“Patience and Gratitude”

There is  a story  of one Shaikh who was once sitting and teaching his students. He was also a very wealthy businessman and at the time he had a fleet of ships which contained all his merchandise. While he was teaching, someone came rushing up to him and whispered something in his ear. The Shaikh remained very still for some time and then finally said "Alhamdu lillah." He then continued with his lesson. Some time later the same man returned and again whispered something to the Shaikh. Again the Shaikh went quiet and then said "Alhamdu lillah." The students then enquired from him as to what had happened. He told them that the first time the man had come and informed him that there had been a storm at sea and the entire fleet, with all his wealth, had been destroyed. He had then examined his inner condition and found that the news had not affected him in the least and that was why he had said "Alhamdu lillah." The second time he had been informed that the fleet had actually managed to survive the storm and all his wealth was saved. He then again looked to his heart and found that this news had also not affected him which was why he had uttered "Alhamdu lillah." His condition at all times was the same and the affairs of the dunya were of no concern to him.