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Dealing with Hardships
Advice from Ibn al-Jawzī رحمه الله
Dealing with Hardships
Advice from Ibn al-Jawzī رحمه الله
Let he who suffers a calamity or a hardship and wishes to overcome impact, think of worse calamities and hardships than his as that will make him belittle his hardship.
Let him envision the received reward for enduring it patiently, and imagine a greater trial has befallen him [to belittle his current trial] and he shall see such hardships as a roaring trade.
Let him also anticipate that his calamity will be removed in the near future, because if the hardship was not severe, the hours of ease would not have been hoped for.
Let him also know that the example of a calamity is like a guest; it does not stay for a long time and so having it over should make the host always check on it to fulfil its rights because it will not last long until it leaves!
And receiving its praise for how he handled it is indeed gratifying and it is enough to be described as the generous host. That being said, the believer during times of difficulties should pay attention to his time and continually check on the condition of his self.
Furthermore, he should monitor his limbs so that his tongue or heart does not utter a complaining word against the decree of Allāh.
Because when the dawn of reward is on the horizon, the night of calamities will leave, and the traveller is complimented for crossing the night. So that as soon as the sun of reward rises up, he will have already arrived at the safety house.
