Q 15: What is the ruling on someone saying: "I wish last year could return" because last year was not as bad as the current in terms of witnessing afflictions and the death of loved ones. Is a person considered sinful for saying so?

A: It is Wajib (obligatory) on every Muslim to endure Divine Decree patiently when it involves a calamity such as the death of a loved one or relative or being afflicted by a plague etc. Accordingly, it is not permissible for a person to say: "I wish such and such did not happen." or: "I wish this year did not come." This is because the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: Cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose hope, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, do not say: "If I had not done that, such and such would not have happened," but say: "Allah did what He had ordained to do" for "if" opens the (way) for the work of Satan. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih (authentic) Book of Hadith). Besides, such sayings express being discontented with Divine Decree. (Part No. 25; Page No. 397)  Q 16: What is the Shar`y (Islamic legal) way of alleviating grief that befalls someone when one of their loved ones dies? A: It is the way that Allah (Exalted be He) mentions in the Glorious Qur'an in His statement: ...but give glad tidings to As-Sâbirûn (the patient). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return." They are those on whom are the Salawât (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones. Also, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: If any servant (of Allah) who suffers a calamity says: "We belong to Allah and to Him shall we return; O Allah, reward me for my affliction and give me something better than it in exchange for it," Allah will give him reward for affliction, and would give him something better than it in exchange. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.