BLESSINGS

Prophet Muhammad {Peace and blessings be upon him} said:

"Look at the one who is beneath you, not at the one who is above you, so that you will not look down on the blessings that Allah (God)has bestowed upon you."
{sahih sunan at-Timidhi by sheikh al-Albani}


This is such a profound and powerful statement,we as human beings tend to always look toward the achievements of others , and we use it as a measuring stick for ourselves.For some of us looking at the achievements of others makes us work harder toward our own goals and for some of us it causes envy to raise his evil , ugly head. We rarely ever look or contemplate the misfortunes and trials of others.If we did , we would realize that Allah the most high has placed us above so many , no matter our situation.

Take the man who has lost both his sight and a limb , he cannot work to support himself because of his disabilities ;but everyday he thanks Allah the majestic for another day, for his ability to hear, his ability to speak, He thanks Allah for the people that help him , for the food and shelter that he {Allah} provides each day . "Which of the blessings of your lord will you deny?" {surah Ar-Rahman}

Indeed when we look at those that are less fortunate than ourselves , homeless, starving,jobless, childless .....etc. we will thank Allah for keeping us away from those very trials. And how do we show our gratefulness? we show our gratefulness by sincerely striving to obey his every command and obeying his messengers; by running toward that which he loves {such as performing prayers and other acts of worship} and keeping far away from that which he hates {such as lieing , stealing, gossiping and other forbidden acts}.

It maybe that Allah has kept riches from some of us because it will make us arrogant,miserly and weak in faith ,as is the case of so many people whom Allah has given wealth , health , knowledge and the like.

The prophet's wife Ayesha {peace and blessings be upon them both }said: That the prophet stood in prayer at night until his feet began to swell .she said ,"Why do you do this , O Messenger of Allah , when Allah has forgiven your past and future sins?" He said , "Shall I not want to be a thankful slave?"

The prophet , who was the best in character; was forgiven all past sins and future sins, and to show his gratefulness toward his lord ,he strove hard toward that which Allah loves {which is his worship and obedience}.

Look to those beneath you , for when you think you have nothing , someone else has even less. You should reflect on what you do have and reflect on the many that don't have; be patient,and content and hasten toward showing your gratitude to Allah the glorious,the most high for the mercy that he has shown toward you and the blessings that he has bestowed upon you."Which of the blessings of your lord will you deny?"

As the prophet {peace be upon him} said:
"The religion is advice.......to {Allah's}messenger,to the leaders of the muslim and their common folk." {sahih muslim}