Modern Day Tests and Trials

Modern Day Tests and Trials:In Light of Surah Kahf

By: Aliya Ansari

The Arabic word for trial is Fitnah. Fitnah has an extremely broad meaning, which includes to cleanse, to examine or to test and to purify.

Everyone goes through some kind of trial. In fact, life is full of big and small trials. A Muslim, a true believer, needs to understand that these trials come only to cleanse us, so that Allah SWT can bring us close to Him. The harder the trial, the bigger the reward.

The realization we need to have is that no matter what problems we are going through, Allah is with us always. This realization will strengthen our faith.

The very purpose of Allah SWT putting everyone through trials is to measure the strength of our faith. When we say “I believe in Allah,” do the actions match with the claim? Allah SWT reminds us in Surah Ankaboot, ayah 2: “Do the people think that they will be left because they say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be tested?” In Surah Kahf, Allah SWT presents us with stories that highlight the types of trials we might face.

Sometimes the pursuit of knowledge becomes a trial as in the story of Musa AS and Khidr AS.

We learn in the story that forgetfulness and exhaustion can disrupt learning. We need to focus on what information the teacher is giving us and not focus on what the teacher is not giving us. Trust and patience with the teacher are key to learning.

At the end of three nonsensical incidents according to Musa AS, he admitted that he was wrong. From this we learn that temperament plays an important role in learning, alongside intelligence. Knowledge should bring humility. Just as fruit weighs down the branches of a tree, knowledge should bring down the believer’s sense of pride. Everything we know is just a drop in the ocean. There is always someone who knows more.

Another trial described in Surah Kahf is the trial of money, as shown in the story of the two men and their gardens.

The person who owned big gardens was arrogant and rejected Allah SWT’s role in his success. A believer should express gratitude as the man’s companion urged him to do. Allah will ask us what we did with our money: how we earned it and how we spent it. And when we are faced with a loss of possession as the man was, we must remind ourselves that this world and its problems are temporary. Allah’s pleasure is permanent, and that is what we must strive for.

Prophet Muhammad SAW warned us of the pitfalls of wealth when he said, “Every nation has their trials. The fitnah of my ummah is surplus and abundance of money.” (Al Tirmidhi).

Our young minds are fighting fitnahs left, right, and center.

The moment young Muslims/Muslim youth step outside their homes, they practice spiritual jihad to hold onto their deen. Praying Jummah and Dhuhr in public school or wearing hijab are not easy, yet many of our youth are steadfast in these practices and uphold good Muslim manners, SubhanAllah. Just like Allah SWT made the youth of the cave, Ashabe Kahf, as an example for the rest of the world forever, may Allah become witness for these strong youth of our time. They have learned to stay steadfast from childhood, Alhamdulillah.

Good and pious Muslim teenagers have constant role models like Ibrahim AS, Yusuf AS, and Ali RA. Kids and youth should know the real goal of life. We should check their company and our own company. A harmonious, sound, calm and strong family that has a complete and firm belief in Allah will produce firm and strong young believers like the people of the cave Insha’Allah.

Surah Kahf mentions Baaqiaat us Salihaat, meaning the good deeds that would remain after we are long gone and would keep benefiting us. We should strive to perform such deeds together.

When we are faced with trials, we should seek solace in the following actions that are taught to us through Surah Kahf:

1. Turn to Allah SWT with du’a. Seek refuge in Him from every fitnah. Make Du’a as the youth in the cave did.

2. Understand and realize that the purpose of trials is to pass them. Do not lose trust and faith in Allah, and continue to strive like the fisherman whose boat was damaged.

3. Be educated about our religion. Associate yourself with people who teach you about Allah and His messengers. Always seek to learn more as Musa AS did.

Our Prophet SAW said, “fitnah will continue to come.” He also reminded us “Worshipping at the time of trials is like making hijra towards me,” (Sahih Muslim). You will find strength and glory in worshipping and having a strong relation with Allah SWT Let us be stronger than ever and not worry about petty things. Let us focus our minds, intentions and all our efforts towards the Akhirah and Jannah Insha’Allah. Let us be pleased with Him so that He will be pleased with us on the Day of Judgement. Ameen.