Hadhrat Dr Abdul Hayy Arifi (Rahimahullah) of Karachi, Pakistan has mentioned that in daily life there are one of four conditions that a person experiences :

1. Conditions that conform to a person’s liking and wishes
2. Conditions that are contrary to one’s wishes
3. Recalling the mistakes of the past and the losses incurred thereby
4. Fear of the challenges that lie ahead

Our response and approach to these 4 conditions should be as follows:

– When conditions are favourable and conforming one should express gratitude – Allahumma lakal Hamd walakashukr – this will preserve one’s goodness
– When conditions are adverse or unfavourable, recite Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon – this will bring the reward of patience and grant one the proximity of Allah Ta’ala
– When remembering the errors and losses of the past, say Astaghfirullah – past sins will be wiped away
– When fearing what is to come say, Allahumm inni auzu bika min jameeil fitan ma zahara minha wama batan – through this supplication the future will be protected.

From the wise discourses of Hadhrat Dr. Abdul Hayy Arifi (Rahimahullah)

(Translation by Moulana Muhammad Ameer Sahib of Durban)