How Should One Deal With Trials and Tribulations in One’s Life?
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Fayez Awad
Question
What are the ways through which Muslims can deal with the trials and tribulations they face in life?
Answer
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon the Master of the Messengers, his Family, and all his Companions.
Understanding the Meaning of Fitna (Trial)
The core meaning of the word fitna (trial) in the Arabic language is a test or trial. Ibn Hajar said: “Raghib mentioned that the original meaning of ‘fitna’ is the process of putting gold into fire to distinguish its purity from impurities. Others said that the essence of ‘fitna’ is a test, which then came to be used for any trial that leads to hardship, such as disbelief, sin, burning, scandal, immorality, and other undesirable outcomes.” [Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari]
Meaning of Fitna
In Islamic literature, fitna carries several meanings, all of which align with its linguistic definition, including:
- Disbelief and polytheism: As in the verse, “Fight against them (if they persecute you) until there is no more persecution (fitna).” [Quran, 2:193]
- Punishment: As in the verse, “(It is) the Day they will be tormented over the Fire.” [Quran, 51:13]
- Turning someone away from their religion through coercion or temptation: As in, “They definitely (thought they) were about to lure you away from what We have revealed to you (O Prophet).” [Quran, 17:73], meaning to divert you.
- Misguidance and deviation: As in the verse, “Surely you (pagans) and whatever (idols) you worship can never lure (anyone) away from Him except those (destined) to burn in Hell.” [Quran, 37:161-163]
- Trial and testing: As in, “Do people think once they say, ‘We believe,’ that they will be left without being put to the test? We certainly tested those before them.” [Quran, 29:2-3]
- Disorder and turmoil: Trials that occur, especially as signs before the Day of Judgment, such as the appearance of the Dajjal, and widespread conflict, as outlined in the books of hadith under chapters on fitna like in Bukhari and Muslim.
Allah (Most High) tests people with both good and evil to reveal the patient believers and expose the weak and hypocritical. Allah says:
“Every soul will taste death. And We test you (O humanity) with good and evil as a trial, then to Us you will (all) be returned.” [Quran, 21:35]
Common Forms of Trials
Trials in this world take various forms: the trials of wealth, status, women, spouses, children, oppression, and tyranny.
Many people do not withstand these trials; when tested with wealth, some forget Allah and indulge in prohibited actions. When tested with status, some become arrogant towards the needy. When tested with women, some fall into immoral acts. Given the gravity of these trials, a wise Muslim must adopt the means of steadfastness, including:
Engaging With the Quran
Reciting, memorizing, and reflecting on the Quran is a cure for the heart’s ailments and helps one navigate life’s trials. Allah (Most High) mentions that the Quran is a means of steadiness:
“So We may reassure your heart with it. And We have revealed it at a deliberate pace.” [Quran, 25:32]
Drawing Close to Allah Through Worship
A devout believer who consistently performs obligatory acts of worship and strives to increase their voluntary deeds is granted firmness by Allah. Allah (Most High) says:
“Had they done what they were advised to do, it would have certainly been far better for them and more reassuring.” [Quran, 4:66]
Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“Allah said: ‘Whoever shows enmity to a close friend of Mine, I declare war against them. My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary acts of worship until I love him. When I love him, I become his hearing with which he hears, his sight with which he sees, his hand with which he grasps, and his foot with which he walks. If he asks Me, I will surely grant it, and if he seeks refuge in Me, I will surely protect him. I do not hesitate concerning anything I do, as I hesitate in taking the soul of My believing servant: he hates death, and I hate to harm him.’” [Bukhari]
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) gave glad tidings to those who remained steadfast on the path of Allah during the trials of the end times, promising them a great reward. Abdullah Ibn Mas‘ud (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“Indeed, after you, there will be a time of patience. The one who holds firm during it will have the reward of fifty martyrs.” ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with him) asked, “O Messenger of Allah, fifty from among us or them?” He replied, “From you.” [Bazzar; Tabarani]
Increasing Supplication and Asking Allah for Help
A believer has no stronger means to face trials than the weapon of dua (supplication). Allah (Most High) says, regarding the supplication of some of His close ones:
“When they advanced to face Goliath and his warriors, they prayed, ‘Our Lord! Shower us with perseverance, make our steps firm, and give us victory over the disbelieving people.’” [Quran, 2:250]
And He also says:
“(They say,) ‘Our Lord! Do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us. Grant us Your mercy. You are indeed the Giver (of all bounties).’” [Quran, 3:8]
Anas (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) frequently said:
“O Turner of hearts, keep my heart firm upon Your religion.” The companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah, we have believed in you and what you have brought, do you still fear for us?” He replied, “Yes, for the hearts are between two fingers of Allah; He turns them as He wills.” [Diya’ Maqdisi; Hakim; Tirmidhi; Ibn Maja; Ahmad]
These supplications and others like them should be a regular practice for the believer, serving as a strong fortress in the face of trials.
Reading About the Stories of the Prophets and the Righteous
Reading about their experiences, understanding their challenges, and reflecting on their responses during trials is one of the greatest means of fortitude in the face of difficulties. Allah (Most High) says:
“And We relate to you (O Prophet) the stories of the messengers to reassure your heart.” [Quran, 11:120]
Relying on Allah and Entrusting Affairs to Him
Relying on Allah is among the greatest ranks in the sight of Allah (Most High), and it is a sign of true faith. Allah says:
“Put your trust in Allah if you are (truly) believers.” [Quran, 5:23]
Keeping the Company of the Righteous
One of the things that strengthens Muslims in their faith and helps them hold firm to their religion, especially during times of trials, is associating with righteous people and seekers of knowledge. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“A person is upon the religion of their close friend, so be careful whom you befriend.” [Hakim; Tirmidhi; Abu Dawud; Ahmad]
Practicing Patience and Perseverance
Allah (Most High) says:
“We have made some of you a trial for others. Will you (not then) be patient?” [Quran, 25:20]
If patience is required and its outcomes are always praiseworthy, it is even more crucial during times of trials. Miqdad Ibn Aswad (Allah be pleased with him) said: “By Allah, I heard the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) say: ‘The truly happy person is the one who avoids trials. The truly happy person is the one who avoids trials. The truly happy person is the one who avoids trials. But for whoever is tested and remains patient, how great is the reward!’” [Hakim; Abu Dawud; Ahmad]
Conclusion
Patience and perseverance are the greatest weapons during times of tribulations and hardships. We ask Allah for protection from trials, both apparent and hidden.
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.
[Shaykh] Dr. Muhammad Fayez Awad
Shaykh Dr. Muhammad Fayez Awad, born in Damascus, Syria, in 1965, pursued his Islamic studies in the mosques and institutes of Damascus. A graduate of the Islamic University of Medina in 1985, he holds a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from Bahauddin Zakariya University in Pakistan.
He has extensive experience developing curricula and enhancing the teaching of various academic courses, including conducting intensive courses. Shaykh Awad has taught Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh, Quranic sciences, the history of legislation, inheritance laws, and more at several institutes and universities such as Al-Furqan Institute for Islamic Sciences and Majma‘ al-Fath al-Islami in Damascus.
He is a lecturer at the Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih Waqf University in Istanbul, teaching various Arabic and Islamic subjects, and teaches at numerous Islamic institutes in Istanbul. Shaykh Awad is a member of the Association of Syrian Scholars, a founding member of the Zayd bin Thabit Foundation, a member of the Syrian Scholars Association, and a member of the Academic Council at the Iman Center for Teaching the Sunna and Quran.
Among his teachers from whom he received Ijazat are his father, Shaykh Muhammad Muhiyiddin Awad, Shaykh Muhiyiddin al-Kurdi, Shaykh Muhammad Karim Rajih, Shaykh Usama al-Rifai, Shaykh Ayman Suwaid, Shaykh Ahmad al-Qalash, Shaykh Muhammad Awwama, and Shaykh Mamduh Junayd.