"For growing trees are strengthened if they withstand the storm"

The first time I discovered this poetry, I was 16 I think. There it was, in the corner of the readers’ column of an English newspaper, staring at me. 13 years later, it still gives me goose bumps every time I read it. The author is unknown, but whoever wrote this, I just want to thank him or her for the wonderful reminder, beautifully written, aptly told.

How very true it is that, rain or sunshine, happiness or sorrow, Allah SWT is the only one who knows what is best for each and everyone of us. MasyaAllah.

Allah knows what’s best for us
So why should we complain
We always want the sunshine
But He knows there must be rain

We always want the laughter
And the merriment of cheer
But our hearts will lose their tenderness
If we never shed a tear.

Allah tests us often
With suffering and with sorrow
He tests us not to punish us
But to help us meet tomorrow

For growing trees are strengthened
If they withstand the storm
And the sharp cut of the chisel
Gave the marble grace and form

Allah tests us often
And for every pain He gives to us
Provided we’re patient
Is followed by rich again

So whenever we feel that everything is going wrong
It is just Allah’s way
To make our spirit’s strong.
Image Source: WeHeartIt.com