Sources:
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir abridged by a group of scholars under the supervision of Shaykh Safiur Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri
- Riyad-us-Saliheen compiled by Al-Iman Abu Zakaria Yahya Bin Sharaf An Nawawi Ad-DimashqiCommentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
The purpose of this life:
“And I, Allah created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone)”, as stated in Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:56).
“Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us you will be returned.” Surah Al-Anbiya (21:35)
Meaning, ‘We shall test you, sometimes with difficulties and sometimes with ease, to see who will give thanks and who will be ungrateful, who will have patience and who will despair.’
We will be tested with times of prosperity, with health and sickness, with richness and poverty, with lawful and unlawful, obedience and sin, with guidance and misguidance.
And Allah says:
” Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?” Surah Al-Muminun (23:115)
The faithful believers praise Allah and deny that He does anything in jest and without purpose, saying, “Glory to You” who would not create anything without purpose.
“Our Lord! You have not created this without purpose.”
‘You did not create all this in jest and play. Rather, You created it in truth, so that You recompense those who do evil in kind, and reward those who do righteous deeds with what is better.’
Allah tells us that He created the heavens and the earth in truth, (i.e. with justice).
“Verily Allah enjoins (commands) Al-Adl (i.e. justice), the doing of good and giving to kith and kin, and He forbids Al-Fahsha (i.e. all indecent deeds, and evil and rebellion), Al-Munkar (i.e. all that is prohibited by Islamic Law) and Al-Baghy (i.e. all kinds of oppression). He instructs you that you may receive admonition (instruction).” Surah An-Nahl (16:90)
“And to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, that He may requite those who do evil with that which they have done, and reward those who do good, with what is best (i.e. Paradise).” Surah An-Najm (53:31)
He did not create all that in vain or for (mere) play:
Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) says:
“And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them without purpose! That is the consideration of those who disbelieve! Then woe to those who disbelieve from the Fire!” Surah Saad (38:27)
Allah tells us that He did not create the creatures in vain: He created them to worship Him Alone. Then He will gather them on the Day of Gathering and will reward the obedient and punish the disbelievers.
“And We created not the heaven and he earth and all that is in between them without purpose! That is the consideration of those who disbelieve.”
meaning: who do not think that the resurrection and the place of return will occur, but they think that there is nothing after this world.
“Then woe to those who disbelieve from the fire!”
means, woe to them on the Day when they will be resurrected
from the Fire that is prepared for them. Then Allah explains that because of His Justice and Wisdom, He does not treat the believers and the disbelievers equally.
Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) says:
“Shall We treat those who disbelieve and do righteous good deeds the same as those who cause mischief on the earth? Or shall We treat those who have Taqwa the same as the evildoers?” Surah Saad (38:28)
Meaning: ‘We shall not do that.’ They are not equal before Allah, and since this is the case, there must inevitably (certainly) be another realm in which those who obey Allah will be rewarded and the wicked will be punished. This teaching indicates to those of a sound mind and upright (honest and moral) nature that there must predictably be a resurrection and recompense. We see evildoers and criminals that are prospering and increasing in wealth, children and comfort, until they die in that state. At the same time, we see oppressed believers dying of grief and distress. So by the Wisdom of the All-Wise, All-Knowing, All-Just Who does not do even a speck of dust’s weight of injustice, there should be a time when the rights of the oppressed are restored with due justice. If this does not happen in this world, there must be another realm where recompense may be made and consolation may be found.
Allah did not create His Servants in vain
“Did you think that We had created you in play“, Surah Al-Mumineen: (23:115)
means, did you think that you were created in vain, with no purpose, with nothing required of you and no wisdom on Our part? Or it was said that “in play” meant to play and amuse yourselves, like the animals were created, who have no reward or punishment. No! You were created to worship Allah and carry out His commands.
“and that you would not be brought back to Us?”
means, that you would not be brought back to the Hereafter.
This is like the Ayah:
“Does man think that he will be left (neglected), without being punished or rewarded for the obligatory duties enjoined by his Lord (Allah) on him?” Surah Qiyamah (75:36)
“So Exalted be Allah, the True King“ Surah Al-Muminun (23:116)
means, sanctified be He above the idea that He should create anything in vain, for He is the True King Who is far above doing such a thing.
“Had We intended to take a pastime, We could surely have taken it from Us, if We were going to do (that).”
Ibn Abi Najaiih said, narrating from Mujahid:
“Had We intended to take a pastime, We could surely have taken it from Us,” meaning, ‘From Ourself’. Allah is saying: ‘We would not have created Paradise or Hell or death or the resurrection or the reckoning if We were going to do (that)’.
Man’s Attitude during times of Happiness and Hardship
Allah, the Exalted, informs about mankind and the blameworthy characteristics (acts that he is responsible for) that he possesses, except for those believing servants upon whom Allah has bestowed His Mercy. Allah explains that when any hardship befalls man, after he has experienced blessings, he is disheartened and he despairs of any good in the future. He denies and rejects (the bounties of) his previous condition. Therefore he behaves as if he has never seen any good and he loses all hope for relief (from his situation). Likewise, if any blessing befalls him after displeasure, he is sure to say, “Ills have departed from me.”
This means that he will claim that no harm or calamity will afflict him after this (blessing).
“Surely, he is exultant and boastful (ungrateful to Allah)”.
This means that he is pleased with what he has in his hand and ungrateful (to Allah). At the same time he is boastful towards others. Allah, the Exalted, then says,
“Except those who show patience”
meaning, those who show patience during times of hardship and adversity.
In reference to Allah’s statement: “and do righteous good deeds”:
this means that they perform the good deeds in times of ease and good health.
Concerning the statement:
“those, theirs will be forgiveness”
means, that they will be forgiven due to the calamities that afflicted them. Concerning Allah’s statement, “and a great reward.” This great reward is due to them because of what they sent forth (of good deeds) in their times of ease. This is similar to what is mentioned in the Hadith,
“By He in whose Hand is my soul! No worry, calamity, distress, illness, or grief strikes a believer, even the prick of a thorn, except that Allah will expiate his sins for him because of it.” [Ahmad 3:4]
In the Sahih it is recorded that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said,
“By He in Whose Hand is my soul! Allah does not decree any matter for the believer except that it is good for him. If any blessing befalls him, he is thankful (to Allah) and that is good for him. If any harm comes to him, he is patient and that is also good for him. This is (a bounty) exclusively for the believer.” [Muslim 4:1195]
For this reason, Allah the Exalted says:
“By Al-‘Asr (the time). Verily, man is in loss, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds. And recommend one another to the truth and recommend one another to patience. Surah Al-‘Asr (103:1-3)
We know that Allah’s purpose for our existence is for us to worship Him Alone.
We also know that our purpose for living is to do things to please Allah, so that we might attain His Mercy and Reward both now and in the Hereafter. Allah has set before us and those before us many trials. Through all periods of time there have been trials to serve as signs to those who believe. We can look back and see the many hardships and trials different people, even nations, had to endure. Allah tells us about those past nations and the punishment and vengeance that struck them for their going against the Messengers and disbelieving in the Prophets, peace be upon them.
“Do people think that they will be left alone because they say; “We believe,” and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test).” Surah Al-Ankabut (29:2-3)
“Before them denied the people of Nuh, and ‘Ad, and Fir’aun the man of stakes, and Thamud, and the people of Lut, and the dwellers of Al-Aykah; such were the Confederates.” Surah Saad (38:12-13)
Allah says: “such were the Confederates”, meaning, ‘they were greater and stronger than you, they had more wealth and children, but that did not protect them from the punishment of Allah when His command came to pass.
Allah also says:
“not one of them but denied the Messengers; therefore My torment was justified.” Surah Saad (38:14)
‘The reason for their destruction was their disbelief in the Messengers, so let those who are addressed here beware and be afraid.’
“Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who ”passed away before you” (V.2:214)
The Test of Ayyub (‘Alayhissalaam)
“And remember Our servant Ayyub (Job), when he invoked his Lord (saying): “Verily, Shaytan has afflicted me with distress and torment!”
Allah said to him: “Strike the ground with your foot. This is (a spring of) water to wash in, cool and a refreshing drink.”
“And We gave him back his family, and along with them the like thereof, as a mercy from Us, and a reminder for those who understand.”
“And take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike therewith (your wife), and break not your oath”
(During the ailment of Ayyub, his wife used to beg for him, and Satan told her a word of disbelief to say and she told her husband, so he became angry with her and took an oath to strike her 100 lashes. After Allah restored Ayyub’s health, He reminded Ayyub of his oath and ordered that Ayyub fulfill his oath by striking his wife with the bundle of thin grass.) Tafsir Al-Qurtubi
“Truly, We found him patient. How excellent a servant! Verily, he was ever oft returning in repentance (to Us)!”
Surah Al-Saad (38:41-44)
Allah’s Prophet Ayyub (‘Alayhissalaam) suffered for eighteen years from his affliction and was shunned by relatives and strangers alike, including two men who were the closest of his brothers to him. They used to visit him every morning and every evening. One of them said to his companion, “You know, by Allah, that Ayyub committed a great sin which nobody in the world ever committed.” His companion said,
“Why are you saying that?” He said, “For eighteen years, he has been suffering and Allah has not had mercy on him and relieved his suffering.”
When this man went to Ayyub the next morning he could not wait to tell him of his brothers statement. Ayyub (‘Alayhissalaam) said, “I do not know what you are talking about, but Allah knows if I passed by two men who were arguing and they mentioned the Name of Allah, I would go back home and offer expiation (apology) lest they had mentioned the Name of Allah in an improper manner.” Whenever he went out to answer the call of nature, when he finished, his wife would take his hand until he came back home. One day he took a long time, and Allah had revealed to Ayyub, “Strike the ground with your foot. This is a (a spring of) water to wash in, cool and a refreshing drink.” She (his wife) thought he had taken too long, so she turned to look at him, and saw that Allah had taken away the afflictions he had been suffering, and he looked better that he had ever looked. When she saw him, whom she thought was a stranger, she said, “May Allah bless you! Have you seen Allah’s Prophet, the one who is sorely tested? By Allah, I have never seen a man who looks more like him than you, if he were healthy.” He said “I am he.”
Here Allah tells us about His servant and Messenger Ayyub (Job) and how He tested him. These tests afflicted his body, his wealth and his children, until there was no part of his body that was healthy except his heart. He had nothing left in this world which he could use to help him deal with his sickness or the predicament he was in, besides his wife, who retained her devotion to him because of her faith in Allah and His Messenger. She used to work for people as a paid servant, and she fed and served him (Ayyub) for nearly eighteen years. Before that, he was very rich and had many children, being well off in worldly terms. All of that had been taken away until he ended up being thrown into the city dump where he stayed all this time being shunned by relatives and strangers alike, with the exception of his wife (may Allah be pleased with her). She did not leave him morning and evening except for when she was serving people; then she would come straight back to him. When this had gone on for a long time and things had gotten very bad, and the time allotted by Divine Decree had come to an end, Ayyub prayed to the Lord of the worlds, the God of the Messengers, and said:
“Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.” Surah al-Anbiya (21:83)
“And remember Our servant Ayyub, when he invoked his Lord (saying): “Verily, Shaytan has afflicted me with distress and torment.” Surah al-Saad (38:41)
It was said that “distress” referred to the bodily afflictions and “torment” referred to the loss of his wealth and children. Then the Most Merciful of those who show mercy responded to him, telling him to stand up and strike the ground with his foot. He did this, and Allah caused a spring of water to flow. He commanded him to wash in it, and all the pain and affliction in his body disappeared. Then He commanded him to strike the ground in a different place, and Allah caused another spring to flow, and Ayyub was commanded to drink from it. Then all his internal problems disappeared, and he became healthy again, inside and out.
Knowing that Allah is the Most Just, believers trust in His Justice, wait for His promised relief of difficulty and never lose hope. Believers understand that something good will come after difficulty ends, therefore; we must trust in Allah and remain patient in our times of trial.
We must also remember that
“You might hate something that is good for you and love something that is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know” Surah Al-Baqarah (2: 216).
It should be also noted that true believers remain grateful to Allah even under the harshest conditions. Someone looking from outside may see the diminishing of some blessings believers enjoy. However, believers, who are able to perceive the good aspect of every event and situation, see goodness in this too. For example, Allah states that He will test people with fear, hunger and loss of wealth or life. In such a situation, believers should rejoice and feel grateful, hoping that God will reward them with the gift of Paradise in return for the steadfastness they will have displayed in their test. We know that God does not impose on anyone more than he can bear as stated thus:
“Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned.” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286)
“And We tax not any person except according to his capacity, and with Us is a Record which speaks the truth, and they will not be wronged.” Surah Al-Muminun (23:62)
Here, Allah tells us of His Justice towards His servants in this world. He does not task any person except according to his capacity. He does not burden any soul with more than it can bear. On the Day of Resurrection He will call them to account for their deeds, which He has recorded in a written Book from which nothing is omitted. He says: “and with Us is a Record which speaks the truth,” meaning, the Book of deeds.
“and they will not be wronged,” means, nothing will be omitted from their record of good deeds. As for evil deeds, He will forgive and overlook many of them in the case of His believing servants.
This is repeated in Surah Al-Araf (7:42)
“But those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah, – Islamic Monotheism), and worked righteousness. We tax not any person beyond his scope; such are the dwellers of Paradise. They will abide therein.”
A TEST OF SINCERE GRATITUDE
Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said that he heard the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) saying: “There were three men among the Banu Israel, one leper, one bald, and one blind. Allah wanted to test them; thus He sent an angel to them. The angel first went to the leper and asked him what he would like best. He replied: “A good color, a good skin and to be rid of what makes me loathsome to people.” He (the angel) rubbed him, and his loathsomeness vanished and he was given a good color and a good skin. He then asked him what of property he would like best. The leper replied that he would like camels-[or perhaps he said cattle, for Ishaq,(one of the sub narrators of the Hadith) was uncertain, either said ‘camels’ or ‘cattle’]. He was given a pregnant she-camel. The angel invoked for Allah’s Blessing on it. The angel then went to the bald man and asked him what he would like best. He replied: “Good hair and to be rid of what makes me loathsome to people.” The angel ran his hand over him and he was given good hair. He then asked him what property he would like best. He replied that he would like cattle, so he was given a pregnant cow. The angel invoked Allah’s Blessing on it. The angel then went to the blind man and asked him what he would like best, and he replied: “I wish that Allah would restore my sight to me so that I may see people.” Thereupon, the angel ran his hand over him and Allah restored his sight. The angel then asked what property he would like best. He replied that he would like sheep, so he was given a pregnant ewe. Flocks and herds were produced for the three men, the first having a valley full of camels, the second one, a valley full of cows and the third one, a valley full of sheep. Then the angel came in the form of a leper, to the one who had been a leper, and said: “I am a poor man and my resources have been exhausted in my journey, and my only means of reaching my destination are dependent on Allah and then on you, so I ask you by Him who gave you the good color and the good skin and the property, for a camel by which I may get to my destination.” He replied: “I have many dues to pay.” The angel then said: “I think I recognize you. Were you not a leper whom people found loathsome and a poor man to whom Allah gave property?” He replied: “I inherited this property through generations.” The angel said: “If you are telling a lie, may Allah return you to your former condition.” The angel went in the form of a bald man to the one who had been bald, and said the same as he had said to the former and received a similar reply. So he said: “If you are telling a lie, may Allah return you to your former condition.” The angel then went to the one who had been blind and said: “I am a poor traveler and my resources have been exhausted in my journey. My only means of reaching my destination are dependent on Allah and then on you, so I ask you by Him Who restored your eyesight, for a sheep by which I may get to the end of my journey.” He replied: “Yes, I was blind. Allah restored my eyesight, so take what you wish and leave what you wish. I swear by Allah that I shall not argue with you today to return anything you take, as I give it for Allah’s Sake.” The angel said: “Keep your property. You have all simply been put to a test, and Allah is pleased with you and displeased with both of your companions.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Commentary:
This Hadith tells us that abundance of property and wealth is also a trial. He alone succeeds in this trial who in the midst of his riches does not forget about Allah’s Status and his own status. Rather than becoming proud of his wealth, he takes pleasure in spending it in fulfilling the needs of people and expresses gratitude to Him in practical terms. Those who take an opposite course are regarded unsuccessful because on account of their wrong attitude, they tend to falsehood, pride and miserliness which cause the displeasure of Allah.
SOME TRIALS THAT BELIEVERS MIGHT ENCOUNTER
Allah has bestowed on us many bounties; a test in itself to see who is grateful.
All believers are tested either through hardships or blessings or even both. This is Allah’s way to establish who are the patient ones (those who persevere in times of hardship) or to recognize when the believer is truly sincere (doing only for the sake of Allah). One such blessing is:
- WEALTH
Wealth and poverty are both a test and an honor or a disgrace for the servant. Allah refutes man in his belief that if Allah gives Him abundant provisions to test him with it, it is out of His honor for him. But this is not the case; rather it is a trial and a test.
Some people are wealthy in this life only. Know that those blessed (with wealth) in this life will be questioned on Yaum ul-Qiyamah about how they spent their riches. Be aware that some people will be rewarded in this worldly life only.
Know that wealth is only temporary. Allah can make a poor person rich and destroy the wealth of a rich person in an instant. Truly the ones guided by their Lord are the successful ones.
Allah informs us that man is very pleased, most evil, scornful and sinful when he considers himself self-sufficient and having an abundance of wealth.
Then Allah threatens, warns and admonishes him in His saying, “Surely, unto your Lord is the return.”
meaning,
‘unto Allah is the final destination and return, and He will hold you accountable for your wealth, as to where you obtained it and how you spent it.’ Surah Al-Alaq (96:8)
The steadfastness and submission of such awareness lead them (believers) to patience and gratitude. Therefore, it is an obvious attribute of believers to show unwavering dedication and submission, and Allah promises to expand His blessings on His grateful servants both in the life of this world and in the hereafter.
Wealth is one of the five questions we will be asked about on the Day of Resurrection.
Reported from At-Tirmidhe: The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said,
“The two feet of the sons of Adam will not move from near his Lord until he is questioned about five matters.
1) about his life; how he spent it
2) about his youth; how he took care of it
3) about his wealth: how he earned it
4) and how he spent it
5) about that which he acted upon from the knowledge he
acquired”.
It is a blessing from Allah that we obtain wealth in this life, but wouldn’t it be better to be wealthy in the Hereafter. We truly need to ask ourselves what we can do attain this goal.
Another of Allah’s Blessings:
- Wives and Children
Wives and children can also be a blessing and a trial.
Allah tells us that He has made this world a temporary abode, adorned with transient (short lived) beauty, and He made it a place of trial, not a place of settlement. He says:
“Verily, We have made that which is on earth an adornment for it, in order that We may test which of them are best in deeds.” Surah Al-Kahf (18:7)
“Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) like the parable of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller…” Surah Al-Hadid (57:20)
“This world is sweet and green, and Allah makes you generations succeeding one another, so He is watching what you will do. Beware of the beguilements of this world and beware of women for the first affliction that the Children of Israel suffered from was that of women.” [Ahmad 3:22]
“O you who believe! Verily, among your wives and your children there are enemies for you (who may stop you from the obedience of Allah); therefore beware of them! But if you pardon (them) and overlook, and forgive (their faults), then verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Your wealth and your children are only a Fitnah, whereas Allah! With Him is a great reward (Paradise).” Surah At-Taghabun (64:15)
Allah said that the wealth and the children are a test and trial from Allah the Exalted for His creatures, so that He knows those who obey Him and those who disobey Him.
Allah states that some wives and children are enemies to their husbands and fathers, in that they might be busied with them rather than with performing the good deeds. Allah said in another Ayah,
“O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that then they are the losers.” Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:9)
Allah the Exalted said here, “therefore, beware of them!” for your religion, according to Ibn Zayd.
Mujahid explained the Ayah “Verily among your wives and your children there are enemies for you;” by saying, they might direct the man to sever his relations or disobey his Lord. The man, who loves his wives and children, might obey them in this case.
“Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world.”
Turning towards Allah and worshipping Him is better for you than keeping busy with them, and accumulating wealth for them and going to extremes in feeling pity and compassion for them.
Allah says:
“But the good righteous deeds that last are better with your Lord for reward and better for hope.” Surah Al-Kahf (18:46)
Therefore, Allah’s reward, favor and Paradise are better for you than wealth and children. Certainly, among the wealth and children there might be enemies for you and much of them avail nothing. With Allah Alone is the decision and sovereignty in this life and the Hereafter, and He gives tremendous rewards on the Day of Resurrection.
Hardships that benefit the Believer
Allah has decreed that, in this life, hardships and disasters strike both believer and disbeliever. For a disbeliever, they are only disturbances that one might find inconvenient. They are simply distractions that hinder him (the disbeliever) from proceeding with his usual (normal) involvement in the worldly life.
For a believer, on the other hand, they are instances of rest and remembrance. These tests offer great reward, a time for atonement and also they can be an expiation of our sins. Regardless of the trial that strikes a believer, it carries with it news of forgiveness and an elevated rank (in Jannah).
The righteous predecessors used to be pleased when a hardship afflicted them, seeing it as a token of Allah’s mercy and kindness.
The Excellence Of Worship In The Time Of Tribulation
Ma’qil bin Yasar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “The reward of worship performed at a time of trials is equal in reward to an emigration to me.” Muslim
Commentary:
When turmoil is rampant and society is plagued with evils, the worship and obedience of Allah becomes very difficult. The reason being that in such a situation evils are widespread and therefore everyone easily inclines to them. In such circumstances, worship of Allah and compliance of His Orders are merits of great eminence and their reward have been likened to going for Hijrah (Emigration) to Al-Madina at that time when this migration was Wajib (obligatory). Emigration was at that time obligatory and to bid farewell to home, property, business and homeland was sacrifice of the highest order. But this sacrifice was worth its reward. A similar reward is promised to those who will be obedient to Allah and worship Him in an age of mischief.
No one can escape from the trials in this life.
There is only one way to succeed in the trials of life and that is through patience and prayer. For most of the believers, trials and afflictions are light and temporary; others may be somewhat more trying depending on one’s level of faith.
Know that a believer will continue to be subjected to adversity until he walks on the surface of the earth without a sin. Allah protects the believer, lightens his load and grants him patience, firmness and submission to ease his affliction.
On the other hand, the trials and afflictions for the disbeliever are hard and prolonged. They are at a loss because of their disbelief.
They will continue to undergo hardship without any long-term benefit.
Therefore trials are necessary for every believer and disbeliever. A believer initially suffers in the first life and then is granted the success of the first life as well as the last life while the disbeliever initially enjoys the pleasure of this life but then ends up in pain and suffering.
Supplications of the Believers in Allah’s Wisdom
Allah also praises His believing servants,
“Those who remember Allah standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth)”, supplicating;
“رَبَّنَآ مَا خَلَقْتَ هَذا بَـطِلاً “
Rabbina ma khalaqta hatha batilan
“Our Lord! You have not created this without purpose,”
You did not create all this in jest and play. Rather, You created it in truth, so that You recompense those who do evil in kind, and reward those who do righteous deeds with what is better.
The faithful believers praise Allah, and deny that He does anything in jest and without purpose, saying,
سُبْحَانَكَ
Subhanaka
“Glory to You,” for You would never create anything without purpose,
“Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire.” meaning, “O You Who created the creation in truth and justice, Who is far from any shortcoming, or doing things without purpose or with jest, save us from the torment of the Fire with Your power and strength. Direct us to perform the deeds that make You pleased with us. Guide us to righteous work from which You admit us into the delight ofl Paradise, and save us from Your painful torment.”
They supplicate,
ربنا إِنَّكَ مَن تُدْخِلِ النَّارَ فَقَدْ أَخْزَيْتَه
Rabbina innaka man tudkhelennaara faqad akhzaita.
“Our Lord! Verily, whom You admit to the Fire, indeed, You have disgraced him;”
by humiliating and disgracing him before all people on the Day of Gathering.
“and never will the wrongdoers find any helpers.” on the Day of Judgment, who would save them from You. Therefore, there is no escaping whatever fate You decided for them.
رَّبَّنَآ إِنَّنَآ سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِياً يُنَادِى لِلإِيمَـن
Rabbanna innana sami’naa munaadian yunaadii lil ‘iman.
“Our Lord! Verily, we have heard the call of one calling to faith,”
a caller who calls to faith, referring to the Messenger of Allah (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam),
“أَنْ ءَامِنُواْ بِرَبِّكُمْ فَـَامَنَّا“
An ‘aaminu bi rabbikum faa manna.
“Believe in your Lord, and we have believed”, accepted his (Muhammad) (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) call and followed him(Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam).
رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا
Rabbanaa faghfirlana dunuubana.
“Our Lord! Forgive us our sins”, on account of our faith and obeying Your Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam)
“فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا”
Faghfirlanaa dunubana.
“Forgive us our sins”, and cover them,
“وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّئَـتِنَا“
Wa kafar ‘anna saiya’ateena.
“and expiate from us our evil deeds”, between us and You, in private,
“وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الاٌّبْرَارِ“
Wa tawafanaa ma’al abrar.
“and make us die along with Al-Abrar”, join us with the righteous people.
ئرَبَّنَا وَءَاتِنَا مَا وَعَدتَّنَا عَلَى رُسُلِك´”“
Rabbana wa ‘ateena maa wa’adtana ala rusoolika
“Our Lord! Grant us what You promised unto us through Your Messengers.”
for our faith in Your Messengers, or, and this explanation is better; grant us what You promised us by the words of Your Messengers,
“وَلاَ تُخْزِنَا يَوْمَ الْقِيَـمَةِ“
Wa la tukh zina yaumulqiamah
“and disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrection,” before all creation,
“إِنَّكَ لاَ تُخْلِفُ الْمِيعَادَ“
Innaka la tukh li ful mi’ad.
If any man sees someone who is put to trial and says: Al-Hamdu Lillathil Ladhee ‘Afanee Mimmabtalaka Bihi Wa fadhdhalanee ‘Ala Katheerin Mimman Khalaqa Tafdeelan (All praise and thanks be to Allah ,Who spared me from what has afflicted you and greatly preferred me to many of His creatures), he will not be affected by that affliction, whatever it was.”
Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, on the authority of Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)
Included in the Noble Qur’an is the following Dua
A’ Manara Suulu bima unzelah Ilayhi Mirrabbihi Wal Mu’ mi nuuna Kullu a’ manah Billahi Wa Malaa i Ka tihi Wa kutu bihi Wa Rasoolihi La Nufarrequ Bayna ‘Ahadeemmeer rusoolihi Wa Qaaluusame’na Wa’a Tah ‘ena Ghufra naka Rabbana Wa Ilaykal Maseir. 2:285
La Yu Kallifullahu nafsan Illa wus’a ha Lahaama Kasabat Wa Alayha Mal’ Kasabat Rabbana La tua Keythna Inna si na ou akh tah’ Na Rabbana Wala Tah Me’l Alayna Esran Kamaa hamaltahu Alla Lathina min Qablina Rabbana Wa la Tuhammelna Maala Tah Qata Lannaabihi Wa’ fu anna Waghfir Lana War Hamna Anta Mau Lanaa Fansurna AlAl Qawmel Kafiroon.
Dua :
” Our Lord! Punish 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 (Jews and Christians). Our Lord, put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Maula (Patron, Supporter and Protector, etc.) and give us victory over the disbelieving people.” Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286)
The favors of Allah in the world are a test; the more the favors, the more the tests. Al-Hasan al-Basri said: “Umar Ibn Khattab wrote this letter to Abu Musa al-Ash’ari, ‘Be content with your provision in this world, for the Most Merciful has honored some of His servants over others in terms of provision as a test of both. The one who has been given plenty is being tested to see if he will give thanks to Allah and fulfill the duties which are his by virtue of his wealth…” [Ibn Hatim]
Believers who think they are able to understand the positive aspect of every event and experience, see goodness in their trials. Allah has told us He will test people with fear, hunger, and loss of wealth or life. True believers feel grateful, hoping for Allah’s Reward when they are steadfast and patient in these times of trial. We know that Allah does not impose on anyone more than he can bear. This belief brings hope that Allah will expand His blessings both in this life and the Hereafter, on those who are grateful. Let us strive to be of those who are steadfast and patient knowing that, “If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials.”
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
Always feel free to share the khair!
