The trials we face in this life, dear brothers and sisters, are not merely burdens to bear but signs of Allah's deep love for us. In the eyes of the Salaf, they saw the test as an opportunity to draw closer to their Lord, an indication of Allah's mercy. It was not the absence of trials that they feared, but the absence of Allah's attention and love.
Imam Ibn Qayyim (رحمه الله) beautifully said, "The one whom Allah loves, He tests. The test is a means to purify him, raise his ranks, and expiate his sins." Reflect for a moment, if you are tested, it may be because Allah desires to forgive you, to remind you of His presence, or to raise your station in Jannah.
Remember the words of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) when he said: "If Allah loves a servant, He tests him. And whoever is patient through the trial, Allah will give him a reward greater than what he has lost." (Tirmidhi)
The Salaf, may Allah be pleased with them, embraced this understanding fully. When Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (رحمه الله) was imprisoned and tortured, he did not see it as punishment but as a sign of Allah’s love and a means for his sins to be forgiven. When asked about his trial, he said, "I do not complain to anyone except my Lord."
Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) once said, “The trial that befalls me is my reminder, my reminder that I must return to my Lord in repentance.” He didn’t see hardship as a curse but as an opportunity for purification.
When the trials come, we must understand that they are opportunities for Allah to call us back from our heedlessness, to purify our hearts, to make us stronger in faith. They are a means to draw closer to Allah, purifying our souls, and keeping our hearts soft and focused on the ultimate goal: Jannah.
Reflect, dear brothers and sisters, on the fact that if you are being tested, it means Allah is giving you the chance to return to Him. He is giving you the chance to rid yourself of sins and rise to a higher rank with Him. This is a blessing, not a burden.
Let us not despair in the face of hardship. Let us be patient and seek Allah’s reward, remembering that every test is a step toward purification and closeness to our Creator.
May Allah make us of those who, through every trial, grow closer to Him, and find peace in His decree. Ameen.
Imam Ibn Qayyim (رحمه الله) beautifully said, "The one whom Allah loves, He tests. The test is a means to purify him, raise his ranks, and expiate his sins." Reflect for a moment, if you are tested, it may be because Allah desires to forgive you, to remind you of His presence, or to raise your station in Jannah.
Remember the words of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) when he said: "If Allah loves a servant, He tests him. And whoever is patient through the trial, Allah will give him a reward greater than what he has lost." (Tirmidhi)
The Salaf, may Allah be pleased with them, embraced this understanding fully. When Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (رحمه الله) was imprisoned and tortured, he did not see it as punishment but as a sign of Allah’s love and a means for his sins to be forgiven. When asked about his trial, he said, "I do not complain to anyone except my Lord."
Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) once said, “The trial that befalls me is my reminder, my reminder that I must return to my Lord in repentance.” He didn’t see hardship as a curse but as an opportunity for purification.
When the trials come, we must understand that they are opportunities for Allah to call us back from our heedlessness, to purify our hearts, to make us stronger in faith. They are a means to draw closer to Allah, purifying our souls, and keeping our hearts soft and focused on the ultimate goal: Jannah.
Reflect, dear brothers and sisters, on the fact that if you are being tested, it means Allah is giving you the chance to return to Him. He is giving you the chance to rid yourself of sins and rise to a higher rank with Him. This is a blessing, not a burden.
Let us not despair in the face of hardship. Let us be patient and seek Allah’s reward, remembering that every test is a step toward purification and closeness to our Creator.
May Allah make us of those who, through every trial, grow closer to Him, and find peace in His decree. Ameen.
