FAJR REMINDER: UNDERSTANDING ALLĀH’S WISDOM IN REPEATED TRIALS

 FAJR REMINDER: UNDERSTANDING ALLĀH’S WISDOM IN REPEATED TRIALS 

By: Umm Affān

Sha'bān 6, 1447 (25-January-2026)

All praise belongs to Allāh, the Most Merciful, the Most Wise. We express our gratitude to Him in times of ease and in times of difficulty. In our moments of strength and vulnerability, we seek His Assistance, and we turn to Him with the understanding that every decree is purposeful. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ), who has shown us how to confront challenges with patience, hope, and steadfast faith.

A recurring concern for many believers is the question of why we face repeated trials, such as illness. Islām teaches that Allāh tests His servants based on His perfect Wisdom—there is no element of randomness or neglect in His Dealings. Allāh states: “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient.” [Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2): 155]

Trials may resurface because their purpose is not yet fulfilled. They may be intended to strengthen our reliance on Allāh, to soften our hearts, or to bring us closer to sincere Du‘ā’. Experiencing recurrent illness does not signify rejection; instead, it often indicates that Allāh continues to nurture the soul. In Islām, illness serves as a potent means of purification. The Prophet (ﷺ) said that no pain, disease, or hardship befalls a believer without Allāh removing sins through such trials, even down to the prick of a thorn. [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5642] When an illness recurs, it may signify that Allāh is ongoing in the process of cleansing the servant, promoting their spiritual elevation, and preparing them for rewards that far exceed the suffering endured. What we perceive as repetition could actually be mercy unfolding progressively.

The lives of the Prophets serve as a reminder that repeated trials are not unfamiliar to those who are most beloved by Allāh. Prophet Ayyūb (‘Alayhi Salām) endured a prolonged illness with extraordinary patience, and Allāh praised him with the words, “Indeed, We found him patient. An excellent servant.” [Sūrah Sād (38): 44] His suffering was not a sign of abandonment but rather an indication of honor. Similarly, the Prophet (ﷺ) taught us that those who face the most severe tests are the Prophets, followed by the righteous, and then by those closest to them in faith. Enduring repeated hardships may signify closeness to Allāh rather than distance.

For a believer, the recurrence of an illness is an opportunity to deepen trust in Allāh, to seek treatment while placing reliance on Him, and to maintain hope in His Promise. Allāh reassures us that He does not impose a burden on a soul greater than it can bear. Whenever the same illness arises again, let the heart remember that Allāh does not repeat pain without purpose; He is reiterating His Care, Reward, and Attention towards His servant.

In every moment of patience, hidden mercy lies, and within every trial, a pathway toward closeness to Allāh awaits.

I beseech Allāh to grant healing, patience, and immense rewards to all those who are tested, turning every hardship into a means of drawing nearer to Him. Aameen.