Testing Times

Regarding trials that we will be subjected to, Allah (‘azza wa jal; The Possessor of Complete Glory and Majesty) tell us in the Qur'an: "Or do you think that you shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Messenger and those of faith who were with him cried: 'When (will come) the help of Allah?' Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!” [Surah al-Baqarah 2:214]

And as a comfort, He (Subhana wa ta’aala; the Most Glorified the Most High) also reminds us: “For indeed, with hardship (will be) ease. Indeed with hardship (will be) ease.” [Surah ash-Sharh 94:5-6]

It was narrated from Mus’ab bin Sa’d that his father, Sa’d bin Abu Waqqas, said: “I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, which people are most severely tested?’ He said: ‘The Prophets, then the next best and the next best. A person is tested according to his religious commitment. If he is steadfast in his religious commitment, he will be tested more severely, and if he is frail in his religious commitment, his test will be according to his commitment. Trials will continue to afflict a person until they leave him walking on the earth with no sin on him.’” [Sunan Ibn Majah – Grade: Hasan]

Every test and adversity that we face in this world is a positive opportunity that Allah bestows on us to manifest our imaan (faith) and tawakkal (trust in Allah). It shows that our Lord and Creator is attentive towards us, which itself is an immeasurable blessing, and it is our chance to reciprocate this by reacting in the manner He has prescribed. It is said when the Sahaba (radiAllahu'anhuma; may Allah be pleased with them all) would not face any trials in their lives for a period, they would turn to Allah (Subhana wa ta’aala; the Most Glorified the Most High) in sadness and ask if He had forgotten them. While it is easy to get smothered and weighed down by the immediate challenges that trials pose, we should always bear in mind that the fact that Allah is testing us is a sign that we are close to Him, and our patience will be recompensed in a befitting manner according to His promise. Belief in this itself is enough to give any believer the strength to endure and persevere through any adversity he or she is faced with in sha Allah.

Dua of Nuh ('alayhis salaam; upon him be peace) to invoke Allah's help in Adversity: