As we enter flu season, it’s a reminder that we’re not really in control. Despite that, the believer always maintains a good opinion and adab with Allah in all circumstances.
It reminds me of the verse when Ibrahim (as) said about Allah:
الَّذِي خَلَقَنِي فَهُوَ يَهْدِينِ (*) وَالَّذِي هُوَ يُطْعِمُنِي وَيَسْقِينِ (*) وَإِذَا مَرِضْتُ فَهُوَ يَشْفِينِ
“’[The one] who created me, and it is He Who guides me; Who gives me food and drink and when I am ill, it is He Who cures me” (26:78-80)
The scholars mention a beautiful point. That Ibrahim (as) did *not* attribute illness to Allah out of good manners.
In the above verse he says creation, guidance, nourishment and cure from diseases is from Allah. But for illness he says, ‘When I get ill’ (وإذا مرضت), attributing it to himself.
Of course, nothing happens in this world except by the will of Allah. Illnesses and the like come under his universal will (الإرادة الكونية). Still out of adab, we find the Prophets (as) maintaining utmost character.
Again, Ayoub (as) who was struck with trials after trials. From them, being reduced to hanging flesh and bone (due to severe smallpox). Though his health deteriorated so much, when he called to Allah he said;
أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ
“[O my Lord] adversity has touched me, and you are the Most merciful of the merciful” (21:83)
Ibn ‘Aashour and others note that due to Ayoub’s (as) shyness in front of Allah, he played down his trials by saying he was just ‘touched’ by some tribulation. He doesn’t even directly ask to be cured, and whilst exhibiting exquisite manners, underscores Allah as the source and originator of pure mercy.
As indicated in a hadith of Bukhari, Allah is more merciful to you and I than our own mothers. So any illness or anything we go through, there’s a reason, a wisdom.
May Allah grant us beautiful patience through our trials.