Signs of Happiness and Misfortune

Some of the signs of happiness and success are that whenever the servant’s knowledge has been increased, he would be more humble and more merciful. Whenever he becomes more knowledgeable, he would fear Allaah more and be more cautious. Whenever he gets older, he would be less greedy. Whenever he becomes wealthier, he would be more generous. Whenever he becomes more important, he would be closer to the people and be more at their service.

The signs of misfortune are that whenever he becomes more knowledgeable, he would be more arrogant. Whenever, he performs more deeds, he would be more boastful, disdain people and have a very good opinion of himself. When he gets older, he would be greedier. Whenever he becomes wealthier, he would be stingier and whenever he becomes more important, he would be more conceited. These are trials from Allaah, the Almighty to try His servants, and according to these trials, some people become happy and others become miserable.

Source: al-Fawaa'id, p. 260 by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (may Allaah have mercy on him)