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Living in a world full of fitnah and constant hardships, we must never fail to remember that our existence on this earth is a means of us being tested. In numerous suras throughout the Quran, mankind is reminded that we are all to be tested through various means.

In sura Baqarah, it is stated, “Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere” (2:155).

Another clear indication of our test is in sura Kahf "That which is on earth We have made but as a glittering show for the earth, in order that We may test them--as to which of them are best in conduct" (18: 7).

The last example I will illustrate, is another one of the many ayat in the Quran that discuss the virtue of patience. In sura Muhammad, Allah reiterates that we will be tested: “And We shall try you until We test those among you who strive their utmost and persevere in patience; and We shall try your reported (mettle)” (47:31).

All of us may come to some point in our lives where we are sick and tired of the trials and tests we constantly face, and start to have negative impulses. We may face problems relating to finances, family, health or education and may feel that everything is going wrong for us. As believers, what is most important for us to remember is that whatever we are being put through is occurring in accordance with the Will of the Almighty. Instead of losing hope or being pessimistic, one must remember to exercise patience (sabr), and expect reward (ajr) for it if not in this world, in the hereafter.

Allah (swt) says in sura Baqarah “On no soul does Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:) “Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which You did lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us.  You are our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith” (2:286).

I would like to close with a verse from sura Hud which promises great reward to those who are patient in adversity, “Not so do those who show patience and constancy, and work righteousness; for them is forgiveness (of sins) and a great reward” (11:11).

The Quran is a treasure given to us by the Almighty that we often fail to discover. It is made for all people of all times, and is a guide that will take us through both high and low times. The ayat mentioned above are a few of the many in the Quran that are revealed on the issues of being tested and having patience. We need to constantly remind ourselves that our Creator, the Almighty, Allah (swt) loves and tests his creation. The harder our test, the stronger the faith is required…and having said that, we must remember that the stronger our faith, the harder our test will be. We may not always be able to see the check and balance system right away, but we must remember that the Allah (swt) does what is best and that as His creation, we must strive to be our best and live in accordance with the commands of the Almighty.
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Comments

Sadia <3

Mon, 24 May 2010 11:42:05 pm

Aisha this is beautiful and very useful for many of us so thank you <3

ps: you are awesome and keep writing <3

 

Mamuna

Tue, 25 May 2010 4:31:01 am

mashallah great job aisha! serves as a great reminder ... trust in Allah and be patient...
Jazakallah!

 



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