Complete Trust in Allah’s Decision

It is an integral part of a Muslim's Faith (Iman) to believe that everything Allah chooses for him; good or evil, pleasure or affliction, is for the slave's benefit. The Messenger of Allah said, “By Him, in Whose Hand is my soul, Allah does not ordain a Decree for a believer but for his good; and this merit is for no one except a believer...” [Reported by Saheeh Muslim]

It is beyond human understanding to completely comprehend the Divine Wisdom behind every affliction because our knowledge is limited only to the apparent event. Allah Alone knows how things will turn out in the end, and how it will benefit the slave. So, the calamity that appears to be evil may lead to many favorable benefits. Allah says in the Qur’an, “…it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows (what is best for you) and you do not.” [Surah al- Baqarah (2): 216]

One must therefore, always expect good from Allah and trust His Decision and Judgment with regard to every aspect of his life. Allah has promised that if the believers show reliance in their Lord, then Allah will suffice them, “Whoever trusts in Allah, will find Him sufficient. Verily, Allah will accomplish His purpose.” [Surah at-Talaq (65): 3]

The Qur’an gives us the example of Prophet Yaqub's strong trust in Allah. He had very handsome children. When he sent his children to Egypt; he instructed them to enter Egypt through different gates because he feared evil eye for them.

“And he said, ‘O my son! Do not enter by one gate, but enter by different gates…” and then he says, “…I cannot avail you against Allah. The decision rests only with Allah. I put my trust in Him alone, and all who trust should only trust Him.” [Surah Yusuf (12): 67] Meaning although my precaution cannot prevent Allah's Decision and appointed Decree; I trust in Allah that whatever He chooses will be the best.

The Messenger of Allah explained that the believer should always be satisfied with the Decree of Allah. He should be pleased and thankful to Allah when he is granted ease and pleasure of life, and he should practice patient when calamities afflict him. He said, “…If he (the believer) is granted ease of living, he is thankful; and this is best for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres; and this is best for him.” [Reported by Saheeh Muslim]

It is prohibited to show impatience, or extreme excitement, anger, or do actions or say words which might show dissatisfaction with Allah's Decree, like wailing, tearing clothes, slapping cheeks, etc. One will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment for all prohibited acts that he is capable of avoiding. Imam al-Bukharee (rahimahullah) has recorded in his Saheeh from Abu Musa al- Ansari that the Prophet has declared himself free from him who wails at the time of affliction, one who shaves the head at the time of affliction (as an act of expressing grief), and the one who tears clothes at the time of affliction. All such acts are forbidden according to the consensus of the scholars.

Allah, however, does not punish His slaves for actions that are beyond his control. For example, one does not have much control over tears and emotions of the heart. One may experience sorrow and grief due to loss of something cherished or departure of one's beloved. Allah will not punish the slave for the tears and sorrow of the heart, but it is necessary for the slave to dislike every evil thought that crosses his mind and prevent the tongue from saying anything which may express displeasure with Allah's Decree. Allah’s Messenger visited his companion,

Sa'd Ibn Ubadah, who was ill and along with him were some of his Companions. Allah’s Messenger    wept on seeing Sa'd Ibn Ubadah and when the others saw him weep they also wept. The Prophet then said, “Listen! Allah does not punish due to the tears of the eyes or the sorrow of the heart, but He punishes because of this   (and he pointed to his tongue) or He shows mercy.” [Reported by Saheeh al-Bukharee]

When Ibraheem, the son of Allah's Messenger, was at his last breath, he went to him and his eyes filled with tears. Abdur- Rahman Ibn Auf said to him, “Even you, O Messenger of Allah (weep)!” The Prophet   replied, “O Ibn Auf, it is mercy.” Then he wept some more, and said, “The eye weeps and the heart sorrows and we do not say anything except what is pleasing to our Lord. By your leaving, O Ibraheem, we are sorrowed.” [Reported by Saheeh al-Bukharee]