Although some tests appear bad, they may contain hidden benefit and goodness. Similarly, some tests may appear good, but in fact they are bad. For example, it is often assumed that if Allah is pleased with a person, He blesses them with money, a spouse, or the ability to conceive children, but if He is angry with a person, He punishes them by leaving them single, barren or poverty-stricken. However, this is not always the case, as Allah only rewards or punishes a person according to their attitude or behavior in these given situations.
For example, Allah will only punish us if we miss-spend our wealth or abuse our spouse and children. Conversely, Allah will only reward us if we spend our wealth on charitable causes, and treat our spouse and children with kindness, and encourage them to behave in a more Islamic manner. Similarly, Allah will only reward us for tests of poverty or childlessness if we remain patient for His sake. In the following verses, Allah states that He will provide and deprive us of wealth, a spouse or children, to test us in faith:
'Your wealth and your children are only a trial, whereas Allah! With Him is a great reward (Paradise).' [70. Surah at-Taghabun 64:15]
'...and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.' [71. Surah al-Baqarah 2:216]
'...He creates what He wills. He bestows children, male and female according to His will. Or he bestows both males and females, and He renders barren that that He wills. Verily He is the All-Knower and is Able to do all things.' [72. Surah Ash-Shura 42:49-50]
'And We sent no prophet unto any town (and they denied him), but We seized its people with suffering from extreme poverty (or loss in wealth) and loss of health and calamities, so that they might humiliate themselves (and repent to Allah).' [73. Surah al-A'raf 7:94]
These tests will now be discussed separately in more detail.
Overcoming Trials and Tribulations
By: Ruqaiyah Abdullah
For example, Allah will only punish us if we miss-spend our wealth or abuse our spouse and children. Conversely, Allah will only reward us if we spend our wealth on charitable causes, and treat our spouse and children with kindness, and encourage them to behave in a more Islamic manner. Similarly, Allah will only reward us for tests of poverty or childlessness if we remain patient for His sake. In the following verses, Allah states that He will provide and deprive us of wealth, a spouse or children, to test us in faith:
'Your wealth and your children are only a trial, whereas Allah! With Him is a great reward (Paradise).' [70. Surah at-Taghabun 64:15]
'...and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.' [71. Surah al-Baqarah 2:216]
'...He creates what He wills. He bestows children, male and female according to His will. Or he bestows both males and females, and He renders barren that that He wills. Verily He is the All-Knower and is Able to do all things.' [72. Surah Ash-Shura 42:49-50]
'And We sent no prophet unto any town (and they denied him), but We seized its people with suffering from extreme poverty (or loss in wealth) and loss of health and calamities, so that they might humiliate themselves (and repent to Allah).' [73. Surah al-A'raf 7:94]
These tests will now be discussed separately in more detail.
Overcoming Trials and Tribulations
By: Ruqaiyah Abdullah
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