Shakwah (complaint) falls into two categories: The first type means to complain to Allâh
, and this does not contradict patience. It is demonstrated by several of the Prophets, for example,
when Ya’qûb (AS) said:“I only complain of my distraction and anguish to Allâh.” Qur’an (12:86)
Earlier, Ya’qûb (AS) had said “sabrun jamîl,” which means “patience is most fitting for me.”
The Qur’ân also tells us about Ayyûb:“And (remember) Ayyûb (Job), when he cried to his Lord, ‘Truly distress has seized me…’ ” Qur’an (21:83)
The epitome of patience, the Prophet
prayed to his Lord:
“O Allâh, I complain to You of my weakness and helplessness.”
Mûsâ (AS) prayed to Allâh
saying:“O Allâh, all praise is due to You, and complaint is made only to You, and You are the only One from Whom we seek help and in Whom we put our trust, and there is no power except by Your help.”
The second type of complaint involves complaining to people, either directly, through our words, or indirectly, through the way we look and behave. This is contradictory to patience.
From: Uddat as-Sabireen wa Dhakirat ash-Shakireen [Patience & Gratitude], By Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
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