1. To
boost up the performance or as a training ground for carrying out a great task
entrusted on them (these forms of trial are for the Prophets and Messengers):“How many of the prophets fought (in Allah's way), and with them (fought) Large bands of godly men? but they never lost heart if they met with disaster in Allah's way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allah Loves those who are firm and steadfast.” [Qur’an 3:146]
Abu Hurayrah narrated, that Rasulullah SAW said: “Whenever Allah wills good for a person, He subjects him to adversity.”
“And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He said: "I will make thee an Imam to the Nations." He pleaded: "And also (Imams) from my offspring!" He answered: "But My Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers." [Qur’an 2:124]
“We know indeed the grief which their words do cause thee: It is not thee they reject: it is the signs of Allah, which the wicked condemn. Rejected were the apostles before thee: with patience and constancy they bore their rejection and their wrongs, until Our aid did reach them: there is none that can alter the words (and decrees) of Allah. Already hast thou received some account of those apostles. If their spurning is hard on thy mind, yet if thou wert able to seek a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the skies and bring them a sign,- (what good?). If it were Allah's Will, He could gather them together unto true guidance: so be not thou amongst those who are swayed by ignorance (and impatience)!” [Qur’an 6:33-35]
2. As an educational medium and lessons for the believers to truly submit and be humble to Allah.
He said: “Before thee We sent (apostles) to many nations, and We afflicted the nations with suffering and adversity, that they might learn humility.” [Qur’an 6:42]
“Whenever We sent a prophet to a town, We took up its people in suffering and adversity, in order that they might learn humility.” [Qur’an 7:94]
3. As a selection field between the good and the bad, the patient and the impatient.
He said: “Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which ye are now, until He separates what is evil from what is good nor will He disclose to you the secrets of the Unseen. But He chooses of His Messenger. (For the purpose) whom He pleases. So believe in Allah. And His apostles: And if ye believe and do right, ye have a reward without measure.” [Qur’an 3:179]
“Or do ye think that ye shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? they encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Messenger and those of faith who were with him cried: "When (will come) the help of Allah." Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!” [Qur’an 2:214]
“Or think ye that ye shall be abandoned, as though Allah did not know those among you who strive with might and main, and take none for friends and protectors except Allah, His Messenger, and the (community of) Believers? But Allah is well- acquainted with (all) that ye do.” [Qur’an 9:16]
“Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, "We believe", and that they will not be tested? We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false.” [Qur’an 29:2-3]
“Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who were told to hold back their hands (from fight) but establish regular prayers and spend in regular charity? When (at length) the order for fighting was issued to them, behold! a section of them feared men as - or even more than - they should have feared Allah. They said: "Our Lord! Why hast Thou ordered us to fight? Wouldst Thou not Grant us respite to our (natural) term, near (enough)?" Say: "Short is the enjoyment of this world: the Hereafter is the best for those who do right: Never will ye be dealt with unjustly in the very least!” [Qur’an 4:77]
4. As an expiation of sins.
Allah says: “And their Lord hath accepted of them, and answered them: "Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female: Ye are members, one of another: Those who have left their homes, or been driven out therefrom, or suffered harm in My Cause, or fought or been slain,- verily, I will blot out from them their iniquities, and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath;- A reward from the presence of Allah, and from His presence is the best of rewards."" [Qur’an 3:195]
From Abu Hurayrah, Rasulullah SAW said: “The believing man or woman continues to have affliction in person, property and children so that they may finally meet Allah, free from sin.” (Tirmidhi)
From Abu Hurayrah, The Prophet SAW said: “No calamity befalls a Muslim but that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it, even though it were the prick he receives from a thorn." (Bukhari)
Rasulullah SAW said, that those who have strong faith are given the harder trials. When asked about who suffers the greatest afflictions, he replied: “The prophets, then those who come next to them, then those who come next to them. A man is afflicted in keeping his religion. If he is firm in his religion his trial is severe, but if there is weakness in his religion it is made light for him, and it continues like that till he walks on the earth having no sin.” (Tirmidhi)
5. As a sign of Allah’s Love for his slaves.
Rasulullah SAW said: “Verily, the greatness of reward is proportionate to the greatness of the test. And indeed, if Allah loves a people, He tests them. Whoever is pleased, upon him is Allah’s Pleasure. And whoever is angry, upon him is Allah’s wrath.”
He said again: "If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials."
And again, Narrated Abu Hurayra:
Allah's Apostle said, "The example of a believer is that of a fresh tender plant; from whatever direction the wind comes, it bends it, but when the wind becomes quiet, it becomes straight again. Similarly, a believer is afflicted with calamities (but he remains patient till Allah removes his difficulties.) And an impious wicked person is like a pine tree which keeps hard and straight till Allah cuts (breaks) it down when He wishes."
To be continued... Next: "The Various Forms Of Trials For The Mujahideen"