STAYING STRONG THROUGHTESTS

IS IT A MERCY OR A PUNISHMENT?

THE MESSENGER OF ALLĀH SAID:

"How wonderful the affair of the believer is! Indeed, all of his matters are good for him. This is for no one but the believer. If something good befalls him, he is grateful to Allāh, so it is good for him. And if something bad afflicts him, he bears patience, which is good for him."

Rasūlullāh ﷺ explains the manner in which a believer responds to the everchanging episodes of life; that aside from good conditions and happiness, we will indeed be tested with difficulty, and that whether we are in conditions of ease or hardship, the mu'min is to react in a manner pleasing to Allāh. This becomes easier when we realise that all situations are sent from Allāh, and is in the Hands of Allāh whilst understanding well, that none handles affairs better than He who knows all things. Allāh informs us, "Do people think that they will be left to say: “We believe,” and that they will not be tested?"

Tests are inevitable. Difficulties afflict both the sinners and the righteous. Sometimes it is a blessing and sometimes a punishment and it is a punishment and consequence of what we have committed. For a Mu’min, it will be a blessing and mercy if it causes him to turn towards Allāh Ta’ālā. If, during this difficulty, we are granted the ability to follow the Sunnah, increase in our love for Allāh, experience a special connection and feeling of closeness to Allāh and are pleased with Him, then it is a means of drawing one closer to Allāh and a blessing.

On the other hand, if, within a difficulty, we sense a darkness in our hearts, feel distanced and aloof from Allah Ta’ala, become angry with Him, and don't turn to Him in repentance, then this misfortune is a punishment caused by our evil deeds. However, bear in mind even if our condition is such that we have been put through tests as a punishment because Allah is angry with us, it is very easy to please Allāh again. Moulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar rahmatullah alaih explained, “Imagine if doctors had to invent such a balm that would immediately cure the severest of burns, not only providing immediate relief from the pain and the burning sensation, but leaving no evidence on the skin to suggest that the person had been burnt. Actually, upon application, the skin would become even better than it was before. A medicine of this nature has not, and in all likelihood, will never be formulated. However, Allāh has given us the Ummah— a medicine of this nature, and placed it in our spiritual ‘medicine chests’; it is the balm of taubah. After one has burnt himself by sinning and is suffering its excruciating effects, all he needs to do is make sincere taubah. He will be forgiven immediately and will return to a state even better than before. His sins will be wiped out and he will become beloved to Allāh. Even if one does not realise where he had faltered, the antibiotic of taubah will perform its function and remove the ‘bug’ or virus’." From a broader lense, regardless of whether it is a punishment or a blessing, we can view these tests as an opportunity whether major illness, financial distress, or other difficulties it is indeed anopportunity an opportunity by which we can earn forgiveness. If Allah gives us the tawfeeq to do this, then it matters not if the trial was a punishment, to begin with, it is in actual fact, a mercy in disguise. For if Allāh disliked us, He would not have afflicted us. Rather, He would have left us in heedlessness, on a path leading further away from Him. Instead, He sent a calamity that forced us to acknowledge our sins and negligence, allowing us to take heed and mend our relationship with our Khaaliq. Perhaps, we never would have turned back to Him, had we not been afflicted.

We can then find comfort and strength through fleeing back to Allah! And never away from Him. It is through trusting that Allāh intends good for us, even if the situation appears negative that we find the courage to do so.

Ponder; is this situation not then a mercy and blessing in disguise?

It is clear that man benefits totally from every sort of difficulty experienced. Take the example of one who is suffering from sorrow or is in desperate need calling upon Allāh in abject humility by crying and weeping. Can a person making dua to Allāh while in ease and comfort ever be equal to him? The calamity of the former draws him nearer to Allāh Ta’ālā and enables him to develop a strong bond with Him because grief inculcates feelings of humility in the heart. Allāh says, “Verily Allāh Tā'āla is with those who make sabr (patiently persevere).”

As reassurance, Allāh informs us in the Qur’ān of the unequalled wisdom through which He manages our lives. He says, “Many a time you dislike a thing while (in fact) it is good for you, and many a time you love a thing while it is evil for you. And Allah knows while you do not know.”

(Surah Baqarah v.16) because this line is

Never busy Always understands No hang up Will always listen