In the midst of difficulties, a person with the sweetness of Imaan, exercises Sabr and is neither found to be disturbed nor perplexed. He does not complain of his Master, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala rather he adopts patience and views this patience as the gateway to the closeness, Ma’rifat and Muhabbat of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. When blessed with abundance in bounties from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, like wealth, prosperity, etc. he makes Shukr and regards this gratitude as the gateway to the proximity, Ma’rifat and Muhabbat of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.
In both conditions, the person retains his trust and his faith in Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. When afflicted with difficulties and trial, then Sabr (patience) is exercised and the heart is blessed with the sweetness of Imaan. When granted the best of bounties and gifts, plenty of gratitude and appreciation is expressed and the heart is blessed with the sweetness of Imaan.
Rasulullah Salla Allahu ta’ala ‘alayhi wa Sallam has said:
“The Mu’min is a wonderful being. If goodness/prosperity comes his way, he praises Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’alaand offers Shukr (gratitude). And, if hardship/adversity strikes him, he (also) praises Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala and adopts Sabr (patience).”
This relationship with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala is analogous to two pages stuck firm by glue. That glue has created such a ’strong’ bond that the page can be torn, but the two pages will not separate. This is the kind of relationship we need to build with our Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala; that irrespective of the condition, we will not separate ourselves from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.
May we all show gratitude and patience inshAllah azawajal