Muslims will endure many trials throughout their lives. Allah Ta’ala tests us with hardship and also prosperity in order to validate the sincerity of our faith.
Allah Ta’ala says:
الَّذِي خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيَاةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفُورُ
It is He who Created death and life to test which of you are best in deed, for he is the Almighty, the Forgiving. (Surat al-Mulk 67:2)
In all cases, trials can be good for the true believer. If he is tested with prosperity, he should remain grateful and he will receive a reward. If he is tested with hardship, he should remain patient and he will receive a reward.
Suhaib radhiallahu anhu reported that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “Wonderful is the affair of the believer for there is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allah and thus there is good for him. If he is harmed, then he shows patience and thus there is good for him. (Sahih Muslim 2999)
There are many reasons why a Muslim is put to trial. Understanding these makes it that much easier to endure and overcome these trials.
Goodness
Trials can be a sign that Allah intends good for us, because through trials our sins are wiped out and we have the opportunity to perform good deeds.
Abu Huraira radhiallahu anhu reported that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “If Allah intends good for someone, then he afflicts him with trials.” (Sahih Bukhari 5321)
Love of Allah Ta’ala
Mahmud ibn Labeed radhiallahu anhu reported that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “If Allah loves a people, then he afflicts them with trials. Whoever is patient has the reward of patience, and whoever is impatient has the fault of impatience.” (Musnad Aḥmad 23122)
Wiping out Sins
Mus’ad ibn Sa’eed radhiallahu anhu reported that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “The servant will continue to be tried until he is left walking upon the earth without any sin.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2398)
Anas ibn Malik radhiallahu anhu reported that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “If Allah intends good for his servant, then he hastens the punishment for him in this world. If Allah intends evil for his servant, then he withholds punishment for his sins until he appears on the Day of Resurrection.”
In another narration, the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “Verily, with greater rewards come greater trials. Verily, when Allah loves a people he will test them. Whoever is pleased will be satisfied, and whoever is displeased will have resentment.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2396)
If the benefits are so great, should I wish for trials?
Despite the incidental blessings that might come about from trials, a Muslim should never wish to be put to trial because he does not know if he will succeed.
Miqdad ibn Al-Aswad radhiallahu anhu reported that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “Verily, the blessed person is one kept away from trials. Verily, the blessed person is one kept away from trials. Verily, the blessed person is one kept away from trials. How good is one who is afflicted but bears it patiently!” (Sunan Abu Dawood 4263)
Rather, Muslims should supplicate to Allah for security and well-being.
Abu Bakr radhiallahu anhu reported that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “You will not be given anything after sincere faith as good as security, so ask Allah for security.” (Musnad Aḥmad 11)
Likewise, a Muslim should never rush into potential trials.
Abu Huraira radhiallahu anhu reported that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “There will be tribulations during which a sitting person will be better than the one standing, and the one standing will be better than the one walking, and the one walking will be better than the one running, and whoever exposes himself to these tribulations will be destroyed, so whoever finds a place of protection or refuge should take shelter in it.” (Sahih Bukhari 5321)
Loss of a loved one
One of the greatest trials a Muslim might endure is the death of a loved one such as a spouse, a parent, or a child. If he remains patient and praises Allah Ta’ala in such a situation, then Allah Ta’ala has guaranteed a house for him in Paradise.
Abu Musa Al-Ashari radhiallahu anhu reported that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “When the child of a servant dies, Allah says to the angels: Have you taken the life of my servant’s child? They say yes. Allah says: Have you taken the fruit of his heart? They say yes. Allah says: What has my servant said? They say: He has praised you and said to Allah we belong and to Allah we return. Allah says: Build a house for my servant in Paradise and name it the House of Praise.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1021)
Abu Huraira radhiallahu anhu reported that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “Allah the Exalted says: I have nothing to give to my faithful servant, if I cause his dear friend to die and he remains patient, other than Paradise.” (Sahih Bukhari 6060)
Trial of prosperity
The trials of pain and loss are very difficult, but in some ways the trials of prosperity are even more difficult.
Abdur Rahman ibn Awf radhiallahu anhu said: “We were tested with hardship alongside the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and we were patient. Then we were tested with prosperity after that and we were not patient.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2464)
Ka’b ibn Iyad radhiallahu anhu reported that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “Verily, every nation has a trial and the trial of my nation is wealth.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2336)
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