As the title suggests, this blog will explore the wisdom behind the trials we encounter in life and it is not, by any means, a questioning of Allah’s decisions—Blessed and High is He—because Allah, the Almighty, has said:
لَا يُسْـَٔلُ عَمَّا يَفْعَلُ وَهُمْ يُسْـَٔلُونَ ٢٣
He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned.
Quran 21:23
Keeping this in mind, let’s reflect on the trials faced by our brothers and sisters in Islam in Palestine.
It has been over a year since the war in Palestine has started, which means it has been over a year that our brothers and sisters there have endured a great trial from Allah, the Most Wise. It is a trial just like Allah, Blessed and High is He, mentioned in Al Baqarah:
“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.”* (Quran 2:155)
They have shown the patience praised by Allah, and this resilience is a reminder to us all. Like them, we too encounter trials in life, each carrying wisdom and lessons from Allah, the Most Wise. In this blog, we’ll explore these wisdoms, in shaa Allah, to better understand the purpose behind the tests we face.
The Purpose of This Worldly Life
ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلْمَوْتَ وَٱلْحَيَوٰةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًۭا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٢
[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving –
Quran 67:2
This world is a test and understanding this fact helps us reframe difficulties as opportunities to strengthen our relationship with Allah, refine our character, and deepen our faith. This perspective gives meaning to every challenge we face, reminding us that our real success lies in passing this test with sincerity, humility, and reliance on Allah.
This test of life is not about who performs the most deeds but about the quality and sincerity behind them. It’s about showing resilience, patience, and trust in Allah’s plan, especially when life’s challenges seem overwhelming. And Allah, in His wisdom and mercy, does not leave us to face these tests without purpose or hope. He is Al-`Aleem (the All-Knowing), fully aware of our struggles and capable of helping us through them, and Al-Ghafoor (the Forgiving), ready to pardon our shortcomings when we turn back to Him.
A Means of Purification and Growth
عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ “ مَا يُصِيبُ الْمُسْلِمَ مِنْ نَصَبٍ وَلاَ وَصَبٍ وَلاَ هَمٍّ وَلاَ حُزْنٍ وَلاَ أَذًى وَلاَ غَمٍّ حَتَّى الشَّوْكَةِ يُشَاكُهَا، إِلاَّ كَفَّرَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ خَطَايَاهُ ”.
Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 5641
This hadith reminds us that every pain or hardship we endure is an opportunity for Allah, the Most Merciful, to cleanse us of our sins. By understanding trials as a form of spiritual purification, we can approach difficulties with patience, knowing that through these challenges, Allah, the Most Merciful, is purifying us from our mistakes and shortcomings.
These trials serve as a means to purify our hearts and actions. Through difficulties, Allah removes impurities from our character, helping us grow in both spirituality and morality. When we face hardships, we are reminded to turn back to Him, to seek His help, and to renew our intention to rely solely on Him. This process strengthens our faith, clears our heart of attachments that may lead us away from Allah, and builds within us a stronger, more refined character.
To Differentiate the True Believers
أَحَسِبَ ٱلنَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوٓا۟ أَن يَقُولُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ ٢
وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ ۖ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا۟ وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ ٱلْكَـٰذِبِينَ ٣
Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe” and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allāh will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.
Quran 29:2-3
The tests and trials we face in this world are a means for Allah to distinguish between the true believers and those who only claim belief without fully embodying it.
Allah, who is Pure and Good, accepts only that which is pure. Therefore, He tests His servants with challenges to reveal who truly believes and is loyal to their faith. Through such tests, the sincerity of the believer becomes clear, setting them apart from those who may only appear to believe. In Allah’s wisdom, trials bring about purification and strength, preparing believers for the success and victory that lie beyond the hardship. These trials separate the good from the evil, the believer from the disbeliever, allowing each person’s true nature to emerge.
To Summarize
The trials we face in this life serve profound purposes: they remind us of the temporary nature of this world, they help purify us from sins, and make clear those who are true in their faith from those who are not. Understanding these reasons can change the way we view hardships from feelings of despair into opportunities for personal growth, a stronger imaan, and greater relationship with Allah.
As we reflect on our own challenges, let us also remember our brothers and sisters facing severe trials in Gaza. Support them in this critical time by donating to the emergency aid for Gaza — together, we can help provide relief and stand by them in their struggle.
