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 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 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.’ (Al-Raud-ul-Faaiq, pp. 221)

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                 صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Dear Islamic sisters! 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 عَزَّوَجَلَّintends 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 her 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. Rather, we will be patient and become engrossed in the imagination of the reward of patience such that we do not even feel the pain of the difficulties.

We also learn that Imam Ahmad Bin Hanbal رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه was also a great devotee of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. He forgave Mu’tasim Billah just because he was a descendent of the one who was related to the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, i.e. Sayyiduna ‘Abbas رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ, the uncle of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. Just ponder! The one who respects the descendant of the relative of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم so much, then how much devotion and love will he have for the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم himself?