Life is a Test

Allah, most High, has created life and death in order to test us as to who is best in action and deeds. This test is inevitable as Allah states:

“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, Who say, when afflicted with a calamity "To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return." Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy and it is those who are the [rightly] guided.” (2:155-157)

Tests are not something we ask for. We are encouraged to ask Allah for well-being (‘afiyah) in all matters. However, when we are faced with a situation/circumstance that Allah, The Ever wise, always has a wisdom behind it and grants us the opportunity for a wealth of blessings in those situations and tests. Some of which are the following:

1. To be reminded of our limited knowledge and recognize that Allah alone is all knowing:

…and no soul knows what will take place tomorrow… Verily with Allah is full knowledge and He is acquainted (with all things) (31:34)

2. To be reminded of the transitory/temporary life of this world

Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) says: “The Messenger of Allah ((sallalahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) placed his hands upon my shoulders and said: “Be in this world as a stranger or wayfarer. Ibn Umar would say: “When you see the evening then do not wait for the morning, and when you see the morning then do not wait to see the evening”. (Bukhari)

3. Forgiveness of sins:

The difficulty will continue to afflict the Believing man or woman in his/her self, child and wealth until they meet Allah and they have no sin (recorded in their account) (Tirmithi)

4. An Opportunity for reward and ones status to be increased:

“No Believer will be afflicted with the (slight) prick of a thorn or anything above it except through that (affliction) Allah will raise him a degree or forgive a sin.” (Muslim)

5. One is given the opportunity to repent:

“Whatever hardship befalls you is the result of your own deeds and Allah does pardon much.” (42:30)

6. Thankfulness:

For the test could have been more severe and for that a person should express gratitude.

We Ask Allah, most High for ‘afiyah (general well-being in everything), grant us steadfastness on Iman, reliance upon Him and thankfulness to Him. We also ask Allah Tala, the Protector, to keep our city, country and all safe. May Allah alleviate all forms of sufferings during these trying times.