The Philosophy Behind Hardships in the Path of Righteousness
A man reflected on his life and posed a question:
“When I used to live a life of sin, I had peace and ease. But after repenting and choosing the path of righteousness, my life became full of difficulties—even struggling for daily bread. Why does the world become so narrow for those who choose good deeds? If that is the case, why would anyone pursue righteousness? And if this is a trial, how can one endure and succeed in it?”
This state is a divine trial, and can only be met with patience (ṣabr) and firm faith (īmān).
☞ The world is a place of test, and the righteous are meant to pass this test through endurance and perseverance—not comfort.
✔ The present social, moral, political, and economic systems are corrupt, making the path of evil seem easy and the path of righteousness difficult.
✔ Society fosters conditions that promote vice and obstruct virtue.
✔ Only if the righteous collectively reform this system will goodness become easier—but until then, the righteous must endure hardship.
☞ Righteousness requires rising, like climbing a mountain—with effort and struggle.
☞ Evil is like falling into a pit—it requires no effort and leads quickly to destruction.
If good people always received ease in the world and evil ones always suffered, then:
✘ The concept of testing would be void.
✘ There would be no distinction between good and evil.
✔ The value of righteousness lies in choosing it despite difficulties.
This question stems from a misunderstanding.
✦ Allah is not in need of our obedience.
✦ Righteousness benefits us, not Allah.
☞ Allah has given man the freedom to:
Even if all of mankind chooses misguidance, it does not diminish Allah in the least.
✔ Hardships in the path of righteousness are part of divine trial.
✔ These trials nurture moral strength and spiritual elevation.
✔ The world is a testing ground, not a place of reward.
✔ Despite difficulties, choosing righteousness is the true success, for it ensures eternal prosperity in the Hereafter.
Clarification of the Question:
A man reflected on his life and posed a question:
“When I used to live a life of sin, I had peace and ease. But after repenting and choosing the path of righteousness, my life became full of difficulties—even struggling for daily bread. Why does the world become so narrow for those who choose good deeds? If that is the case, why would anyone pursue righteousness? And if this is a trial, how can one endure and succeed in it?”
Response:
① Philosophy of Trial (Ibtilāʾ):
This state is a divine trial, and can only be met with patience (ṣabr) and firm faith (īmān).
☞ The world is a place of test, and the righteous are meant to pass this test through endurance and perseverance—not comfort.
② Why is the Path of Righteousness Difficult?
✔ The present social, moral, political, and economic systems are corrupt, making the path of evil seem easy and the path of righteousness difficult.
✔ Society fosters conditions that promote vice and obstruct virtue.
✔ Only if the righteous collectively reform this system will goodness become easier—but until then, the righteous must endure hardship.
③ Nature of Good and Evil:
☞ Righteousness requires rising, like climbing a mountain—with effort and struggle.
☞ Evil is like falling into a pit—it requires no effort and leads quickly to destruction.
④ Purpose of Hardship in Righteousness:
If good people always received ease in the world and evil ones always suffered, then:
✘ The concept of testing would be void.
✘ There would be no distinction between good and evil.
✔ The value of righteousness lies in choosing it despite difficulties.
⑤ Does Allah Benefit from Our Righteousness?
This question stems from a misunderstanding.
✦ Allah is not in need of our obedience.
✦ Righteousness benefits us, not Allah.
☞ Allah has given man the freedom to:
- Choose worldly ease and eternal loss, or
- Bear temporary struggle and gain eternal reward.
Even if all of mankind chooses misguidance, it does not diminish Allah in the least.
Conclusion:
✔ Hardships in the path of righteousness are part of divine trial.
✔ These trials nurture moral strength and spiritual elevation.
✔ The world is a testing ground, not a place of reward.
✔ Despite difficulties, choosing righteousness is the true success, for it ensures eternal prosperity in the Hereafter.
