Bismillah.
I listened to Shaykh Yasir Qadih's khutbah on the following hadith:
Abu Hurayah reported that the Prophet (S) said, "A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, and there is good in both. Be eager to obtain that which benefits you, ask Allah's help, and don't be lazy. And if something happens to you (result was different that your plan/expected), then don't say, "If only I have done this, then such-and-such would have happened, but rather, say, Whatever Allah has willed has occurred, and whaterer He wants to He will do."
This hadith has many benefits and I will summarize Shaykh Yasir's points below.
Some commentary from the khutbah:
Strong believer (one who has stronger iman) is better than a weak believer (weaker believer). How do you know if you have strong iman? Look at your commitments to the deen, how often do you pray, how often do you stay away from evil.
People' faith differs, based on their inner and outward deeds. Allah loves the stronger believer. How does one know if ones' iman is strong? All you need to look at inner/outer deeds. Look at your commitment to islam and you will know how strong your iman is? How often do you pray? How often do you think about Allah?
Allah's loves also differs, based on our commitments. if you want Allah loves you, have strong iman.
How do you know if Allah loves us? In the Quran, Allah says he loves those who have taqwah, ones who have patience. Allah doesn't love who are extravagant, oppressors
.
How do you become a better mumim? Look at Allah what loves and follow them ,and avoid actions that Allah doesn't love.
Going to the next phrase in the hadith, "and in both is good." Both categories of believers have good in them. This illustrates the mercy of the prophet (S), that even when he is contrast two groups of believers, he points out a positive so that weak believer don't feel negative emotions. Prophet (S) gives us a methodology, that even in criticism, one should highlight the positive.
The next part of the hadith, "Be eager that which benefits you," serves as the basis of our actions. You need to have a resolve, determination, drive. Prophet (S) wants us to aim high for all matters of benefit, both in deen and in the dunya. It could be a successful business, medical school, or other aspirations. Wise person/true believer is always aiming for the best, wants that which is good.
Once you have made up your mind on your goal, "And Seek Allah's help,"
Before undertaking anything, make dua, asking for Allah swt's guidance. We need the realization that we need Allah's help for everything. We need to have the right frame of mind. Attitude of the believer is that you need Allah's help/decree And, then the hadith says, "don't be lazy", there is no substitute for hard work.
So, three necessary conditions for success
1. Right intention
2. Dua
3. Right action
And if something happens to you (result was different that your plan/expected), then don't say, "If only I have done this, then such-and-such would have happened, but rather, say, "Whatever Allah has willed has occurred, and whatever He wants to He will do."
Ultimate success is not necessarily guarenteed. You can do everything right, but it might not be decreed. Don't blame yourself, don't be depressed. This hadith contains profound Islamic psychological advise. Belief in Qadr fundamental part of faith. Accept Allah's decree and trust it. A believer is always optimistic. True believer can never be depressed over results as long as the three conditions for success are being followed.
Don't dwell on the past. This hadith teaches us to have a positive attitude, rely on Allah, and to be happy with the result.
