Why do sufferings happen in this life? There are two answers.

For the believers they are a test of patience and submission to the Will of Allah.

“Indeed We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss of goods, lives, and the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patientlay persevere. Who say, when afflicted with a calamity: ‘To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return.’” [Al-Baqarah, 2:155-156]

For the sinners they are a punishment:

“And indeed We will make them taste of the lighter chastisement before the greater chastisement in order that they may repent and return.” [As-Sajda,32:21]

According to clear Islamic teachings in both the Qur’an and the Hadith, every hardship in life – sickness, accidents, monetary losses, natural disasters, difficulties of all times – can be either a punishment or a blessing in disguise.

How do we, then, know whether a particular suffering is a punishment or a blessing for us?

 By examining our own feelings.

 If the suffering brings us close to Allah, if we find ourselves turning to Him in prayers and repentance; if we feel the pain yet do not complain about the “injustice” of nature to us’ if we submit and patiently persevere, then the suffering is indeed a blessing in disguise that will bring tremendous rewards in the Hereafter.

On the other hand if as a result of the hardship we turn away from Allah; if we complain and ask “why me?”; if our focus is only on apparent causes and remedies and not on the Creator who Creates and Controls the causes themselves, then these are the signs that, God forbid, the suffering is a punishment and a greater punishment awaits us in the Hereafter!

An extract from “First things First”,by Khalid Baig.