Does describing one's state or pain when afflicted by a calamity count as a complaint that negates patience, even if the heart is content with Allah's decree?
Ibn al-Qayyim mentioned that patience (sabr) is restraining the tongue from complaining to other than Allah, the heart from discontentment, and the limbs from actions indicative of grief. Informing a creature about one's condition is not considered a complaint if it is for seeking help, assistance, or guidance, such as a patient informing a doctor or an oppressed person informing someone who can champion their cause. This does not diminish patience. As for complaining to Allah, it does not contradict patience, as Ya‘qub (peace be upon him) did. What is blameworthy is a servant complaining about their Lord by mentioning it to people in a manner of annoyance and discontentment with the divine decree. However, mere expression of distress is not blameworthy as long as it does not escalate to discontentment. It is more appropriate for one who finds no helper to entrust their affair to Allah.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 130134
- Imported
- Translation status
- Source text, unreviewed
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