Bismillah ihr Rahman ihr Raheem
I'd like to share the translators note from a book that I've started reading which seems to touch on the topic we've shared and discussed.
May Allah subhano wa Ta'ala grant me patience, fortitude and gratuity so that I might better improve my Islamic self and my awareness of Him, insha'allah. Amin ya Rabb
Excerpt from
ibn Qayyim al Jawziyyah's
Patience and Gratitude
An abridged translation of
'Uddat as-sabirin wa dhakhirat ash-shakirin
Translators Note
We live in a era of overwhelming Western influence where two major ideas are upheld
and promoted. One of these is the expectation of instant gratification, whereby few
people are prepared to wait, or work hard, or suffer temporary hardship, to get results.
People see a world of wealth and power, depicted on TV and in the movies, and they
want it, now. Immediate satisfaction is expected in this world, so how much harder must
it be for such people in terms of preparing themselves for the Hereafter!
The other major idea promoted by Western influences is the cult of the superman. Here,
too, TV and movies must take much of the blame for filling people’s minds with the
notion that the stronger and wealthier you are, the freer you are to do what you like,
regardless of the consequences. The idea of the “survival of the fittest” is used to justify
destroying the weak. In their quest for independence and superiority, the godless are
turning this world into a living hell where competition and conflict prevail. Crime is on
the increase, as religion and morality are no longer deterrent forces, and a sense of fear
and insecurity is spreading in its wake. Mental illness and psychological disorders are
further symptoms of the malaise caused by negative Western influences.
The Islamic way is in sharp contrast to the current trends of the West. Our Creator knows
best the make-up of the human psyche, and the guidance of the Qur’ân and Sunnah is in
perfect harmony with human nature. Not for nothing is Islam known as dîn al-fitrah (the
life transaction of the natural state of man). Muslim scholars and scientists developed an
extensive and deep knowledge of human behaviour and psychology, which was firmly
rooted in the guidance of the Qur’ân and Sunnah. Centuries ago, scholars developed
Islamic concepts by which any person who is seeking strength of willpower, and
perfection may be guided. Instead of struggling alone, for no other reason than selfgratification,
Islam channels us into seeking perfection for the sake of Allâh, and teaches
us to seek His help in doing so.
Thus we have important Islâmic ideals such as:
‘ubûdiyyah (being a true slave of Allah), which puts a person in touch with the highest
Power in the universe, the Power of Allâh; tawakkul (putting one’s trust in Allâh),
concerning which the Prophet (SAAS) advised, “Whoever wishes to be the strongest
among men, let him put his complete trust in Allâh”; and sabr (patience, forbearance,
fortitude), which enables a man to face hardship with dignity and to accept times of ease
without becoming arrogant.
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (1292-1350 CE) was one of these scholars. His full name was
Muhammad ibn Abî Bakr ibn Ayyûb ibn Sa’d az-Zar’î and his kunya was Abû Abdullâh
Shams al-Dîn, but he is better-known as Ibn Qayyim al Jawziyyah. Born in Damascus,
Syria, he was the son of the attendant (qayyim) of the school of al-Jawziyyah. He lived in
a period of great turmoil in the Muslim world, which was still reeling from the Mongol
onslaughts. At the same time, his was an era of remarkable scholarship. He studied under
the great scholar Ibn Taymiyyah, and was also a contemporary of Ibn Kathîr and others.
The present text is an abridged translation of Ibn al-Qayyim’s famous work, ‘Uddat as-
Sâbirîn wa Dhâkhirat ash-Shâkirîn (literally, The Equipment of the Patient and the
Investment of the Grateful). This work deals with the closely-related topics of patience
and gratitude. Although often translated as “patience”, the Arabic word sabr has a
broader and deeper meaning than the English. Depending on the context, it may mean
fortitude, patience, equanimity, forbearance, patient endurance, etc. Shukr may be
translated as “gratitude” or "thankfulness". As is shown in the book, patience and
gratitude are two sides of the same coin, closely-related attitudes which the Muslim
should seek to foster in every aspect of his or her life.
This kind of spiritual advice is something that today’s Muslims so desperately need. Far
from being a set of empty rituals and nit-picking legal technicalities, or a set of words to
be repeated or chanted ad nauseam, Islâm is a holistic way of life: if it is applied only
partially, imbalance will result. A most important aspect of Islâm, which must always
accompany the formal “rituals” and the recitation of du‘âs and dhikr, is constant
remembrance of Allâh and constant contact with the Divine. Developing a truly Islâmic
attitude of patience will enable us to do this.
Although the works were written over six centuries ago, Ibn al-Qayyim has much to offer
the modern reader. Caught as we are between the tempting influences of the West and the
hidebound superstitions of some of our Muslim communities, Ibn al-Qayyim’s levelheaded
and above all practical advice will point us back towards a purer Islâmic way,
insha’Allâh.
It is my firm belief that Islâm has the answer to many of the psychological problems that
trouble mankind today, such as anxiety, depression, lack of confidence, addictions, etc. In
direct contrast to the Western focus on the “self,” Islâm tells us to look beyond ourselves
and focus on Allâh. By doing so, we will move towards fulfilling the purpose for which
we were created, and thus attain peace with our Creator and within ourselves. This book
is the first in a series (“Towards Islamic Psychology”) that will, Insha’Allâh, bring the
spiritual and psychological benefits of our Islâmic heritage to Muslims who do not have
access to the works of the scholars in the original Arabic.
Nasiruddin al-Khattab
December 1996
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