- Displeasure and complaint
The worst of Allah’s (swt) creations is the one who challenges His decrees, the one who resists his fate, and the one who tries to search for logic, reasoning and explanations for the turn of each event. And when he cannot comprehend a decision made by Allah (swt), the person becomes disgruntled, angry, and disobedient to Him (swt).
- Patience
The next level is for the believer to exhibit patience when struck by misfortune. This does not mean that the person cannot be sad. He is expected to persevere. He does not say what displeases or angers Allah (swt). His tongue and actions do not show impatience. When afflicted with a trial, this is the lowest level and obligatory requisite for submitting completely to Allah (swt).
- Contentment
This person is not afflicted with pain or sorrow when a calamity befalls him. He understands that it is from Allah (swt), Al-Wakeel (the Trustee). The one suffering says: “Alhamdulillah Ala Kulli Haal” (praise be to Allah (swt) in every circumstance) and means it. He is certain that his Lord’s decree is the best, whether his sanity understands it. The trials are a test meant to strengthen him and prepare him for the future. The level of contentment is higher than the level of patience.
- Gratitude
The next level of Sabrun Jameel (beautiful patience) is to offer Shukr (thankfulness) to Allah (swt) for the trial. This is the supreme level and fewer believers attain it.
Why is he offering gratitude at the time of trials? Firstly, these calamities could be hastened punishments for sins, which will purify the person in this life. Secondly, he thanks his Lord for not making the trials even more severe. Lastly, he thanks Allah (swt) by anticipating the reward because the more severe the trial, the higher the reward for it.
One such example of unwavering patience is that of the mothers of the believers Ramlah bint Abi Sufyan (Umm Habiba) (rtaf). Upon immigrating to Abyssinia, her husband abandoned Islam and embraced Christianity. When faced with the choice to remain with him or follow Allah (swt), she chose Allah (swt). Her husband died shortly after from consuming too much alcohol. Being alone in a foreign country without any family meant that she wasn’t left with many options. In such hard times, she decided to put her complete trust in Allah (swt) and live her life for His sake. As a reward, Allah (swt) replaced her husband with the greatest man to walk the earth – she got married to Prophet Muhammad (sa).
“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin.” (Al-Baqarah 2:155)
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