TRIALS (HARDSHIP) AND CALAMITY ARE BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE
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1. Trials are Different from Punishments
2. Allah has promised to test everyone
3. Allah may exempt some (lucky one's) from his test as he wills
4. Trials can be in the form of Good or Bad
5. Trials and calamities are a blessing in disguise
6. Bearing the trials with patience, worship and repentance increases our rank
7. The ways in which Allah might test us
(i) Testing in accordance to the strength of one's religion
(ii) Testing via Tribulations, earthquakes and killings
(iii) Testing via poverty
(iv) Testing via fever, disease of sickness, stress and its likes
(v) Testing via wealth and children
(vi) Testing Via sexual immorality, cheating, greed, treachery or breaking of trust (promises) and unjust wars and rules opposing the shari'ah of Islam
(vii) Testing via imposing longer trials
(viii) Testing via extreme circumstances
8. Thus we conclude that every decree for a momin is a blessing in disguise and those who missed out the trials in this world will regret on the day of judgement
9. What to do during trials, the ways to face or combat it
> Method 1 : Excessive Dua'a
> Method 2 : Excessive Repentance
> Method 3 : Seeking refuge and help in Allah alone and increase in worship
> Method 4 : Consulting Allah before making any decision (salatul istikhaara)
> Method 5 : Qunoot e Naazilah
10. Advice and warnings to observe at times of trials
11. How to prevent trials and general advice from the prophet (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam)
12. Eight benefits and wisdom behind the decreeing of trials
13. Bonus* : Apart from trials, allah wills good for us by :
> granting him beneficial Knowledge
> enabling him to do good deeds
13. Bonus* : Apart from trials, allah wills good for us by :
> granting him beneficial Knowledge
> enabling him to do good deeds
Seeing the bravery and patience (in my opinion and not Allah's) my friend displayed and is displaying during the ongoing trials , compelled me to compile this document. May Allah relieve every Muslim from their difficulty including my friend. Aamen.
Before I begin, Let me inform you that this is yet another vast topic, which has numerous books written by esteemed scholars explaining in great beauty and detail, the blessing of Allah in the forms of Trials , hardship and calamity which befalls upon a Muslim. What you'll read below is just a glimpse of it :
BEFORE WE BEGIN REMEMBER ALLAH's MERCY:
عَنْ عَمِّهِ أَبِي رَزِينٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ضَحِكَ رَبُّنَا مِنْ قُنُوطِ عِبَادِهِ وَقُرْبِ غِيَرِهِ قَالَ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَوَ يَضْحَكُ الرَّبُّ قَالَ نَعَمْ قُلْتُ لَنْ نَعْدَمَ مِنْ رَبٍّ يَضْحَكُ خَيْرًا
Abu Razeen reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Allah smiles at the despair of His servants as He soon changes it.” I said, “O Messenger of Allah, does the Lord laugh?” He said, “Yes.” I said, “We will never be deprived of good by a Lord who laughs.” [Sunan Ibn Majah, Introduction, Number 181, Sahih]
“and My Mercy embraces all things” [al-A’raaf 7:156]
{Say: O My slaves (humankind) who have transgressed against themselves! Despair not of the mercy of Allah Who forgives all sins. Lo! He is the Forgiving, the Merciful} (Az-Zumar 39:53)
The Prophet said, "When Allah created the creatures, He wrote in the Book, which is with Him over His Throne: "Verily, My Mercy prevailed over My Wrath." (Al-Bukhari)
In Saheeh Muslim it is narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has one hundred parts of mercy, of which He sent down one between the jinn, mankind, the animals and the insects, by means of which they are compassionate and merciful to one another, and by means of which wild animals are kind to their offspring. And Allaah has kept back ninety-nine parts of mercy with which to be merciful to His slaves of the Day of Resurrection.” [Muslim, al-Tawbah, 6908.]
It was narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab said: “Some prisoners were brought to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and there was a woman among the prisoners who was searching (for her child). When she found her child she embraced him and put him to her breast. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to us, ‘Do you think that this woman would throw her child in the fire?’ We said, ‘No, by Allaah, not if she is able not to.’ The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, ‘Allaah is more merciful to His slaves than this woman is to her child.’” [Agreed upon. Al-Bukhaari, 5653; Muslim, 6912.]
TRIALS ARE DIFFERENT FROM PUNISHMENTS
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” [al-Shoora 42:30]
Ibn Katheer, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “[It means] whatever misfortune happens to you, O people, is because of evil deeds that you have already done, and ‘He pardons much’ refers to evil deeds – He does not punish you for them but He pardons them. ‘And if Allaah were to punish men for that which they earned, he would not leave a moving (living) creature on the surface of the earth…’ [Faatir 35:45 – interpretation of the meaning].”
Shaikh Saleh al Munajjid has summarized this answer in a very brief yet sufficient way, wherein he says :
If the misfortune results from doing an act of obedience to Allaah, such as being wounded in jihaad, or losing money when migrating for the sake of Allaah, or losing a job because of becoming Muslim or increasing one’s commitment to Islam, then this is a trial (and not a punishment). Whoever bears it with patience will be rewarded, but if one reacts angrily then one will earn the wrath of Allaah. If the misfortune results from sin, such as sexually-transmitted diseases or illnesses caused by drinking alcohol and taking drugs, and so on, then this is the kind of punishment that comes in this world (as opposed to being deferred until the Hereafter). If the misfortune is connected neither to a good deed nor a sin – such as other kinds of disease and sickness, losing a child, or failing in business – then it depends on the person’s situation. If he is good and devout, it is a trial, and if he is sinful, it is a punishment.
The misfortune may be a punishment to atone for sins, or it may be a trial aimed at raising a person’s status and increasing his hasanaat (good deeds/rewards) – this may be determined by whether a person is obedient or disobedient. A person should not praise himself, rather he should criticize himself for his shortcomings and strive to attain perfection. He will benefit from misfortunes in any case, if he has patience and hopes for reward. And Allaah knows best.
Note: If Allah took mankind to task by that which they deserve, He would not leave a living creature on the surface of the earth; but He grants them reprieve unto an appointed term, and when their term comes – then verily Allah is Ever All-Seer of His slaves” [Fatir (35):45]
Even Punishments for our sins in this world are a blessing in disguise :
Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“When Allah intends good for His servant, He hastens the punishment for him in this world; and when Allah intends evil for His servant, He withholds punishment for his sins until he appears on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (2396); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah 1220]
Some points of Wisdom :
1. Blessings are never truly appreciated until one loses them.
2. Tribulation and hardship prevents one from evil, vanity, boastfulness, arrogance and oppression. If Nimrod (a tyrant ruler during the time of Ibraahim a.s) had been a poor, weak, blind and deaf person, he would never have argued with Ibrahim concerning His Lord; however, he was deceived by his sovereignity
“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Saabiroon (the patient).
Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: ‘Truly, to Allaah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.’
They are those on whom are the Salawaat (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones”
[al-Baqarah 2:155-157]
“Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: ‘We believe,’ and will not be tested.
And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allaah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allaah knows all that before putting them to test)”
[al-‘Ankaboot 29:2-3]
“And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial and that surely, with Allaah is a mighty reward”
[al-Anfaal 8:28 – interpretation of the meaning; Even the prophet (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam)was tested via children as we learn from the hadeeth in Musnad Ahmad, Number 22486 ]
It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud(Radiallah Anhu) that the Prophet(Sallallahu alyhi wasalam) drew a square, and a line in the middle of the square, and lines to the side of the line in the middle of the square, and a line outside the square, and he said: “Do you know what this is?” They said: “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said: “Man is the line in the middle, and these lines to his side are the sicknesses and problems that assail him from all places. If one misses him, another will befall him. The square is his life span, at his neck; and the line outside it is (his) hope.”
[Ref: Sunan Ibn Majah English reference: Vol. 1, Book 37, Hadith 4231,Sahih]
ALLAH MAY EXEMPT SOME (LUCKY) ONES FROM HIS TEST AS HE WILLS
عَنْ الْمِقْدَادِ بْنِ الْأَسْوَدِ قَالَ ايْمُ اللَّهِ لَقَدْ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ إِنَّ السَّعِيدَ لَمَنْ جُنِّبَ الْفِتَنَ إِنَّ السَّعِيدَ لَمَنْ جُنِّبَ الْفِتَنِ إِنَّ السَّعِيدَ لَمَنْ جُنِّبَ الْفِتَنُ وَلَمَنْ ابْتُلِيَ فَصَبَرَ فَوَاهًا
Miqdad ibn Al-Aswad reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, saying, “Verily, the blessed person is one kept away from trials; verily, the blessed person is one kept away from trials; verily, the blessed person is one kept away from trials. How good is one who is afflicted but bears it patiently!”[Sunan Abu Dawud, Book of Tribulations, Number 4263, Sahih]
“And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah” [al-Nahl 16:53]. He also says, “And He found you poor and made you rich (self-sufficient with self-contentment)” [al-Duha 93:8]
“And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah” [al-Nahl 16:53]. He also says, “And He found you poor and made you rich (self-sufficient with self-contentment)” [al-Duha 93:8]
TRIALS CAN BE IN THE FORM OF GOOD OR BAD
﴿كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ وَنَبْلُوكُم بِالشَّرِّ وَالْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ ﴾
{Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall test you with evil and with good by way of trial. And to Us you will be returned} [Surah al-Anbiyaa (21): 35]
Imaam Ibn Katheer رحمه الله said in his Tafseer:
وَنَبْلُوكُم بِالشَّرِّ وَالْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً
(and We shall test you with evil and with good by way of trial) meaning: “We shall test you, sometimes with difficulties and sometimes with ease, to see who will give thanks and who will be ungrateful, who will have patience and who will despair.”
`Ali bin Abi Talhah reported from Ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما:
وَنَبْلُوكُم
(and We shall test you) means, We will test you,
بِالشَّرِّ وَالْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً
(with evil and with good by way of trial) means: with difficulties and with times of prosperity, with health and sickness, with richness and poverty, with lawful and unlawful, obedience and sin, with guidance and misguidance.
وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ
(And to Us you will be returned) means: and We will requite you according to your deeds.
{And so are the days (good and not so good), that We give to men by turns, that Allah may Know those who believe}
Ibn Abee Haatim's comments:
Muhammad ibnul 'Abbaas narrated to us that Muhammad ibn Ishaaq said:
{And so are the days, that We give to men by turns...} He said: "We give them to men with trails so that we may test them." His - the Glorified's statement: { that Allah may Know those who believe}.
My Father narrated to me that Ahmad ibn 'Abdur Rahmaan narrated to him…on the authority of Rabee' ibn Anas:
"Allah gave victory to His Prophet and his companions over the polytheists on the day of Badr, and He gave victory to their enemies on the Day of Uhud. A non-beliver can be given victory over a believer, and a believer can be tested with a non-believer. So that those who obey him may be distinguished from those who don't, and those who are truthful from those who are not."
[Tafseer Ibn Abee Haatim: 3/773]
{And so are the days (good and not so good), that We give to men by turns, that Allah may Know those who believe}
Ibn Abee Haatim's comments:
Muhammad ibnul 'Abbaas narrated to us that Muhammad ibn Ishaaq said:
{And so are the days, that We give to men by turns...} He said: "We give them to men with trails so that we may test them." His - the Glorified's statement: { that Allah may Know those who believe}.
My Father narrated to me that Ahmad ibn 'Abdur Rahmaan narrated to him…on the authority of Rabee' ibn Anas:
"Allah gave victory to His Prophet and his companions over the polytheists on the day of Badr, and He gave victory to their enemies on the Day of Uhud. A non-beliver can be given victory over a believer, and a believer can be tested with a non-believer. So that those who obey him may be distinguished from those who don't, and those who are truthful from those who are not."
[Tafseer Ibn Abee Haatim: 3/773]
TRIALS AND CALAMITIES ARE A BLESSING IN DISGUISE
عَجِبْتُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَقْضِي لِلْمُؤْمِنِ قَضَاءً إِلَّا كَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ
Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “I am amazed by the believer. Verily, Allah does not decree anything for the believer except what is good for him.”
[Ref: Musnad Ahmad 12160 – 19/203 ; Saheeh al-Jaami` (3985); Saheeh ibn Hibban (941); Al-Haythami in Majma` az-Zawaid (7/213) ]
وَعَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ خَالِدٍ السُّلَمِيِّ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ جَدِّهِ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «إِنَّ الْعَبْدَ إِذَا سَبَقَتْ لَهُ مِنَ اللَّهِ مَنْزِلَةٌ لَمْ يَبْلُغْهَا بِعَمَلِهِ ابتلاه الله فِي جسده أَفِي مَالِهِ أَوْ فِي وَلَدِهِ ثُمَّ صَبَّرَهُ عَلَى ذَلِكَ يُبَلِّغُهُ الْمَنْزِلَةَ الَّتِي سَبَقَتْ لَهُ مِنَ الله» .
Muhammad ibn Khaalid as-sulaymi from his father from his grandfather who said that the Messenger of Allah (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) said :
Verily Allah has appointed the destiny and level for man , which if he is unable to attend via his deeds then Allah tries him with his body (health), his wealth or his children and along with grants him the virtue of being forbearing over it (the trials) until he reaches his appointed destiny .
[Ref: Musnad Ahmad (22694, 5/272) and the chain is hasan near shaykh zubayr `ali zaee. Translated from the post of muhammad waqas]
Shaikh al-Albaanee رحمه الله said (under a hadeeth he graded to be saheeh in Silsilah as-Saheeha 145) :
“In this Ahaadeeth there is clear evidence that a Believer, whenever his Eemaan is strong, his trials and tests will increase; and the opposite is also true (i.e. whoever is of weak Eemaan, he will have less trials). In this there is a reply to those of weak minds, those who think that if a Believer - when he is afflicted with trials like confinement, or expulsion, or dismissal from work etc - that Allaah تعالى is not pleased with him. This is bad thoughts (about Allaah). Here is the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم, and he is the best of mankind, among the people and even (other) Prophets he was tried the most. Trials, often times, are evidence for goodness and not warning for evilness as evident in the following Hadeeth:”
"Whatever Allah has decreed for His believing slave is a blessing even if that is in the form of withholding;it is a favor even if that is in the form of a trial,and the calamity decreed by him is fair even if it is painful."
(Madarij al-Salikeen, 4/215)
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, “If Allah intends good for someone, then He afflicts him with trials.”
[Sahih Bukhari, Book 70, Number 548]
Anas رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “A mighty reward is associated with a large affliction. Indeed, when Allaah loves a people, He afflicts them in trial. Thus, he who is pleased, for him is (His تعالى) pleasure, and as for him who is angry, for him is displeasure.”
[al-Tirmidhee (2397) and Ibn Maajah (4031) and graded as “Hasan” (good) by Shaikh al-Albaanee in al-Saheehah (146)]There is a weak hadeeth which states:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا كَثُرَتْ ذُنُوبُ الْعَبْدِ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ مَا يُكَفِّرُهَا مِنْ الْعَمَلِ ابْتَلَاهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِالْحُزْنِ لِيُكَفِّرَهَا عَنْهُ
Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “When a servant’s sins become so numerous that he has no good deeds left to compensate, then Allah tries him with sadness as an expiation for him.”
[ Musnad Ahmad 24708, Da'eef]
BEARING THE TRIALS WITH PATIENCE, WORSHIP AND REPENTANCE WILL DO NOTHING BUT EXCEL OUR STATUS
Suhaib ibn Sinaan رضي الله عنه narrated: “The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم while sitting with his companions laughed and said: “Do you not want to ask me what made me laugh?” They said: “O Messenger of Allaah! What made you laugh?” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“The case of the believer amazed me! [In another narration it is: “How remarkable is the case of the believer”] There is good for him in everything. When the believer receives any good, he is thankful to Allaah, and that is good for him (and he is rewarded for that). And when some misfortune befalls him, he endures it patiently, and that is (also) good for him (and he is rewarded for that as well). But this is not the case for anyone except for the believer.”
[Musnad of Imaam Ahmad (23411) and al-Daarimee (2/318) and graded as “Saheeh” (Authentic) by Shaikh al-Albaanee in al-Saheehah (147) and he said: “It is Saheeh as per the condition of Imaam Muslim.” A similar Hadeeth is also mentioned in Saheeh Muslim (5322) on the authority of Suhaib رضي الله عنه without mentioning the incident of the Prophet’s laughter.]
A believer will withstand and be firm during his trials, but a hypocrite or an ignorant will not , and instead complain or deviate away from deen and seek other (unlawful) methods to reduce his pain or trauma :
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, “The parable of the believer is that of a crop which withstands the wind; likewise the believer continues to withstand the suffering of trials. The parable of the hypocrite is that of a cedar tree; it does not budge until it is uprooted.”
[Sahih Muslim, Book 39, Number 6742]
THE WAYS IN WHICH ALLAH MIGHT TEST US
In the beginning of this document, under the section "ALLAH PROMISED TO TEST EVERY ONE ...EVERY ONE INDEED ! " I've quoted certain verses which summarize the different ways Allah might test us with, such as wealth, children, time, health, etc. One such hadeeth which summarizes this is :
عَنْ أَبِي بَكْرِ بْنِ أَبِي زُهَيْرٍ الثَّقَفِيِّ قَالَ لَمَّا نَزَلَتْ لَيْسَ بِأَمَانِيِّكُمْ وَلَا أَمَانِيِّ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ مَنْ يَعْمَلْ سُوءًا يُجْزَ بِهِ قَالَ فَقَالَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّا لَنُجَازَى بِكُلِّ سُوءٍ نَعْمَلُهُ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَرْحَمُكَ اللَّهُ يَا أَبَا بَكْرٍ أَلَسْتَ تَنْصَبُ أَلَسْتَ تَحْزَنُ أَلَسْتَ تُصِيبُكَ اللَّأْوَاءُ فَهَذَا مَا تُجْزَوْنَ بِهِ
“May Allah have mercy on you, O Abu Bakr, are you not afflicted with harm? Are you not struck by grief? Do you not endure sickness? This is how you are recompensed.”
[Musnad Ahmad, Number 72, Hasan]
However the below mentioned methods are a bit more specific and detailed.
Way # 1: Testing in Accordance to the strength of one's Religion
عَنْ مُصْعَبِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ قَالَ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَيُّ النَّاسِ أَشَدُّ بَلَاءً قَالَ الْأَنْبِيَاءُ ثُمَّ الْأَمْثَلُ فَالْأَمْثَلُ فَيُبْتَلَى الرَّجُلُ عَلَى حَسَبِ دِينِهِ فَإِنْ كَانَ دِينُهُ صُلْبًا اشْتَدَّ بَلَاؤُهُ وَإِنْ كَانَ فِي دِينِهِ رِقَّةٌ ابْتُلِيَ عَلَى حَسَبِ دِينِهِ فَمَا يَبْرَحُ الْبَلَاءُ بِالْعَبْدِ حَتَّى يَتْرُكَهُ يَمْشِي عَلَى الْأَرْضِ مَا عَلَيْهِ خَطِيئَةٌ
Mus’ad ibn Sa’eed reported: His father said, “O Messenger of Allah, which people are tested most severely?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“They are the prophets, then the next best, then the next best; a man is tried according to his religion; if he is firm in his religion, then his trials will be more severe; and if he is weak in religion, then he is tried according to his strength in religion; the servant will continue to be tried (with trials, etc) until he is left walking upon the earth without any sin .”
[al-Tirmidhee (2398), Ibn Maajah (4023) and graded as “Saheeh” (Authentic) by Shaikh al-Albaanee in al-Saheehah (143)]
Abu `Ubaidah bin Hudhaifah narrated on the authority of his aunt Faatimah (bint al-Yamaan) رضي الله عنها that she said: “We went to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم to pay him a visit in his sickness in (one of) the house of wives. (We saw) that a water container was hanging above him, from which drops of water were pouring on him because of the extreme fever that he صلى الله عليه وسلم had. We said: ‘O Messenger of Allaah! If you supplicate to Allaah, He تعلى will cure you.’ He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ‘The people who are most severely tested are the Prophets, then those who follow them, then those who follow them, then those who follow them.’”
[Musnad of Imaam Ahmad (26538) and graded as “Hasan” (good) by Shaikh al-Albaanee in al-Saheehah (145)]
Way # 2 : Testing via Tribulations, Earthquakes and Killing (War, Murder, Blood-shed, etc)
Abu Musa reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “This nation of mine has been given mercy; they will not be punished in the Hereafter, but their punishment is in this world in the form of tribulations, earthquakes, and killing.”
[Sunan Abu Dawud, Book of Tribulations, Number 4278, Sahih]
Way # 3 : Testing via Poverty and sometimes extreme poverty
On the authority of Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree رضي الله عنه that he said: “I entered upon the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم when he was suffering from a fever, and I placed my hand on him and felt heat with my hand from above the blanket. I said: ‘Messenger of Allaah, how hard it is for you!’ He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ‘We (Prophets) are like that. The trial is multiplied for us and so is the reward.’ I said: ‘O Messenger of Allaah, which people are most severely tested?' He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ‘The Prophets.’ I said: ‘O Messenger of Allaah then who?' He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: ‘Then the righteous, some of whom were tested with poverty until they could not find anything except a cloak to put around themselves. One of them will rejoice at calamity as one of you would rejoice at ease.’”
[Ibn Maajah (4024) and Adab al-Mufrad (510) and graded as “Saheeh” (Authentic) by Shaikh al-Albaanee and he said: “It is Authentic as per the condition of al-Bukhaaree and Muslim” in al-Saheehah (144)]
Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, “I was threatened in Allah’s path as no one was threatened and I was annoyed in Allah’s path as no one was annoyed. O There came upon me thirty days and nights when Bilal and I had no food which ‘those with a liver’ eat, except (the food bag) which was kept under Bilal’s hands”
[Ref: Tirmidhi]
we have several ahadeeth which show how the poor will enter jannah first and how the poor will constitute to be the major portion of Jannah. Allah has elevated some major as well minor responsibilities from the poor and thus they are excused from such duties such as Hajj and etc.
See 14 + ways to increase your rizq the Halaal way : http://the-finalrevelation.blogspot.com/2012/10/14-tips-to-increase-your-rizq.html
Way # 4 : Testing via fever, disease or sickness, stress and its likes
Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira:The Prophet (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, "No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that."
[Sahih Bukhaari, Vol. 7, Book 70, Hadith 545]
Narrated 'Abdullah: I visited Allah's Apostle while he was suffering from a high fever. I said, "O Allah's Apostle! You have a high fever." He said, "Yes, I have as much fever as two men of you." I said, "Is it because you will have a double reward?" He said, "Yes, it is so. No Muslim is afflicted with any harm, even if it were the prick of a thorn, but that Allah expiates his sins because of that, as a tree sheds its leaves."
[Sahih Bukhari, Book of Patients , 551]
A'isha reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying:A believer does not receive (the trouble) of running a thorn or more than that but Allah elevates him in rank or effaces his sins because of that.
[Sahih Muslim, Book 32, Hadith 6238]Abu Hurayrah – may Allah be pleased with him – said:
"There is no illness that afflicts me more beloved to me than fever: it enters every part of me and [because of it] Allah the Mighty and Sublime gives every part of me its share of reward."
[Shaykh Al-Albaani’s Saheeh Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 1/198.]
Way # 5 : Test Via wealth and children
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“Trial ( hardships) will continue to befall the believing man and woman, with regard to themselves, their children and their wealth, until they meet Allaah with no sin on them.”
[Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2399; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 2280.]
عَنْ كَعْبِ بْنِ عِيَاضٍ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ إِنَّ لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ فِتْنَةً وَفِتْنَةُ أُمَّتِي الْمَالُ
Ka’b ibn Iyad reported: I heard the Prophet, peace be upon him, saying, “Verily, every nation has a trial and the trial of my nation is wealth.”
[Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Book of Asceticism, Number 2336]
When Allah gives wealth to his slave, he bestows his slave with such a bounty , which if the slave spends righteously (in the path of Allah, in feeding and taking care of his family , in avoiding extravagance, or spending in unlawful items such as music players and etc), earns the pleasure of Allah so much so that even envying him for religious reasons is allowed.
Ibn Masud (r.a) heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saying, "There is no envy except in two: a person whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in the right way, and a person whom Allah has given wisdom (i.e. religious knowledge) and he gives his decisions accordingly, and teaches it to the others." [Sahih Bukhari , Hadith 2.490]
Note: In Islam a person is allowed to envy another Muslim only in the above 2 conditions, and nothing else, for whatsoever reason [See this warning of Rasool (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) in Sahih Bukhari 8:90, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Musnad Ahmad and Ibn Hibban]
Way # 6 : Testing Via sexual immorality, cheating, greed, treachery or breaking of trust (promises) and unjust wars and rules opposing the shari'ah of Islam
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ قَالَ أَقْبَلَ عَلَيْنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ يَا مَعْشَرَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ خَمْسٌ إِذَا ابْتُلِيتُمْ بِهِنَّ وَأَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ أَنْ تُدْرِكُوهُنَّ لَمْ تَظْهَرْ الْفَاحِشَةُ فِي قَوْمٍ قَطُّ حَتَّى يُعْلِنُوا بِهَا إِلَّا فَشَا فِيهِمْ الطَّاعُونُ وَالْأَوْجَاعُ الَّتِي لَمْ تَكُنْ مَضَتْ فِي أَسْلَافِهِمْ الَّذِينَ مَضَوْا وَلَمْ يَنْقُصُوا الْمِكْيَالَ وَالْمِيزَانَ إِلَّا أُخِذُوا بِالسِّنِينَ وَشِدَّةِ الْمَئُونَةِ وَجَوْرِ السُّلْطَانِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَمْ يَمْنَعُوا زَكَاةَ أَمْوَالِهِمْ إِلَّا مُنِعُوا الْقَطْرَ مِنْ السَّمَاءِ وَلَوْلَا الْبَهَائِمُ لَمْ يُمْطَرُوا وَلَمْ يَنْقُضُوا عَهْدَ اللَّهِ وَعَهْدَ رَسُولِهِ إِلَّا سَلَّطَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ عَدُوًّا مِنْ غَيْرِهِمْ فَأَخَذُوا بَعْضَ مَا فِي أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا لَمْ تَحْكُمْ أَئِمَّتُهُمْ بِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ وَيَتَخَيَّرُوا مِمَّا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ إِلَّا جَعَلَ اللَّهُ بَأْسَهُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ
Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, turned to us and said, “O emigrants, there are five things with which you will be tested, and I seek refuge with Allah lest you live to see them:
(i) sexual immorality never appears among people to such an extent that they commit it openly (Dating, flirting, etc) except that they will be afflicted by plagues and diseases unknown to their forefathers (e.g AIDS);
(ii) they do not cheat in weights and measures (i.e business transactions and calculations) except that they will be stricken with famine, calamity, and the oppression of rulers;
(iii) they do not withhold charity from their wealth except that rain will be withheld from the sky, and were it not for the animals there would be no rain at all;
(iv) they do not break their covenant with Allah and His Messenger except that Allah will enable their enemies to overpower them and take some of what is in their hands;
(v) and unless their leaders rule according to the Book of Allah and seek every good from that which Allah has revealed, then Allah will cause them to fight one another.”
[Sunan ibn Majah, Book of Trials, Number 4019, Sahih]
Note : What does 'Covenant with Allah and His Messenger' mean?
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The covenant of Allah is the obligation of His servants to worship Him alone without any partners, but a Muslim is also obligated to fulfill the terms of any agreement he makes with people. Such agreements include promises, oaths, business contracts, civic duties, and peace treaties.
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Under no circumstance may a Muslim prove treacherous towards other people by agreeing to something and later breaking his promise, even when Muslims are facing a hostile enemy. Sulaym ibn Amir reported:
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There was a peace treaty between Muawiyah and the Byzantines. He was marching towards their country and when the covenant came to an end, he planned to attack them. A man came on a horse saying, “Allah is Most Great! Allah is Most Great! Let there be faithfulness and not treachery!” When they looked they found that he was Amr ibn Abasah. Muawiyah sent for him and questioned him. He said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, say, “When one has a covenant with people he must not strengthen or loosen it until its term comes to an end or he brings it to an end in agreement with them.” So Muawiyah returned (back)
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[Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 14, Number 2753, Sahih]
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The signs of a hypocrite are three: whenever he speaks, he lies; whenever he promises, he breaks his promise; and whenever he is trusted, he betrays his trust.
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[Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 33]
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Not only is treachery the characteristic of hypocrisy, it is also a sign of disbelief in Allah, as Allah Almighty says:
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Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allah are those who have disbelieved, and they will not ever believe, the ones with whom you made a treaty but then they break their pledge every time, and they do not fear Allah.
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[Surah Al-Anfal 8:55-56]
To conclude, we have to fulfill the promise of submitting our will to Allah and obeying him and his messenger (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam)
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The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: “The extent of the reward will be in accordance with the extent of the trial. If Allaah loves a people, He tries them, and whoever is content will have contentment, and whoever is angry will have anger.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 2320; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 2210).
Way # 8 : Test via extreme circumstances
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, “The Hour will not be established until a man passes by the grave of another man and he says: I wish I were in his place.”
[Sahih Muslim, Book 41, Number 6947]
THUS WE CONCLUDE THAT EVERY DECREE FOR A MOMIN IS A BLESSING IN DISGUISE AND THOSE WHO MISSED OUT THE TRIALS IN THIS WORLD WILL REGRET ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT
On the authority of Anas رضي الله عنه that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Remarkable (is the case of) the Believer. There is nothing decreed for him from Allaah except that it was good for him.”
[Musnad of Imaam Ahmad (19814) and graded as “Saheeh” (Authentic) by Shaikh al-Albaanee in al-Saheehah (148)]
And it was narrated that Jaabir said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “On the Day of Resurrection, when people who had suffered affliction are given their reward, those who were healthy will wish their skins had been cut to pieces with scissors when they were in the world.”
[Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2402. See al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, no. 2206]
Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira:The Prophet (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, "No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that."
[Sahih Bukhaari, Vol. 7, Book 70, Hadith 545]
Not only are the Ass-Saabiroon (the patient ones) rewarded , but if due to a trial or calamity , Allah wills to take the life of his slave, he (s.w.t) gives him/her the status of a martyr as a compensation for it (the trial)
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger (peace be upon him) said:
There are five types of martyrs:
1. One who dies in a plague,
2. One who dies of intestinal ailments,
3. One who drowns,
4. One who dies under a collapsed building, and
5. One who dies while fighting in the cause of Allah (Exalted be He).
(Related by Malik, Al-Muwatta', vol. 1, p. 131; Ahmad, vol. 2, pp. 325 and 533; Al-Bukhari, vol. 1, p. 159 and vol. 3, p. 211; Muslim, vol. 3, p. 1521, no. 1914; Al-Tirmidhy, vol. 3, p. 377, no. 1063; and Ibn Hibban, vol. 7, p. 460, no. 3188.)
The Prophet (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) also said: “there are seven possibilities to achieve martyrdom aside from dying in a holy war, these include, those who die as a result of poisoning, those that drown in water, those that fall ill with a virus, those that have leprosy, those that are burnt in a fire, those that are buried by scaffolding and those that die in childbirth” (hadith narrated by Abu Dawud, an-Nasai, Ibn Majah and Ibn Hibban, see al-Mundziri, at-Targhib wa at-Tarhib min al-Hadits asy-Syarif, II/335).
And Imam Ahmad narrated (17341) that ‘Ubaadah ibn al-Saamit said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us about the martyrs and mentioned among them, “A woman who is killed by the child in her womb attains martyrdom, and her child will drag her by his umbilical cord to Paradise.” [Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Kitaab al-Janaa’iz, p. 39. ]
For the case of a believer , whether he is afflicted with pain or joy, Allah wills good for him and thus the remark of the prophet (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) on this event.
Method # 1 : Excessive Dua'a (supplication) and patience
(i) Prophet (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) said inna al-du`a huwa al-`ibada": " Dua'a is worship " or "Dua - It is worship"
[Ahmad 4:267, 271, 276; Tirmidhi, Tafsir of surat 2:16 (#2969) and 40 (#3247, #3372) (hasan sahih); Abu Dawud Witr # 1479 (sahih); Ibn Hibban; Bukhari in al-Adab al-mufrad (sahih); Ibn Majah, Du`a Ch. 1 (#3828), and Bayhaqi in Shu`ab al-iman 2:37 (#1105bis); without "inna": Muslim, Tabarani, al-Hakim, al-Nisa'i, and Ibn Abi Shayba.]
(ii) Abu Sa`eed and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Never a believer is stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience
[Sahih Bukhaari, Muslim, Riyad as-saaliheen]
17118 - حَدَّثَنَا هَيْثَمُ بْنُ خَارِجَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ عَيَّاشٍ، عَنْ رَاشِدِ بْنِ دَاوُدَ الصَّنْعَانِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي الْأَشْعَثِ الصَّنْعَانِيِّ، أَنَّهُ رَاحَ إِلَى مَسْجِدِ دِمَشْقَ وَهَجَّرَ بِالرَّوَاحِ، فَلَقِيَ شَدَّادَ بْنَ أَوْسٍ وَالصُّنَابِحِيُّ مَعَهُ، فَقُلْتُ: أَيْنَ تُرِيدَانِ يَرْحَمُكُمَا اللهُ؟ قَالَا: نُرِيدُ هَاهُنَا إِلَى أَخٍ لَنَا مَرِيضٍ نَعُودُهُ. فَانْطَلَقْتُ مَعَهُمَا حَتَّى دَخَلَا عَلَى ذَلِكَ الرَّجُلِ، فَقَالَا لَهُ: كَيْفَ أَصْبَحْتَ؟ قَالَ: أَصْبَحْتُ بِنِعْمَةٍ. فَقَالَ لَهُ شَدَّادٌ: أَبْشِرْ بِكَفَّارَاتِ السَّيِّئَاتِ وَحَطِّ الْخَطَايَا، فَإِنِّي سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
[Ref: Musnad Ahmad 28/344; Shamela . Shaykh Shu`ayb Arnaout graded it saheeh ligayrihi. (1) في (ص) : إني. - elsewhere it comes as "Inni" ; (2) في النسخ عدا (ق) : وأجروا، والمثبت من (ق) . - In Another nuskha it means "his reward has been affixed" .]
17118 - حَدَّثَنَا هَيْثَمُ بْنُ خَارِجَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ عَيَّاشٍ، عَنْ رَاشِدِ بْنِ دَاوُدَ الصَّنْعَانِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي الْأَشْعَثِ الصَّنْعَانِيِّ، أَنَّهُ رَاحَ إِلَى مَسْجِدِ دِمَشْقَ وَهَجَّرَ بِالرَّوَاحِ، فَلَقِيَ شَدَّادَ بْنَ أَوْسٍ وَالصُّنَابِحِيُّ مَعَهُ، فَقُلْتُ: أَيْنَ تُرِيدَانِ يَرْحَمُكُمَا اللهُ؟ قَالَا: نُرِيدُ هَاهُنَا إِلَى أَخٍ لَنَا مَرِيضٍ نَعُودُهُ. فَانْطَلَقْتُ مَعَهُمَا حَتَّى دَخَلَا عَلَى ذَلِكَ الرَّجُلِ، فَقَالَا لَهُ: كَيْفَ أَصْبَحْتَ؟ قَالَ: أَصْبَحْتُ بِنِعْمَةٍ. فَقَالَ لَهُ شَدَّادٌ: أَبْشِرْ بِكَفَّارَاتِ السَّيِّئَاتِ وَحَطِّ الْخَطَايَا، فَإِنِّي سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
Shaddad ibn Aws (radhiallahu `anhu) entered with them upon the one who was sick and asked " How are you this morning?" He replied (despite being sick) " I am with Allah's blessing this morning" So Shaddad (radhiallahu `anhu) told him " Bear Glad tidings for having your sins compensated and your mistakes removed for i heard the The Messenger of Allah (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) saying :
" إِنَّ اللهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَقُولُ: إِنِّي إِذَا ابْتَلَيْتُ عَبْدًا مِنْ عِبَادِي مُؤْمِنًا، فَحَمِدَنِي عَلَى مَا ابْتَلَيْتُهُ، فَإِنَّهُ يَقُومُ مِنْ مَضْجَعِهِ ذَلِكَ كَيَوْمِ وَلَدَتْهُ أُمُّهُ مِنَ الْخَطَايَا، وَيَقُولُ الرَّبُّ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: أَنَا (1) قَيَّدْتُ عَبْدِي، وَابْتَلَيْتُهُ، فَأَجْرُوا (2) لَهُ كَمَا كُنْتُمْ تُجْرُونَ لَهُ وَهُوَ صَحِيحٌ "
“Allah who is Great and Glorious says, ‘When I afflict a servant of Mine who is a believer and he praises Me, for the affliction I have brought upon him; he will rise from that couch of his as sinless as he was the day his mother gave birth to him.’ The Rabb, Who is Blessed and Exalted, will say, ‘I fettered and afflicted My servant, so record for him what you were recording for him when he was well.’”
[Ref: Musnad Ahmad 28/344; Shamela . Shaykh Shu`ayb Arnaout graded it saheeh ligayrihi. (1) في (ص) : إني. - elsewhere it comes as "Inni" ; (2) في النسخ عدا (ق) : وأجروا، والمثبت من (ق) . - In Another nuskha it means "his reward has been affixed" .]
Some Tips to make Dua'a :
Tip # 1 : Praising Allah first, then sending salaams (durood) upon the Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) while making Dua'a
"إن الدعاء موقوف بين السماء والأرض لا يصعد منه شيء حتى تصلي على نبيك صلى الله عليه وسلم
Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “Du’aa’ is detained (stopped) between the heavens and the earth and no part of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).”
Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “Du’aa’ is detained (stopped) between the heavens and the earth and no part of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).”
[Ref: Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 486, Hasan by Shaikh Albaanee in Saheeh at-Tirmidhi 403; Also recorded by Abu Bakr Ibn al-Arabi al Malaki in his Aridat al-Ahwadhi bi-Sharh Sahih al-Tirmidhi 1/472; Al-Mundhari recorded this in Targheeb wa Tarheeb 2/406 grading the hadeeth to be hasan; As-Shawkaani in Tuhfadh al-Zaakareen58; Ibn Katheer in Musnad al-Farooq 1/176 graded this to have a Jayyid Isnaad ]
Tip # 2 : Using the most beautiful and powerful words to Invoke Allah :
It was narrated that Ibn `Umar رضي الله عنهما said: “The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم never abandoned these supplications, every morning and evening:
اللهم إني أسألك العفو والعافية في ديني ودنياي وأهلي ومالي اللهم استر عوراتي وآمن روعاتي واحفظني من بين يدي ومن خلفي وعن يميني وعن شمالي ومن فوقي وأعوذ بك أن أغتال من تحتي
Allaahumma inni as-aluka al-`afwa wal-`aafiyah fee deenee wa dunyaai wa ahlee wa maalee. Allaahumma astur `awraatee, wa aamin raw`aaitee wahfadhnee min bayni yadayya, wa min khalfee wa `an yameenee wa `an shimaalee, wa min fawqee, wa a`oodhu bika an ughtaala min tahtee
“. O Allaah! I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religious and my worldly affairs. O Allaah! Conceal my faults, calm my fears, and protect me from before me and behind me, from my right and my left, and from above me, and I seek refuge in You from being taken unaware from beneath me”
[Sunan Abu Dawood (5074), Ibn Maajah (3871) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Whoever comes across a person suffering a calamity and says:
الحمد لله الذي عافاني مما ابتلاك به ، وفضلني على كثير ممن خلق تفضيلا
‘All praise is for Allah Who saved me from that which He tested you with and Who most certainly favored me over much of His creation.’ He will be kept safe from that calamity”
[Sunan al-Tirmidhee (3431, 3432) on the authority of Abu Hurairah and `Umar رضي الله عنهما, and graded as “Hasan” by Shaikh al-Albaanee, Also Sunan ibn Maajah (3892)]
To know some more powerful Dua'as which we could use to supplicate with during salah as well as normal times then click here : http://www.mediafire.com/view/?cv7rei7c1j5bq5c
Hotline (best times) to contact Allah : http://the-finalrevelation.blogspot.com/2012/07/best-time-to-supplicate.html
19 important mistakes due to which dua'a may not be answered : http://the-finalrevelation.blogspot.com/2012/12/some-reasons-why-dua-may-not-be-answered.html
Method # 2 : Repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah no matter even if you think you are an angel
“See they not that they are put in trial once or twice every year (with different kinds of calamities, disease, famine)? Yet, they turn not in repentance, nor do they learn a lesson (from it)” [al-Tawbah 9:126]
“And indeed We seized them with punishment, but they humbled not themselves to their Lord, nor did they invoke (Allaah) with submission to Him” [al-Mu’minoon 23:76]
“And verily, We will make them taste of the near torment (i.e. the torment in the life of this world, i.e. disasters, calamities) prior to the supreme torment (in the Hereafter), in order that they may (repent and) return (i.e. accept Islam)” [al-Sajdah 32:21]
25 + Shortcuts to have All our sins forgiven: http://the-finalrevelation.blogspot.com/2012/12/25-ways-and-shortcuts-to-have-all-your.html
Some beautiful Methods to repent to Allah: http://the-finalrevelation.blogspot.com/2012/08/repent-and-erase-sins.html
Method # 3 : Seeking Refuge and Help in Allah alone, and indulging in more and more worship during trials (of any kind)
Abu Huraira (r.a) reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said,
“Seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of Hellfire, and seek refuge in Allah from the punishment of the grave. Seek refuge in Allah from the tribulations of the False Messiah, and seek refuge in Allah from the trials of life and death.”
[Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Book on Supplications, Number 3604, Sahih]
Ma’qil ibn Yasir reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, “Worship during a time of widespread killing is like making an emigration to me.”
[Sahih Muslim, Book 41, Number 7042]
Narrated that Umm Salamah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say:
“There is no Muslim who is stricken with a calamity and says what Allaah has enjoined –
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ اللَّهُمَّ أْجُرْنِي فِي مُصِيبَتِي وَأَخْلِفْ لِي خَيْرًا مِنْهَا
‘Verily to Allaah we belong and unto Him is our return. O Allaah, reward me for my affliction and compensate me with something better’ – but Allaah will compensate him with something better.”
[Sahih Muslim 918]
Imaam Abu Dawood narrated in his Kitaab al-Maraseel from Imraan al-Qaseer who said: "The lamp of the Prophet (peace be upon him) died out, so he (immediately) lit it back, upon which Aa'ishah (radiallah anha) said: "Verily it is only a Misbaah (Lamp)", so he (peace be upon him) said: "Whatever causes difficulty to a Mu'min is a Calamity""
[Al-Maraseel: 1/297 H # 412]
Ibn Katheer recorded in his Book Al Bidaaya wan Nihaaya 8/222, a narration on the authority of The best that can be said when remembering these and similar calamities is that which ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn [Imam Zayn Al ‘Aabidin – son of Al Hussain] narrated from his grandfather (Ali r.a) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), who said:
“There is no Muslim who is afflicted by a calamity and when he remembers it, even if it was in the dim and distant past, he says Inna Lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon (verily to Allaah we belong and unto Him is our return), but Allaah will give him a reward like that of the day when it befell him.”
[Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Ibn Majaah, end quote from al-Bidaayah wa’l-Nihaayah (8/221)]
Ibn Taymiyah (r.h) reported in a long summary in Fataawa al Kubra part 5, about a hadeeth In al-Musnad, wherein it is reported from Faatimah bint al-Husayn, from her father al-Husayn, that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“There is no man who suffers a calamity, and when he remembers it, even if it is old, he says ‘Innaa Lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji’oon (Truly, to Allaah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return),’ but Allaah will give a reward equal to the reward He gave him on the day he suffered the calamity.
Method # 4 :Consulting Allah before making any decision (small or big) : Salatal Istikhaara
Istikhara in arabic means taking Allahs help. Whenever one wants to undertake a decision or a matter or anything regarding his life whether it be an important matter or a casual matter, he can (should) pray two raka'ats nawafil prayer and supplicate the below mentioned dua of istikhara after it to seek the help of Allah in his matter/decision.Istikhara cannot be done for haraam or disliked matters in Islam (working in a bank operating on interest, going to a club, having illegal sexual intercourse and etc). Istikhara is only and only allowed for matters which are mubah (allowed) or mustahab (recommended) in Islam concerning either an individual's personal life (property etc) or religious life (marriage, help in Islamic issues).
The Prophet (p.b.u.h) used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara (Istikhara means to ask Allah to guide one to the right sort of action concerning any job or a deed), in all matters as he taught us the Suras of the Quran. He (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) said,
"If anyone of you thinks of doing any job he should offer a two Rakat prayer other than the compulsory ones and say after the prayer 'O Allah, I seek the counsel of Your Knowledge, and I seek the help of Your Omnipotence, and I beseech You for Your Magnificent Grace. Surely, You are Capable and I am not. You know and I know not, and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know that this matter [then mention the thing to be decided] is good for me in my religion and in my life and for my welfare in the life to come, - [or say: in this life and the afterlife] - then ordain it for me and make it easy for me, then bless me in it. And if You know that this matter is bad for me in my religion and in my life and for my welfare in the life to come, - [or say: in this life and the afterlife] - then distance it from me, and distance me from it, and ordain for me what is good wherever it may be, and help me to be content with it.'
[Ref: Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 21, Number 263 ]
To see the method and Dua'a prescribed to supplicate with while praying salatul Istikhaara please visit : http://the-finalrevelation.blogspot.in/2012/06/how-to-pray-salatul-istikhara-seeking.html
Method # 5 : The Imam and Muslims indulging in Qunoot e Nazilah at times of calamity such as war and etc :
Qunoot e Nazilah is different from the everyday general Qunoot e witr that we pray after the 'Isha prayer. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) offered supplication (dua) at times of calamity on a number of occasions (in fardh salah only) , and his supplication was appropriate (or related ) to the calamity for which he was praying the Qunoot. For Qunoot e nazilah the proven sunnah from rasool (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) and his sahabas (r.a.a) is that one has to make his qunoot (dua/supplication) specific to the calamity befallen upon the Muslims or the situation and this qunoot (dua) is recited after getting up from the rukoo in the last raka of any or all fardh salah.
[Ref: Narrated by Abu Dawood (1443). Ibn al-Qayyim said: A saheeh hadeeth. Zaad al-Ma’aad, 1/280; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood
To know the method and prayer of Qunoot e nazilah in detail please visit : http://the-finalrevelation.blogspot.in/2012/06/dua-e-qunoot-for-isha-witr-prayer-its.html
ADVICE AND WARNINGS TO OBSERVE AT TIMES OF TRIALS
If a calamity befalls you, do not say "If i had sone such and such..."
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allaah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive to do that which will benefit you and seek the help of Allaah, and do not feel helpless. If anything befalls you, do not say ‘If only I had done (such and such), the such and such would have happened,’ rather say: Qadara Allaah wa ma sha’a fa’ala (‘Allaah decrees and what He wills He does,)’ for (because the word) ""if only"" opens the door to the work of the shaytaan.”
[Narrated by Muslim (2664)]
To stay away from falling into matters that could drag or pull us into trials
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, “There will be tribulations (fitnah) during which a sitting person will be better than the one standing, and the one standing will be better than the one walking, and the one walking will be better than the one running, and whoever exposes himself to these tribulations will be destroyed; so whoever finds a place of protection or refuge should take shelter in it.”
[Sahih Bukhari, Book 88, Number 202]
A muslim must leave what is doubtfull especially under such times, because the prophet (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) said in a hadeeth of Sahih Muslim that " What is lawful is clear and what is unlawful is clear. In between the two lie doubtfull matters, so whoever falls into them has sinned and whoever refrains from them has saved his honor and deen "
HOW TO PREVENT TRIALS AND GENERAL ADVICE FROM THE PROPHET (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) TO MUSLIMS
Hurry to perform the good deeds before the trials overtake you
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“Hasten to perform good deeds before seven things: are you waiting for poverty which makes you forget? Or wealth which burdens you? Or a debilitating disease or senility? Or an unexpected death or the False Messiah? Or is it evil in the unseen you are waiting for, or the Hour? The Hour will be bitter and terrible.”
[Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Book of Asceticism, Number 2306, Hasan]
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“Hasten to perform good deeds before a tribulation which will be like the dark part of the night, in which a man will be a believer in the morning and an unbeliever in the evening, or he will be a believer in the evening and an unbeliever in the morning; and he would sell his faith for some goods in the world.”
[Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Number 213]
Supplicate to Allah with abundant dua'a , adhkar, in our everyday life to be away from trials
As mentioned above, the prophet (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam)said "Dua'a is worship", so one must use this super-weapon to the best of his abilities. Along with this the prophet (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) also said :
Allah's Messenger (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Only supplication (Dua'a) averts (prevents) the decree , only kindness prolongs life, and a man is deprived of provision for a fault he commits."
[Tirmidhi and others]
Thus now that we know , dua'a can also help avert trials from us, why not start practicing it? See : Dua'as to prevent and cure evil eye, Jinn Attacks and Harm : http://the-finalrevelation.blogspot.in/2012/07/duas-to-protect-from-evil-eye-buri.html
SOME BENEFITS AND WISDOM OF TRIALS AND CALAMITIES DECREED BY ALLAH
وخرجه الطبراني من حديث أنس عن النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم): يقول الله عز وجل: إن من عبادي من لا يصلح إيمانه إلا بالفقر وإن بسطت عليه أفسده ذلك , و إن من عبادي من لا يصلح إيمانه إلا بالغني ولو أفقرته لأفسده ذلك, و إن من عبادي من لا يصلح إيمانه إلا بالصحة ولو أسقمته لأفسده ذلك, و إن من عبادي من لا يصلح إيمانه إلا بالسقم ولو أصححته لأفسده ذلك. و إن من عبادي من يطلب بابا من العبادة, فأكفه عنه, لكيلا يدخله العجب, إني أدبر عبادي بعلمي بما في قلوبهم, إني عليم خبير
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said :
“Allah `azza wa jall said: ‘Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by being inflicted with poverty, and were I to enrich him, it would surely corrupt him.
Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by wealth and affluence, and were I to deprive him, it would surely corrupt him.
Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by good health, and were I to make him sick, it would surely corrupt him.
Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by disease and illness, and were I to make him healthy, it would surely corrupt him.
Verily, from amongst My slaves is he who seeks worship by a certain act but I prevent that from him so that self-amazement does not enter his heart.
Certainly, I run the affairs of My slaves by My Knowledge of what is in their hearts.
Certainly, I am the All-Knower, All-Aware.‘
[Very weak, Shaikh al-Albaanee in al-Dhaeefah #1774 and #1775. But look at the wisdom behind such a text. This reminds me of the verse wherein Allah says that if he were to enrich everyone's provision then there would be much corruption. ]
Imam Ibn Qayyium said, "Had it not been for Allah healing His servants with the medicines of trials & tribulations, they would have truly transgressed, oppressed and sinned.
So when Allah wants khayr (good) for His slave, He gives him a dosage of this medication of trials, in accordance to his situation. It causes him to expel his destructive ailments (from within).
So he (Allah) teaches, cleanses, and purifies him such that he (Allah) prepares him for the highest level in this dunya- that of worshiping Him alone, and the highest reward of the akhira (hereafter) - which is seeing Him & being near to Him."
[Ref: Zad al-ma'ad, 4/195]
1 – To attain true submission and servitude (‘uboodiyyah) to Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds by turning to him for forgiveness and help
2 – Trials prepare the believers to prevail on earth
It was said to Imam al-Shaafa’i (may Allaah have mercy on him): Which is better, patience or tests or prevailing? He said: Prevailing is the level attained by the Prophets, and there can be no prevailing except after trials. If a person is tried he will become patient, and if he remains patient he will prevail.
3 – Expiation of sins
al-Tirmidhi (2399) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Trials will continue to befall the believing man or woman in himself, his child and his wealth until he meets Allaah with no sin on him.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (2399), classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 2280.
4 – Attainment of reward and a rise in status
Muslim (2572) narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The believer is not harmed by a thorn or anything greater, but Allaah will raise him in status thereby, or erase a sin thereby.”
5 – Calamities provide an opportunity to think about one's faults and shortcomings and past mistakes.
6- Removes the false notion of arrogance, self-sufficiency and other similar traits which are not made or suited for a mud-made slave but for the All powerful, All mighty , Lord of the Universe - Allah
Ibn Hajr said: Yoonus ibn Bukayr narrated in Ziyaadaat al-Maghaazi that al-Rabee’ ibn Anas said: A man said on the day of Hunayn: “We will never be defeated today for lack of numbers.” That upset the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and then they were defeated. Also see Ibn al-Qayyim said in Zaad al-Ma’aad (3/477):
7- To strengthen the people's faith
When a believer withstands and endures the trials with patience and turning to Allah, he receives help and thus his faith strengthens and his rank increases
8 – Calamities remind you of the great blessings of good health and ease.
This calamity shows you in the clearest way the meaning of health and ease that you enjoyed for many years, but did not taste their sweetness or appreciate them fully.
Calamities remind you of blessings and the One Who bestows them, and cause you to thank and praise Allaah for His blessings.
BONUS : APART FROM TRIALS, ALLAH ALSO WILLS GOOD OF A PERSON BY :
Giving him beneficial knowledge to learn, practice and share
Prophet (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) said "When Allah wills good for a person, He grants him proper understanding of religion." [Al-Tirmidhi and others]
Enabling the person to do Good deeds
It was narrated on the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"when allah wills good for his servant, he puts him to his service." they said, "how does he put someone to his service?" he said, "he guides him to do good deeds before death."
(Ahmad, vol. 3, pp. 106, 120, and 230; Al-Tirmidhy, vol. 4, p. 450, no. 2142; Abu Ya`la, vol. 6, pp. 402, 440, and 452, nos. 3756, 3821, and 3840; Ibn Hibban, vol. 2, p. 53, no. 341; Al-Tabarany, Al-Awsat, vol. 2, p. 561, no. 1962, (verified by Al-Tahhan); Ibn Abu `Asim, vol. 1, pp. 283-285, nos. 402, 406, and 408, (verified by Al-Jawabrah); Al-Ajury, Al-Shari`ah, vol. 2, p. 88, no. 368; Al-Laka'y, Sharh Usul I'tiqad Ahl Al-Sunnah, vol. 4, p. 674, no. 1089; and Al-Bayhaqy, Al-Asma' wa Al-Sifat, vol. 1, p. 386. no. 312.)
Additional read by shaykh izz `abdus salaam (d. 660 A.H) as-sufui al-`Ashari ash-shaf`ee his book "Trials and Tribulations - Wisdom & Benefits " can be downloaded from here :
Link: http://www.hasbunallah.com.au/?ddownload=64791
Giving him beneficial knowledge to learn, practice and share
Prophet (sallalahu `alayhi wa sallam) said "When Allah wills good for a person, He grants him proper understanding of religion." [Al-Tirmidhi and others]
Enabling the person to do Good deeds
"when allah wills good for his servant, he puts him to his service." they said, "how does he put someone to his service?" he said, "he guides him to do good deeds before death."
(Ahmad, vol. 3, pp. 106, 120, and 230; Al-Tirmidhy, vol. 4, p. 450, no. 2142; Abu Ya`la, vol. 6, pp. 402, 440, and 452, nos. 3756, 3821, and 3840; Ibn Hibban, vol. 2, p. 53, no. 341; Al-Tabarany, Al-Awsat, vol. 2, p. 561, no. 1962, (verified by Al-Tahhan); Ibn Abu `Asim, vol. 1, pp. 283-285, nos. 402, 406, and 408, (verified by Al-Jawabrah); Al-Ajury, Al-Shari`ah, vol. 2, p. 88, no. 368; Al-Laka'y, Sharh Usul I'tiqad Ahl Al-Sunnah, vol. 4, p. 674, no. 1089; and Al-Bayhaqy, Al-Asma' wa Al-Sifat, vol. 1, p. 386. no. 312.)
Additional read by shaykh izz `abdus salaam (d. 660 A.H) as-sufui al-`Ashari ash-shaf`ee his book "Trials and Tribulations - Wisdom & Benefits " can be downloaded from here :
Link: http://www.hasbunallah.com.au/?ddownload=64791
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