The greatest gift a Muslim can have is a connection with his Lord Allah. A relationship with The Creator of Mankind Al-Khaliq. And one needs to know that one of the greatest desires of Satan or the devil. It is to disturb that connection between God and his Creation. Over time, he has promised it and made it quite clear. Allah has informed Muslims that Satan’s primary aim is to disrupt the connection between the believer and his God. So we must be conscious of it all the time to withstand the Fitnah of Shaitan.

Imagine someone who has caused so much harm to you and you still want to see them and interact. Evil deceives us daily in our lives. Satan is an expert in making the most terrible things look exquisite. Our Need for Connection with Allah is far greater than our necessity for water and food. It’s paramount to our condition to breathe. The world (Dunya) has been made beautiful and fair to people. But it’s not! it’s a challenge and a test for people.

Allah Almighty says, ” And know that your wealth and your Children are a test (fitnah) and that with Allah is an immense reward.”

He tells you that Satan has ulterior motives. He encourages people to gamble. Satan also indulges them in intoxicants. He wants to create enmity and hatred. He aims to distract Muslims from the remembrance of Allah and your prayer. The devil mainly aims to make Muslims unconscious of Allah (swt). He also seeks to spread indecency and immorality.

We’re already aware of our enemy, and his tactics behind dispersing impudence. The main challenge for people experiencing trials is eliminating their sins. These sins keep returning to them.

Tips to withstand Hardships (Fitnah) in Life

As we all know, Islam is the religion of Tawakkul i.e. Trust in Allah, trust in the Almighty, the Exalted. The main essence of it lies in the firm acceptance of the Qadr: Destiny. The life that God gave us, being grateful and patient to whatever approaches in Life is the real deal.

Life is full of tests and trials, known in Arabic as Fitnah. These trials come in various forms—wealth, poverty, illness, loss, relationships, and even struggles with faith. Allah tests believers to purify their hearts, strengthen their faith, and elevate their ranks in the Hereafter.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Do people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe,’ and they will not be tried? We have certainly tried those before them. Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful. He will surely make evident the liars.” (Quran 29:2-3)

Understanding Fitnah and how to respond to it with faith, patience, and perseverance is crucial for every believer.

Understanding Fitnah – What is It?

The word Fitnah in Arabic means a trial, temptation, or test. It refers to anything that challenges a believer’s faith, character, or patience. Allah tests people in different ways:

Through hardships – illness, loss of loved ones, financial difficulties, oppression, or emotional struggles.

Through blessings – wealth, power, popularity, or success can also be a test to see if one remains humble and grateful.

Through faith challenges – doubts, external pressures, or societal influences that make practicing Islam difficult.

Allah warns in the Quran:

“And know that your wealth and your children are but a Fitnah, and that with Allah is a great reward.” (Qur’an 8:28)

Life is full of tests and trials, known in Arabic as Fitnah. These trials come in various forms—wealth, poverty, illness, loss, relationships, and even struggles with faith. Allah tests believers to purify their hearts, strengthen their faith, and elevate their ranks in the Hereafter.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Do people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe,’ and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.” (Quran 29:2-3)

Understanding Fitnah and how to respond to it with faith, patience, and perseverance is crucial for every believer.

Understanding Fitnah

The word Fitnah in Arabic means a trial, temptation, or test. It refers to anything that challenges a believer’s faith, character, or patience. Allah tests people in different ways:

Through hardships – illness, loss of loved ones, financial difficulties, oppression, or emotional struggles.

Through blessings – wealth, power, popularity, or success can also be a test to see if one remains humble and grateful.

Through faith challenges – doubts, external pressures, or societal influences that make practicing Islam difficult.

Allah warns in the Qur’an:

“And know that your wealth and your children are but a Fitnah, and that with Allah is a great reward.” (Qur’an 8:28)

This verse reminds us that both hardships and blessings are tests from Allah. Our response to them determines our spiritual success.

Why Does Allah Test Us?

Some may wonder why a Merciful God allows suffering. The answer lies in the divine wisdom behind these tests. Allah tests us:

a) To Strengthen Our Faith

“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?” (Qur’an 2:214)

Trials purify our hearts and increase our reliance on Allah. When a believer faces difficulty with patience and trust in Allah, their faith becomes stronger.

b) To Remove Our Sins

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 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.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Hardships wipe away sins and elevate a believer’s status in the Hereafter.

c) To Test Our Gratitude and Patience

Trials reveal who is truly grateful and patient. Allah says:

“We shall certainly test you with fear and hunger, and loss of property, lives, and crops. But give good news to those who are patient.” (Qur’an 2:155)

  1. How to Withstand Fitnah in Life?

Knowing that tests are part of life, how should a Muslim respond to hardships?

a) Have Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)

Tawakkul means putting full trust in Allah’s plan, knowing that He is the best disposer of affairs. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“If you relied upon Allah with the reliance He is due, then He would provide for you just as He provides for the birds. They go out in the morning with empty stomachs and return full.” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

This shows that trusting Allah does not mean being passive but rather doing our part while relying on His wisdom.

b) Be Patient and Seek Reward from Allah

Patience (Sabr) is a key quality of a believer. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Trials may be difficult, but they come with immense rewards for those who endure with patience.

c) Make Dua (Supplication) Constantly

Dua is a powerful tool during times of hardship. The Prophet (PBUH) taught us to say:

“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from grief and sadness, from weakness and laziness, from miserliness and cowardice, from being overcome by debt and from being overpowered by men.” (Bukhari)

Turning to Allah in sincere supplication brings peace and guidance.

d) Stay Connected to the Qur’an and Salah

The Qur’an is a source of healing and guidance. Allah says:

“And We send down in the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe.” (Qur’an 17:82)

Salah (prayer) is another powerful way to seek relief. The Prophet (PBUH) would pray whenever he faced difficulty, teaching us that prayer brings strength and comfort.

e) Remember That This World is Temporary

This life is a temporary test, and the real reward lies in the Hereafter. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.” (Muslim)

No matter how hard life gets, it is only temporary. Eternal happiness awaits those who remain steadfast in faith.

  1. Lessons from the Prophets on Enduring Fitnah

The best examples of patience during hardships are found in the lives of the Prophets.

Prophet Ayyub (AS) suffered from severe illness and loss but remained patient and was rewarded with health and prosperity.

Prophet Yusuf (AS) was betrayed, imprisoned, and tested with temptation, yet he remained steadfast and was eventually honored.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) faced immense hardships—loss of family, persecution, and battles—but he remained patient, trusting Allah’s plan.

Allah tells us their stories so we can learn to endure our own tests with faith and patience.

Let’s strive hard to overcome these Hardships

Trials (Fitnah) are an inevitable part of life, but they are also opportunities to grow spiritually, seek Allah’s mercy, and increase in faith. By trusting in Allah, practicing patience, and making dua, we can withstand any hardship. Staying connected to the Quran and Salah provides strength and hope.

May Allah grant us patience in times of difficulty. May we have gratitude in times of ease. May we find success in both this world and the Hereafter. Ameen.