The Four Precious Gifts from Allah and How They Can Be Taken Away

Introduction

Allah, in His infinite mercy, has blessed us with many gifts, but among them, four are particularly special. These gifts shape our character, guide our actions, and determine our success in this life and the Hereafter. However, just as these gifts are given, they can also be taken away—sometimes due to our own actions.

In this blog post, we will explore these four invaluable gifts and the four harmful traits that can strip them away.

The Four Gifts from Allah

1. Sense (Aqal) – The Gift of Reasoning

One of the greatest blessings from Allah is the ability to think and reason. With sense, a person can differentiate between right and wrong, make sound decisions, and navigate life wisely. A person with strong intellect is respected in society and can contribute positively to the world.

2. Religion (Deen) – The Gift of Faith

Deen (Islam) is the foundation of a believer’s life. It is a guide that leads us to righteousness, peace, and eternal success. Without Deen, a person is lost, regardless of how much wealth or knowledge they possess.

3. Shyness (Haya) – The Gift of Modesty

Haya (modesty or shyness) is a beautiful quality that keeps a person dignified and honorable. It prevents them from engaging in shameless acts and helps them maintain a high moral standard. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Haya (modesty) and Iman (faith) are inseparable; if one is lost, the other follows.”

4. Good Deeds (A’mal Salihah) – The Gift of Righteous Actions

A person’s good deeds define their worth in the sight of Allah. Every act of kindness, charity, and worship is a means of attaining Allah’s mercy and reward in the Hereafter. These deeds serve as our investment for Jannah.

The Four Things That Can Take These Gifts Away

While Allah has given us these four gifts, they are not guaranteed to remain with us. Our own negative behaviors can strip them away, leaving us deprived. Let’s explore what can take each of these gifts away.

1. Anger (Ghadab) – It Takes Away Your Sense

Anger is like a fire that burns a person’s wisdom. When someone becomes excessively angry, they lose their ability to think rationally. A wise person may act foolishly, say hurtful words, or even commit actions they later regret. The Prophet ﷺ advised us:

“Do not become angry, and Paradise will be yours.” (Tirmidhi)

Controlling anger is a sign of strength, and those who master it protect their sense and wisdom.

2. Envy (Hasad) – It Takes Away Your Deen

Envy is a disease of the heart that makes a person resentful of others’ blessings. Instead of being grateful for what they have, they focus on what others possess. The Prophet ﷺ warned:

“Beware of envy, for it eats up good deeds just as fire consumes wood.” (Abu Dawood)

A person filled with envy will not understand or practice their Deen properly, as their heart will always be in conflict, preventing them from attaining true peace.

3. Greed & Asking Too Much (Tama’ wa Su’al An-Nas) – It Takes Away Your Shyness

A person who constantly begs or expects too much from others loses their dignity. Instead of relying on Allah, they turn to people for every little need, making them shameless. Islam encourages self-reliance and contentment. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The upper hand (giver) is better than the lower hand (receiver).” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Shyness is a noble quality, and losing it leads to disgrace and a lack of self-respect.

4. Backbiting (Gheebah) – It Takes Away Your Good Deeds

Backbiting is speaking ill of someone in their absence. It is one of the most destructive sins because it not only harms others but also erases a person’s good deeds. The Prophet ﷺ compared backbiting to eating the flesh of one’s dead brother (Qur’an 49:12).

Imagine spending years doing good deeds, only for them to be transferred to those you spoke ill of on the Day of Judgment! Protect your tongue, and you will protect your rewards.

Final Thoughts

Allah has blessed us with wisdom, faith, modesty, and good deeds, but we must safeguard them from the dangers of anger, envy, greed, and backbiting. The key to preserving these gifts lies in self-control, gratitude, and sincerity.

May Allah grant us the ability to protect these blessings and guide us toward righteousness. Ameen.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you ever struggled with any of these harmful traits? Share your reflections in the comments below!