ভূমিকা

Exercising forbearance when faced with misfortune and being steadfast during trials, strengthens one’s faith. One who bears hardship with patience, shall acquire the Grace of God and, as dictated by the Divine Wisdom, shall attain salvation and comfort, either in this world or in the hereafter. From within the flames of misfortune and calamity, emerge the esoteric lights.

A person who regards misfortune and calamity as a trial, and combats it successfully, will become that much wiser as a result of the extra knowledge and perception acquired. It is not good practice to constantly complain of worldly misfortunes like poverty, illness, family problems, and so on. In the Company of Angels One of the patient Muslims, uncomplaining in the face of misfortunes, was a person by the name of I’mraan.

He had come to suffer from dropsy[^3] and no amount of treatment proved productive. For thirty years he lay upon his stomach, unable to rise, sit or stand and so, a pit had been dug near his place of rest for his urine and excrement. Once, his brother A’laa, paid him a visit and observing his pitiful state, burst out in tears.

I’mraan asked, “Why do you weep?” His brother replied, “It is because I see that for years you have been suffering in this pathetic condition.” I'mraan said, “Weep not and do not be disturbed because this state, which God has ordained for me, is dearer to me than anything else; I desire to remain in this condition, which God desires for me, for as long as I am alive.