Trial or punishment? – I am a message from Allah.
Every human being faces moments in life when he is faced with sorrow, pain, illness, financial hardship, or some other calamity. At such times, the question arises in the heart: Is this a trial from Allah or a punishment? Knowing the answer to this question not only corrects our attitude of patience and gratitude but also strengthens our relationship with Allah Almighty. Trial or punishment? – I am a message from Allah.
The Difference Between Trial and Punishment
Trial (abtila) is the Sunnah of Allah Almighty. Allah also tests His righteous servants to show their faith, patience, and trust:
“Do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet shown those among you who strive hard and those who are patient?”
(Surah Al-Imran: 142)
While punishment is a sign of Allah’s displeasure, which comes upon a nation or individual because of their sins, injustice, or disobedience:
“And We seized them, but they did not humble themselves before their Lord, nor did they murmur.”
(Surah Al-Mu’minun: 76)
Signs of Trial
A stronger relationship with Allah
If a person’s heart is inclined towards Allah in difficult times, repents and seeks forgiveness, and is absorbed in prayer and the Quran, then this is a trial.
A spirit of patience and gratitude
If a person trusts in Allah and is patient instead of complaining, then this is evidence of the strength of his faith.
A means of forgiveness for sins
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Whatever pain, distress, sorrow, illness, or sorrow befalls a believer, even if it were a thorn pricking him, Allah forgives his sins.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Trial or punishment? – I am a message from Allah.
Signs of Punishment
Insistence on sins and neglect of repentance
If someone does not turn to Allah despite hardship and persists in sins, then this can be a sign of punishment.
Hardening of the heart
If the heart, instead of softening, becomes more heedless, prayers are abandoned, or suspicions are entertained of Allah, then this is not a good sign.
Collective disobedience
When an entire nation or society collectively engages in oppression, immorality, injustice, or debauchery, and there is no reform, then Allah’s punishment may come there—as the Quran mentions the previous nations.
What is Allah’s message in difficult times?
Call to repentance and repentance
Allah Almighty awakens the servant through hardships so that he may refrain from sins.
Training patience and trust
Allah wants us to trust Him completely, not in worldly resources.
Raising the ranks
Sometimes Allah tests righteous people to raise their ranks — such as the prophets and companions.
Trial or punishment? – I am a message from Allah.
What should we do?
Take stock of our deeds.
In every difficult moment, the first thing to think about is, “Am I violating Allah’s commands?”
Repent and seek forgiveness.
Include sincere repentance in your daily routine.
Adhere to prayer and the Quran.
This is the source of true peace and guidance.
Make patience and supplication a must.
“Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 153)
Have good faith in Allah.
No matter what the situation is, always have good faith in Allah that He makes the best decisions. Trial or punishment? – I am a message from Allah.
Trial or punishment? – I am a message from Allah.
Conclusion
Every difficult moment in life brings a message. If we make this moment a means of turning to Allah, then this very trial can bring us closer to Allah and show us the path to Paradise. But if we remain heedless, then this very trial can become a punishment.
So let’s consider every sorrow, every illness, and every hardship as an opportunity from Allah — to reform ourselves, to turn back, and to seek the pleasure of our Lord. Trial or punishment? – I am a message from Allah. Finished
