a measure of resentment towards the divine decree, opposition to Allah in His creation and commands, and troubling doubts about His wisdom and mercy. The servant therefore needs to rid himself of two things: corrupt opinions and corrupt desires. He must recognize that wisdom and justice lie in what Allah’s knowledge and wisdom dictate, not in what the servant’s own knowledge and wisdom dictate. His desires must follow what Allah has commanded, leaving him with no desire that opposes Allah’s command and judgment.
Allah Most High says:
“But no, by your Lord, they will not believe until they make you judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves, then find within themselves no discomfort over what you have judged and submit in full submission.”
It has been reported that the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, said:
“By Him in whose hand is my soul, none of you believes until his desires accord with what I have brought.”
Abū Hātim narrated it in his Sahīh. In the Sahīh, it is reported that Umar said to him, “O Messenger of Allah, by Allah, you are dearer to me than my own self.” He replied, “Now, O Umar!”
Also in the Sahīh, the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, is reported to have said:
“None of you believes until I am dearer to him than his children, his parents, and all mankind.”
Allah Most High also says:
“Say, ‘If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your spouses, your relatives, the wealth you have acquired, the trade whose decline you fear, and the homes you delight in are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His cause, then wait until Allah brings about His command.’”
Thus, if faith is not attained until the servant accepts Allah’s Messenger as judge, submits to him, and brings his desires into accord with what he brought, and until love for the Messenger and striving in Allah’s cause takes precedence over his love for himself, his wealth, and his family, then how much more must he accept Allah Most High as judge and submit to Him?