Fath al-Rabbani

Benefits: … In this hadith, it is indicated that a believer should consider his soul as something borrowed on loan, keep it away from pleasures and desires, and regard it as the focal point of trials and calamities. He should also be certain that his soul was created for the Hereafter; in this way, trials will become much easier for him. As for the case of the hypocrite, the tests that befall him are few to begin with, so that there may be no reduction in his punishment in the Hereafter. For both the believer and the hypocrite, the sequence of trials continues like the winds, but the one who is affected by them and takes heed is only the believer. Whenever a calamity from Allah ta‘ala befalls him, he reviews his way of life to see whether he has committed any disobedience to Allah ta‘ala for which he is being punished. Every physical, mental, and financial trial brings him the message to turn towards Allah ta‘ala and not to distance himself from Him. He also exercises patience in every trial and fulfills its requirements according to Islamic rulings, and in this way his ranks are elevated. Just like a wheat plant develops flexibility within itself to save itself from destruction: when a strong wind blows, it bends more; when a light wind blows, it bends less; and when the wind ceases, it stands upright again. It continues this routine until it succeeds in bearing fruit and fulfills the farmer’s hope. But the hypocrite, like a tree with a strong trunk, is not affected by these trials; he cares neither for Allah ta‘ala’s blessings nor for His punishments. Until one day, suddenly, a great calamity comes that ends his life.

All at once it fell, and its roots were uprooted—
That tree which was never seen swaying in the storm.