Ibn Al-Qayyim said: “The word sadness does not appear in the Quran, except in the form of forbidding it or in the form of negating it.” The reason for this is because there is no benefit for having sadness in the heart. The most beloved thing to Shaitan is to make the believing slave sad by taking him off track.
The Prophet (sa) sought refuge in Allah (swt) from sadness. Ibn Al-Qayyim said: “Sadness weakens the heart and diminishes determination and wanting to go forward, and there is nothing more beloved to the Shaitan than the sadness of a believer.” For this reason, be happy, be optimistic, think good about Allah (swt), have trust in what Allah (swt) is able to do, and depend on Him – you will find happiness and pleasure in all situations.
Ibn Al-Qayyim also said: “Don’t ruin your happiness with worry; don’t ruin your mind with pessimism; don’t ruin your success with deception; don’t ruin the optimism of others by destroying it; don’t ruin your day by looking back at yesterday.”
If you think about your situation, you will find that Allah (swt) has given you things without you asking for them. Trust Allah (swt)! He doesn’t prevent anything you wish for unless there is some goodness in it for you. While you are sleeping, the doors of the Heavens may be opened by Duas being made on your behalf. Subhan’Allah! Perhaps they are made by someone poor whom you helped, or someone sad to whom you brought joy, or someone passing by at whom you smiled, or someone in distress whom you helped. So don’t ever underestimate any good deeds!
One of the righteous predecessors said: “I make Dua to Allah (swt) for something I want, and if He gives it to me, then I’m happy once, and if he does not give it to me, then I’m happy ten times because the first was my choice and the second was Allah’s (swt) choice.”
As-Sadi said: “Life is short, so don’t shorten it with worries, grief, and sadness. Be the owner of a heart that breeds happiness and satisfaction. May Allah (swt) make your times happy and may He (swt) forgive us all!
Credit: Muslim Mastery Series. Transcribed for Hiba by Sarah Saqib Teli.
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