Why Are We Tested?

Many sometimes question why Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) puts them through test and trials. According to the Qu'ran and the Sunnah, Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) might be testing you for many reasons.

1) To make sure our faith is true and sincere

The Qur'an makes it very clear that Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) will test us to make our sincere faith clear.

"Do people imagine that they will be left (at ease) because they say, we believe, and will not be tested with affliction? Lo! We tested those who were before you. Thus Allah knoweth those who are sincere, and knoweth those who feign.” [Qur'an 29:2-3]

2) To grant you great reward in the hereafter

Perhaps Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) wanted to give you a great reward in the hereafter. Our reward will be given in accordance to our reaction during the tests we go through. Constant remembrance of Allah, perseverance, and patience will surely be met with great rewards in the hereafter. The scholars have said “If you do not get close to Allah by doing many good deeds, he will drag you closer to him through the chains of tests.” The Qur'an is very clear that those who are patient in adversity will get reward without measure.

“You are sure to be tested through your possessions and persons; you are sure to hear much that is hurtful from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with God. If you are steadfast and mindful of God, that is the best course.” [Qur'an 3:186]

3) To strengthen your connection with Allah

Perhaps Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) wants you to strengthen your connection by remembering your need for Him and increasing your dua for Him. It is far too easy to forget Allah, our need for Allah, and dua to Allah, when everything is going as we plan.

“Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, ‘When is the help of Allah?’ Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.” [Qur’an, 2:214]

4) To save us from a calamity that might befall us if our desires are granted.

Perhaps you getting what you desired is bad for you in this life and the next. Perhaps it may open doors you are not ready for that may corrupt your soul or destroy your family and Allah is protecting you until you are ready. Perhaps your loss in this area is an opportunity to gain far more in another. That is what is meant by Allah never takes, He only gives.

5) Getting what you want might be bad for us

Perhaps you receiving what you desire is better for you at a later time. We cannot judge life until we see our whole life. Sooner or later you will for sure see how this is best for you.

“There are also some who serve God with unsteady faith: if something good comes their way, they are satisfied, but if they are tested, they revert to their old ways, losing both this world and the next– that is the clearest loss.” [Quran 22:11]

Sometimes Shaitan makes us question, ”but why me?” For that, it is important to remind ourselves that we have not truly thanked Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) for anything he has given us, thus we do not have time to be sad about what he has not given us. We truly deserve nothing that we have. Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) has given us far more than we deserve since we are so sinful, so neglectful, and therefore we are entitled to nothing. Recognizing that we are entitled to nothing produces humility. That humility leads us to be grateful for whatever Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) has given us. That gratefulness should lead us to increase our love to Allah for all he has given us, and thus our humility, gratefulness and love to Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) will strengthen our connection with him. Perhaps Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) is taking you on path to increase your humility before Him and this your connection to Him. Recognizing that we do not deserve anything we have, will help give us peace of mind regarding that which we do not have.

So my dear brother/sister it may be that Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) is saving you from some imminent evil, delaying you for a greater good, or testing you to prove your faith or give you greater reward. Regardless, you can pass this test from Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) by trusting in Him, having patience and remaining steadfast, and surely Allah will open the door and one day you will inshallah understand how you were better off.

Be patient my dear brother/sister and trust in Allah’s wisdom more than you trust in your own.