Harsh Circumstances
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Question: Since the beginning of my life, I have been subjected to harsh circumstances and severe, recurring crises, which ultimately led me to a state of extreme chest tightness that constantly accompanies me. Although I try to overcome it as best I can, when I face certain disagreements, I find myself, without conscious intent, tearing my clothes. This happened recently, as it had happened twice before. Afterwards, I felt intense regret, sought refuge in Allah frequently, and called upon Allah for forgiveness, pardon, and healing from my condition. Since that incident, I have felt a constant state of fear and panic, especially since I am now approaching fifty years of age, and I ask Allah for a good ending. I therefore ask you to kindly shed light on this problem, the Islamic ruling on one who behaves in such a manner, and what I must do for peace of mind to return to me. May Allah reward you with the best reward.
Answer: As for the worries, annoyances, and sorrows that befall a person in this world, this is something that occurs by the divine decree and destiny of the servants as a test for them. So the believer must be patient and seek reward, and he must not panic or be dissatisfied, because nothing befalls him except that it is good for him. If he is struck with prosperity and he is grateful for it, it is good for him; and if he is struck with adversity and he is patient with it, it is good for him. So, by his faith, a believer does not do things that are inconsistent with the attributes of believers. Rather, he must be patient and seek reward from Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). Victory is with patience, and relief is near.
And who is there in this life who is free from distressing and unpleasant matters?
As for tearing the garment, this is absolutely not permissible, because it is from the deeds of the pre-Islamic age of ignorance.For among the deeds of the pre-Islamic age of ignorance: Tearing the chest and slapping the cheeks,The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Sunan Ibn Majah 1584Sahih (Darussalam) , or as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said.
So the Muslim must be patient and not do an action that expresses panic and dissatisfaction, nor say a word: that expresses dissatisfaction and panic regarding the divine decree and destiny of Allah. Rather, he must be patient and seek reward. What you did of tearing your garment several times is an error and forbidden, but you must repent to Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) and not return to such a thing, and Allah accepts the repentance of whoever repents.
Answer: As for the worries, annoyances, and sorrows that befall a person in this world, this is something that occurs by the divine decree and destiny of the servants as a test for them. So the believer must be patient and seek reward, and he must not panic or be dissatisfied, because nothing befalls him except that it is good for him. If he is struck with prosperity and he is grateful for it, it is good for him; and if he is struck with adversity and he is patient with it, it is good for him. So, by his faith, a believer does not do things that are inconsistent with the attributes of believers. Rather, he must be patient and seek reward from Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). Victory is with patience, and relief is near.
And who is there in this life who is free from distressing and unpleasant matters?
As for tearing the garment, this is absolutely not permissible, because it is from the deeds of the pre-Islamic age of ignorance.For among the deeds of the pre-Islamic age of ignorance: Tearing the chest and slapping the cheeks,The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
It was narrated from ‘Abdullah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “He is not one of us who tears his garments, strikes his cheeks, and cries with the cry of the Days of Ignorance.’”
ليس منا من شق الجيوب ودعى بدعوى الجاهليةSo the Muslim must be patient and not do an action that expresses panic and dissatisfaction, nor say a word: that expresses dissatisfaction and panic regarding the divine decree and destiny of Allah. Rather, he must be patient and seek reward. What you did of tearing your garment several times is an error and forbidden, but you must repent to Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) and not return to such a thing, and Allah accepts the repentance of whoever repents.