Pearls of wisdom 266

1. The servant who is blessed with good fortune must never feel secure from the cunning tests of Allah Most High, deluding himself into believing that his prosperity is bound to last for ever, forgetting to be thankful for it, and letting it slip loose by omitting that gratitude.

2. Thanks for the blessing of wealth are offered by acknowledging the Gracious Benefactor, by recognizing His favor and grace.

3. Gratitude is observed by neither transgressing the limits He imposes, nor failing to observe His commandments in all matters.

4. Gratitude is shown by discharging one's duties in respect of the alms-due, expiation, votive offerings and charitable donations.

5. Gratitude is shown by helping the distressed, visiting the needy and those who are in dire straits through the vicissitudes of circumstance.

6. Gratitude for good health in the limbs and organs or the body is shown by enlisting their aid for works of obedience, and refraining from unlawful actions, bad deeds, sins and offenses.

7. For the one who suffers tribulation, he will sometimes be tried as a punishment and retribution for an offense or a sin he has committed, at another time as an expiation and purification, and finally, for the sake of elevation in spiritual degrees and advancement to high stages.

8. The sign that trials are being afflicted as retribution and punishment is lack of patience while they last, as well as anxiety and complaining to people.

9. The sign that the tribulation is for expiation and purification of sins, is the presence of beautiful patience, without complaint or expression of anxiety to friends and neighbors, and without irritation with the performance of commandments and acts of obedience.

10. The sign that the trials are for the sake of spiritual progress is the presence of contentment, harmony, self-composure, quiet trust in the working of the God of the earth and heavens, and annihilation within them until their eventual removal with the passage of time. [Above quotes by Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani]