Silsilah as-Sahihah 1677 — Illness and trials are expiation for sins

It is narrated from Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was afflicted with any pain, he would groan and turn from side to side. Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: If any of us did this (because of pain), you would notice it (but you are doing it yourself). The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “(In matters of illness) righteous people are put to greater hardship, and even the pain of a thorn pricking a believer causes his sins to be forgiven and his rank to be elevated.”