whereas for the believer there is no sin in any of this, yet for the unbeliever it is indeed sinful, as Allah the Exalted says: “Say: Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants, and the wholesome things of provision? Say: They are for those who believe during the life of this world, and will be theirs exclusively on the Day of Resurrection.” ⦗7:32⦘ These bounties belong solely to the believers in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be theirs in full. Those who do not believe have no lawful share in them; they eat them unlawfully and will be punished for them on that Day.

Thus the unbeliever is immersed in evil, whether hardship or ease befalls him, whereas the believer is ever upon goodness.

This ḥadīth therefore urges faith in the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—and makes clear that the believer is always in goodness and favor.

It also encourages patience in times of hardship, for that is among the traits of the believers. If you find yourself, when adversity strikes, patient and seeking reward—awaiting relief from Allah, Exalted is He, and hoping for His recompense—then that is a sign of true faith. Should you see the opposite, blame yourself, correct your path, and repent to Allah.

The ḥadīth likewise exhorts gratitude in times of prosperity. When a person thanks his Lord for a blessing, that very act is Divine enablement and a cause for further increase, as Allah the Exalted says: “And when your Lord proclaimed: If you give thanks, I will surely increase you; but if you are ungrateful, My punishment is indeed severe.” ⦗14:7⦘ If Allah grants a servant the ability to be grateful, that is itself a blessing requiring fresh gratitude—a third act of thanks, and so on—because few people truly render gratitude. Therefore, if Allah bestows this upon you and helps you fulfill it, that, in and of itself, is a blessing.