Al-Basit
The Reliever


Have We not opened up thy heart,
and lifted from thee the burden that
had weighed so heavily on thy back?
And have We not raised thee high in dignity?
And, behold, with every hardship comes ease:
verily, with every hardship comes ease!
Hence, when thou art freed from distress,
remain steadfast, and unto thy Sustainer
turn with love.
Ash-Sharh 94, tr. Asad

Sometimes, in order to help, He makes us miserable;
but heartache for His sake brings happiness.
Laughter will come after tears.
Whoever foresees this is a servant blessed by God.
Wherever water flows, life flourishes:
wherever tears fall, Divine mercy is shown.
Rumi, Mathnawi I:817-820, tr. Helminski