and wisdom; indeed, my Lord is subtle in bringing about whatever He wills. He is the All-Powerful, the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. No harm befalls anyone except on account of his sins:

“Whatever good befalls you is from Allah, and whatever evil befalls you is from yourself.”

The servant must therefore continually thank and praise Allah in every circumstance and seek forgiveness for his sins. Gratitude brings further blessings, while seeking forgiveness wards off afflictions.

Allah decrees nothing for the believer except that it is good for him: if prosperity comes his way, he is grateful; if adversity befalls him, he is patient, and it is good for him.

The shaykh’s letter to his mother, in which he says:

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

From Ahmad ibn Taymiyyah to his blessed mother—may Allah gladden her heart with His blessings, lavish His abundant generosity upon her, and make her among the finest of His handmaidens and servants.

May Allah’s peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you. We praise Allah before you: there is no deity worthy of worship except Him. He is worthy of all praise, and He has power over all things. We ask Him to send blessings upon the Seal of the Prophets and the leader of the God-fearing, Muhammad, His servant and Messenger—may Allah bless him and his family and grant them abundant peace.