“In the Islamic tradition, tribulation (ibtilā’) is the guardian angel that keeps us from slipping into the heedlessness and fragmentariness of the world, which can rip apart our souls. If we have patience in tribulation and gratitude in blessing, we are vertically aligned with God. If, however, we fail to raise our eyes to the heavens and remain horizontally aligned with the world, then desperation inevitably overwhelms our understanding and leads us to the depths of despair.”

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

Source: https://renovatio.zaytuna.edu/article/suffering-as-surrender