Tears that Lead to Paradise

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

There is a kind of sadness that leads to joy; it’s the sadness of those who seek Allah. The tears that come contain within them both a consciousness of the pain of sadness as well as a profound gratitude that that’s not all there is.

وَإِذَا سَمِعُوا مَا أُنزِلَ إِلَى الرَّ‌سُولِ تَرَ‌ىٰ أَعْيُنَهُمْ تَفِيضُ مِنَ الدَّمْعِ مِمَّا عَرَ‌فُوا مِنَ الْحَقِّ ۖ يَقُولُونَ رَ‌بَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ ﴿٨٣

And when they hear what has been revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they have recognized of the truth. They say, "Our Lord, we have believed, so register us among the witnesses. (83) [Qur'an, Al-Ma'ida 5:83]

There is also a kind of sadness that comes from those filled with righteous zeal but who are somehow prevented from doing something good in the cause of Allah. This is another kind of hopeful sadness, because we can be sure that it will not be despised.

وَلَا عَلَى الَّذِينَ إِذَا مَا أَتَوْكَ لِتَحْمِلَهُمْ قُلْتَ لَا أَجِدُ مَا أَحْمِلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ تَوَلَّوا وَّأَعْيُنُهُمْ تَفِيضُ مِنَ الدَّمْعِ حَزَنًا أَلَّا يَجِدُوا مَا يُنفِقُونَ ﴿٩٢

Nor [is there blame] upon those who, when they came to you that you might give them mounts, you said, "I can find nothing for you to ride upon." They turned back while their eyes overflowed with tears out of grief that they could not find something to spend [for the cause of Allah]. (92) [Qur'an, At-Tawba 9:92]

Before you start condemning yourself or criticizing your depressed friends, take a moment to reflect. Allah is infinitely patient and kind, and His slaves must show a tenderness of heart to those who suffer inner pain. When someone is hurting they may not be ready to hear criticism. Instead, give them the hope of truth.

Remember the opening words of Surat Al-Asr, reminding yourself that despair is the natural condition of that part of humanity that refuses truth and patience:

وَالْعَصْرِ‌ ﴿١﴾ إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ‌ ﴿٢﴾ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ‌ ﴿٣

By time, (1) Indeed, mankind is in loss, (2) Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience. (3) [Qur'an, Al-'Asr 103:1-3]

The news is all good. Despite what the world has been telling us, we don’t need to waste any time wallowing in our own misery. If Allah advises you to leave your unrighteous despair behind, He will provide a way out for you. Rest assured, and be glad.

May Allah guide us on the straight path and grant us the highest Jannah. Ameen.

And Allah knows best and He alone grant success.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wassallam.

Wassalaam