Hazrat Thanwi رحمه الله has written the following insights into the wisdom underlying the state of Qabdh (a spiritual low – a state of intense grief, sorrow, worry, anxiety and stress) in some of his correspondences.
A student who was plagued by whisperings and Qabdh wrote a lengthy letter to Hazrat رحمه الله. Hazrat رحمه الله mentioned these insights towards the end of his reply, which has been titled: ‘Afflictions And Tests Are For The Chosen Ones’.
Hazrat رحمه الله wrote:
I now conclude this essay by mentioning some benefits and expediencies underlying whisperings, and some matters relating to the inclination of the seeker towards sin.
In this are such subtle manifestations of divine mercy, which will cause the one afflicted with trials to be consoled and spontaneously utter:
“Pay attention! The one afflicted with trials is not being wronged in the least bit, rather he is experiencing the subtle manifestations of divine mercy upon himself.”
1. Such a person can never be caught up at the time in vanity, because he despises his condition
2. Due to his restless state, he does not boast over his knowledge and good deeds.
He no longer relies upon his knowledge and good deeds because he has seen their reality (That they cannot benefit him without the will of Allah ﷻ)
3. After going through this state, one attains strength to combat Shaytan. Fear of Shaytan leaves one because one has now witnessed the maximum extent of his ability. What more can he do to one?
Without going through such experiences, people who are sensitive and delicate by nature tend to dread and fear (over the limit) the effects of every type of bad company.
I have explained before that the reason for a person fearing (over the limit) and dreading the harmful effects of bad company, seems to be due to his sensitive and delicate nature.
4. Without undergoing such experiences, if a person had to experience such a state suddenly whilst in the throes of death, then Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله Alone knows in what frame of mind he would have passed away. After experiencing this state during one’s life, the ability to endure and tolerate it is engendered within one.Thereafter even if one experiences such a state again at the time of death, one will not become overpowered by restlessness and bad thoughts about Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. One will surrender his soul peacefully in the love of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله.
5. Such a person will become well grounded in the reality of such states through which he will easily be able to guide and assist others who are afflicted with such states.
6. After coming out of this state, he will only visualize the mercy of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله upon him at every juncture. He will be grateful that an unworthy one such as himself is enjoying such wonderful bounties.
7. He witnesses and experiences first hand the reality behind the Hadith which states that forgiveness will be based purely on the mercy of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله and not upon the actions of the slave. (Many other Ahaadith convey a similar meaning).
When I mentioned to you that a very praiseworthy condition is going to be engendered within you, I was referring to the conglomeration of the above mentioned insights.
(Extracted from the introduction of Tarbiyatus-Saalik)
(Ashraf us Sawaanih Pg.268)