. I I J/ ·ੇ/ / I/ 0 / J I/ J I\ (cont.)

Fareed makes the point that just because relief has been promised, it does not mean that a person should not follow the causes that should lead him to hope for a prompt relief from his difficulties. Fareed proves this point by citing a parallel example from the Quran. Allah has said, t+;JJ ?I ) %*._,Pj+\  ੟T; , j .... ,,. .... ,,,. "And no moving [living] creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allah" (Hood 6). At the same time, however, one is commanded to seek one's provisions and follow the causes that lead to acquiring one's sustenance. In the same way, although the relief is coming, Fareed argues, one must follow the causes that increases one's hope in the relief coming quickly.3 Briefly, some of the factors that he mentioned that may lead to a quicker resolution to one's difficulties are:4 (1) Having taqwa and fear of Allah: Allah has said, 1 For the complete story of their situation, as narrated by Kaab himself, see Siddiqi, trans., Sahih Muslim, voL 4, pp. 1445-1450. 2 This verse shows that the three, due to their trial, realized that they had to turn to Allah and Allah alone. In addition, they realized that they had to repent for their sins as their trials were due to the sins they committed. These are some of the important benefits that may accrue from the trials and tribulations by which Allah tests His servants. 3 Ahmad Fareed, Al-Faraj bad al-Shiddah (Alexandria: Daar al-Imaan, n.d.), p. 27. 4 For more details, see Fareed, al-Faraj, pp. 27-37. Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi ... . :;J .... ,,.. ,., Iޮ Ú7i Zr: J4J [ cI Ы _;j "Whoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him" (al-Talaaq 4). Ibn Katheer stated that this verse means that Allah will make matters easy for him and will bring a quick resolve and solution to his difficulties. 1 (2) Becoming closer to Allah during times of ease such that He responds during times of hardship: This is the same aspect that was discussed earlier in the commentary to this hadith. (3) Turning to Allah with sincere supplication during times of hardship: It is Allah alone who can change one's plight and it is He who responds to the sincere supplications. Allah says, .ii ,.,. ,,,., ,,.. J. ,., J ,, ... ... .,. ,., J J ... ÀÁ7'11 ;T1JL 1;Â1: Ãj ;:J! .. 11 Äj ߢ; 18 dI e _}i 1: 8_,fa=iJ Ɛ Ю ?I ޫ ެ ޭt "Is not He who responds to the distressed one when he calls on Him, and who removes evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth [better than the false gods you call upon who cannot do such]? Is there any god alongside Allah? Little is what you remember" (al-Naml 62). (4) Asking Allah for forgiveness of one's sins: Fareed writes, "Afflictions do not come to a person except because of the sins he committed2 and the cure for sins is seeking Allah's forgiveness. One of the pious predecessors said, 'This Quran guides you to what is your disease and what is your medicine. Your disease is sins and your medicine is seeking Allah's forgiveness. "'3 The evidence for that statement is the verse, , ,,. / ,J :iJ / - J. "' " ,., ު 151)ÅÆ ;L:...:JI ЬЭ 0 15Ç SLS"' JǶp È) 1_,É1 ,,,. J ...-: ... ,,,._ J. ...._ .... ... J 1ޯ·s :r Ǭ yj -;-·:;.ް yj ੧j ÊËÌÍsÎj "Ask forgiveness from your Lord, verily He is Oft-forgiving. He will send rain to you in abundance, and give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you rivers" (Nooh 10-12). (5) Turning to Allah and seeking His rescue and refuge: It has been narrated concerning the Prophet (peace be upon him): 1 lbn Katheer, Ta/seer (Jamiyyah), vol. 4, p. 404. 2 Although that is a common thought, it seems that it does not always have to be true. In other words, a very pious personwho commits few sins-- is also tested with trials and afflictions, perhaps even more so than many others who commit more and greater sins (as a previously mentioned hadith indicates). Allah knows best. 3 Fareed, al-Faraj, p. 3 1 . Hadith #19: "Young man, I shall teach you some words ... " :.:.