Reading time: 2 minutes

We all encounter moments in life that challenge our understanding of what is good and bad.

But how often do we recognize that everything—whether perceived as fortune or misfortune—is part of Allah’s divine plan for us?

An old parable beautifully illustrates this truth.

In a small village, there lived a wise man who never wavered, no matter the circumstances.

While the villagers saw life in terms of good and bad, fortune and misfortune, the old man’s perspective was different.

When his only horse ran away, the villagers lamented, saying, “How will you plow your fields and travel now?”

But the man simply replied, “This might be good, and this might be bad.”

Days later, when the horse returned with a herd of wild horses, the villagers celebrated his newfound wealth.

Yet again, the man calmly responded, “This might be good, and this might be bad.”

A few weeks later, the old man’s son broke his leg while trying to tame one of the wild horses.

The villagers quickly offered their sympathies, declaring the situation a tragedy.

But the old man’s response remained the same.

When the army came a month later to conscript young men for a brutal war, the old man’s son was spared because of his injury.

The villagers marveled at the turn of events, but once again, the old man replied, “This might be good, and this might be bad.”

As time passed, the young man’s leg healed, but he was left with a limp.

The villagers, ever quick to judge, pitied him, saying, “What a shame, this limp will hold him back in life.”

But the old man’s response was unchanged.

Then, a wealthy merchant passed through the village and took a liking to the young man.

Impressed by his perseverance despite his injury, the merchant offered him a job in his trading business.

The young man accepted, and over time, he rose through the ranks, becoming wealthier than anyone in the village could have imagined.

Astonished by this turn of events, the villagers exclaimed, “How fortunate! His misfortune turned into the greatest blessing.”

But the old man, with the same calm demeanor, responded, “This might be good, and this might be bad.”

Life’s events are never as simple as they seem.

What we perceive as good fortune can bring challenges, and what we see as misfortune may carry hidden blessings.

Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know. (Qur'an 2:216)

As believers, we understand that our lives are shaped by the wisdom of the Best of Planners.

Allah’s plan for us is far greater and more intricate than anything we could imagine.

Each step we take is part of the perfection He is molding within us.

In our lives, we may face challenging or even disastrous situations. '

But if we remain steadfast, like the old man, we are not merely reacting to life’s events—we are growing through them.

So, the next time life takes an unexpected turn, remember the old man’s wisdom: “This might be good, and this might be bad.”

Whether in ease or difficulty, let’s strive to respond with gratitude, patience, and unwavering faith in the One who knows what’s best for us.

May Allah grant us the wisdom to see His hand in every aspect of our lives and the patience to trust His perfect plan.