English Translation

Husayn ibn Muhammad narrated to us: Abu al-Malih narrated to us, from Muhammad ibn Khalid, from his father, from his grandfather — who had companionship with the Prophet — that he set out to visit a brother of his, having heard news of his illness. He said: He went in to him and said, "I have come to you as a visitor, one who inquires after your health, and a bearer of good news." He said, "How have you combined all this?" He said, "I set out intending to visit you, then news of your illness reached me, so it became a sick-visit as well; and I bring you good news of something I heard from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)." He said: "When a rank from Allah has already been decreed for a servant, one which he cannot reach through his deeds, Allah tries him in his body, or his wealth, or his child, then gives him patience, until He brings him to the rank that had already been decreed for him."