Once upon a time, a pious man lived in a village. He was God-fearing, ascetic, and exceptionally punctual in offering congregational prayer, keeping fasts, enjoining good, and forbidding evil. Whenever there was a tough time, villagers would come to him and ask him to pray for them. He would comfort them by saying, ‘Do not worry, have patience, there must be something good in it.’
Once, a farmer came to him and said that he had worked on his farm for so many months and his crops were ready to be sold in the market but, unfortunately, they caught fire and turned to ashes. He was, therefore, in a severe financial crisis. The pious man comforted him as usual by saying, ‘Do not worry, have patience, there must be something good in it.’ The farmer left.
After a few months, a pandemic broke out in the village, and the farmer’s children and wife died of it. The farmer came to the pious man again and told him of the calamity that had befallen him. The pious man responded with the same words ‘Do not worry, have patience, there must be something good in it.’ Upon hearing the same reply, the farmer got in a rage and decided to kill the pious man.
Therefore, he went back and began to hatch a plot to kill the pious man. He thought to himself, ‘The pious man always offers congregational prayer in the mosque, and I will kill him on the way.’ He then took an axe and waited, hiding in the bushes between the home of the pious man and the mosque. Fajr Azaan was called out, and after some time, Salah with Jama’at began, but he was surprised to notice that the pious man had not come to the mosque to offer congregational prayer. He waited for the pious man the second day as well, but the pious man did not come.
He was astonished, thinking that the pious man was exceptionally punctual in offering congregational prayer, so why did he miss Salah with Jamaat for two consecutive days? Therefore, curious to know the reason for it, he went to the pious man and asked where he had been for the past two days. The pious man replied, ‘Two days ago, I was ready to come to the mosque to offer Fajr Salah with Jamaat. On the way, there was a pit which I could not see as it was still dark. I fell into the pit and broke my leg, and as a result, I could not walk, but my dear son, I believe that there must be something good in it!’
As the farmer heard the words of the pious man, he burst into tears and, with deep remorse, he said, ‘Please pardon me. I turned a deaf ear to your valuable advice and, instead of acting upon your words of wisdom, I fell victim to satanic whispers and planned to kill you. Whereas you are my well-wisher and a very great mentor.’ The farmer then implored the pious man to forgive him. Therefore, the pious man forgave him, and the farmer made a firm intention to have patience when confronted with difficulties.
Dear readers! Remember that ups and downs are part and parcel of life. A Muslim is made to suffer from difficulty, poverty, trials, and tribulations.
“And we will definitely test you with some fear and hunger, and with some deficiency of wealth, lives and fruits. And give glad tidings to those who are patient.” (Holy Quran; Chapter 2: Verse 155)
It is also important to remember that any calamity, difficulty, tragedy, or adversity that we are made to suffer from is the outcome of our deeds.
“And whatever calamity befell you; that is because of what your hands have earned, and He pardons much.” (Holy Quran; Chapter 42: Verse 30)
Moreover, sometimes when we get into any trouble, we dislike it very much, but we do not ponder over the fact that the difficulty that we dislike may be better for us.
“And it is likely that you dislike a thing which is actually better for you; and it is likely that you like a thing which is bad for you; and Allah knows, and you know not.” (Holy Quran; Chapter 2: Verse 216)
Of course, we are very weak and find it hard to overcome difficulties. Therefore, we pray to Allah Almighty to save us from problems not only in the worldly life but also in the afterlife. However, if we ever get into trouble, instead of complaining and wailing, we should follow in our pious predecessors' footsteps with patience. May God Almighty have mercy on us and save us from every trouble. Amen!
“O believers! Seek help from patience and Salah; indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.” (Holy Quran; Chapter 2: Verse 153)
Described very beautifully .
It’s a motivational post,you have described it beautifully.Trust in Allah is indeed solution of our problems in life as we all know that Allah’s plans are best for us.
Thanks Hamza for bringing it up. Indeed the message you conveyed is only way to motivate, plan ,strive and thrive . Trust on HIM as a biggest PLANNER.
Amazingly explained .
Worth to read .
Five star script .