Life’s Constant Trials in Times of Hardship and Ease
Written by: Mujīb al-Ḥaqq Ḥaqqī
Human Life, Trials, and the Rights of Others
Life is a continuous test, from the moment one rises in the morning until the time one sleeps at night. Many people assume that trials are limited to hardships or difficulties, whereas, in reality, every moment—our attitude and our interactions with others—are part of the divine test.
Everyday Relationships and Tests
Every relationship and connection is a two-sided trial:
Within the Home
Interactions between husband and wife, and between parents and children, determine our spiritual grade.
- For instance, if a husband does not arrange treatment for his sick wife or unjustly scolds his children, he is violating the rights of others (Ḥuqūq al-ʿIbād).
Social Relationships
All social interactions—such as those between teacher and student, neighbors, employers and employees—are part of the test.
- Acts of kindness, forgiveness, and sacrifice lead to success in this test, while negligence leads to failure.
Examples:
- Abandoning a sick wife without arranging treatment is a denial of her rights.
- A worker who commits fraud or accepts bribes is failing his test.
- In any relationship, our role in the comfort or discomfort of others is part of our divine assessment.
Trials Through Hardship and Ease
Allah ﷻ tests mankind both through affliction and through blessing.
The Trial of Hardship
The Qur’ān states that Allah tests humans through hunger, fear, loss of life, wealth, and crops.
(Sūrah al-Baqarah: 155)
- The trial of Prophet Ayyūb (AS) is a profound example of hardship.
- Great glad tidings are promised to those who remain patient during tribulations.
As narrated in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, even the prick of a thorn is rewarded by Allah.
The Trial of Blessings
The trial of blessings is often more difficult. The Qur’ān says:
“But few of My servants are truly grateful.”
(Sūrah Saba’: 13)
- Despite his immense wealth, Prophet Sulaymān (AS) was commanded to show gratitude.
- On the Day of Judgment, people will be asked about the blessings they enjoyed.
(Sūrah al-Takāthur: 8) - In Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, the Prophet ﷺ mentioned that worldly luxuries are more dangerous than poverty—they have destroyed many nations.
Ways to Succeed in the Tests of Patience and Gratitude
✔ Through Patience:
Reciting and listening to verses about patience in the Qur’ān brings peace to the heart.
✔ Through Prayer and Supplication:
Ṣalāh and duʿāʾ help ease or remove trials.
✔ By Avoiding Comparisons:
Looking at those in more severe conditions cultivates gratitude.
For example, if one’s car breaks down, think of someone who lost their life in an accident.
✔ By Helping Others:
In Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever relieves a Muslim brother of his distress, Allah will relieve him of his hardship on the Day of Judgment.”
