Page 58 - The School of Yusuf (as)
P. 58
THE SCHOOL OF YUSUF
In short, one of the most important benefits of having to endure
hardship and suffering is moral maturity. Others, on the other
hand, devoid of these qualities, cannot bear hardship, not even for
a cause they genuinely believe in. They are only concerned with
their needs and living a life of luxury, and cannot persevere to de-
fend what they believe in. They desert their cause at the first threat
to their well-being. For this reason, the ability to endure hardship is
a superior quality. However it must also be stated that it is never-
theless possible for those who have grown up in better circum-
stances to attain moral maturity by relying on conscience and
intellect. The examples given here are for the purpose of describing
common differences between people who grew up in poverty and
those who haven’t.
The hardships of the School of Yusuf are beneficial for the be-
liever in that they reinforce their good character and enhance their
level of maturity.
The Hardships Of The School of Yusuf Enhance
One’s Appreciation For What He Has
The School of Yusuf is a place where many difficulties can be
experienced at once. One is compelled for months, or even years, to
live within the same 4 walls, being able to see only certain people,
to endure harsh living conditions, such as cold or dampness, a poor
quality of food, sharing space with other criminals, murderers,
thieves and other unsavory characters, and general environment of
discomfort and ill-ease. In addition, a believer’s life can be com-
pounded by illness or financial problems, making it even more dif-
ficult to endure.
56