Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad.
The occurrence of trials in a person's life is one of Allah's established laws. Allah says {what means}: “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient. Who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’” [Al-Baqarah, 155-156].
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has guided us on what a believer should do during times of trials and tribulations. He said: “Hasten to perform good deeds before a trial that will be like pieces of dark night, during which a person will wake up as a believer and go to sleep as a disbeliever, or go to sleep as a believer and wake up as a disbeliever, selling his religion for a small price of this world.” (Narrated by Muslim). Therefore, it is important to persist in obligatory acts of worship, such as maintaining prayer, fasting, and giving Zakat, while also safeguarding the rights of others and refraining from causing harm. It is essential to adhere to precautionary measures issued to organize matters and arrange people's lives. Additionally, one should draw closer to Allah through voluntary acts, such as charity, donations, night prayers, supplication, remembrance, and sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), among others.
As for the correct Islamic belief, it is the most important aspect of Islam, founded on sound rational and textual evidence. This belief guides the believer to the best behaviors during trials in their life. It establishes correct understanding, trusting Allah, and detachment from the worldly pleasures and desires as the foundation of their actions. The true believer, with their correct understanding, acts according to their knowledge and does not partake in ignorance and folly. They rely on Allah and do not rush towards worldly matters, no matter how pressing their needs may be. Their detachment and preference for others prevent them from competing for anything; instead, they wish for good for others. Such qualities are not affected by any circumstances they may face. Allah describes the Ansar (the local inhabitants of Medina who took prophet Muhammad and his followers (the Muhajirun) into their homes when they emigrated from Mecca during the Hijra.) among the companions, saying {what means}: “And those who settled in the Home (Madinah) and [had] faith before them love those who immigrate to them, and find not in their breasts any discomfort from what has been given to them and give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul—it is those who will be the successful.” [Al-Hashr, 9].
The essence of firm Islamic belief in the heart of a believer is that Allah, the Exalted, is the Supreme Doer, the Creator of everything—whether it be benefit or harm—and that no one besides Allah has any influence in this transient world. With this belief, the heart of the believer becomes free of greed, stinginess, envy, selfishness, and self-centeredness. Allah says {what means}: "It is Allah who created you, then provided for you, then will cause you to die, then will give you life. Is there any among your partners who can do any of that? Exalted is He and far above what they associate with Him" [Ar-Rum, 40].
Thus, a community adorned with this belief becomes united, supportive, and resilient, not shaken by trials, crises, or disturbances. Each believer is deeply concerned for the well-being of the Ummah, placing its interests above their personal desires. They are certain that Allah is fully capable of breaking the norms for His righteous believers and honoring them with great miracles and blessings.
The occurrence of plagues and contagious diseases happens by the will, decree, and divine wisdom of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) guided us to some of the wisdom behind such events. It is narrated from the Mother of the Believers, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), that she asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about the plague. He informed her, saying: "It is a punishment that Allah sends upon whom He wills, but Allah has made it a mercy for the believers. No one who remains in a land afflicted by plague, patient and hopeful for reward, knowing that nothing will happen to him except what Allah has decreed, will have a reward like that of a martyr." (Reported by Al-Bukhari).
Among the divine wisdom behind the occurrence of diseases and epidemics is that Allah executes His will in punishing some people and showing mercy to others. Another aspect of wisdom is that Allah raises the ranks of certain individuals. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed, when a servant of Allah has a rank decreed for him by Allah that he did not reach through his deeds, Allah tests him in his body, wealth, or children, then He grants him patience until He reaches the rank that was decreed for him by Allah." (Narrated by Abu Dawood and Al-Tabarani).
Moreover, among the wisdom of Allah, The Almighty is to purify the faith of the believers. Allah says {what means}: "Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe,' without being tested? We certainly tested those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars." [Al-‘Ankabut: 2-3].
Furthermore, one of Allah’s wisdoms is to increase the believers in knowledge, character, and awareness of the fleeting nature of this worldly life. This is demonstrated in Allah’s words {which means}: "Have you not seen those who left their homes in thousands, fearing death? Allah said to them, 'Die'; then He restored them to life. Indeed, Allah is bountiful to the people, but most of the people are not grateful." [Al-Baqarah: 243].
Therefore, one of the most important actions a believer should take in such circumstances, after adhering to necessary precautions and following guidelines, is to turn to Allah with sincere supplication, having complete trust in Him and knowing with certainty that what Allah has decreed will inevitably come to pass. There should be no doubt or hesitation in this belief. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of making dua and seeking help from Allah in such situations. He said: "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from leprosy, madness, paralysis, and from evil diseases." (Narrated by Abu Dawud).
Therefore, it is incumbent upon the mindful believer, who has a strong and sound creed, to understand the divine wisdom in every situation and be aware of Allah's intentions behind it. The heart of such a believer should be like a firmly rooted mountain, unwavering in the face of difficulties. They should be fully certain that Allah creates nothing without a profound purpose, often to awaken people from their heedlessness and indulgence in desires. Then, through His mercy and grace, Allah forgives them, provides for them, and ensures that the outcome of their trials is ultimately good for them.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "How amazing is the affair of the believer! Indeed, all his affairs are good, and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If something good happens to him, he is grateful, and that is good for him; and if something harmful happens to him, he is patient, and that is good for him." (Narrated by Muslim). And Allah The Almighty knows best.
