Trials are the Best Opportunity to Draw Closer to Allah.
To those who ask, “Why do all these things happen to me?” the sufficient and satisfying answer is: “Allah knows, and you do not know.” (Al-Qur’an 2:216)
Among the benefits of the trials that befall a person is that they soften his heart. For he is compelled to turn to Allah alone to remove the trial and to seek protection from it. Through this, he humbles himself, supplicates to Allah, and seeks complete refuge in Him.
The one who, when trial comes, does not seek Allah and does not pray to Him with humility—his heart has become hard. Moreover, Shaithan has made his arrogance appear attractive to him. So, the time draws near when Allah will seize him suddenly. Then he will be ruined and will lose all hope of recovery.
Allah says: “Why did they not humble themselves and supplicate when Our punishment came to them? But their hearts had hardened, and Shaithan had made attractive to them what they had been doing. Then, when they forgot what they had been reminded of, we opened for them the gates of all kinds of worldly comforts. While they were rejoicing in what they had been given, we seized them suddenly, and they were stricken with despair.” (Al-Qur’an 6:43–44)
Four Things that Distance a Person from Allah
Shaithan — The ego (Nafs) — Worldly life — People
- The way to seek protection from Shaithan: Seeking refuge with Allah.
- The way to subdue the ego (Nafs): Acting against its desires and controlling it.
- The remedy for attachment to the world: Letting go of excessive attachment to worldly life.
- The way to seek protection from the harms of people: Overlooking the evil deeds of the ignorant and keeping away from them.
Guard Allah (and His Commandments), and Allah will Protect You.
To the extent that a person guards Allah’s religion and preserves His commandments, Allah will protect him. Allah will protect his health, his wealth, and his family. More important than all of these is that Allah protects a person’s religion. For true success in this world and the Hereafter lies in a person remaining steadfast in his religion.
Sadaqah
Sadaqah is sufficient to attain Allah’s love and pleasure, protection from the Hellfire, healing from illness, blessings (Barakah) in wealth, and many other benefits.
