Raise Your Complaints to the Creator
Since 2012-12-13
When the trials of this temporary life burden us, piling heavily within us, a need to release them, to complain, to call out for help urgently arises. It is a means through which we lighten the load and hopefully find some light.
Like the Prophets, Raise Your Complaints to the Creator
When the trials of this temporary life burden us, piling heavily within us, a need to release them, to complain, to call out for help urgently arises. It is a means through which we lighten the load and hopefully find some light.
The urge to release one’s complaints exists in us all, even a camel felt it. The Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) entered the garden of a man from the Ansar, and upon seeing him, the camel froze and its eyes watered. He (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) came to it and rubbed its ears until it calmed down. He (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) inquired about the owner and warned him to fear Allah for the camel had complained to him that ‘he starves it and tires it by overworking it and using it beyond its capacity.’ [Reported by Ahmad and Abu Dawud, authenticated by Al-Albani].
«قال فدخل حائطا لرجل من الأنصار فإذا جمل فلما رأى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم حن وذرفت عيناه فأتاه النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فمسح ذفراه فسكت فقال من رب هذا الجمل لمن هذا الجمل فجاء فتى من الأنصار فقال لي يا رسول الله فقال أفلا تتقي الله في هذه البهيمة التي ملكك الله إياها فإنه شكا إلي أنك تجيعه وتدئبه» رواه أحمد وأبو داود وصححه الألباني
Narrated to us over and over in the Quran are stories of men before us who were tested. They were great men chosen by Allah to carry messages of Truth, but their position did not deem them safe from facing the trials of this life, thus proving that indeed the world is a place of test upon test. For if it were not, Allah would have spared such noble creation. The Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “The people who are tested the most severely are the Prophets, then the righteous, then the next best and the next best, and a man will be tested in accordance with his level of religious commitment; the stronger his religious commitment, the more severe will be his test ….”. [Ahmad, with an authentic chain of transmission].
«قلت لرسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: أي الناس أشد بلاء قال: فقال: الأنبياء ثم الأمثل فالأمثل يبتلى الرجل على حسب دينه فإن كان دينه صلبا اشتد بلاؤه...» رواه الإمام أحمد، إسناده صحيح
What then was their reaction in adversity? They were created beings with a need to release, complain and ask from others. But, over and over, in the Quran it is brought to our attention that they so often convey their fears, needs and hopes to One. The One who created them.
Examining our own states for a moment, we can agree that at some point in the middle of a seemingly hopeless situation, thoughts race through our minds as to whose help we will seek. But the one who we search for is usually a created being, like you and I.
Regardless of the level of trust or love we have of such a person, they remain in this universe as creation. Sometimes they can help, but many a time, they can only listen. We feel better, but it is not long when, again, we search for another person’s help. Eventually we ask: is it possible to depend on those around us to release our complaints and fulfill our needs?
Allah (subhanahu wata’ala) described His Prophet Ibrahim, (alayhi salaam), as one who complained to Him, saying:
{ Verily Ibrahim (Abraham) was Al-Awwah (has fifteen different meanings but the correct one seems to be that he used to invoke Allah with humility, glorify Him and remember Him much), and was forbearing.} [al-Tawbah 9:114].
{إِنَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ لَأَوَّاهٌ حَلِيم} التوبة: 114
Transliteration: inna ibraheema laawwahunhaleemun
If such was the case of the father of the prophets, what then was the reaction of the other prophets in hardship?
Prophet Nuh (alayhi salaam)
After facing rejection and harm from the people to his call, Nuh (alayhi salaam) turned to none but the One Who sent him:
{Then he invoked his Lord (saying): "I have been overcome, so help (me)!"} [al-Qamar 54:10].
{فَدَعَا رَبَّهُ أَنِّي مَغْلُوبٌ فَانتَصِرْ} القمر: 10
Transliteration: rabbahu annee maghloobun faintasir
When he did so, Allah responded, helped him, and drowned the disbelievers, saving only Nuh (alayhi salaam) and those who believed with him:
{So We opened the gates of heaven with water pouring forth.} [al-Qamar 54:11].
{فَفَتَحْنَا أَبْوَابَ السَّمَاءِ بِمَاءٍ مُّنْهَمِرٍ} القمر: 11
Transliteration: Fafatahnaabwaba alssamai bimain munhamirin
Prophet Ayyub (alayhi salaam)
Afflicted with an extremely difficult illness for many long years, loss of his wealth and family, and rejection by the people all took Prophet Ayyub (alayhi salaam) to nowhere and no one but the One Who tested him:
{And (remember) Ayub (Job), when he cried to his Lord: "Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy."} [al-Anbiyaa’ 21:83].
{وَأَيُّوبَ إِذْ نَادَى رَبَّهُ أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنْتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ} الأنبياء: 83
Transliteration: Waayyooba ith nada rabbahu annee massaniya alddurru waanta arhamu alrrahimeena
Crying out to Allah in complaint, mentioning that which one has been afflicted with, does not contradict the meaning of patience, rather it is part of worship and submission to Allah. Ayyub (alayhi salaam) mentioned his affliction, and Allah praised his example by mentioning his invocation in the Quran.
When he knew that none would help him save his Lord, Allah responded, granting him relief:
{So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost), and the like thereof along with them, as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us} [al-Anbiyaa’ 21:84].
{فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ فَكَشَفْنَا مَا بِهِ مِن ضُرٍّ ۖ وَآتَيْنَاهُ أَهْلَهُ وَمِثْلَهُم مَّعَهُمْ رَحْمَةً مِّنْ عِندِنَا وَذِكْرَىٰ لِلْعَابِدِين} الأنبياء: 84
Transliteration: Faistajabna lahu fakashafna ma bihi min durrin waataynahu ahlahu wamithlahum maAAahum rahmatan min AAindina wathikra lilAAabideena
Prophet Yunus (alayhi salaam)
Overwhelmed by layers of darkness; darkness’s of the sea, the night and the stomach of the whale, Prophet Yunus (alayhi salaam) never lost hope in Allah’s Mercy. He had none to call out to except Him (subhanahu wata’ala), and he truthfully did:
{And (remember) Dhan-Nun (Jonah), when he went off in anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him (i.e. the calamites which had befallen him)! But he cried through the darkness (saying): La ilaha illa Anta [none has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah)], Glorified (and Exalted) are You [above all that (evil) they associate with You]. Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers."} [al-Anbiyaa 21:87].
{وَذَا النُّونِ إِذ ذَّهَبَ مُغَاضِبًا فَظَنَّ أَن لَّن نَّقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ فَنَادَىٰ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ أَن لَّا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ} الأنيباء: 87
Transliteration: Watha alnnooni ith thahaba mughadiban fathanna an lan naqdira AAalayhi fanada fee alththulumati an la ilaha illa anta subhanaka innee kuntu mina alththalimeena
From the depth of the ocean, his lips moved in a supplication that we recite till this day in the Book of Allah. This is the same supplication that our Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) prescribed for he who is distressed:
{La ilaha illa Anta [none has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah)], Glorified (and Exalted) are You [above all that (evil) they associate with You]. Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers."}
{لاَّ إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ أَنتَ سُبْحَـنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّـلِمِينَ} الأنبياء: 87
Transliteration: Laa illaaha illa Anta Subhanaka inni kuntu min adh-dhalimeen
The Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said about it: “No Muslim ever prays to his Lord with these words for anything, but He will answer his prayer.” [Reported by Imam Ahmad with an authentic chain of transmission].
«فإنه لم يدع بها مسلم ربه في شيء قط إلا استجاب له» رواه الإمام أحمد، إسناده صحيح
And in another report: “I know words that will cause Allah to remove one’s distress. These are the words (of supplication) of my brother Yunus, peace be upon him.” [Al-Albani, authentic chain of transmission].
«ألا أخبركم بشيء إذا نزل برجل منكم كرب أو بلاء من بلايا الدنيا دعا به يفرج عنه؟ فقيل له: بلى، فقال: دعاء ذي النون: لا إله إلا أنت سبحانك أني كنت من الظالمين» الألباني، إسناده صحيح
When Yunus (alayhi salaam) released such powerful words, Allah’s Help arrived:
{So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers.} [al-Anbiyaa 21:88].
{فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ وَنَجَّيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْغَمِّ وَكَذَلِكَ نُنجِي الْمُؤْمِنِينَ} الأنبياء: 88
Transliteration: Faistajabna lahu wanajjaynahu mina alghammi wakathalika nunjee almumineena
Prophet Zakariyya (alayhi salaam)
The example of the Prophet of Allah, Zakariyya (alayhi salaam), in pleading and crying out to none but Allah (subhanahu wata’ala) is one of unfaltering faith and hope in Allah alone. His moving words, pleading, and begging his Lord move the hearts of those who recite them. His certainty in Allah’s response and expectation of good from Allah, despite what stood in his way as ‘obstacles’ to his need help eliminate feelings of despair in every troubled believer.
{(This is) a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His slave Zakariya (Zachariah). (2) When he called out his Lord (Allah) a call in secret, (3) Saying: "My Lord! Indeed my bones have grown feeble, and grey hair has spread on my head, And I have never been unblest in my invocation to You, O my Lord! (4) "And Verily! I fear my relatives after me, since my wife is barren. So give me from Yourself an heir, (5) "Who shall inherit me, and inherit (also) the posterity of Ya'qub (Jacob) (inheritance of the religious knowledge and Prophethood, not the wealth, etc.). And make him, my Lord, one with whom You are Well-pleased!".} [Maryam 19:2-6].
{ذِكْرُ رَحْمَتِ رَبِّكَ عَبْدَهُ زَكَرِيَّا ﴿٢﴾ إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُ نِدَاءً خَفِيًّا ﴿٣﴾ قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي وَهَنَ الْعَظْمُ مِنِّي وَاشْتَعَلَ الرَّأْسُ شَيْبًا وَلَمْ أَكُن بِدُعَائِكَ رَبِّ شَقِيًّا ﴿٤﴾ وَإِنِّي خِفْتُ الْمَوَالِيَ مِن وَرَائِي وَكَانَتِ امْرَأَتِي عَاقِرًا فَهَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ وَلِيًّا ﴿٥﴾ يَرِثُنِي وَيَرِثُ مِنْ آلِ يَعْقُوبَ ۖ وَاجْعَلْهُ رَبِّ رَضِيًّا} مريم: 2-6
Transliteration:Thikru rahmati rabbika AAabdahu zakariyya (2) Ith nada rabbahu nidaan khafiyyan (3) Qala rabbi innee wahana alAAathmu minnee waishtaAAala alrrasu shayban walam akun biduAAaika rabbi shaqiyyan (4) Wainnee khiftu almawaliya min waraee wakanati imraatee AAaqiran fahab lee min ladunka waliyyan (5)Yarithunee wayarithu min ali yaAAqooba waijAAalhu rabbi radiyyan
Standing in the way of receiving what he asked for are weak bones, old age, and a wife who is barren. In addition, he knows that his people are in need of prophets after him to pass on the message. His need is great and his relentless supplication strong. After complaining and describing his situation to One Who knows it better than himself, the gates were opened and his need was fulfilled:
{ (Allah said) "O Zakariya (Zachariah)! Verily, We give you the glad tidings of a son, His name will be Yahya (John). We have given that name to none before (him)."} [Maryam 19:7].
{يَا زَكَرِيَّا إِنَّا نُبَشِّرُكَ بِغُلَامٍ اسْمُهُ يَحْيَىٰ لَمْ نَجْعَل لَّهُ مِن قَبْلُ سَمِيًّاَ} مريم: 7
Transliteration: Ya zakariyya inna nubashshiruka bighulamin ismuhu yahya lam najAAal lahu min qablu samiyyan
Some of the scholars said: Be like a young child who wants something from his father, and when his father refuses, he sits at his feet crying to him.
Be the same if you ask your Lord, and if you don’t get it, sit and cry to Allah for it.
Prophet Ya’qub (alayhi salaam)
The bitter pain of losing one’s offspring, a beloved, most upright son, along with his younger brother, depicts the trial of Prophet Ya’qub. Long years shadowed in grief and sorrow pass. He shed tears until his sight is lost, but what is not lost is hope and complaint to his Creator. Reprimanded by family for being too hard on himself, he firmly responds with words that abridge the message of this piece:
{He said: "I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you know not.} [Yusuf 12:86].
{قَالَ إِنَّمَا أَشْكُو بَثِّي وَحُزْنِي إِلَى اللَّهِ وَأَعْلَمُ مِنَ اللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ} يوسف: 86
Transliteration: Qala innama ashkoo baththee wahuznee ila Allahi waaAAlamu mina Allahi ma la taAAlamoona
Indeed, he did not complain to them, for they were mere humans who grow tired of the complaint of their brethren. He called out to One Whose pleasure increases when He is asked of.
Prophet Ya’qub’s word ‘bathee’ in the ayah refers to his greatest and most severe type of grief, whose difficulty makes one unable to restrain himself from releasing it and complaining about it.
When he turned to Allah, Allah helped him and he was reunited with his sons in an honored state:
{Then, when they entered unto Yusuf (Joseph), he betook his parents to himself and said: "Enter Egypt, if Allah wills, in security." (99) And he raised his parents to the throne…} [Yusuf 12:99-100].
{فَلَمَّا دَخَلُوا عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ آوَىٰ إِلَيْهِ أَبَوَيْهِ وَقَالَ ادْخُلُوا مِصْرَ إِن شَاءَ اللَّـهُ آمِنِينَ ﴿٩٩﴾ وَرَفَعَ أَبَوَيْهِ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ...} يوسف: 99-100
Transliteration: Falamma dakhaloo AAala yoosufa awailayhi abawayhi waqala odkhuloo misra in shaa Allahuamineena (99) WarafaAAa abawayhi AAala alAAarshi
Prophet Yusuf (alayhi salaam)
The father was tested and patient and so was his son. Yusuf, son of Prophet Ya’qub (alayhema salaam), faced with trials from which true faith shone, enlightening us with many lessons.
He prayed to Allah in the dark well, the palace, and in the dreary prison. Every time, Allah helped him and saved him.
When he was enticed by the wife of Al-Azeez to tread the forbidden, he turned to Allah praying:
{He said:"O my Lord! Prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. Unless You turn away their plot from me, I will feel inclined towards them and be one (of those who commit sin and deserve blame or those who do deeds) of the ignorants."} [Yusuf 12:33].
{قَالَ رَبِّ السِّجْنُ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا يَدْعُونَنِي إِلَيْهِ ۖ وَإِلَّا تَصْرِفْ عَنِّي كَيْدَهُنَّ أَصْبُ إِلَيْهِنَّ وَأَكُن مِّنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ} يوسف: 33
Transliteration: Qala rabbi alssijnu ahabbu ilayya mimma yadAAoonanee ilayhi wailla tasrif AAannee kaydahunna asbu ilayhinna waakun mina aljahileena
He was helpless, in need of aid. When he sought it from Allah, He rescued him:
{So his Lord answered his invocation and turned away from him their plot. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.} [Yusuf 12:34].
{فَاسْتَجَابَ لَهُ رَبُّهُ فَصَرَفَ عَنْهُ كَيْدَهُنَّ ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ} يوسف: 34
Transliteration: Faistajaba lahu rabbuhu fasarafa AAanhu kaydahunna innahu huwa alssameeAAu alAAaleemu
The one time, in his series of trials, that Yusuf (alayhi salaam) spoke in an attempt to seek the help of the creation, it was of no benefit to him. This occurred when he told his companion in prison to mention him to the king so that perhaps he would be relieved from the prison. He told him:
{ And he said to the one whom he knew to be saved: "Mention me to your lord (i.e. your king, so as to get me out of the prison)."}
{وَقَالَ لِلَّذِي ظَنَّ أَنَّهُ نَاجٍ مِّنْهُمَا اذْكُرْنِي عِندَ رَبِّكَ...}
Transliteration: Waqala lillathee thanna annahu najin minhuma othkurnee AAinda rabbika
But the desired result was not fulfilled as Allah (subhanahu wata’ala) tells us:
{But Shaitan (Satan) made him forget to mention it to his Lord [or Satan made [(Yusuf (Joseph)] to forget the remembrance of his Lord (Allah) as to ask for His Help, instead of others]. So [Yusuf (Joseph)] stayed in prison a few (more) years.} [Yusuf 12:42].
{فَأَنسَاهُ الشَّيْطَانُ ذِكْرَ رَبِّهِ فَلَبِثَ فِي السِّجْنِ بِضْعَ سِنِينَ} يوسف: 42
Transliteration: faansahu alshshaytanu thikra rabbihi falabitha fee alssijni bidAAa sineena
What was of true benefit was pleading to his Lord for His Help. In fact, Allah relieved Yusuf’s situation in a manner that no human could ever plan or even attempt to plan: a dream seen by the king and his insistence on having it interpreted. At this, Yusuf’s previous companion from the prison recalls Yusuf and his ability to interpret dreams. This was from Allah Alone.
Eventually, the good end was for him, as he left the prison honored, granted royalty. Not forgetting his Lord in times of ease, He again turned to Allah in praise, gratitude and supplication:
“My Lord, You have given me [something] of sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and earth, You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous.” [Yusuf 12:101].
{رَبِّ قَدْ آتَيْتَنِي مِنَ الْمُلْكِ وَعَلَّمْتَنِي مِن تَأْوِيلِ الْأَحَادِيثِ ۚفَاطِرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ أَنتَ وَلِيِّي فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ۖتَوَفَّنِي مُسْلِمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ} يوسف: 101
Transliteration: Rabbi qad ataytanee mina almulki waAAallamtanee min taweeli alahadeethi fatira alssamawati waalardi anta waliyyee fee alddunya waalakhirati tawaffanee musliman waalhiqnee bialssaliheena
Prophet Musa (alayhi salaam)
Musa (alayhi salaam), a strong prophet, also faced difficulty. But his strength did not prevent him from humbling himself to Allah, seeking His assistance.
Although he is an exhausted stranger, with no place of refuge, he maintains a high level of ihsaan. He helps the two women water their flocks, seeking no fee or reward of them. He does not complain to the other shepherds present of his situation. Rather, he sits in the shade, realizes his desperate state and complains to One:
{So he watered (their flocks) for them, then he turned back to shade, and said: "My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!"} [al-Qasas 28:24].
{فَسَقَىٰ لَهُمَا ثُمَّ تَوَلَّىٰ إِلَى الظِّلِّ فَقَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي لِمَا أَنزَلْتَ إِلَيَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَقِيرٌ} القصص: 24
Transliteration: Fasaqa lahuma thumma tawalla ilaalththilli faqala rabbi innee lima anzalta ilayya min khayrin faqeerun
His prayer, an attestation of weakness and reliance on Allah alone rightfully illustrates our need for Allah in every situation. The poor complain to the rich, and from the names of Allah is Al-Ghanniy (Rich, free of all needs), hence there is no shame in supplicating to Allah describing one’s distress.
When trials surround us and we begin to think of our need for the most fit person to ‘get us out’, we are really in need of a moment to reflect on Allah’s prophets and their turning to Allah in the most dire of moments. Most needed at such times is a pause to withhold our complaints, fears, and worries from the people and turn continuously to the One Above. As it is said, the more you knock, the door will eventually be opened for you.
{so seek your provision from Allah (Alone),} [al-‘Ankabut 29:17].
{فَابْتَغُوا عِندَ اللَّهِ الرِّزْقَ} العنكبوت: 17
Transliteration: faibtaghoo AAinda Allahi alrrizqa
Those who we sometimes run after hoping they would help us in some way are mere humans like us in weakness. In turning our affairs to Allah, not only will He help us sooner or later, but He will fill our hearts with peace and tranquility that no one around you can ever give you even an ounce of.
Allah tests His slave to hear him beseeching and invoking in complete humility and submission. It is true that Allah knows our complaints before we even speak of them, but He loves that we humble ourselves in front of Him. He Knows that it is better for us.
Allah (subhanahu wata’ala) described those who do not turn to Him saying,
And We had gripped them with suffering [as a warning], but they did not yield to their Lord, nor did they humbly supplicate, [and will continue thus] [al-Mu’minun 23:76].
{وَلَقَدْ أَخَذْنَاهُم بِالْعَذَابِ فَمَا اسْتَكَانُوا لِرَبِّهِمْ وَمَا يَتَضَرَّعُونَ} المؤمنون: 76
Transliteration: Walaqad akhathnahum bialAAathabi fama istakanoo lirabbihim wamayatadarraAAoona
As the prophets were the most tested, the Best of Creation was too. Prophet Muhammad (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) led a life that was difficult yet filled with the tranquility that comes with closeness to Allah and reliance upon Him. His complaints were great in matters of this deen, related to the whole ummah. His ultimate worry was the message with which he was sent.
His reaction in the many hardships he encountered was turning to Allah. How could he not when he was the teacher of the powerful words to Ibn Abbas (radhiAllahu anhu):
“Young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]:
Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask of Allah; if you seek help, seek help of Allah. Know that if the Nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.” [Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, authenticated by Al-Albani].
«يا غلام، إني أعلمك كلمات: احفظ الله يحفظك، احفظ الله تجده تجاهك، إذا سألت فاسأل الله، وإذا استعنت فاستعن بالله، واعلم أن الأمة لو اجتمعت على أن ينفعوك بشيء، لم ينفعوك إلا بشيء قد كتبه الله لك، وإن اجتمعوا على أن يضروك بشيء لم يضروك إلا بشيء قد كتبه الله عليك، رفعت الأقلام وجفت الصحف» رواه الترمذي، صححه الألباني
Be among the strong and withhold seeking your needs from the creation. But, in front of your Creator, subhanahu wata’ala, expose your weakness and release your complaints just like the Prophets.
Mariam E
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