Aslam

The Prophet once asked a man: How are you? He replied: I am well. The Prophet asked him the same question and he replied the same with addition: I praise God and I am grateful to Him. The Prophet said: I wanted to have this reply from you. The pious man of yore asked the same question to have the third reply. Whenever a person is asked about his condition, he either expresses gratefulness or tells him his sorrows and difficulties or remains silent. In case of gratefulness there are rewards, in case of sorrows and difficulties, there are sins on the part of the pious.
Why will it not be sin when complaint is made against God's actions? When a man cannot remain patient in dangers and difficulties, let him tell it to God as He only gives troubles and removes them. God says: Those who are worshipped besides God are not the master of your provisions. So seek provision from God, worship Him and be grateful to Him. God says: Those whom you worship besides God are servants like you.

MODES OF GRATEFULNESS IN DUTIES TOWARDS GOD:

There are two causes for which gratefulness to God is not similar to gratefulness to men. The first cause is that God is above all wants, while men are in wants. God is free from name, fame, prayers and prostrations. The second cause is that man has got freedom of will by which he does everything and that freedom is a gift from God. The Prophet Moses said: O Lord, how can I

Vol-IV THE BOOK OF CONSTRUCTIVE VIRTUES 81