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Understanding Trials in the Life of Faith
Trials are an essential part of walking the path of faith. For a new Muslim or someone trying to strengthen their īmān, it is important to know that hardship is not a sign that Allah has abandoned you. Rather, it is often a sign that Allah is dealing with you seriously, shaping you, purifying you, and drawing you closer to Him.
Allah tells us that life itself has been designed as a test.
“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.”
(Qur’an 67:2)
Knowing this changes how we see every difficulty. A believer learns to see trials not as pointless suffering, but as meaningful, purposeful moments that can raise their rank with Allah.
The Reality and Certainty of Tests
No one who believes in Allah and follows His guidance is promised an easy life on earth. Rather, they are promised help, mercy, and reward if they remain patient and faithful.
Allah makes it clear that tests are part of the journey of faith.
“Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be tested? But We have certainly tested those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful and He will surely make evident the liars.”
(Qur’an 29:2–3)
This means that once a person says “I believe,” Allah will show whether this statement is only on the tongue or is rooted in the heart. Tests expose what is hidden and make faith stronger and more pure.
The Prophet ﷺ said that the most tested people are the ones dearest to Allah.
He ﷺ said: “The people who are tested most severely are the prophets, then those nearest to them, then those nearest to them. A person is tested according to his level of religion. If his religion is firm, his test is increased, and if there is weakness in his religion, his test is lightened. Trials will continue to befall a person until they leave him walking on the earth without any sin.”
(Tirmidhī)
This hadith shows that tests are not proof of Allah’s hatred. Often, they are proof of His concern and love for the believer, because through them sins are erased and hearts are polished.
Different Types of Trials
Trials can appear in many forms. Sometimes they are clearly painful, sometimes they are subtle and even appear as blessings.
Allah mentions that tests can come both through hardship and ease.
“And We test you with evil and with good as trial, and to Us you will be returned.”
(Qur’an 21:35)
“Evil” here includes loss, sickness, poverty, fear, and sadness. “Good” includes health, wealth, status, and comfort. Both are tests, because both reveal who we are. Hardship shows our patience and trust. Comfort shows our gratitude and humility.
Allah also says:
“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, who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed