Life’s trials make us stronger

There always seems to be one trial after another with me. One trial is overcome and here comes another. Whew, good thing I know how to take my trials and tribulations because if I didn’t I would be one spiritually weak sister!  

I remember growing up: my Granny Stubbs would say that everyone has trials; some seem to have more than others. Some people’s trials are issues of relationships, health, wealth, finance and the list goes on. My granny said it’s who you go to that will help you overcome these trials. Well, I know she was talking about God and, Alhamdulillah, I have learned and proven that God is the trial-buster. 

Some believe that we should never have trials especially if you are so-called “living right”.  This is so unrealistic –– it is trials that make us stronger. 

If we went to the gym and only lifted 5lb weights we would not build muscle, we will never see strength develop. To me, trials are like weights –– the heavier the weight the more the muscle of strength develops. 

Harshest

There is one hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) tells us that the people who face the harshest trial are the prophets, then those next to them (in faith and devotion) and then the next. 

Everyone will be tried according to his level of faith –– one who has strong faith will undergo a harsh trial and one who is of weak faith will receive a weak trial. And the affliction will encompass one until he becomes free of sins altogether.

Allah says in the following ayah: “And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings to the patient, Who says, when afflicted with calamity: ‘To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return’. They are those on whom (descend) Blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance.” (Al-Baqarah 2:155-157).

Surely in the magnitude of trials, I would say that the greatest trial is that of losing a loved one.

A few weeks ago, a young and beloved member of our community was returned to Allah. Ruquayyah was the youngest child and only daughter of her family –– imagine the magnitude of this. 

The family, being stalwarts in the community faced, this challenge with strength and piety. Distraught, naturally, but never despairing of Allah’s mercy. 

Despite what they were going through, they saw God’s mercy throughout their time of trial. These events caused the brother to bellow this question: “Who is this Allah?!” 

Since hearing this, the words “Who is this Allah” keep ringing in my ears. Each day the answer comes to me through the things that happen in my life. 

Indeed, during my own times of trials (remember, I have many), when everything looked so bleak, after I have taken my trials to Allah and begged for His mercy and intervention, out of nowhere comes His help and my relief. Yaa Allah Yaa Haqq!

Allah promises and His promise is true: “So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief: (5) Verily with every difficulty there is relief.” (Surah Al-Inshirah 94-6). Allah will give us relief and Shakir family –– you know too well that Allah got you as He always has! 

Who is this Allah, we may ask. I can answer confidently that this Allah is the God who gives you solace and comfort in your darkest hour. This Allah gives you a peace that surpasses all understanding. This Allah, this God of mercy and compassion who neither slumbers nor sleeps, this Allah is amazing, this Allah is awesome, this Allah is all we need, this Allah is All in All. Ameen.