him the reason for this, he replied: ‘Mu’tasim Billah is a descendant of Sayyiduna ‘Abbas رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ, the uncle of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. I feel ashamed in case it is announced on the Day of Judgement that ‘Ahmad         Bin Hanbal did not forgive the descendant of the uncle of the Holy Prophet  صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم’.’

Sayyiduna Fudayl Bin ‘Iyaad رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه has stated: ‘Imam Ahmad Bin Hanbal           رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه was imprisoned for a consecutive 28 months. During this period, he used to be lashed every night until he fainted. He was wounded with swords and trampled upon. But what can be said about his steadfastness! He remained steadfast despite facing an onslaught of calamities.’

‘Allamah Hafiz Bin Jawzi رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه has narrated from Muhammad Bin Isma’eel رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه: ‘Imam Ahmad Bin Hanbal رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه was lashed with 80 such whips that would have even made an elephant scream! But what can be said about the patience of the Imam!’ (Faizan-e-Sunnat, vol. 1, pp. 414-415)

It has been narrated: ‘When he رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه was whipped and was subject to cruelty and tyranny, he remained steadfast due to which, he became beloved to the people of the East and West. He رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه always remained respectful in the eyes of people, to the extent that when people would look at him, it was as if they were looking at a lion.’ (Ar-Raud-ul-Faaiq, pp. 221)

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                 صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

O devotees of the Awliya! You heard that the famous Muhaddis and Wali, Imam Ahmad Bin Hanbal رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه was inflicted with so much difficulties but he never cried about it, he never screamed or shouted, he never complained or grieved, he was never impatient and he was never unthankful. Rather, he remained patient and content, and remained happy upon the Will of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. He رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه knew that the calamities and tests befalling a person are not a means of difficulties, but rather, they are a means of mercy and privilege.

Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ intends goodness with a person afflicted with calamities. The sins of the person afflicted with calamities are forgiven. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ grants without count to the person facing a test. Good news of forgiveness from the court of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ is given to the person who hides his calamities.

Therefore, we should make this mind-set that no matter how many problems come our way, no matter how many tests we may come across, no matter how many calamities we face and no matter how many diseases surround us from all around, still we will not let a word of complain come on our tongues.