Understanding Trials and Tribulations
The trials that God subjects His servants to can often serve as a remedy for healing them from the afflictions that have infiltrated their lives and hearts, such as resentment, greed, and the sin of disobedience to parents or severing family ties, among others. In various instances, these trials are a means to elevate their status and test their faith, especially for righteous and sincere servants who diligently strive to attain God’s pleasure and closeness in both this world and the hereafter. Hence, it is evident that the prophets and messengers – peace be upon them – faced the most profound trials, and as such, they hold the highest ranks with God, as they exhibited patience and sought their rewards solely from Him.
The gentle guidance of Islamic law encourages afflicted Muslims to adopt a specific approach in order to alleviate their trials through divine intervention. This approach encompasses several actions aimed at mending one’s relationship with God, alongside practical measures that require reliance on Him, particularly if the nature of the trial warrants such actions. The following elaborates on these aspects.
Ways to Alleviate Trials
- Muslims experiencing trials should engage in self-reflection and thoroughly examine their lives. Should they find their existence tainted with sins and wrongdoings, they should embark on the path of repentance and remain mindful of God’s presence in all circumstances, especially during moments of solitude. If the heart is burdened with grudges and malice, it is crucial to purify and cleanse it, replacing such negative emotions with love and compassion. Complete adherence to God’s commandments, alongside a genuine avoidance of prohibitions, is essential, as is the restitution of rights to those wronged if the afflicted individual has wrongfully taken from others.
- Abundant engagement in good deeds that foster God’s pleasure is vital. Among these actions is assisting others – donating generously to the needy, displaying selflessness, and embodying the noble trait of altruism. Numerous religious texts affirm that acts of charity are among the best deeds through which one can gain God’s love. Beyond charity, engaging in respectful treatment of parents, maintaining family ties, offering prayers, and other virtuous actions are also significant.
- Increased seeking of forgiveness, remembrance of God, glorification, and sending blessings upon the Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – are encouraged. These acts fill the believer’s heart with faith, establishing a strong connection with God, and leading the tongue to constantly engage in remembrance, which in turn reflects positively on one’s life through blessings and goodness.
- Certain types of trials may necessitate the afflicted individual to pursue material remedies while maintaining the understanding that the ultimate alleviator of trials is God alone. For instance, if a trial manifests as a severe illness, one should seek all available means of treatment to achieve healing, such as consulting a physician, adhering to their advice, or undergoing surgery if necessary.