We have heard many times a person bemoan, “I do not deserve this!” or “Why me?” or similar declarations. Many people live with the rancour in their hearts because of what they have been dealt with in life. This attitude towards trials stems from a denial of God’s omnipotence and that God alone decrees all things. We cannot choose what befalls us, but we can choose our responses to the trials of life, which are inevitable.
It is important to look at the life of the Prophet, peace be upon him, and know that no one faced greater tribulation. The Prophet lived to see all of his children buried, except for Fatima. How many people experience that in their lifetime? His father died before his birth. His mother died when he was just a boy. His guardian grandfather died thereafter. When he received his calling, he saw his people turn against him with vehemence and brutality. People who had once honoured him now slandered him, calling him a madman, liar, and sorcerer.
They stalked him and threw stones at him until he bled. They boycotted him and composed stinging invectives against him. He lost his closest friends and relatives, like Hamza, who was killed on the battlefield. His beloved wife Khadija after 25 years of blissful marriage died during the Prophet’s most difficult moment. Abu Talib, his protecting uncle, also died. How many people have faced all of that? Not once in a single hadith, is there a complaint from him – except when beseeching his Lord.
(Compiled From: Purification of The Heart – Hamza Yusuf.)
