Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger." (Bukhari, 5719)

Beneficial and Comprehensive Principles Concerning Afflictions and Trials

Imam Ibn ul Qayyim al Jawziyyah

"The affair of the believer is amazing! The whole of his life is beneficial, and that is only in the case of the believer. When good times come to him, he is thankful and it is good for him, and when bad times befall him, he is patient and it is also good for him." [Saheeh Muslim #7138]

1. The evil that the believers are inflicted with is less than that which occurs to the disbelievers.

2. When the believers are inflicted with anything it should be accompanied with pleasure with Allah's decree and hoping for His reward. Hence, if they miss anything that they want, this should lead them to patience and hoping for reward and this will, without doubt, lessen the catastrophe.

3. The believer will be relieved of such hardship according to the amount of his obedience, purity and the existence of the realities of Faith in his heart to the point that if this hardship had occurred to another [who has not that amount of Faith], he would not be able to bear it. This is how Allah repels hardship from His believing slave.

4. If the love of Allah is firmly planted in the heart, then bearing the pain from the Beloved will be pleasureful for those who love Him and will not be something hated.

5. What the disbeliever and evildoer attain of power and strength is also accompanied with its opposite.

6. Allah afflicting His believing slave is like a kand of medicine that removes a disease. If that disease were to remain, it would destroy the person or lessen his reward.

7. Such occurrences are part of the necessary aspects of being a human.

8. In such ocurrences, Allah has a great and recognized wisdom.

9. Those afflictions and trials make it apparent who is the truthful person and who is the liar.

10. Humans by their nature are social creatures. They must mix with others. However, they have different natures and desires that may cause difficulties. The believer is obliged to fulfill his responsibilities concernig them and this makes the trial much easier.

11. The affliction that occurs to a person cannot but be from one of four types: Either it is with respect to his life, or with respect to his wealth, or with respect to his honor, or with respect to his family and those whom he loves from among mankind. These things affect all different peoples. Those who are not believing pious people are afflicted by much more than the believing pious person, as is witnessed.

Source: www.islaam.com

Abdul-Maalik al-Qaasim

All praise is due to Allaah, may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger (r), his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah as he should be feared, for fear of Allaah brings more blessings and prevents afflictions.

Dear Muslims! Allaah has foreordained the fate of all creatures, written down their impacts and deeds, portioned out between them their livelihood and wealth and created death and life that He may test them which of them is best in deed. Indeed, belief in Allaah's decree and preordainment is one of the pillars of faith. Nothing happens in this universe except by His will.

This life is full of misfortune and sorrow. It is destined to be a place of hardships and trouble. Trials and tribulations are as inevitable in this life as cold and heat. Allaah says,

"And certainly We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to those who are patient."(2:155)

Pre-destination is a test by which the truthful ones are distinguished from untruthful ones. Allaah says,

"Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, 'We believe,' and will not be tested." (29: 2)

The human soul does not become pure except through trials, and it is during tribulations that real men are known. Ibn Jawzee said, "Whoever wants to have everlasting peace and well-being with no affliction does not understand the meaning of Allaah's commandments, nor does he perceive the meaning of submission to Allaah. Every soul (either believing or disbelieving) shall inevitably taste suffering in this world, for this life is based on hardships. Man lives between comfort and suffering. Prophet Aadam, for instance, had the angels prostrated before him and yet was soon after expelled from paradise"

A believer is afflicted with trials in order to refine him, not to punish him.

He is tested in ease as well as in hardship. Allaah says,

"And We tried them with good (blessings) and evil (calamities) in order that they might turn (to Allaah's obedience)." (Al-A'raaf 7: 168).

Brothers in faith! Something undesireable may sometimes have a pleasant result, while something seemingly desirable may turn out to have an unpleasant and abominable result. Do not therefore feel that harmful things cannot come to you through hardship. Allaah says,

"...And it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allaah knows, and you do not know." (Al-Baqarah 2: 216).

Prepare yourself mentally for afflictions before they occur so as to make their occurrence light on you. Do not be worried because of tribulations, for they have their limits, and watch what you utter during your hard times for many a word has ruined its utterer. A resolute Muslim stands firm during hardships, his heart does not change and he does not complain. Console yourself whenever afflicted with a promise of reward from Allaah. Wise people show endurance whenever they are stricken with misfortune so as not to add to their misfortune the malicious joy of their enemies, for whenever your enemies know of your misfortune they are overjoyed.

Brothers in Islaam! Endeavour to keep your misfortunes and pains to yourself, for concealment of afflictions and pains are of the qualities of noble people. Be patient over afflictions, they will soon be removed from you. Those who perished only suffered that because of their impatience while the patient ones are being recompensed with good rewards. Allaah says,

"And those who are patient, we will certainly pay them a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do." (Al-Anaam 16:96).

The reward of the patient ones will be doubled for their patience and Allaah will be with them, remove their afflictions and make them victorious.

O afflicted one! Your Lord does not deny you what you want except what is better than that, He does not test you but for your well-being and He does not subject you to tribulations but to purify you. He tries His slaves with pleasure as he blesses them with calamity. Do not therefore waste your time thinking over what has already been guaranteed for you. As long as one is still alive his provision will no doubt come to him. Allaah ta'ala says,

"And no (moving) living creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allaah." (Hood 11:6).

Further, if Allaah - out of His wisdom - closes a door against you, He opens out of His mercy a door better for you than the closed one. It is by afflictions that righteous and understanding people are increased in rank and reward. Sa'ad bin Abee Waqqaas said: I said, "O Messenger of Allaah, who are the most afflicted of all people? He replied (r), "The Prophets, then the righteous people, then those who are nearest to them in perfection and those who are nearest to them. Man is tested according to his religiosity; if he is strong religiously, his test is increased and if he is weak in religion, his test is reduced And a believer will be tested until he walks on the earth sinless [i.e. his sins have been erased by series of afflictions that he endured.]" (Al-Bukhari)

Fellow Muslims! Prophet Aadam laboured along difficult paths beset with affliction; Prophet Ibraheem was thrown into a blazing fire; Ismaeel was laid down for slaughter; Yoonus was swallowed by a whale; Prophet Aayoob suffered from a severe illness; Yoosuf was sold for a pittance, thrown into a well and wrongfully jailed and Muhammed (r) suffered different kinds of injury. You also are in path of calamities moving, for the life does not give pleasure only to anyone. The Prophet (r) said, "If Allaah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials." (Al-Bukharee). Some people of knowledge said, "Whoever Allaah creates for paradise will be having trials and undesirable things."

Real trial, dear brothers, is the trial in one's religion and whatever trial besides that is regarded as well being, for it raises one in the rank and erases ones sins. Also all comforts that do not bring one closer to Allaah is a tribulation. Do not therefore grieve over what you miss in worldly materials, for worldly pleasure begets pain and disobedience. Aboo Dardaa said, "Of the insignificance of this world to Allaah is that He is not disobeyed except in it, while what is with Him cannot be obtained except by abstaining from it. Engage yourself in what will benefit you more. Keep away from what is in peoples' hands you will be the wealthiest of them; do not lose hope in Allaah's mercy lest you are disgraced; always remember Allaah's favour on you and drive away your distress by being pleased with Allaah's decree, for however long the night may be, it will be followed by the dawn. Supplicate to Allaah. He will give you relief and if you are patient Allaah will provide a way out for you. Ponder over the story of Prophet Ya'qoob who lost a son for a long period and yet did not lose hope of relief from the Almighty One, but rather said, "Maybe Allaah will bring them all (back) to me."

Dear brother! It is only Allaah who deserves all praise and is capable of attending to all complaints. It is only Him you must beseech to remove your misfortunes. Pray to Him during the night with submission and humbleness and request Him to make your affairs easy for you. He says,

"Is it not He who responds to the distressed one when he calls Him (better than your gods.)" (27: 62)

Put your trust in the Omnipotent Lord and take refuge with Him with a humble heart, He will open the doors of His mercy for you. Fudayl ben 'Iyaadh said, If you lose hope in all people and you do not ask anything from them, your Lord will give you all that you want." Whoever leaves his affairs to the hands of Allaah will achieve what he aspires: Always recite the prayer of Prophet Yoonus:

"None has the right to worshipped except You (O Allaah) Glorifed (and exalted) are You (above all that they associate with You) Truly I have been of the wrong doers." The 'Ulamaa said, "No one In distress recites this prayer except that Allaah gives him relief from his distress."

Ibn al-Qayyim said, "It has been tested that whoever says:

"Verily distress has seized me and You are the most merciful of all those who show mercy!" Seven times Allaah relieves him of his distress!

Put then yourself under the protection of Allaah, depend upon Him, submit your affairs to Him and ask Him for relief. Try to supplicate in the most appropriate periods like during prostration and the last hour of the night. Do not feel uneasy if your supplications have not yet been answered, and do not lose hopeof Allaah's mercy even though the period of your affliction may seem long, for relief is near, and continue to pray to Allaah. Also know that when Allaah afflicts you no one except Him is capable of removing that affliction for He does whatever He wills.

If your provision seems delayed, do a lot of istighfar, for misdeeds necessitate punishment; and if it does not seem that your supplications are having any impact, then examine yourself, for it may be that you have not been sincere in your repentance. Endeavour also, to give charity to the needy, for charity prevents and removes affliction. However, if your affliction is removed, give a lot of thanks and praise to your Lord and know that a false sense of safety is a big trial. Allaah says,

"Say: Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allaah has ordained for us. He is our Lord and Protector, and in Alaah let the believers put their trust." (At-Taubah 9: 51).

Dear Muslims! No condition is permanent. Fortunate is he who is always God-conscious. Fear Allaah in any condition you may find yourself. You can do nothing to prevent what has been destined to happen as you do nothing to attain what has not been pre-ordained. The ability to choose and control is with Allaah alone and His choice for His slave is better for him than his choice for himself.

Dawood bin Sulaymaan said, "Three things indicate the piety of a believer; his trust in Alaah in what he has not attained; his satisfaction with whatever he has attained and his patience over what he has missed."

A wise man was asked, "What is wealth?" He replied, "Fewness of one's mundane desires and one's contentment with what suffices him."

Shurayh said, "A slave will not be afflicted by a trial except that he finds three blessings therein,

(1) that the trial has nothing to do with his religion,
(2) that the trial was not bigger than it is, and
(3) that Allaah gives him patience to bear it."

Source: www.islamicawakening.com

Narrated Anas: The Prophet said, "The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity." (Bukhari, 1227)

by Muhammad Alshareef

Aasiyah, the wife of Fir'own, had eman in Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala that thrived under the shadow of someone who said, "I am your Lord, Most High!" When news reached Fir'own of his wife's eman, he beat her and commanded his guards to beat her. They took her out in the scalding noon heat, tied her hands and feet, and beat her perpetually. Who did she turn to? She turned to Allah! She prayed, "My lord, build for me a home with You in Paradise and save me from Fir'own and his deeds and save me from the transgressive people."

It was narrated that when she said this, the sky opened for her and she saw her home in Paradise and she smiled. The guards watched in astonishment as she was being tortured but yet smiling. Frustrated, Fir'own commanded a boulder to be brought and dropped on Aasiyah, to crush her to death. But Allah took her soul before the boulder was brought and she became an example for all the believing men and women until the end of time:

And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe – the wife of Fir'own – when she said, "My Lord, build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Fir'own and his deeds, and save me from the transgressive, disbelieving people” (At-Tahreem 66/11).

In the hadith of Jibraeel, when he came to the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam and asked him about Islam, eman, and ihsaan, the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said about eman:

"Eman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Final Day, and the divine decree – the good and the bad thereof."

Today I shall focus on the last article of eman – to believe in the divine decree, the good and the bad thereof.

As you and I travel though life, we find ourselves in one of two situations. Either something good is happening in our lives, in which case as Muslims our role is to thank Allah for the blessing, or something bad or something we dislike is happening to us, and our role then is to be patient. This is the formula for a happy life, a life cruising towards the pleasure of Allah. Sabr (patience) or shukr (gratitude), the worry stops here.

The Messenger of Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said:

"Strange is the affair of the mu'min (the believer). Verily, all his affairs are good for him. If something pleasing befalls him he thanks (Allah) and it becomes better for him. And if something harmful befalls him he is patient (saabir) and it becomes better for him. And this is only for the mu'min."

Ibn Al-Jowzee said, "If this dunya was not a station of tests it would not be filled with sicknesses and filth. If life were not about hardship, then the prophets and the pious would have lived the most comfortable of lives. Nay, Adam suffered test after test until he left the dunya. Nuh cried for 300 years. Ibrahim was thrown into a pit of fire and later told to slaughter his son. Ya'qub cried until he became blind. Musa challenged Fir'own and was tested by his people. Eesa had no provision except the morsels his disciples provided him with. And Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam met poverty with patience as his uncle, one of the most beloved relatives to him, was slain and mutilated and his people disbelieved in him ... and the list of prophets and the pious goes on and on."

What happens to us happens by the will of Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala. It is an article of our eman that we believe in qada' and qadr and that we are pleased with Allah’s choice. Good or seemingly bad, it is all the test of this dunya. How can we imagine that we shall not be tested when those who were better than us suffered what they suffered? They, however, came away with the pleasure of Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala.

Al Hasan ibn Arafah narrated that he visited Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal after he was whipped and tortured. He said to him, "O Abu Abdillah, you have reached the station of the Prophets!"

He said, "Keep quiet. Verily, I saw nothing more than people selling their deen and I saw scholars that were with me sell their faith. So I said to myself, 'Who am I, what am I? What am I going to say to Allah tomorrow when I stand in front of Him and He asks me, 'Did you sell your deen like the others did?'"

He continued, "So I looked at the whip and the sword and chose them. And I said, 'If I die, I shall return to Allah and say that I was told to say that one of Your Characteristics was something created but I did not. ' After that, it will be up to Him - either to punish me or be Merciful to me."

Al-Hasan ibn Arafah then asked, "Did you feel pain when they whipped you?"

He said, "Yes, I felt the pain up to 20 lashes then I lost all feeling (They whipped him over eighty times). After it was over I felt no pain and that day I prayed Dhuhr standing."

Al-Hasan ibn Arafah started weeping when he heard what had happened. Imam Ahmad questioned him, "Why are you crying? I did not lose my eman. After that why should I care if I lose my life?"

These people were better than us, but this was how they were tested.

There some facts about the tests of life, the good and the bad that befalls us:

1. Much of what befalls us is the direct result of our own sins. Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala says:

And whatever misfortune befalls you it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much (Ash-Shura 42/30).

Muhammad ibn Seereen used to say when his debts piled up and he felt sad, "I know that the cause of this sadness is a sin I committed over 40 years ago."

2. People understand that when something bad happens it is a test from Allah ‘azza wa jall. But dear brothers and sisters, the good things that happen to us are also a test. Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala says:

And we tested them with good (blessings) and evil (calamities) in order that they might turn back (Al-A’raf 7/168).

Abd alMalik ibn Ishaq said, "There is no one that is not tested with health and prosperity to measure how thankful he is."

And the Companion AbdurRahman ibn 'Awf radi Allahu anhu said, "We were tested with hardship and were patient. And then we were tested with prosperity and we were not patient. Because of this Allah states:

O ye who believe! Let not your wealth or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers (Al-Munafiqun 63/9).

3. Patience must happen from the beginning, not three days later or one day later, but rather at the first news of the calamity. The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, "Verily patience (is only sabr when practiced) at the first hit (of news)."

4. There are things that contradict sabr. Tearing ones shirt, for example, slapping ones face, slapping hands, shaving ones head, and cursing and wailing. Umm Salamah radi Allahu anha narrates that she heard the Messenger of Allah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam say:

"Any Muslim who says when a calamity befalls him that which Allah commanded him: ‘To Allah we belong and to him we return. O Allah reward me in this calamity and give me better then it’ - Allah will grant him better than (that which he lost)." (Muslim)

5. These tests and hardships wash away our sins. Aisha radi Allahu anha said, "Verily, fever sheds sins like a tree sheds leaves."

6. The hardships that befall us distinguish the believers from the insincere. Shumayt ibn Ajlaan said, "The pious and the ungrateful are hidden by health. Yet when calamities befall, the two men are separated (by how they react)."

Allah ‘azza wa jall says in the Quran:

Alif laam meem. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, "We believe," and will not be tested? Indeed We tested those who (lived) before them (Al-Ankaboot 29/1-3).

PART II: Towards Sabr

Ali radi Allahu anhu said, "Verily sabr is to eman what the head is to the body. When the head is cut off, the body falls. (He then raised his voice) Verily there is no eman for he who has no sabr (patience)."

There are three types of sabr that the Muslim must have:

1. Sabr in the obedience of Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala. For example, one must be patient and perform their Fajr salah at it's appointed time.

2. Sabr in not disobeying Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala. For example, someone might be upset at another person and think, "I just have to insult him." No, rather we are commanded by He who gave us our tongues not to follow the whispers of Shaytaan. We must have sabr in not disobeying Allah.

3. Sabr in what Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala decrees on us. For example, if our child was to pass away we should be patient and seek the reward of Allah in our patience and say only that which is pleasing to Allah.

There are two keys which, if we understand them, we shall open the door to sabr

In our lives:

The first key: know that our souls, families and wealth do not belong to us, they belong to Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala. He gave them to us as a loan to see what we would do with them. When he takes them back, He is taking back what belongs to Him. We had nothing before the blessing and we'll have nothing after it. We did not create the blessing from nothing, so how can we claim that it belongs to us?

The second key: We are on a journey and the destination is the Hereafter - Paradise or Hell. We shall be leaving the dunya behind us and we will return back to Allah by ourselves. This is what needs our focus. If Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala is pleased with us then no worry. If He is not pleased with us then all worry.

Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala revealed:

Guard strictly the (five obligatory) prayers, especially the middle salah and stand before Allah in obedience (Al-Baqarah 2/238).

The verses before this aayah deal with divorce. The verses after it deal with divorce. So why was this verse placed in the middle?

The ‘ulama have suggested, wa Allahu ta‘aala ‘alim, that in the hard times that a person goes through (especially in a divorce) he should not forget the remembrance of Allah, the salah. It is that salah, coupled with sabr, that will pull him through the difficulty.

O you who believe! Seek help in patience and salah. Truly, Allah is with those that are patient (Al-Baqarah 2/153).

In conclusion, Allah subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala gives the following good news:

And give good news to the patient who, when afflicted with calamity say, "Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return." They are those on whom the salawat (i.e. the blessing and forgiveness) of their Lord is upon them, and who shall receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones (Al-Baqarah 2/155-157).

Allah promises anyone who wants to work on his or her patience three things: forgiveness, mercy, and guidance. Who could ask for more?

Source: www.khutbah.com
Re-published with permission.

To read the previous part: Click Here 

The Degree of Patience

Allah says in the Qur'an:

"..And Allah loves those who are firm and steadfast." (3:146)

"And We will certainly bestow, on those who patiently persevere their reward according to the best of their actions." (16:96)

The Prophet (SAW) said: "A man will be tested according to the level of his religious commitment." (Ibn Majah)

Patience: It means restraining the soul from anger and panic, controlling the tongue from complaints. Show patience during hardship, calamities, etc.

Types of Togetherness of Allah

1. Generic: E.g. Sun and Moon is there where ever we go. Allah is with his knowledge with us where ever we are.
   
2. Specific: Only for believers. We are fully protected and shielded with Allah.

Allah says in the Quràn:

"Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives and the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere." (2:155)

Prophet (SAW) said: "The greatest reward comes from the greatest trial. When Allah loves people, He tests them, and whoever accepts it gains the pleasure of Allah and whoever complains earns His wrath." (Saheeh)

Narrated 'Aisha: (the wife of the Prophet) Allah's Apostle said, "No calamity befalls a Muslim but that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it, even though it were the prick he receives from a thorn."(Bukhari)

Three Kinds of Patience

1. Patience over Obedience (al-Ma`moor): Allah loves those who show patience over obedience.
   E.g. Leaving family (being patient) and attending a class.
    
   
2. Patience over Disobedience (al-Mahdoor): Showing patience by not doing sinful deeds when it can be easily done.
   E.g. Story of Prophet Yousuf (AS)
   
   
3. Patience over Calamities (al-Maqdoor): Prophet (SAW) said: "The read patience is at the first stroke of a calamity." (Bukhari)

Three Degrees of Patience

1. Patience from Allah (Billah): We can be patient only if Allah wills us to be patient. Allah grants patience only to those whom He loves.
   
   Allah says in the Quràn:
   
   "....your patience is not but from Allah." (16:127)
   
   
2. Patience for Allah (Lillah): This is a beautiful type of patience. We do not complain for any hardship bestowed upon us for the sake of Allah.
   
   
3. Patience with Allah (MaÀllah): We hear and obey to whatever Allah tells us.

Different groups of people when afflicted by calamity

1. Curse by tongue, actions.
2. Endure patience.
3. Pleased with the calamity.
4. Show thanks to Allah- Alhamdulillah

Narrated Anas: The Prophet said, "The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity." (Bukhari)

The Degrees of those who are Patient

1. Saabir: A person who has patience.
2. Mustabir: A person  who trains to have patience.
3. Mutassabir: The one who has difficulty in having patience.
4. Saboor and Sabbar: Those people who have lot of patience.

Categories of Patience

1. Obligatory Patience: Patience in abstaining and restraining oneself from haram deeds. Patience faced during calamities.
2. Encouraged Patience: Patience in abstaining oneself from deeds that are discouraged.
3. Forbidden Patience: E.g. Patience in abstaining from food till we die.
4. Permissible Patience: E.g. Attending Islamic Lectures leaving family behind.

Way to Acquire Sabr

1. Truthfulness with Allah.
2. Seeking reward from Allah.
3. Ponder on Allahs blessings.
4. Awaiting Allahs relief.
   
   Allah says in the Quràn:
   
   ``So verily, with the hardship, there is relief, Verily, with the hardship, there is relief (i.e. there is one hardship with tw reliefs, so one hardship cannot overcome two reliefs).`` (94: 5-6)

Rewards for those who are Patient

1. Allah loves those who are patient
   
   Allah says in the Quran:
   
   "O ye who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere." (2:153)
   
   
2. The togetherness of Allah is with those who are patient.
   
   
3. Allah rewards those who are patient without measure
   
   Allah says in the Quràn:
   
   "Those who patiently persevere will truly receive a reward without measure!" (39:10)
   
   To read the next part: Click Here

Are you a believer having faith in Allah and the Hereafter? Then prepare yourself for trials and tribulations with knowledge from the Qur’an and the Sunnah, for the believer’s heart and soul will for sure be put to test to check the level of faith and trust he/she has in Allah (swt).

We are all faced with calamities in life, whether it be financial, ill health, loss of a loved one. Whether we are believers or non believers, this is true. The difference between the two is that the believers will not lose hope or faith and will draw nearer to Allah T’ala in these moments.

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "The example of a believer is that of a fresh tender plant; from whatever direction the wind comes, it bends it, but when the wind becomes quiet, it becomes straight again. Similarly, a believer is afflicted with Calamities (but he remains patient till Allah removes his difficulties.) And an impious wicked person is like a pine tree which keeps hard and straight till Allah cuts (breaks) it down when He wishes." (Bukhari)

Our first important consideration is that nothing happens without the Will of Allah.

“No misfortune can happen on earth or in your souls but is recorded in a decree before We bring it into existence: that is truly easy for Allah: in order that ye may not despair over matters that pass you by … “ (57:22-23)

“No Calamity befalls, but with the Leave (i.e. decision and Qadar (Divine Preordainments)) of Allah, and whosoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart (to the true Faith with certainty, i.e. what has befallen him was already written for him by Allah from the Qadar (Divine Preordainments)), and Allah is the All-Knower of everything” (64:11)

Therefore, the believer should take relief and comfort from the fact that Allah (swt) is fully and intimately aware of his situations. Any harm or injustice that he has been subjected to by anyone, will not go without a consequence. Or if he is suffering from distress and difficulties, then his suffering is constantly being watched by One who is the Most Kind, the Most Merciful.

We should also be aware of the fact that…

Goodness is from Allah, Evil is from Ourselves

A believer must have firm conviction that any good that happens to us comes from Allah (swt) and any calamity that befalls us is the result of our own making:

“Whatever misfortune happens to you is because of the things your hands have wrought and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness.” (42:30)  

No affliction great or small afflicts a man but for a sin, but there are more which Allah forgives. (Tirmidhi)

Often in retrospect we can look back at some hardship we faced and realise that there was great wisdom and lessons learned from that experience. And that often the hard times are what makes us realise where we are going wrong and what we need to repent to Allah T’ala for. And we make corrections in ourselves and grow stronger in faith.

It is the Righteous Believers Who are Tested with Calamities

This world, the journey to the Hereafter, is but a test for us. If we pass our final abode is in Paradise, if we fail our abode is in the Hellfire. So this life is like our exam, and in this exam some of the questions will be tough. You don’t get a degree in a University sitting doing nothing, some hard work is required. And nothing is more rewardable than striving for something and getting it. So we must reflect on this and realise achieving Paradise will not be easy. It will come only with unshakable faith and trust in Allah (swt).

Allah, may He be glorified, says:

“Ye shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves” (3:186)

“Do men think that they will be left alone on saying “We believe” and that they will not be tested?” (29:2)

“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient. Who, when afflicted with calamity, say:“Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return. They are those on whom are blessings from their Lord and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.” (2: 155-157)

“Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, ‘When (will come) the Help of Allaah?’ Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allaah is near!”  [2:214]

Anas b. Malik reported: “The Paradise is surrounded by Hardships and the Hell-Fire is surrounded by temptations.”  (Muslim)

So to the believer the disasters that befall them come as no surprise and they spiritually embrace them as their test and Praise Allah, as he is deserving of Praise.

This doesn’t mean we don’t have a moment where we are emotional about the issue, we are human, but we don’t let this take us away, overwhelm us and drive us to behaviour that is unbecoming  a true believer. We hold fast to our Deen and draw ourselves closer to Allah T’ala and seek his assistance in all matters.

Trials are a Sign of Love By Allah

They should remember about the Companions of the Prophet  who were severely persecuted or even killed after becoming Muslim, an event that wipes out all past sins. Even the prophets of Allah, the best of all people who ever walked on the face of the earth, were persecuted by their community without exception. Was Joseph not thrown into a well, sold as a slave, and then thrown back into a prison? Did Job not face severest of trials one after another, and was eventually left out by all except his wife? In fact, the Qur’an tells us that many prophets were brutally killed by the unbelievers.

These examples should establish the fact that trials and tribulations are not a sign of Allah’s displeasure on someone. Quite the contrary, it is rather a sign of Allah’s love on someone. The Prophet (p) said:

“When Allah who is Great and Glorious loves people He afflicts them [with trials].” (Tirmidhi)

“Anyone for whom Allah intends good, He makes him suffer from some affliction” (Bukhari)

“When Allah intends good for His slave, He punishes him in this world, but when He intends an evil for His slave, He does not hasten to take him to task but calls him to account on the Day of Resurrection.” (Tirmidhi)

The punishment in the Hereafter is much severe – in fact unimaginable from our worldly perspective – than any affliction one can face in this world. Therefore, when Allah (swt) loves someone and intends for him or her to go to Paradise, He wipes out his sins and mistakes and rewards him highly by putting him to afflictions in this world.

“According to a saheeh hadeeth: “The greatest reward comes from the greatest trial. When Allaah loves people, He tests them, and whoever accepts it gains the pleasure of Allaah and whoever complains earns His wrath.” (Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)

For calamities to befall the believer is better than punishments being stored up for him in the Hereafter. How can it be otherwise when he is raised in status and his bad deeds are erased thereby?

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When Allaah wills good for His slave, He hastens his punishment in this world, and when He wills bad for His slave, He withholds his sins until he comes with them on the Day of Resurrection.”  (Tirmidhi)

Allah Never Gives a Trial That is Too Great to Bear

“Human beings are created weak” (4:28).

When a sudden calamity or distress befalls us, we easily become overwhelmed and often cry out, “O Allah! This is too much for me to bear!”

It never is. The believers should know it for fact that Allah (swt) never puts any burden on a soul that is beyond its ability to bear. Perhaps because we often lose sight of this fact that Allah (swt) mentions this in several places in the Qur’an:

“On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than it can bear.” (2:286)

“On no soul do We place a burden greater than it can bear: before Us is a record which clearly shows the truth: they will never be wronged”. (23:62)

“No burden do We place on any soul but that which it can bear.” (6:152)

“And those who believe and do good – We do not impose upon any of them a burden beyond his capacity.” (7:42)  

Therefore, no matter how difficult one’s situation is or how sever his sufferings, he should have absolutely no doubt in his mind he has the ability to deal with the trial. Allah (swt) is Just, and every affliction that He tests his faithful servant with, there is always two viable outcome for him: passing the test with success and thus earning Allah’s good pleasure, or failing it.

“ So verily, with the Hardship, there is relief”  (94:5)

The Stronger the Faith, the Harder the Test, and the Greater the Reward

Do you think that the Medical Board would instate a surgeon to the top ranks of surgery just like that, without severe tests to make sure they were competent??  What about the believer? 

Do men think that they will be left alone on saying “We believe” and that they will not be tested? We did test those before them and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false” (29:2-3)

Each believer, therefore, must expect to be tested. The stronger his faith, the harder will be the test, and the greater his reward will be if he remains patient having unshakable faith and trust in Allah (swt).

The Prophet (SAW) said: “The magnitude of the reward goes along with the magnitude of the affliction” (Tirmidhi)

“No calamity befalls a Muslim but that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it, even though it were the prick he receives from a thorn.” (Bukhari)

So we must be expecting to be tests, not seek to be tested or ask to be tested, but we should always expect that we will face trials and tribulations in this life.

Believers Must Always Be Prepared to Face Trials

The above discussions should make it clear that believers will be tried with calamities, afflictions, and distress, and these trials will continue to occur during their lifetime until they meet their Lord.

Sickness

'Aisha, one of his wives, said: “I never saw anybody suffering so much from sickness as Allah's Apostle.” (Bukhari)

For a believer, suffering from sickness is not just a reality but also a philosophy that comes with blessings. He knows that Allah (swt) in His mercy will expiate some of his sins if he remains patient through it.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “No Muslim is afflicted with harm because of sickness or some other inconvenience, but that Allah will remove his sins for him as a tree sheds its leaves.” (Bukhari)

Death of Beloved Ones

Imam Muslim narrates a hadith about a female Companion of the Prophet that is a paramount example of patience and faith. To reproduce the hadith briefly, her name was Umm Sulaim. One of her sons was very sick while her husband, Abu Talha, was away in business. The son eventually died, and she told her family members not to tell this to her husband when he returns until she breaks this to him herself. When Abu Talha returned, she presented the supper before him and he ate. She then beautified herself in the best way like she never did before.

After they had intercourse and Abu Talha was satisfied, she told him, “O Abu Talha! If some people borrow something from another family who then ask for that to be returned, should they refuse to give it back?”

He replied, “No”.

“Then”, she said, “hope reward for your son”.

Abu Talha immediately understood that their son was dead.

After burring his son in the morning, he went to the Prophet and told him the matter. The Prophet (p) said, “May Allah bless the night you spent together.” It turned out that she conceived that night. When the child was born, the Prophet (p) blessed him and named him “Abdullah”. Bukhari’s version of the hadith says that Abdullah had nine sons, each of whom memorized the entire Qur’an.

When a mother suffers the death of her child, there is no one in this world who can come close to feeling her grief and sorrow. And yet, this otherwise unknown Companion of the Prophet (p) remained patient with Allah as she correctly understood the philosophy of life and death.

Umm Salama, the wife of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him), reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: If any servant (of Allah) who suffers a Calamity says:" We belong to Allah and to Him shall we return; O Allah, reward me for my affliction and give me something better than it in exchange for it," ' Allah will give him reward for affliction, and would give him something better than it in exchange. She (Umm Salama) said: When Abu Salama died. I uttered (these very words) as I was commanded (to do) by the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). So Allah gave me better in exchange than him. i. e. (I was taken as the wife of) the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). (Muslim)

Loss of Wealth and Property

About such people who think that it is because of their talent or enterprise that they had become wealthy, Allah (swt) says:

“… When We bestow a favor upon him as from Ourselves he says, “This has been given to me because of a certain knowledge (I have)!” Nay, this is but a trial. But most of them understand not.”  (39:49)

Righteous believers, therefore, are always conscious about this true ownership of wealth and property that is at their disposal. Therefore, when a calamity befalls that results in the loss of that property or wealth, they do not break down but remind themselves with this: “This property and wealth belonged to Allah and He has taken it back”.

Suffering Wrong and Injustice

“We have made some of you as a trial for others: will ye have patience? For Allah is One Who sees (all things).” (25:20)

“ Truly the reward of the Hereafter will be greater if they only realize (this)! (They are) those who persevere in patience and put their trust on their Lord.” (16:41-42)

That is the ultimate comfort that a believer can have who has been wronged or oppressed by others. For there is a Judge higher than all other judges and an Authority above all other authorities. Unlike the judges in this world, this Judge never makes a mistake. For He is intimately aware of all things that occur and renders justice based on actual facts, and not on the presentation and performance of lawyers.

There is great reward in remembrance and worship of Allah T’ala in times of calamity.

It was narrated from Ma’qil ibn Yasaar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Worshipping at times of tribulation and confusion is like migrating to join me.” Narrated by Muslim

We should also check ourselves that we do not fall into the category of those ungrateful ones who forget Allah T’ala, as is described in the Quran:

“ Truly man was created very impatient: fretful when evil touches him, and niggardly when good reaches him.” (70:19-21)

Allah (swt) says:  “When trouble touches a man he cries unto Us (in all postures) lying down on his side or sitting or standing. But when We have solved his trouble he passes on his way as if he had never cried to Us for a trouble that touched him! Thus do the deeds of transgressors seem fair in their eyes!”  (10:12)  

This is the person who only remembers Allah in times of difficulty and forgets in times of ease. And the other:

About them, says Allah (swt):

“Among men is he who worships Allah, while remaining on the borderline; if any good befalls him, he is satisfied; but if a trial afflicts him, he utterly turns away. He will incur loss both of this world and the Hereafter. That indeed is a clear loss” (21:11)

This is a person who is pleased with Allah T’ala in good times but turns away in the difficult times, both of these types of people are those who will punished in the Hereafter for their disbelief and trust in Allah. We are a balanced people and we remember Allah in the good and bad times remaining steadfast in doing as he commanded and avoiding what he forbids.

For a believer in affliction, that is the ultimate success that awaits him.

Says Allah (swt):

“Verily, the Hereafter will be better for thee than the present.”  (93:4)  

And if you honestly consider your times of hardship you will see this is so true. And how much is the sense of relief when it is over?

Learning from the Example of Prophet Job

Those afflicted with calamities and distress should remember the story of Prophet Job (Qur’an calls him Aiyub). Ah! What a heart-melting story of pain and suffering, of patience and forbearance, of faith and gratitude, and ultimately of reward and success!

Prophet Job (p) was a very wealthy man having many animals, lands, slaves, and children. He was a very patient man and was never arrogant or selfish. He worshipped Allah and was always humble and grateful to him. From his riches, he would help the poor and the needy with food and clothes. He would buy slaves and set them free. When he helped people, he made them feel as if they are favoring him by accepting his gifts. Such a noble person was he that one day the angels were discussing about him and praising him as a model servant of Allah.

Satan overheard their comments and became annoyed. He tried to seduce him with evil thoughts and distract him from prayers and worshipping Allah. But Job was firm in his faith and did not let the whispers of Satan tempt him.

Failing in his attempts to seduce Job, Satan complained to Allah about Job saying that although he was continuously glorifying Allah, he was not doing so out of his sincerity but to satisfy Allah so that his wealth should not be taken away. It was all a show, all out of greed. “If You remove his wealth then You will find that his tongue will no longer mention Your name and his praying will stop.”

Allah told Satan that Job was one of His most sincere devotees, and to prove this to him, Allah allowed him to do whatever he and his helpers wished with Job's wealth. Happy with this authority, Satan gathered his helpers and set about destroying Job's cattle, servants, and farms until he was left with no possessions. He then appeared before Job in the guise of a wise old man and said to him:

“All your wealth is lost. Some people say that it is because you gave too much charity and that you are wasting your time with your continuous prayers to Allah. Others say that Allah has bought this upon you in order to please your enemies. If Allah had the capacity to prevent harm, then He would have protected your wealth.”

True to his belief, Job replied:

“What Allah has taken away from me belongs to Him. I was only its trustee for a while. He gives to whom He wills and withholds from whom He wills.”

With these words, Job went to prostration out of his humbleness and gratitude to Allah (swt).

Seeing this, Satan was frustrated. He again complained to Allah:

“I have stripped Job of all his possessions, but he still remains grateful to You. However, he is only hiding his disappointments, for he places great store by his many children. The real test of a parent is through his children. You will then see how Job will reject You.”

Allah granted Satan authority, but warned him that it would not reduce Job's faith in his Lord nor his patience.

Satan gathered his helpers and shook the foundation of the house in which Job's children were living and sent the building crashing, killing all of them. Then he went to Job disguised as a man who had come to sympathize with him. In a comforting tone he said to Job:

“The circumstances under which your children died were sad. Surely, your Lord is not rewarding you properly for all your prayers.”

Job, firm in his faith, replied:

“Allah sometimes gives and sometimes takes. He is sometimes pleased and sometimes displeased with our deeds. Whether a thing is beneficial or harmful to me, I will remain firm in my belief and remain thankful to my Creator.”

He then prostrated again to his Lord.

At this Satan was extremely vexed. He again called on Allah:

“O my Lord, Job's wealth is gone, his children are dead, but he is still healthy in body, and as long as he enjoys good health he will continue to worship You in the hope of regaining his wealth and producing more children. Grant me authority over his body so that I may weaken it. He will surely neglect worshipping You and thus become disobedient.”

Allah wanted to teach Satan a lesson that Job was a devoted servant of Him, and so He granted Satan his third request but placed a condition:

“I give you authority over his body but not over his soul, intellect, or heart, for in these places reside the knowledge of Me and My religion.”

Armed with this new authority, Satan began to take revenge on Job's body and filled it with disease until it was reduced to mere skin and bone, making him suffer severe pain. But through all the suffering Job remained strong in his faith, patiently bearing all the hardships without complaining. He did not despair, nor did he turn to others for help but remained hopeful of Allah's Mercy. Even close relatives and friends deserted him. Only his kind loving wife stayed with him who remained his sole companion and comforter through many years of his suffering.

In desperation, Satan went to Job's wife in the form of a man, and asked, “Where is your husband?”

She pointed to an almost lifeless form crumpled on the bed and said: “There he is, suspended between life and death.”

Satan reminded her of the days when Job had good health, wealth and children. Suddenly, the painful memory of yeas of hardship overcame her, and she burst into tears. She said to Job:

“How long are you going to bear this torture from our Lord? Are we to remain without wealth, children or friends forever? Why don't you call upon Allah to remove this suffering?”

Job sighed, and in a soft voice replied, “Satan must have whispered to you and made you dissatisfied. Tell me, how long did I enjoy good health and riches?”

She replied, “For eighty years.”

Then Job asked, “How long am I suffering like this?”

She said, “For seven years.”

Then Job told her, “In that case I am ashamed to call on my Lord to remove the hardship, for I have not suffered longer than the years of good health and plenty. It seems that your faith has weakened and you are dissatisfied with the fate of Allah. If I ever regain health, I swear I will punish you with a hundred strokes! From this day onward, I forbid myself to eat or drink anything from your hand. Leave me alone and let my Lord do with me as He pleases.”

Crying bitterly and with a heavy heart, she had no choice but to leave him and seek shelter elsewhere. In his helpless state, Job turned to Allah, not to complain but to seek His mercy:

“Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show Mercy”. (21:83)

What a man of patience, faith, and self-respect! Even in this miserable condition, he did not ask Allah to remove his affliction but merely stated that He is the Most Merciful of all who have mercy!

Can there be any trial more difficult and painful then what Job went through one after another? He lost all his wealth and property, all of his children were killed when the roof collapsed, his friends and people left him, and he suffered from a sever skin disorder for years. Yet, he did not complained to Allah nor was he dissatisfied with Him throughout these extremely difficult trials. The result of his patience and faith in Allah was this: he came out of all these trials with superb success. He asked for Allah’s Mercy, and rushing down it came:

“ So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost) and the like thereof along with them - as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us.” (21:84)

 Allah (swt) praised him in the Qur’an, saying:

“Truly We found him full of patience and constancy, how excellent in Our service! Ever did he turn (to Us)!” (38:44)

And He rewarded him with more than what he had:

“And We gave him (back) his people and doubled their number as a Grace from Ourselves and a thing for commemoration for all who have understanding.”  (38:43)

The verse above significantly ends with “for all who have understanding.” Indeed, for people of understanding, there are lessons to be learned from the example of Job, a mortal human being who left behind immortal lessons for patience, forbearance, and faith in Allah (swt) that will continue to inspire believers generations after generations.

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