I begin with the Name of Allaah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones).” Qur’an 2: 155
The very existence of man in this world is riddled with challenges. It is almost impossible for man to live his life without facing challenges either emotionally, financially, physically, psychologically or a combination of all. Man’s condition in this world is not always smooth rather it fluctuates between happiness and sadness, hardship and relief, good and evil, oppression and justice.
However, as it is with all responsibilities shouldered on man, Allaah has not burdened a soul beyond its capacity. Man barely exits a tough challenging situation and he is faced with a new curve ball until he meets his Lord. Qur’an in more than one place has reiterated the reality of the life of this world. But then what is Dunya (Arabic word for world)? It is from the root word dana’a (base, lowly, ignoble) and also Dunuw (imminent, close). Hence, the life of this world is blemished.
The verse referenced above is enough to provide a spiritual cushion for man against the tests and trials that come his way. In it, Allaah Exalted be He has established the fact that none will pass through the life of this world without facing certain tests and trials. Sometimes man is tested with bounty in the form of good health, wealth, affluence and some other times he is tested with sickness, poverty, deprivation and emotional crisis.
The troubles of the life of this world just confirm to humanity that since the world itself is temporary then the troubles are also for a moment, never to last forever for the believers. Allaah Exalted be he says: “Blessed be He in Whose Hand is the dominion; and He is Able to do all things. Who has created death and life that He may test you which of you is best in deed….” Qur’an 67: 1-2.Similarly, Allaah says in Qur’an 76: 2; “Verily, We have created man from Nutfah Amshaj (mixed fluid of man and woman), in order to try him…” So man is simply on a roller coaster of different tests throughout his existence on planet earth.
Examine everyman’s life and the realization will dawn that he is either blessed outwardly or troubled inwardly or he is blessed inwardly and troubled outwardly. Not even were the best of Allaah’s creations, the Prophets free from the troubles of life. Whatever trouble man is going through, he only needs to make a deal with the biography of the most beloved of Allaah, Muhammad (peace be upon him) and he will realize how insignificant his tests are compared to those of the most beloved of Allaah. He was tested like no one yet he had the most excellent life. What then was the secret?
The secret was kept in patience and the fear of Allaah as was indicated in the Verse of Suratul Baqarah, “…but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones). Who when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly, to Allaah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return” Since man cannot escape from the trials of life, what is best for him is to train himself to live as though he has no troubles and this can be achieved by depending absolutely on Allaah. None should ever allow the tests and trials of life push them into neglecting the duties required of them as Muslims. For each trouble that man faces in his life there is hidden blessings, which if he pays attention to, he will see how insignificant his troubles are compared to the blessings of Allaah, which he has bestowed upon him.
In conclusion, Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa said: “Many people, when they see evil or when the Muslim ummah (nation) goes through a lot of trouble, panic, lose hope and start complaining as people who are beset by calamities do. But this is forbidden; rather what is enjoined is to be patient, to put one’s trust in Allah, to be steadfast in adhering to the religion of Islam and to believe that Allah is with those who fear Him and those who do good, and that the best end is for those who fear Him; whatever befalls him is because of his sins, so he should be patient, for the promise of Allah is true; he should seek forgiveness for his sins and glorify and praise his Lord morning and evening.”
Allaah Exalted be He, did promise the believers a good life which also means the feeling of tranquility in all aspects of life when He says; “Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward (in the Hereafter) according to the best of what they used to do.” Qur’an 16: 97
Troubles never end they only differ and it was said that what cannot be cured must be endured. There is no cure against the troubles of life but there is patience and fear of Allaah to endure the challenges of life. Please do not be depressed, for Allaah is not unaware of the challenges you are facing.
