LET'S NOT BLAME ANYONE FOR OUR MISFORTUNE

 

DAILY ISLAMIC REMINDER

Yaum al-Ithnayn | 10th day of Rabee-uthaani, 1448 AH | Monday, 21st September, 2026.

LET'S NOT BLAME ANYONE FOR OUR MISFORTUNE

BismilLah.

Islam teaches us to take responsibility for our actions and our situation without unnecessarily blaming others. Blaming others is often used as an excuse to avoid the self-reflection and necessary self-improvement that we need.

Abu Dharr, may ALLAH be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of ALLAH, peace and blessings be upon him, said that ALLAH the Exalted said:

يَا عِبَادِي إِنَّمَا هِيَ أَعْمَالُكُمْ أُحْصِيهَا لَكُمْ ثُمَّ أُوَفِّيكُمْ إِيَّاهَا فَمَنْ وَجَدَ خَيْرًا فَلْيَحْمَدْ اللَّهَ وَمَنْ وَجَدَ غَيْرَ ذَلِكَ فَلَا يَلُومَنَّ إِلَّا نَفْسَهُ

“O My servants, it is only your deeds that I record for you and then recompense you for. So, whoever finds good, let him praise ALLAH; and whoever finds other than that, let him blame no one but himself.”

Sahih Muslim 2577.

Ibn Rajab, may ALLAH have mercy upon him, comments on this tradition, saying:

وَيَكُونُ مَأْمُورًا بِلَوْمِ نَفْسِهِ عَلَى مَا فَعَلَتْ مِنَ الذُّنُوبِ الَّتِي وَجَدَ عَاقِبَتَهَا فِي الدُّنْيَا

“The believer has been commanded to blame himself for the sins he committed for which he experiences their consequences in this world.”

Jami’ Al-Ulum wal-Hikam, 2/53.

Evil exists because of the choices people make. Whenever something bad happens to us, even when it apparently comes from others, we should remember that nothing happens except by the decree of ALLAH. It may be a trial, a consequence of our own actions, or a means through which ALLAH reminds us to return to Him.

ALLAH Azzawajal says:

ظَهَرَ الْفَسَادُ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِي النَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي عَمِلُوا لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

“Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by what the hands of people have earned, so HE may let them taste part of what they have done that perhaps they will return.”

Surat Ar-Rum 30:41.

And ALLAH says:

وَمَا أَصَابَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُو عَن كَثِيرٍ

“Whatever disaster strikes you is for what your hands have earned, yet HE pardons much.”

Surat Ash-Shura 42:30.

In fact, we must expect trials and prepare for them by strengthening our faith and developing the quality of patience. ALLAH Azzawajal has promised us that we will be tested.

ALLAH Azzawajal says:

أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوا أَن يَقُولُوا آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ

“Do people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe,’ and they will not be tested?”

Surat Al-Ankabut 29:2.

Therefore, the correct course of action is not to constantly blame others for the trials decreed by ALLAH Azzawajal, but rather to respond to trials with humility, patience, and self-reflection.

We should understand that trials can test our faith, teach us valuable lessons, expiate sins, and bring us back to the straight path. At the same time, we should not use this reminder to deny the wrongdoing of others or to excuse injustice. Rather, we should focus on what is within our control: correcting our own mistakes, seeking forgiveness, remaining patient, and responding to others in a manner pleasing to ALLAH.

Satan tempts us to respond to trials with arrogance, pride, anger, and complaints against others. Let us therefore guard our hearts and turn to ALLAH whenever we face hardship.

May ALLAH Azzawajal keep guiding us, protect us from satanic influences, forgive our sins, grant us patience during our trials, and make us among those who learn from their mistakes and always return to HIM.

Aameen.