In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful
Muslims will endure many trials throughout their lives. Allah tests us with hardship and also prosperity in order to validate the sincerity of our faith.
Allah said:
“It is He who has created life and death 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 (R.A.) reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“Wondrous 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.”
[Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2999, Grade: Sahih]
Trials can be a sign that Allah intends good for us, because through trials our sins are expiated and we have the opportunity to perform good deeds.
Abu Huraira (RadiyAllahu Anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“If Allah intends good for someone then He afflicts him with trials.”
[Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5321, Grade: Sahih]
Mahmud ibn Labeed (R.A.) reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, 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.”
[Source: Musnad Aḥmad 23122, Grade: Sahih]
Mus’ad ibn Sa’eed (R.A.) reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“The Servant will continue to be tried until he is left walking upon the earth without any sin.”
[Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2398, Grade: Sahih]
Anas ibn Malik (R.A.) reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, 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 the punishment for his sins until he appears on the day of Resurrection.”
In another narration, the Prophet 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 indignation.”
[Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2396, Grade: Hasan]
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 (R.A.) reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, 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!”
[Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4263, Grade: Sahih]
Rather, Muslims should supplicate to Allah for security and well-being.
Abu Bakr (RadiyAllahu Anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“You will not be given anything after sincere faith as good as security, so ask Allah for security.”
[Source: Musnad Aḥmad 11, Grade: Sahih]
Likewise, a Muslim should never rush into trials whether among the Muslims or the non-Muslims.
Allah said:
“Our Lord, make us not a trial for the unbelievers and forgive us, our Lord. Verily, You are the Almighty, the Wise.”
(Surah al-Mumtahanah: 60:5)