Glass is always half full
AsSalaamualaikum wa rahmatullah. I pray you are all doing well, Beithnillah.
For context, my perspective comes from working in healthcare where I cross paths with individuals who are stricken with ailments and diseases on a daily basis. It truly humbles you in a way that is sometimes hard to put into words -- you just have to experience it.
This past week I worked in a clinc that services patients with HIV and AIDS. SubhanAllah, there were so many people of all ages and each of them had a story as to how they ended up in that state.
It has made me even more greatful for my situation. Allah, with His infinite mercy, glory be unto Him, tested me with something lesser than He did others. How can I deny this favor?
Sharing this du'a Our beloved Messenger (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) taught us to say whenever we see an afflicted person
الْحَمْـدُ للهِ الّذي عافاني مِمّا ابْتَـلاكَ بِهِ، وَفَضَّلَـني عَلى كَثيـرٍ مِمَّنْ خَلَـقَ تَفْضـيلا
Alhamdu lillāhi ‘l-ladhī `āfānī mimmab-talāka bihi wa faḍḍalanī `alā kathīrin mimman khalaqa tafḍīlā.
Praise is to Allah Who has spared me what He has afflicted you with, and preferred me greatly above much of what He has created.
And this hadith...
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، وَأَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " انْظُرُوا إِلَى مَنْ هُوَ أَسْفَلَ مِنْكُمْ وَلاَ تَنْظُرُوا إِلَى مَنْ هُوَ فَوْقَكُمْ فَإِنَّهُ أَجْدَرُ أَنْ لاَ تَزْدَرُوا نِعْمَةَ اللَّهِ " . قَالَ أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ " عَلَيْكُمْ " .
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Look at those who are beneath you and do not look at those who are above you, for it is more suitable that you should not consider as less the blessing of Allah.”
Sunan Ibn Majah 4142