Look at those below you and do not look at those above you!
On the authority of Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) who said: the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said:
“Look at those who are beneath you and do not look at those who are above you, for it is more suitable that you should not consider as less the blessing of Allah.” [Bukharee 6490, abridged & in Muslim (2963) in its completion.]
A person should not long for this dunya (world). Nor should he be troubled by what falls upon him of calamities.
He should be patient and seek his reward with Allah. Whether he is poor, sick or suchlike. The dunya is a place of trials! He should therefore not be troubled due to that which falls upon him regarding trials and tribulations.
That which makes this easier is that which the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) referred to in this narration:
“Look at those who are beneath you and do not look at those who are above you, for it is more suitable that you should not consider as less the blessing of Allah.”
The poor one should therefore look towards the one who is even poorer than him and not look at the one who is richer. If Allah had willed, then he would have made you just as poor as the one who has absolutely nothing! Not even his daily provision! You are in a better situation than him. Praise Allah for this and do not look at the rich. Because this will lead you to feel dissatisfaction with Allah and displeasure with the predestination of Allah. You will say:
“Why am I like him and not like the rich?”
This is the meaning of denying the favours you have. However, when you look at those under you, then this will motivate to (showing) gratitude. Because your situation is better than those of many other people. The one who is healthy looks at the one who is sick and thanks Allah for his health. The sick one looks to the one who is even sicker and thanks Allah for his lesser illness.
This therefore, is a great principle.
“Look at those who stand at a lower level than you…”
With regards to money, health and all other matters. Except in matters of worship! In the matters of worship, then do not look at those below you! Do not look at the layabout and the one who falls short. Rather, look at the pious and those with taqwa so that you may imitate them.
Therefore, in the matters of worship you do not look at the one who is below you. On the contrary; look at those who are above you in Deen! Why not be like him? Why not follow the pious? Why not follow the scholars and students of knowledge? When you are a student of knowledge, then do not be content with what you have of knowledge; gather more knowledge since you are still living. This unlike matters pertaining to the dunya.
Shaykh Saalih bin Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan, may Allah preserve him
Translated by Salafi-Dawah.com.
Source: Sharh Bulugh al-Maram, part 6, page. 157-159. Click here for scans of page 1, here for page 2 and here for page 3.
“Look at those who are beneath you and do not look at those who are above you, for it is more suitable that you should not consider as less the blessing of Allah.” [Bukharee 6490, abridged & in Muslim (2963) in its completion.]
A person should not long for this dunya (world). Nor should he be troubled by what falls upon him of calamities.
He should be patient and seek his reward with Allah. Whether he is poor, sick or suchlike. The dunya is a place of trials! He should therefore not be troubled due to that which falls upon him regarding trials and tribulations.
That which makes this easier is that which the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) referred to in this narration:
“Look at those who are beneath you and do not look at those who are above you, for it is more suitable that you should not consider as less the blessing of Allah.”
The poor one should therefore look towards the one who is even poorer than him and not look at the one who is richer. If Allah had willed, then he would have made you just as poor as the one who has absolutely nothing! Not even his daily provision! You are in a better situation than him. Praise Allah for this and do not look at the rich. Because this will lead you to feel dissatisfaction with Allah and displeasure with the predestination of Allah. You will say:
“Why am I like him and not like the rich?”
This is the meaning of denying the favours you have. However, when you look at those under you, then this will motivate to (showing) gratitude. Because your situation is better than those of many other people. The one who is healthy looks at the one who is sick and thanks Allah for his health. The sick one looks to the one who is even sicker and thanks Allah for his lesser illness.
This therefore, is a great principle.
“Look at those who stand at a lower level than you…”
With regards to money, health and all other matters. Except in matters of worship! In the matters of worship, then do not look at those below you! Do not look at the layabout and the one who falls short. Rather, look at the pious and those with taqwa so that you may imitate them.
Therefore, in the matters of worship you do not look at the one who is below you. On the contrary; look at those who are above you in Deen! Why not be like him? Why not follow the pious? Why not follow the scholars and students of knowledge? When you are a student of knowledge, then do not be content with what you have of knowledge; gather more knowledge since you are still living. This unlike matters pertaining to the dunya.
Shaykh Saalih bin Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan, may Allah preserve him
Translated by Salafi-Dawah.com.
Source: Sharh Bulugh al-Maram, part 6, page. 157-159. Click here for scans of page 1, here for page 2 and here for page 3.