others—and Allah loves those who do good—and to keep his heart free of rancor toward people. In both cases, the person is conscious that this has befallen him because of his sins and that Allah expiates his misdeeds through it, so he seeks forgiveness and repents. He also recognizes that patience is obligatory upon him and that giving way to anguish is something for which he may be punished.
If he rises to the level of contentment, he recognizes that contentment is the paradise of this world, the resting place of worshippers, and the greatest gateway to Allah. If he sees his affliction as a blessing because it sets his heart and religion aright, brings him closer to Allah, expiates his misdeeds, and protects him from sins to which the devils among humans and jinn entice him, he thanks Allah for these blessings.
Heaven-sent afflictions and those inflicted by people share these features. People’s awareness and understanding of these matters are part of Allah’s bounty, which He bestows upon whomever He wills among His servants. This is why people’s responses to afflictions and other circumstances differ so greatly.
When the servant recognizes the divine decree—that this is something Allah has ordained and decreed, and that He is its Creator—he combines patience with submission to the all-powerful Lord, the Sovereign who does whatever He wills. This is the state of the patient person.
He may also submit to the Lord who does good to him and manages his affairs by choosing what is best for him, who
“never decrees anything for the believer except that it is good for him: if prosperity comes to him, he gives thanks, and that is good for him; if adversity befalls him, he is patient, and that is good for him.”
This was related by Muslim in his Sahīh from Suhayb, from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. This is the submission of one who is content, because he knows that Allah chooses what is best for him, and this gives rise to gratitude.
He may also submit to the Lord who has shown him kindness and bestowed immense blessings upon him. Even if he does not