Dealing With Tribulations: A Comprehensive Reader


An Islamic Guide to Dealing with Tribulations

SeekersGuidance Readers provide the seeker with a purposely curated list of articles, answers, podcasts and courses from SeekersGuidance, on a particular topic. These guides serve as a gateway to knowledge and guidance.

Do men think that they will be left alone because they say, we believe, and will not be tested with affliction?”  (Qur’an, 29:2)

Trials and tribulations are decreed by Allah Most High. While one may encounter many difficulties in life, Allah Most High has provided guidance and ease to overcome these trials. Am I being punished? Are there blessings within tribulations? Are there supplications for distress? How did the prophets cope with tests? This comprehensive guide covers commonly asked questions and will help those drowning in their tests.


 

Questions and Answers Relating to Tribulations

Allah Claims That He Is Just but We Cannot Find God’s Justice Anywhere. Where Is God’s Justice?

Every difficulty and outward trial or oppression that we go through will be taken into account in the next life. Those with a lot of wealth will not be tried like those who had no wealth. Those with health will not be tried the same way as those stricken with extreme illness. Ustadh Mohammed Tayssir Safi reminds us that Allah Most High knows what He gives and to whom and He will not oppress anyone on the Day of Judgement.

Lost My Faith Due To Doubting About God And Holy Quran

The Believer’s Response to Trials and Tribulations: Reflections on the Quebec Shootings, A Year Later – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Is Allah Punishing me for my Past Sins through the Trials in my Life?

Balancing Confidence and Humility and the Wisdom of Trials from Allah

Understanding Trials

What Are Some Prophetic Supplications That Can Help Me Deal With Trials in My Life?

Do One’s Evil Deeds Cause Punishment to Come in this Life?

Divine Decree, Contentment, and Lessons From the Prophet’s Life

How Can Someone Always Have Trust In Allah?

 

Articles Relating to Tribulations

The 17 Benefits of Tribulation
In this article, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani summarizes “The Benefits of Tribulation” by one of the great scholars of Islam: Sultan al-Ulema al-Izz ibn Abd al-Salam (Allah be well pleased with him). This discussion took place at the beginning of the pandemic as a reminder for all of us on the attitude we should embody in the face of hardships.
The following has been transcribed (and in parts, paraphrased) from this lecture. Shaykh Faraz describes the benefits and, in parts, weaves in his own experience.
 

Be Prepared: Understanding the Wisdom of Calamities

Our Only Concern is Reliance on Allah – Shaykha Ieasha Prime

Triumphant in Times of Tribulations by Following the Prophet

The Prophet’s Smile – “Around Us But Not on Top of Us”

The Believer, Futuwwa, & Times of Crisis – Shaykh Salman Younas

Seek Refuge in Allah from Anxiety and Grief – Shaykh Salek bin Siddina

Prophetic Guidance in Times of Tribulations – Muwasala

A Letter To A Friend During Difficult Times, by Mohammed Tayssir Safi

Gratitude is the Best Attitude – Friday Reminder with Shaykh Yusuf Weltch 

Clarity in Crisis: How Believers Look at Trials and How they Respond, Guided by Prophetic Light – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

The Believer’s Clarity When Tested: The Power of Patience and Prayer in Responding to Tests and Trials-Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Two Verses on Reliance, Trust, Certitude, and Mindfulness as Keys to Divine Assistance and Facilitation- from Surat al-Talaq

A Powerful Description of True Servants of Allah – Imam al-Sulami

The Prophetic Paradigm of Dealing With Problems – Shaykh Amin Kholwadia

A Poem for Personal Problems – Novid Shaid

Qur’anic Reflections: Divine Tests and the Great Virtue of Steadfast Patience

The Qur’an on Patience, Steadfastness, Resolve, Mindfulness, and Success – 3.200

Guidance of the Prophet Muhammad on the Virtues of Patience (and Thankfulness) in Tribulation and Hardship

 

Videos on Tests and Tribulations

Ramadan 2020 Reminders | Episode 4: Understanding Test and Tribulations – Shaykh Yusuf Weltch

The current pandemic has left many shocked and shaken. According to Shaykh Yusuf Weltch, by knowing the source of tribulations and why Allah Most High sends them, we come to realize the blessings that result and we respond with gratitude instead of grief.

Daily Qur’an Reflections: (18) Successful Believers, Knowing the Prophet, Allah’s Generosity and Patience in Trials- Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Daily Qur’an Reflections: (10) Anfal 41-75 to Tawba 1-93: Highest Love, Trials and Trust, Mercy and Belief and Qualities of Believers

Reminder on the Righteous Servants of Allah – Faraz Rabbani – YouTube

Contentment, Reliance on Allah, and Pure Intention – Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad

 

Podcasts on Tests and Tribulations

Tests and Tribulations Are Blessings: The Divine Promise That We Will Be Tested, Explained- Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani expounds on different verses of the Qur’an, relating to the Divine promise that all people will be tested – with life itself being nothing but a test. “We will certainly test you with some fear and poverty, and loss of property, life, and crops…” (Qur’an, 2:155). Shaykh Faraz advises that the best response to tribulations is remaining steadfastly patient (sabr). He notes that patience is not passiveness,  but rather, “Remaining firm on what is pleasing to Allah Most High.”

The Believer’s Response to Trials and Tribulations: Reflections on the Quebec Shootings, A Year Later- Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Tribulations from a Faith Perspective – Shaykh Yahya Rhodus

Dealing with Tribulations Inward and Outward

Believers and Tribulations: Faith Entails Being Ambassadors of Mercy — With Certitude and Contentment- Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Courses from SeekersGuidance on Reliance on Allah

Your Faith in Challenging Times: Turning to Allah in all one’s States

In this course, Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said addresses the critical topic relevant to us all today – the preservation of faith during turbulent times. He explains why it is important to uphold mercy and justice with all of Allah’s creation. He gives examples of how the companions (Allah be pleased with them) tolerated trials and turned to Allah Most High in all situations–remaining firm and embracing the massive tests they faced. 

Why We Suffer Understanding The Problem of Evil, Tribulations, and Suffering

Supplication is the Essence of Worship: The Reality and Proper Manners of Asking Allah (Dua)

Faith and Reliance on Allah: Ghazali’s Book of Divine Oneness and Trust Upon Allah Explained

Haddad’s Book of Assistance: Complete Guidance for Turning to Allah

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