Sermon “The Trial (الابتلاء)” delivered by Sheikh Dr. Bandar Baleelah on 25 Dhul Qadah 1446 AH:

 Trials and Tribulations

Indeed, Allah has decreed trials upon His servants and tests them with adversity. He surrounds them with trials—there is no escape. Every affliction is a form of test. It may come through blessings, or through hardship. It may bring people together or tear them apart.

So if the believer remains steadfast in obedience, then the trial is a mercy. But if he falls into disobedience, then it is a punishment.

All people are tested—through wealth and poverty, health and sickness, life and loss. No one is spared from tribulation. Even the Prophets, peace be upon them, the most honored of Allah’s creation, were tested and tried. So fear Allah and revere Him.

The ultimate wisdom behind trials is expiation of sins, multiplying of good deeds, and elevation of ranks. Often they come with hardship, such as loss of wealth, tight sustenance, illness, death of loved ones, war, or psychological suffering like grief, anxiety, and fear.

Allah the Exalted tests His servants to bring them closer to Him, to make them call upon Him, humble themselves before Him, and seek refuge in Him. He hears their supplications and sees their tears. He witnesses their hearts as they transform, and their limbs bow in worship. He is not testing them to torment them—but to purify them, elevate them, and make them grateful.

Glad tidings to the one who thinks well of Allah during the trial, submits to His decree, returns to Him, and raises their hands in sincere supplication, deserving of Allah’s mercy and care. Allah says:

“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient—those who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’ Upon them are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is they who are the rightly guided.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah: 155-157)

How great a loss it is for those who respond to trials with anger, defiance, and disbelief—turning away from the Most Merciful! The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“The greatness of the reward is tied to the severity of the trial. If Allah loves a people, He tests them. Whoever is pleased, will be rewarded with Allah’s pleasure; and whoever is displeased, will earn Allah’s wrath.”

(Reported by Al-Tirmidhi and authenticated by Al-Albani)

Do not misunderstand and think we should desire trials or seek them. Nor should one ask for tribulation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say in his supplications:

“O Allah, I ask You for wellbeing and pardon in this world and the Hereafter.”

And he said:

“Do not wish to meet the enemy in battle. But if you are forced to meet them, then be patient.”

In a narration reported by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“There will be tribulations during which the one sitting is better than the one standing, and the one standing is better than the one walking, and the one walking is better than the one running.”

(Agreed upon)

He (peace be upon him) advised us:

“Whoever sees the people selling their religion for worldly gain, let him hold firm to his own religion.”

And he (peace be upon him) said:

“Rush to do good deeds before tribulations come like dark portions of the night.”