper of gratitude and the other of patience. If a person expresses gratitude in good states, they have passed the paper, whereas showing ingratitude leads to failure. Similarly, exhibiting patience in the paper of patience leads to success, while impatience leads to failure.

This life is a continuous examination where we have to give two papers: one of patience and the other of gratitude. When God created Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and tested him, He also tested him with these two papers. The first was the paper of gratitude, which consisted of the blessings of Paradise, and the second was the paper of patience, which involved refraining from eating the forbidden fruit. Unfortunately, Satan prevented them from succeeding in the paper of patience.

The devil comes to humans in various forms and shapes, often associated with temptation, evil, and spiritual corruption. Sometimes, the devil takes the guise of wealth and power. His influence can be seen not only in the pursuit of wealth but also in the fear of poverty. Both scenarios involve a distortion of values, a departure from compassion and empathy, and a focus on material gain as the ultimate measure of success. By capitalizing on these vulnerabilities, the devil can manipulate human desires and choices, leading individuals away from a virtuous path and towards spiritual and moral degradation.

Therefore, it is crucial to strive to be obedient slaves of God and accept whatever life throws at us. It’s important to remember that nothing in this world is permanent, neither the good times nor the bad times.