Do Not Grieve Over Trivialities for the Entire World Is

Do Not Grieve Over Trivialities for the Entire World Is Trivial.

A righteous person was once thrown into a lion’s cage, and Allah then saved him from its claws. He was later asked, “What were you thinking about at the time.” He said, “I was considering the saliva of a lion – whether it is considered by scholars to be pure or impure (i.e. whether, when I die, I will be in a state of purity or not).”

Allah described those who were with the Prophet (Blessings and Peace be upon him) according to their intentions:

“Among you are some that desire this world and some that desire the Hereafter.”

(Quran 3:152)

Ibn al-Qayyim mentioned that a person’s value is measured according to his determination and his goals. A wise person once said words to the same effect:

“Inform me of a man’s determination and I will tell you what kind of man he is.”

A vessel capsized at sea, and a worshipper was hurled into the water. He began to make ablution, one limb at a time. He managed to get to shore and was saved. He was asked about the ablution and why he made it, to which he replied, “I wanted to make ablution so that I would die in a state of purity.”

Imam Ahmad, during the pangs of death, was pointing to his beard while others were making his ablution for him, reminding them not to miss a spot.

“So Allah gave them the reward of this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter.”

(Qur’an 3:148)

[SOURCE: Laa Tahzaan – Don’t Be Sad]