Belief & Creed (Aqeedah)

Why Are There Hardships in Life?

Why Are There Hardships in Life?

Why Is This Happening to Me?
Expect Hardships and Be Ready for Them
Imagine a Life Without Hardships
Jannah: Allah’s Promise – Where No Hardships Will Ever Touch Us
Common Misconceptions about Hardships
Conclusion: Facing Hardships with Faith and Hope
Recommended Reading

Why Is This Happening to Me?

Life isn’t always easy. Everyone faces hardships at some point—whether it’s losing someone dear, struggling through illness, worrying about money, dealing with family conflicts, or feeling lonely. Maybe you're stuck, frustrated by repeated failures at school or work, heartbroken by broken relationships, or overwhelmed by anxiety and depression.

At these moments, it's natural to wonder: “Why is this happening to me?” or even, “If Allah is Merciful and Loving, why does life have to be so hard?”

In this article, we'll explore how Islam answers these questions. You’ll learn that hardships are not random or pointless; instead, they have a deep purpose and meaning. Allah tells us clearly that life will have struggles—it's designed that way to test us, purify our hearts, and build resilience. Imagine a life without tests: we'd never truly grow, never fully appreciate ease, and never recognize the strength within us.

Islam teaches that hardships aren’t a sign of Allah abandoning us—rather, they’re proof He cares deeply, guiding us to become stronger, wiser, and closer to Him. By understanding this truth, we can find strength, patience, and hope even in the darkest times. Once we embrace this reality—that hardships are part of life's journey, meant to purify and elevate us—our struggles become meaningful steps toward inner peace and eternal reward.

Let’s journey together to discover how faith transforms our greatest pains into the deepest forms of spiritual growth, bringing clarity, healing, and lasting happiness.

Expect Hardships and Be Ready for Them

Hardships are a normal part of life. Islam teaches us to expect them and be prepared. In the Quran, Allah plainly tells us that we will face tests in life:

“We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and hunger and loss of property, life, and crops. But give good news to those who patiently endure – those who, when faced with a disaster, say, ‘Surely we belong to Allah, and to Him we will ˹all˺ return.’ They are the ones who will receive Allah’s blessings and mercy. And it is they who are ˹rightly˺ guided.” (Quran 2:155-157)

From this passage, we learn a few important things:

Allah will test us in different ways – sometimes with fear or worry, sometimes with hunger or poverty, and sometimes with loss (like losing a loved one or something we value).
The people who pass the test are those who respond with patience and remember Allah. They say “Innā li-llāhi wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn” (“We belong to Allah and to Him we return”), meaning they trust Allah’s plan and find comfort in Him.
Those patient believers earn Allah’s blessings and guidance.

Life as a Test

In Islam, one of the fundamental truths is that life is a test. Allah created life and death for this very purpose:

“[He] who created death and life to test you ˹as to˺ which of you is best in deed – and He is the All-Mighty, Most Forgiving.” – (Quran 67:2)

If we keep in mind that this life is a temporary examination, hardships start to make more sense. Just like a teacher gives students tests to assess them and help them grow, Allah allows us to go through difficulties to strengthen our faith and character. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn, become stronger, and prove our trust in Allah.

Allah says in the Quran that it’s easy to claim belief, but true faith will be shown when it’s tested:

“Do people think they will be left to say, ‘We believe,’ and not be tested? We certainly tested those before them. And ˹in this way˺ Allah will clearly distinguish between those who are truthful and those who are liars.” – (Quran 29:2-3)

This means everyone will face challenges – it’s how Allah separates the sincere believers from those who only claim faith in good times. When a hardship comes, will we still trust Allah and obey Him, or will we give up faith? The test shows what’s in our hearts.

Even the Best People Face the Hardest Tests

One might think, “If I’m a good person, why should I suffer?” In fact, going through hardship doesn’t mean Allah is displeased with you. We see this in the lives of the prophets and the righteous people. They were the closest to Allah, yet they endured the most difficult trials.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the best of creation, faced enormous hardships. He was orphaned as a child, lost his beloved wife Khadijah and his uncle in the same year, was mocked and persecuted by his people, and even physically hurt – he was wounded in battle, and pelted with stones by the people of Ta’if. He also experienced poverty; some days, there was no food in his house and he went hungry. Despite all this, he remained patient, hopeful, and thankful to Allah. He said, “No one has been harmed in Allah’s cause as much as I have.” Yet he never lost faith.
Other prophets also faced great trials. Prophet Ayyūb (Job) endured a severe illness and loss of family and wealth for years, yet he never stopped praising Allah. Prophet Yaʿqūb (Jacob) cried and went blind in grief over losing his son Yusuf (Joseph), but he said “sabrun jamīl” – “I will endure with beautiful patience.” Prophet Ibrāhīm (Abraham) was thrown into a fire and later told to sacrifice his beloved son – he submitted to Allah’s command and Allah rescued him and rewarded his faith. These stories show that Allah tests those He loves. The prophets’ lives were not easy at all – but their example teaches us that hardship is not a sign of Allah’s rejection. Rather, it can be a sign of His special care, giving a chance to achieve higher reward.

In fact, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explicitly said that the most beloved people to Allah – the prophets – have the hardest lives:

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The most severely tested people are the prophets, then those next to them (in piety), then those next. A person is tested according to the level of his faith.” – (Sunan Ibn Mājah 4023, graded sahīh)

This hadith tells us that if Allah gives someone a big test, it may be because that person’s faith is strong enough to handle it, and Allah wants to purify them or raise their rank. It’s like a teacher giving advanced problems to the top students – not to fail them, but to push them to excel.

Another hadith states:

“If Allah intends good for someone, He afflicts them with trials.” – (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This means that sometimes difficulties are a gift in disguise. Allah wants good for us, and through the hardship He purifies our sins or brings us closer to Him. It’s hard in the short term, but beneficial in the long term – much like bitter medicine that cures a disease.

Patience (Sabr) – The Key Response

Since hardships are part of Allah’s plan for our lives, the Quran and Hadith place a huge emphasis on patience (sabr). Patience doesn’t mean just passively suffering; it means to endure calmly, without losing hope or complaining against Allah. It’s an active trust in Allah while striving to do the right thing.

Allah promises He is with the patient:

“O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” – (Quran 2:153)

Being “with the patient” means Allah supports and guides those who patiently persevere. And the reward of patience is immense:

“Only those who endure patiently will be given their reward without limit.” – (Quran 39:10)

Allah doesn’t specify a number – He says “without limit” – an infinite, uncountable reward! Imagine Allah Himself rewarding you directly for every moment you trusted Him during a hardship. It shows how valuable patience is in Islam.

The Prophet ﷺ also said that a believer always benefits, no matter what happens:

“How wonderful is the case of a believer! There is good for him in everything, and this applies only to a believer. If something good happens to him, he is grateful to Allah, and that is good for him. If something harmful befalls him, he is patient, and that is good for him.” – (Sahih Muslim)

For a Muslim, both ease and difficulty can be good. In happy times, we show gratitude (shukr), and in tough times, we show patience (sabr). Either way, we earn reward and grow closer to Allah. This positive mindset is a win-win for the believer.

Hardship Purifies and Elevates Us

Another wisdom behind hardships is that they clean our slate of sins and elevate our status in the Hereafter. We are human and we make mistakes. Allah, out of His mercy, may give us some hardship in this life to forgive us and spare us from punishment in the next life, which is far worse. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“No fatigue, illness, sorrow, sadness, hurt or distress befalls a Muslim – not even the prick of a thorn – except that Allah wipes away some of his sins because of it.” – (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Subḥānallah – even something as small as a thorn prick or a minor headache can be a means of forgiveness for a believer, if we are patient. Hardships, when borne with patience, purify us. They wash away our sins like a soap cleans dirt, so that we can meet Allah in a cleaner state.

The Prophet ﷺ also taught that when Allah wants to greatly reward someone but their deeds alone aren’t enough, He may test them with difficulties. Those who endure will reach a higher level in Paradise that they couldn’t have reached just by their regular deeds. In a narration, he said “the greater the trial, the greater the reward” – when Allah loves a people, He tests them, so that they come on the Day of Judgment with extra rewards and no sin left on them.

Knowing this helps a believer to stay optimistic during trials. We can think: “This difficulty is painful now, but it’s purifying me and earning me huge rewards in the sight of Allah, as long as I respond with patience.” That trade-off – temporary hardship for eternal bliss – is worth it.

Be Mentally Prepared

Since Allah has informed us that hardships will come, a Muslim mentally prepares for them. We hope for the best, but we are ready for the tests. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Prepare for hardships and know that victory comes with patience, relief comes with affliction, and with hardship comes ease.”

He taught Ibn ʿAbbās (ra) this timeless advice, reminding us that after a difficulty, Allah always brings ease. This exact message is also in the Quran:

“So, surely with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship will come ease.” – (Quran 94:5-6)

Allah emphasizes it twice to make sure we understand: no hardship lasts forever. There is light at the end of the tunnel, even if we can’t see it yet. Night is followed by dawn; winter is followed by spring. If today is tough, tomorrow can be better. Trust that Allah will bring relief at the right time.

Because we expect tests in life, we don’t fall apart when they happen. An example from the Prophet’s life: once he saw a woman weeping uncontrollably at her child’s grave. The Prophet ﷺ gently advised her to be patient and trust Allah. The woman, not recognizing him, answered in frustration, “You haven’t been afflicted like I have!” (She thought he couldn’t understand her pain). Later, when she realized it was the Prophet, she felt sorry and went to apologize. The Prophet ﷺ told her, “True patience is at the first shock of the calamity.” (Sahih al-Bukhari). This teaches us that the initial reaction to bad news is crucial. If we can center ourselves, hold back from despair or anger at that first moment, and remember Allah, it becomes easier to cope thereafter. Of course, we are only human – we might cry or feel sad, and that’s okay. Patience doesn’t mean you don’t feel sorrow; it means you don’t say or do anything inappropriate out of that sorrow. We can cry, as the Prophet ﷺ himself cried when his son passed away, but still say only what pleases Allah.

Islam encourages us to be emotionally resilient. We should not assume life will be a smooth ride. By expecting challenges, we can preemptively build our faith, our knowledge, and our character to handle them. We strengthen our connection with Allah through prayer and remembrance, before hardships hit, so that when they do, we have the spiritual muscles to withstand the storm.

Imagine a Life Without Hardships

Let’s do a little thought experiment. Imagine if life had absolutely no hardships or challenges. Everything is always perfect. You have whatever you want, instantly. You never feel pain or sadness. Sounds like it would be amazing, right? 🤔

But if we think more deeply, a life without any hardship could actually create new problems:

No growth or progress: If nothing ever challenged us, we would never grow or learn. Difficulties often teach us lessons and push us to improve. For example, if you never had to work hard at school, you might not learn discipline or gain knowledge. Without the challenge of learning, you wouldn’t appreciate achievement. Struggle can strengthen us. Just like our muscles only grow when we exercise (which strains them), our character only develops when we face trials. Courage, patience, resilience – these virtues cannot exist if we have an easy life all the time.
No appreciation for blessings: We usually appreciate things when we experience their opposites. We value health much more after we’ve been sick. We cherish peace after experiencing conflict or stress. If you never felt hungry, would you appreciate food? If you never experienced a cold, rainy day, would you appreciate a warm sunny day? Probably not as much. Hardships make us grateful for the good times. They remind us not to take blessings for granted. The Quran says: “With difficulty (hardship) comes ease” – one meaning of this is that after going through a difficulty, the ease that follows tastes so much sweeter.
Could we even be truly good without tests? Imagine everyone had everything they needed and lived in luxury. We might become selfish or arrogant. In fact, the Quran gives a warning about humans when they feel completely self-sufficient:

“No! Indeed, mankind transgresses (becomes arrogant) when he sees himself self-sufficient.”* – (Quran 96:6-7)*

History shows that communities with too much luxury and no checks often became corrupt. Sometimes a bit of hardship humbles us and brings out goodness. For example, when a disaster strikes, people often come together, help each other, and show compassion. Without any hardship, would we show empathy and help others? Tests can actually bring out the best in humanity (kindness, generosity, solidarity).
Distinguishing good from bad: Life is a testing ground to filter souls. If life had no challenges, everyone would appear the same on the outside – we wouldn’t know who truly has patience, who truly believes in Allah, who is generous, etc. But when hardship comes, people react differently. Some remain kind and faithful; others might cheat or despair. In this way, tests reveal a person’s true values. Allah says He tests us with both good and bad circumstances so that the truthful can be distinguished from the false:

“Every soul will taste death. And We test you with both evil and good as a trial; and to Us you will all be returned.” – (Quran 21:35)

Both ease and difficulty are tests from Allah. A wealthy person is tested to see if they’ll be thankful and charitable, and a poor person is tested to see if they’ll be patient and trustful. If there were only ease and no difficulty, one entire dimension of the test would be gone. It would be like a teacher giving everyone full marks without any exam – sounds nice, but then the grades mean nothing. Likewise, without tests, claims of faith or goodness would mean nothing. Our struggles give our life stories meaning. When we read any inspiring biography, the person always overcame difficulties to achieve greatness or to stay virtuous. If there were no hurdles, where would the inspiration be?
This world is not Paradise: A world with no hardship at all would basically be Paradise. In Islamic belief, Paradise (Jannah) is a place of complete and eternal ease – no suffering whatsoever. We’re going to talk about Jannah in the next section. But the point here is: Allah did not make the worldly life a paradise, because this world is meant to be a temporary testing ground, while Jannah is the permanent reward for those who pass the test. If this life had zero pain and was already perfect, it would be the final reward, and there would be no difference between dunya (this world) and ākhirah (the Hereafter). That would defeat the whole purpose of creation as explained by Islam.

So, while nobody likes hardship, we can see it has an important role. It’s like bitter medicine – not pleasant, but it cures and improves you. Or think of hardship as the training montage in a movie – the hero struggles and sweats, but that process is what makes them strong enough to win in the end. Allah’s wisdom is behind every challenge we face. Sometimes we understand the wisdom, and sometimes we don’t immediately – but we trust that it’s there.

Could Allah not have created us differently, without any trials? He could have, but then we would not be truly human; we’d be more like angels or like pre-programmed beings with no free will or growth. Instead, Allah honored us with free will and the ability to rise through trials. He wants us to choose faith and goodness even when it’s hard – that choice is what makes it meaningful. If doing good was always as easy as pie, it wouldn’t be worth much. As one Islamic scholar put it: “No pain, no gain.” The struggle is what earns us the gain.

Another perspective: sometimes hardships happen because of human wrongdoing or natural laws, and Allah allows the natural course to take place as a part of the test of life. For instance, if people pollute the environment and as a result a community faces water shortage, that hardship is a consequence of our own actions. Allah usually doesn’t send an angel to fix it overnight – He lets us face the result so we learn and perhaps turn back to righteousness. In the Quran, Allah says:

“Whatever misfortune befalls you is because of what your own hands have earned, and He (Allah) pardons much.” – (Quran 42:30)

This means many difficulties are self-inflicted by humanity’s mistakes, yet Allah often mercifully forgives and prevents worse outcomes. Even such hardships can wake us up to make better choices in the future.

In summary, a world without hardships sounds ideal, but it would rob us of so many positive outcomes: personal growth, appreciation of blessings, demonstration of faithful character, and the chance to earn the eternal joy of Paradise. Hardships give us a chance to shine. They make us who we are. Allah, in His deep wisdom, knows exactly what kind of tests each of us needs. Life is perfectly designed by our Creator to balance between ease and difficulty – all aimed at our ultimate success. Realizing this can help us accept hardships with a clearer mind and even a bit of gratitude for what they can lead to.

Jannah: Allah’s Promise – Where No Hardships Will Ever Touch Us

After discussing how hardships are a part of earthly life, it’s natural to wonder: Will it always be this way? The beautiful answer in Islam is no – for the believers, hardships are temporary. Allah has promised an eternal life to come, in Paradise (Jannah), where there will be no hardship whatsoever.

Jannah is the ultimate relief and reward. It is a place beyond our imagination, reserved for those who endure this life’s tests with faith. The Prophet ﷺ narrated that Allah said about Paradise: “I have prepared for My righteous servants what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has ever perceived.” This means the delights of Jannah are unlike anything we’ve ever experienced – in the best way.

One key feature of Jannah is that all the pain, sadness, and worry we experience in this world will completely disappear. The Quran describes the state of the people of Paradise:

“They will say, ‘Praise be to Allah who has removed all sorrow from us. Our Lord is indeed All-Forgiving, Most Appreciative. He, who out of His grace, has settled us in the Home of Everlasting Stay (Paradise), where no fatigue will touch us, nor will we (ever) be weary.’” – (Quran 35:34-35)

Think about that: no fatigue, no weariness, no grief at all. In Jannah, nobody gets tired or sick. Nobody will ever feel sad or anxious. There are no exams, no bills, no accidents, no arguments, no hurts. It is pure, uninterrupted happiness and peace.

Another verse says:

“For the believers, there will be no fear upon them, nor will they grieve.”* – (Quran 10:62)*

This phrase “no fear and no grief” perfectly describes the feeling of Paradise: nothing to fear in the future, nothing to regret or mourn from the past – just contentment.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave a striking example to illustrate how completely Paradise will erase our worldly hardships. He said that on the Day of Judgment, one of the people who suffered the most in life – someone who had known nothing but misery and pain on earth – will be dipped just once into the bliss of Jannah. Then that person will be asked, “O son of Adam, have you ever seen any hardship at all?” He will reply, “By Allah, no, my Lord! I have never suffered any hardship.” (Sahih Muslim). Subḥānallah! Just a moment in Paradise made him forget a lifetime of suffering.

Similarly, a person who had an extremely easy, luxurious life on earth but who ends up in Hell will be dipped once in Hellfire and then asked if he ever saw any good in life. He will say, “No, I never experienced any comfort.” The lesson is clear: our life on earth, even if full of hardship, is a blink of an eye compared to the eternal life to come. When a believer enters Jannah, all the struggles of dunya (this world) will feel like they lasted only a moment, now gone and forgotten.

Knowing this promise helps us endure hardships now. It’s like a marathon runner keeping their eyes on the finish line prize. Yes, the run is tough, muscles ache, but the medal at the end and the sense of accomplishment motivate them to keep going. For believers, Jannah is our “finish line prize,” except infinitely greater than any worldly award. Allah describes Jannah as “a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believed in Allah and His messengers” (Quran 57:21). It’s literally endless, and so are the joys within it.

In Jannah:

We will be reunited with our loved ones who also believed and did good. No more separation or death to part us.
We will have everything we desire. The Quran often says “therein is whatever souls desire and eyes delight in”. If you can imagine it, you can have it – and even beyond what you can imagine.
People will have perfect bodies and health. The Prophet ﷺ said an announcer will call out in Paradise, “You will live forever and never die; you will stay healthy forever and never get ill; you will remain young and never grow old; you will always be in bliss and never suffer any hardship.” (Sahih Muslim)
Perhaps the greatest joy of all, the people in Jannah will experience Allah’s good pleasure and, according to hadith, even see their Lord in a manner befitting His majesty. Allah will never be displeased with them again. This is the ultimate peace for the soul.

So, all the pain and patience in this world are more than worth it when we know what’s waiting. Jannah is the place of no hardships. One scholar beautifully said: “This world is the place of trials and tests; the next world, for the faithful, is the place of peace and rest.”

It’s important to note that everyone will face some hardship by simply living and eventually dying – even the richest, most comfortable people cannot avoid illness, aging, and death. The difference is in the Hereafter: those who denied Allah or wasted their life on evil will miss out on Jannah’s peace, and face something far worse than worldly hardships. But those who stayed true to Allah, despite the difficulties, will be compensated beyond measure. Allah says:

“Indeed, the righteous will be amid Gardens and rivers, in a seat of truth, near an All-Powerful King (Allah).” – (Quran 54:54-55)

This is our hope and motivation. When life gets hard, remind yourself of Jannah. Even the thought of Paradise can soothe a believer’s heart. It is reported that when things got very tough for the Prophet ﷺ and his companions (like during the painful boycott in Makkah, or the hunger during the Battle of the Trench), he would cheer them up with reminders of the rewards Allah has prepared. During the trench dig, when they were cold and starving, the Prophet ﷺ told them, “By Allah, this world is temporary and full of hardship, but glad tidings of Jannah, O believers!” This gave them the strength to carry on.

In summary, hardships are for this world only – not for the next, if we pass the test. For a faithful Muslim, any hardship endured for Allah’s sake is never in vain. Allah sees every tear and every pain, and He has promised that no one who trusts in Him will be disappointed in the end:

“On that Day, (some) faces will be shining, laughing, rejoicing at good news” – (Quran 80:38-39).

May Allah make us among those shining, joyful faces in the eternal life of Jannah, where hardship is gone forever. Ameen.

Common Misconceptions about Hardships

Despite the clear teachings of Islam on hardships, people sometimes have misunderstandings. Let’s address a few common misconceptions:

“Hardships mean Allah is punishing or hates me.”
Clarification: Not necessarily. While some hardships can be a result of our sins (and a chance to repent), many hardships are not a punishment at all. They can be a test or a sign Allah wants to purify you or raise your status. Remember, Allah most tests those He loves – like the prophets. If you are struck by difficulty, it doesn’t mean Allah hates you. In fact, it could mean He cares about your spiritual growth. Always examine yourself and repent from any wrongdoing, but also have a good opinion of Allah. Don’t jump to the conclusion that you’re “cursed.” The Quran states: “Allah does not burden a soul with more than it can bear” (Quran 2:286). So if He gave you that burden, He knows you can handle it with His help.
“If I’m a good Muslim, I’ll never have problems.”
Clarification: Being a good Muslim will give you inner strength and peace, but it won’t make you immune to life’s challenges. The prophets and best Muslims faced lots of problems, as we discussed. Faith is not a “get out of hardship free” card. Instead, faith equips you to deal with hardships in a better way. Think of hardship as rain – it falls on everyone. But a believer has an umbrella of trust in Allah, so they don’t get completely soaked. Their clothes might get wet, but they won’t drown. A strong Muslim may actually face more tests (because of their strong faith), but they also earn greater reward and help from Allah through those tests.
“Going through difficulties means I’m a bad person.”
Clarification: Not at all. Bad things happening to someone are not proof that person is bad. Allah may give more difficulties to a very good person, like He did with Imam Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal who was tortured for standing up for the truth, or to Prophet Yunus (Jonah) who was swallowed by a whale as a test, not because he was evil! What matters is how we respond. A “bad” person could live a life of luxury and ease – that doesn’t mean Allah approves of their actions, it might mean Allah is giving them rope (respite) before holding them accountable later. And a “good” person might struggle a lot, which might be Allah’s way of cleansing them and elevating them. So we should never equate personal hardship with personal worth. Only our taqwā (God-consciousness) makes us truly successful, not how easy or hard our life is.
“Patience (sabr) means I just sit and do nothing.”
Clarification: Patience in Islam is active, not passive. Sabr doesn’t mean you can’t try to improve your situation. For example, if you’re ill, you should seek medicine while trusting Allah for a cure. If you’re struggling in school, you should study harder or get help, while praying for success. Being “patient” means you don’t complain, despair, or use wrong means, but you do take positive action. The Quran doesn’t tell us to be helpless. In fact, we are told to tie our camel and trust in Allah – do our part and rely on Him for the rest. The believers at times of war didn’t just say “we’ll be patient” and not defend themselves; they showed patience while striving. So if you can change a difficult situation (through halal/allowed means), Islam encourages you to do so. If you cannot change it, then certainly be content with Allah’s decree. In all cases, avoid hasty, unethical shortcuts or panicking – that is true sabr.
“I should actually pray for hardships to prove my faith.”
Clarification: The Prophet ﷺ taught the opposite. He used to pray, “O Allah, I ask You for well-being (al-ʿāfiyah) in this world and the next.” It’s perfectly fine to ask Allah for ease and comfort. We are not supposed to wish for suffering. Tests will come regardless; we don’t need to go looking for them. In a hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said: “Do not wish for confrontation with the enemy, but if you do encounter them, be firm.” (Sahih al-Bukhari). By analogy, don’t wish for hardships, but if they come, then be firm and patient. It’s also reported that the Prophet ﷺ said, “None of you should wish for death due to a calamity that has afflicted him…” but rather ask Allah for relief. Islam encourages us to appreciate the good times and ask for Allah’s mercy. We should not have an attitude of self-destructiveness or think that the more we suffer the more holy we are. We strive to worship Allah in ease and in hardship. Both states are opportunities to gain reward (through gratitude or patience).
“Why pray or do good if Allah has already decided my tests?”
Clarification: Some people misunderstand Qadr (Divine Decree) and think it makes our actions pointless. In reality, Allah’s knowledge of our tests doesn’t remove our responsibility to act rightly. We don’t know what’s decreed for us, so we must do our best in every situation. Praying sincerely can actually change our situation – du’ā (supplication) is known to avert hardships by Allah’s permission. The Prophet ﷺ said “Nothing repels fate except supplication.” So, yes Allah has a plan, but part of that plan is that you turn to Him for help. Never use Qadr as an excuse to be fatalistic. We believe everything happens by Allah’s Will, but we also believe Allah told us to seek help through patience and prayer. So our job is to obey Allah and leave the rest to Him. Trusting Allah’s plan doesn’t mean we become lazy or hopeless; it means we do our best and have peace that the outcome is in His wise hands.
“My hardship is unique; no one else is as bad off as me.”
Clarification: It’s easy to feel this way when we are in pain, but we should remember that everyone has their own struggles, even if we don’t see them. Sometimes we compare our worst moments to others’ highlight reels and think they have zero problems (especially with social media, where everyone seems happy). In truth, every person you know has worries, fears, or sorrows in life. The forms of hardship differ, but no human is completely carefree. Knowing this helps us feel less isolated. More importantly, Allah knows exactly what you are going through, even if people don’t. And He is always there for you. Hardship can be very personal, but the solution – turning to Allah – is universal. Don’t assume you’re alone or that your situation will never improve. Allah can change any situation in the blink of an eye. Keep hope.

Clearing up these misconceptions is important so that we approach hardships with the right mindset. Islam gives a balanced view: we neither fall into despair nor seek out suffering. We take life as it comes, use the guidance Allah gave us, and always trust that Allah wants good for His faithful servants.

Conclusion: Facing Hardships with Faith and Hope

Life’s hardships, as tough as they are, make sense through the lens of Islam. We’ve learned that:

Hardships are part of Allah’s plan to test and strengthen us, not a sign of His hatred.
We should expect trials and be equipped with patience (sabr) and prayer (ṣalāh/du’ā) to handle them.
Difficulties can purify us, teach us valuable lessons, and make us better, more compassionate people.
A world without hardship would rob us of many virtues and the meaningful journey of growth.
Whatever pain we endure now is temporary and will seem insignificant once we taste the eternal joy of Jannah, in shā’ Allāh.
Islam addresses common worries and misconceptions, guiding us to a healthy, proactive approach in dealing with difficulties.

So, how should we approach hardships as Muslims? Here are a few takeaways for our daily lives:

Stay Connected to Allah: In good times and bad, remember Allah. Build a habit of praying and making du’ā before hardships hit. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Remember Allah in times of ease, He will remember you in times of difficulty.” When hardship comes, increase your prayers and supplications. Talk to Allah about your problem – He is the best listener and He has power to change anything. The Quran says “Who else responds to the distressed one when he calls out, and relieves suffering?” (Quran 27:62) – It is Allah. Knowing that Allah hears you brings comfort.
Patience and Positivity: Remind yourself that with hardship comes ease – Allah promised it. Try to stay positive, even if it’s hard. Patience doesn’t mean you don’t feel sad; it means despite the sadness, you trust Allah, and you don’t say “Why me? It’s not fair,” but rather “Maybe there is some good in this. Allah will get me through it.” This hopeful attitude is part of īmān (faith). The tongue should avoid complaining about Allah (though you can complain to Allah in du’ā, that’s okay – like Prophet Yaʿqūb said “I only complain of my sorrow and grief to Allah”). Replace “I can’t handle this” with “It’s tough, but with Allah’s help I will handle it.”
Reflection and Repentance: When a calamity strikes, it’s a chance to do some self-reflection. Is there anything I’m doing that I shouldn’t, or something good I’m neglecting? Hardships can be wake-up calls. Use the moment to seek forgiveness for any sins – because as we noted, hardships erase sins. A calamity that brings you closer to Allah is actually a blessing in disguise. Many people have said that a disease or loss was a turning point that led them back to prayer and a better life. This is part of the “good” that hardship can bring.
Take Wise Action: If there’s a solution or help available, Islam encourages us to pursue it. Are you sick? Take medicine and make du’ā for shifā (healing). Feeling overwhelmed mentally? Islam highly values seeking counsel – talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor, and of course, pour your heart out to Allah. Financial difficulty? Try your best to budget, seek work, or ask for community help if needed, and pray for rizq (provision). Tie your camel, then trust in Allah. Doing what you can is part of tawakkul (reliance on God). The outcome is in Allah’s hands, but He expects us to put in effort.
Remember Past Deliverance: Think of previous times you were in a tough spot and how Allah helped you out of it. This will boost your faith that He can do it again. The Quran often reminds us of how Allah saved people before, as encouragement. Your own life has examples too. Perhaps you lost a job once and thought it was the end of the world, but later you found a better one. Or you went through a heartbreak and later found real happiness. These memories are like personal ayāt (signs) of Allah’s mercy. They remind you that no storm lasts forever and Allah’s plan is often clearer in hindsight.
Support and Be Supported: Hardships are easier when we don’t shoulder them alone. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ established a brotherhood/sisterhood among believers – caring for each other is a big part of our faith. Don’t be shy to lean on your family or community in hard times. And when you see someone else suffering, be the one who helps. There’s great reward in helping relieve someone’s hardship. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter.” (Sahih Muslim). Being there for others also reminds us that we’re not alone and gives us perspective on our own situation.
Focus on the Afterlife: Continuously remind yourself of the bigger picture – the Ākhirah. This life is temporary. The Prophet ﷺ said, “This world is like a prison for the believer and like a paradise for the disbeliever.” (Sahih Muslim) This means we have limitations and hardships here (like a prisoner has restrictions), but later we will be truly free in Jannah. Meanwhile, someone who ignores Allah might indulge now as if this world is their paradise, but that will cost them later. Whenever a hardship feels like it’s too much, direct your heart’s gaze to Paradise. Think of meeting Allah, of eternal peace. It makes the load feel lighter. Even saying “Innā li-llāh wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn” (“We belong to Allah and to Him we return”) in difficulty is a way of affirming: This world isn’t my forever home, I’m going to return to Allah, and He will make everything alright.
Keep Doing Good: A common temptation when life gets hard is to slack in our worship or fall into sinful coping mechanisms. Some might abandon prayers, saying they’re too depressed, or someone might start drinking alcohol or doing haram things to “escape” their problems. These things actually make matters worse, taking away the very blessings that could alleviate hardship. Instead, cling to good deeds. They bring Allah’s support. Even if you feel down, keep up your prayers – they will lighten your burden, even if you don’t feel it immediately. Continue to give charity even if you have little – helping someone in need can prompt the angels to help you. In a hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said “Know Allah (i.e. stay close to Allah) in prosperity, He will know you in adversity.” Don’t let hardship be an excuse to do wrong; let it be a reason to do even more good, so that you earn Allah’s favor and the hardship becomes a source of mercy.

By approaching hardships in this way, a Muslim can transform a difficult situation into an occasion of reward, learning, and closeness to Allah. This mindset can positively shape our lives. It makes us resilient. We don’t fall apart or lose ourselves when things go wrong. We become people who can endure with grace – and such people inspire others and make society better as well.

Finally, always remember that Allah is Ar-Raḥmān (Most Compassionate) and Ar-Raḥīm (Most Merciful). He does not enjoy seeing us suffer. He is not putting us through hardships for no reason or out of cruelty (never!). Every moment of a believer’s pain is accounted and compensated by Him. Sometimes we may not see the wisdom now, but we trust our Lord. As the Quran reassures us:

“Perhaps you hate something and it is good for you; and perhaps you love something and it is bad for you. Allah knows, while you know not.” – (Quran 2:216)

This verse is a comfort when we don’t understand “Why?”. Allah knows why, and that is enough. One day, when we see the full picture, we might say “Ah, now I get it.” In the meantime, we keep walking with faith and hope.

May Allah grant us all the strength of patience (ṣabr), the sweetness of contentment (riḍā), and the ultimate reward of Jannah for every hardship we endure. Ameen.