He who is the Lord, He can give and take away in an instant. There is no reason to be arrogant about what we have received as His grace. And there is no need to be overwhelmed with despair when we are tested by Him and lack something. It is essential to pass the test of patience and self-control. Gratitude and perseverance have never failed. Hazrat Ali (RA) said, ‘Life is of two days. One day is in your favor, the other against you. So, on the day that is in your favor, do not be arrogant and reckless. And on the day that is against you, do not lose patience. Because both days are a test for you.’
If you are arrogant, your allotted lifespan will still pass. Arrogance of wealth, power, knowledge, or virtue turns a person into an animal. Life becomes miserable. Those who have been arrogant have inevitably fallen. The arrogance of beauty makes a person unattractive. Even if you harbor pride in your character, that character will be lost. Arrogance is the cloak of the Creator. If that arrogance takes root in creation, it is a contest over the Creator’s cloak. The Great Lord does not tolerate this; rather, He becomes angry. You probably know the consequences of the Lord’s anger: Hell.
If I develop an ego based on my possessions or abilities, and if my words and actions cause others pain, if I disregard others and speak without respect, then the blessings that the Creator has bestowed upon me will inevitably lead to my downfall. Arrogance, like a shroud, can deprive one’s life and livelihood of blessings. Wealth without blessings is a burden, and knowledge without benefits is fuel for destruction.
Don’t be disheartened if you don’t have something or haven’t achieved something. The Creator forbids His servants from despairing, breaking down, and blaming their fate. He has commanded us to strive and to pray. I don’t know whether it is good or bad for me not to have something. I have seen many people burdened by their wealth and many others whose abilities have led to their downfall.
It is right to be grateful for what we have received. The belief that what we haven’t received is not destined for our good is a part of faith. Whether one has eaten much, little, or nothing at all, time passes for everyone. Surely, after hardship comes ease. One may wonder if justice will ever prevail against this inequality.
The truth lies beyond what we see, say, or touch. This world is not the final reckoning. We will be questioned about many things and many debts will be settled. Humans were not created to hold onto good people or let go of bad ones.
Therefore, it is unbecoming of a person to be arrogant in what they have received or to be despondent in what they haven’t. Where there is no human hand, good and bad come from the Almighty. Even where humans have power, that power is not absolute. Being grateful for what we have received and letting go of the imaginary ownership of what we haven’t received paves the way for happiness. If we can make good use of what He has given us, our liberation will be easier. Unnecessary regret sows the seeds of sorrow. Gratitude is beneficial. Consider this, He has given us so much for which we have never felt worthy. He who grants unexpected wealth and honor to some also has the right to withhold desired things from others. He knows so much that is beyond human imagination.
