Beware of sadness

Thank you for this beautiful incite
Many times one may hear people say "don't be sad" "cheer up" but for some it may not seem so easy or are not so motivated to try because of Shaytaan. Thank you for providing these quotes and verses for us to reflect on and see the evidence and truth in this , I believe many people do need to see this. I also did not know it was forbidden in Islam.
Jazakallah khayr

As-Salamu alaykum,

Good quotes, however, I think they are in need of more context. Else it may make the unknowing even more depressed for feeling sad over a death or some other test. Thus making the attainment of a required Islamic characteristic impossible for the average person.

Feeling sad is a natural emotion. The Prophet (saws) felt sad and cried over the death of his son Ibrahim. When asked about it he (saws) stated that his tears were tears of Mercy. Likewise, he (saw) was sad over the death and mutilation of his uncle Hamza (rah) and many other events in the Sira. Such as his (saw) being stoned in Ta'if and the sadness he felt when his people were turning away from faith and opting for the worship of stones and other created things.

Sadness is similar to anger, yet the Prophet (saws) said: "La taghdab", or "Do not become angry". Imam an-Nawawi and others explained that anger is natural, so the intent is not to prevent this emotion, but to instead control it and not allow it to cause you to speak and act in a way that displeases Allah. Hence, the constant and reoccurring theme in Islam to control your nafs despite your emotions and desires: i.e. practicing Sabr.

So when we face a hardship it may sadden us, and this is natural, however, that natural emotion shouldn't cause us to abandon trust in Allah, hope in Allah, and fear of Allah. The three pillars of worship. We should remain obedient to Him and draw near to Him in such times of difficulty.

Likewise, we should realize that such events are only a test, for Allah will not leave us alone just because we say we believe, and He will not test us with more than we can bear. Instead, He will test us with our wealth, health, family and more to distinguish us from those who really believe in Him verses those who believe more in the world and all it's glitter.

And Allah 'Azza wa Jall knows best!

format_quote Originally Posted by farhan

Beware of sadness
(احذروا الحزن)

• Ibn Al Qayyim may Allaah have mercy on him said the word (الحزن) – (sadness) does not appear in the Quran only in the form of forbidding it (ولا تهنو ولاتحزنوا) or in the form of negating it (فلاخوف عليهم ولا هم يحزنون).

And the reason for this is because there is no benefit for having sadness in the heart.

The most beloved thing to the shaitan is to make the believing slave sad by taking him off track.

• The Prophet (ﷺ) sought refuge in Allaah subhanahu wa ta'ala from sadness (اللهم إني أعوذ بك من الهم والحزن)

• Ibn Al Qayyim said:

"Sadness weakens the heart and diminishes determination & wanting to go forward.

And there is nothing more beloved to the shaitan than sadness of a believer.

• For this reason, be happy, optimistic & think good about Allaah subhanahu wa ta'ala.

Have trust in what Allaah subhanahu wa ta'ala is able to do & depend on Him.

You will find happiness & pleasure in all situations."

• Ibn Al Qayyim said:

"Don’t ruin your happiness with worry, & don’t ruin your mind with pessimism.

Don’t ruin your success with deception & don’t ruin the optimism of others by destroying it.

Don’t ruin your day by looking back at yesterday."

• If you think about your situation, you will find that Allaah subhanahu wa ta'ala has given you things without asking, so have trust in Allaah subhanahu wa ta'ala that He doesn’t prevent anything you want except there is goodness for you.

• You could be sleeping & the doors of the heavens are being opened with dua’as being made on your behalf, سبحان الله: perhaps from someone poor whom you helped, or someone sad whom you brought joy, or someone passing by & you smiled to him, or someone in distraught & you removed it.

So don’t ever underestimate any good deeds."

• One of the righteous predecessors said:

"I make dua’a to Allaah subhanahu wa ta'ala for something I want,

& if He gives it to me then I’m happy once,

& if He doesn’t give it to me then I’m happy 10 times because the 1st was my choice and the 2nd was Allaah’s choice."

• As Sa’ady may Allaah have mercy on him said:

"Life is short so don’t shorten it with worries, grief, & sadness.

• So be the owner of a heart that breathes happiness & satisfaction."

Very satisfying post, but as the brother says, sadness is a natural emotion, sometimes it can't be helped and we need time to address or overcome this sadness. From a religious point of view people should endeavour to loeave everything in the hands of Allah swt and move on mentally and emotionally..... easy for some, hard for others....

SubhanAllah

Thank you so much for the useful knowledge

I have depression and take medication for it
But when I think optimistic thoughts I feel better...

I noticed it I tackle the thought that makes me depressed with thinking well of Allah I feel recoved

Alhamdulillah