What is the ruling on complaining to people about work stoppages or declining health, and what is the validity of the saying: "Complaining to other than Allah is debasement"?

The basic principle is that complaining to anyone other than Allah negates the perfection of patience. However, it is not always forbidden. If the complaint to a creature is for a valid purpose—such as seeking their help to avert harm or asking for guidance and assistance—then there is no harm in it. As for complaining without need, it is disliked, and it may reach the level of prohibition if it is accompanied by discontent with Allah’s decree. Beautiful patience is restraining the tongue from complaining to anyone other than Allah, restraining the heart from discontent, and restraining the limbs from actions contrary to patience. As for complaining to Allah, it does not negate patience; rather, it is a perfection of servitude.