We often lose sight of transcendent beliefs when our prayers go unanswered, little do we know that calamities only serve to strengthen our character and prevent us from greater trials.
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the most beloved creature to God in the history of mankind, yet he was also tried with the most calamities and tribulations. Whenever he got sick, his illness would be three times as worse than that of a regular person (mentioned in a hadith) Tribulations are meant to make us strong individuals, purify us of our sins, and make us strong warriors in the way of God. This warrior is not meant in the narrow-minded way of fighting on the field. It is the warrior of the soul, the capacity to have great morality, great generosity, great manners, and great character towards others. A true warrior of God doesn’t lose control over his emotions, he never allows his anger to take hold of him. He never allows his miserliness to prevent him from giving to others. How do we reach this level? Certainly not by being pampered and being treated like a prince/princess for the rest of our life.
Thus, tribulations given to us from God are also a mercy from Him. It is better to undergo tribulations on earth, rather than to endure tribulations in Jahannam (hellfire). The Prophet (pbuh) had the toughest life on earth but he also had the highest place in Paradise. Our response to God’s tribulations is what determines our place and worth in Paradise.
Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said:
“Never a believer is stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry, or even the pricking of the thorn but that God will expiate his sins on account of his patience.”
Al Bukhari and Muslim
