Gratitude in Times of Hardship
Gratitude in Times of Hardship
Life is filled with both moments of ease and challenges. It is natural to feel overwhelmed by difficulties, but wisdom teaches us to reflect on the bigger picture. The truth is, have we not enjoyed far more days of health than sickness? More moments of joy than sorrow? Yet, when hardship arrives, how often do we forget the many blessings we once had? Some become so consumed by their pain that they overlook the years of comfort that preceded it. They often speak at length about their suffering, detailing every hardship, yet rarely reflect on the many blessings and moments of ease they have experienced. Rarely do they pause to count their blessings.
Allah speaks to this human tendency in the Qur'an:
"And when adversity touches man, he calls upon Us, whether lying on his side, sitting, or standing. But when We remove his adversity from him, he continues as if he had never called upon Us to remove the adversity that touched him. Thus it is made pleasing to the transgressors what they have been doing." (Surah Yunus, 10:12)
Allah also says in the Qur'an:
"If you are grateful, I will surely increase your favor; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe." (Surah Ibrahim, 14:7)
This profound reminder highlights the connection between gratitude and blessings—how acknowledging the goodness around us brings even more blessings, while denial leads to their loss.
"Blessings last when they are appreciated, but disappear when they are denied." (Arabic proverb)
Life Is a Test from Allah
In Surah Al-Mulk, Allah reminds us that this world is not a place of permanence or ultimate comfort—it is a test, to determine who is best in deed. Every blessing we enjoy and every hardship we endure is part of this trial:
"Blessed is He in Whose hand is the dominion, and He is over all things competent—[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed." (Surah Al-Mulk, 67:2)
The Most Severely Tested People
The Prophet ﷺ said:, “The most severely tested people are the Prophets, then the next best, then the next best. A person is tested according to the level of his faith. If his faith is firm, his trial is increased. If he is weak in faith, his trial is lightened. And a person will continue to be tested until he walks upon the earth without a single sin.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2398; Sahih)
And who among us can claim to be sinless? We know the rules but still break them. We are aware of the warning from Allah regarding the punishment in the Hellfire, yet we continue to disobey Him. In His mercy, Allah punishes us on earth instead, as a means of purification. The Prophet ﷺ said regarding kaffarah (expiation for sins):
"When a believer is afflicted by a hardship, a sickness, a worry, or even a thorn that pricks him, Allah erases some of his sins because of it." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This reminds us that even in our struggles and hardships, Allah’s mercy is at work. The challenges we face may not only be a test of our patience and gratitude, but also a means for our sins to be forgiven and our hearts purified.
The Believer's Perspective
A believer sees both ease and hardship as part of Allah’s wisdom.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"How wonderful is the affair of the believer! Indeed, his entire affair is good, and this is not the case for anyone except the believer: If something good happens to him, he is grateful, and that is good for him. If something harmful befalls him, he is patient, and that is good for him." (Sahih Muslim, 2999)
Therefore if Allah blesses us, then be grateful; and if He tests us, then be patient, for both are good for us.
Addressing Emotional Realities
It is important to acknowledge that feeling sadness, frustration, or even anger during hardships is a natural part of being human. The believer is not expected to suppress these emotions but rather to channel them through faith and trust in Allah. The Prophet ﷺ himself experienced deep sorrow, such as when he lost his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and his uncle Abu Talib, and his children. Yet, he turned to Allah with patience and reliance, showing us that it is through our connection with Him that we find strength and solace.
Call to Action
Let us strive to be among those who remember Allah in both ease and hardship, cultivating gratitude in every circumstance. Here are some practical steps we can take:
Make Du'a for Gratitude: Regularly ask Allah to make us of those who are grateful. A simple du'a from the Sunnah is: "Allahumma a’inni ‘ala zikrika wa shukrika wa husni ‘ibadatik" (O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best manner).
Increase Acts of Worship: Engage in extra prayers, recitation of the Qur'an, or zikr to draw closer to Allah and strengthen your heart.
Help Others in Hardship: Extend kindness and support to those who are struggling. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever relieves a believer of a hardship from the hardships of this world, Allah will relieve him of a hardship from the hardships of the Day of Judgment. And whoever makes things easy for a person in difficulty, Allah will make things easy for him in this world and the Hereafter." (Sahih Muslim, 2699). By easing the burden of others, we embody gratitude for our own blessings and invite Allah’s assistance in our own lives.
Reflect Daily: Take a few moments each day to count your blessings, no matter how small. Write them down in a gratitude journal to remind yourself of Allah’s countless favors.
Seek Community Support: Share your struggles with trusted friends or family who can offer encouragement and remind you of Allah’s mercy.
Conclusion
Let us not be among those who only remember Allah in hardship and forget Him in ease. Instead, let us cultivate gratitude at all times, speaking more of our blessings than our struggles. For gratitude increases what remains, while complaints diminish even what is given. May Allah make us of those who are grateful, patient, and steadfast in His path. Ameen.