Complete trust in Allah’s decision

It is an integral part of the muslim’s faith to believe that everything God chooses for him; evil or good, pleasure or affliction, is for the slave’s benefit. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, Allah does not ordain a decree for a believer but for his good; and this merit is for no one except a believer…” (Sahih Muslim)

It is beyond human understanding to completely comprehend the Divine Wisdom behind every affliction because our knowledge is limited to the apparent event. Allah alone knows how things will turn out in the end, and how it will benefit the slave. So, the calamity that appears to be evil may lead to many favorable benefits. Allah says in the Quran:  “…it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows (what is best for you) and you do not.” (The Holy Quran, Surah Al Baqarah 2:216)

The above mentioned verse directly follows the command of striving in the Path of Allah. Allah explains – although people dislike hardships and sacrifices; it is for the benefit of the Muslims because striving in the path of Allah will be followed by good (i.e. victory), else Allah’s enemies will dominate the muslims causing them harm in their religion and their worldly affairs. “…Allah knows (what is best for you) and you do not.” (The Holy Quran, Surah Al Baqarah 2:216)
 
Thus, a muslim must always expect good from Allah and trust His Decision and Judgment with regard to every aspect of life. Allah has promised that if the believers put their complete trust in Allah, then Allah will suffice them, “Whoever trusts in Allah, will find Him sufficient. Verily, Allah will accomplish His purpose.” (The Holy Quran, Surah Al Talaq 65:3)

The Quran gives us the example of the Prophet Yaqub’s (AS) (Jacob’s) strong trust in Allah. He had very handsome children. When he sent his children to Egypt; he instructed them to enter Egypt through different gates because he feared evil eye for them. “And he said: ‘O my son! Do not enter by one gate, but enter by different gates…” and then he says, “…I cannot avail you against Allah. I put my trust in Him alone, and all who trust should only trust Him.” (The Holy Quran, Surah Yusuf 12:67)  Meaning any precaution will not prevent Allah’s Decision and appointed Decree, but I trust in Allah that whatever He chooses will be the best.

The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (pbuh) explained that the believer should always be satisfied with the Decree of Allah. He should be pleased and thankful to Allah when he is granted ease and pleasure of life. Likewise, he should become patient when calamities afflict him. He (pbuh) said: “…If he (the believer) is granted ease of living, he is thankful; and this is best for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres; and this is best for him.” (Sahih Muslim)