What is the ruling on a Muslim informing others about their afflictions: to encourage relatives to be patient, or for them to know the extent of their suffering? Does this contradict perfect patience, or is it better to conceal it? And is the reward for patience multiplied if the affliction occurs during virtuous seasons like Ramadan?

It is permissible for a person to speak about their afflictions as long as it is not an expression of discontent with divine decree. It is also permissible for them to inform others of their condition to encourage patience in them. In fact, it does not negate patience unless it involves discontentment. An example of this is what the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, and Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, did. The Lawgiver has encouraged the Muslim to be patient to attain the reward of the patient. Beautiful patience is that which involves no complaint to other than Allah. Concealing a calamity is better than perfect patience, but complaining about pain without exaggeration does not negate patience. As for the doubling of the reward during afflictions in special seasons, its occurrence is not to be ruled out.