Turning Loss into Spiritual Discovery

It often happens in this world that a person loses something or is struck by a calamity. At such moments, Islam teaches us not to rebel inwardly, but to willingly accept what has occurred as part of God’s decree. On every such occasion, the believer is taught to say:“We belong to God and to Him we shall return.”
(Qur’an 2:156)

God has created this world as a place of trial. Gaining and losing are both means through which human beings are tested. When a person receives something, he is expected to respond with gratitude. When something is taken away, he is expected to respond with patience. Only one who maintains gratitude in ease and patience in hardship can truly pass this test.

Life as a Continuous Test

In this world, no one can remain untouched by hardship. At times, one suffers hunger and thirst. At other times, a loved one passes away or wealth is lost. These experiences are unavoidable, yet the believer is instructed to respond in the same way every time:

“We belong to God and to Him we shall return.”

These words are not mere consolation. They are a conscious acknowledgement of reality.

The Meaning of Inna Lillāh

By uttering these words, a person recognises his position as a servant before an all-powerful Creator. He is, in effect, saying:
“O God, You are the Giver. What You granted me was Yours, and if You have taken something back, You had every right to do so.”

To say Inna Lillāh is an act of worship. It represents surrender rather than complaint, acceptance rather than protest.

From Loss to Inner Growth

When loss is met with surrender, it is transformed. What could have been a source of bitterness becomes a source of spiritual insight. Complaining against fate only deepens pain, but acceptance opens the door to wisdom and inner peace.

An Acknowledgement of God’s Godhood

The phrase “We belong to God and to Him we shall return” is, in essence, a declaration of God’s sovereignty and a servant’s humility. It affirms that life, possession, and destiny are all in the hands of God.

Through this acknowledgement, loss ceases to be meaningless. It becomes a reminder of our true relationship with our Creator—and a step towards spiritual maturity.

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Source: Simple Wisdom
CPS International