Gratitude, not grumbling, makes a believer
COVID-19 has changed the world forever, they say. Indeed, it has, in more ways then one. But one aspect of our lives that is headed more towards kufr, is our preoccupation about complaining of how times are bad. Whereas they may be at their worst, Allah (SWT), has given us life, limb, kith and kin, and we must eternally remember that, and thank him. For most Muslims, there is no religious persecution facing them, and yes if those who do face such harsh living conditions would utter ungrateful words, while still not acceptable, would be widely understood by us, their brethren.Or if such people were unfortunately diffident about their Master, one would still empathise with their plight, although in His supreme knowledge and wisdom, it is our unwavering faith, that no event happens without a reason.
When individuals loaded with blessings who own habitats and carriages, and are merchants in bloom, who voyage regardless of restrictions to other lands and who expend their wealth in both consumption and charity, if these individuals make it their preoccupation to talk about ‘tough times’, something is profoundly wrong about their faith in Allah (SWT), and the ingratitude they utter is unacceptable. Not only does it demoralise those on a lesser footing but it also reflects how discontentment can be the source of such rue.
And whereas we can comprehend their reasons for joining the charade, which may be to discourage habitual beggars to seek help, this demeanour merely cascades our ignorance of the vastness of the dominion of the Almighty in which all creatures in their sheer volumes and sizes, receive bounties in one form or another in every moment of their lives. APart from the painful punishment that is promised to such of us, other unwanted and calamitous events may devour us in the interim, such as the erosion of our existing blessings. I remind myself as I do my reader, to remember to be ever so grateful for everything that we have been endowed with.
