than his; and if he is afflicted with a disability, he will find someone whose disability is more severe and whose trial is heavier. If he reflects deeply, he will realize that Allah has privileged him over many of His creatures with a distinct favor.
This clear-sighted perspective will soothe his heart, gladden his soul, strengthen his faith in his Lord, increase his gratitude for the blessings he enjoys, and help him bear patiently the trial Allah has decreed for him, hoping for what is with Allah.
- With regard to acts of worship and nearness to Allah, however, one should look to those who are ahead of him, count himself among the negligent, feel a righteous envy for their precedence, and exert himself to catch up with them.
Allah the Exalted says: “And hasten toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the God-fearing” (Āl ʿImrān 3:133).
He also says: “They race toward good works, and they are foremost in doing them” (al-Muʾminūn 23:61).
And He says: “In this, then, let the competitors compete” (al-Muṭaffifīn 83:26).
Muslim (5664) records, on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though there is good in both. Be eager for what benefits you, seek Allah’s help, and do not be powerless.”
Al-Bukhari (6122) and Muslim (2823) relate, also from Abu Hurayrah, that the Prophet ﷺ said, “The Fire is surrounded by desires, while Paradise is surrounded by hardships.”
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