The Character of a Believer in Times of Adversity: Lessons from Quran & Sunnah
The Character of a Believer in Times of Adversity, in Light of True Stories
The world is a place of testing, and there are trials at every step. A believer must live his life in the midst of these trials. The Prophet ﷺ said:
الدنيا سجن المؤمن وجنة الكافر (صحيح مسلم:2956)
Translation: The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever.
When it is known from the mouth of the Prophet ﷺ that this world is a prison, meaning a place of hardship for the believer, it becomes clear that a believer will face difficulties and must hold onto patience in such moments. The trials that a believer faces can be of any kind: Allah may test someone with wealth, others with children, and others still with physical health, such as poverty, anxiety, fear, illness, busy schedules, or failure. But a believer does not falter in the face of hardship. He does not despair, nor does he succumb to impatience or take the wrong path in response to his troubles. Instead, he stands firm with patience, confronting the greatest of challenges with resolve.
Today, I want to present true stories of courage and resilience, showing how individuals emerged from hardship. These stories will inspire those suffering to find courage and try to overcome their own difficulties, just as these resilient individuals did.
Before sharing these stories of triumph over adversity, it is important to understand that trials are part of divine fate. Belief in both good and bad fate is part of our faith. Distress comes from Allah, and only He can remove it. Therefore, during times of difficulty, we should turn to Allah and seek His help. Experiencing hardship does not mean that someone is a bad person; rather, Allah sometimes puts a person through difficulty as a means of bringing about good. The Prophet ﷺ said:
مَنْ يُرِدِ اللَّهُ بِهِ خَيْرًا يُصِبْ مِنْهُ (صحيح البخاري:564)
Translation: Allah, when He intends good for someone, afflicts them with trials.
Thus, any Muslim who faces a test should be happy, knowing that Allah is raising his rank. It is also clear that judging a person, mocking him, or spreading the word of his misfortune, thus tarnishing his reputation, is not a sign of a good Muslim. Likewise, when facing adversity, we should avoid complaining, weeping excessively, or lamenting.
Abu Burda رضي الله عنه reports:
وجع ابو موسى وجعا شديدا فغشي عليه وراسه في حجر امراة من اهله فلم يستطع ان يرد عليها شيئا , فلما افاق قال: انا بريء ممن برئ منه رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم برئ من: الصالقة , والحالقة , والشاقة۔ (صحيح البخاري:1296)
Translation: Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari رضي الله عنه fell seriously ill and lost consciousness, with his head resting in the lap of his wife, Um Abdullah bint Abi Rumah. She started crying loudly, but Abu Musa رضي الله عنه could not speak at the moment. When he regained consciousness, he said, “I am disassociated from that which the Messenger of Allah ﷺ disassociated from.” The Prophet ﷺ had expressed disassociation from women who scream loudly in grief, shave their heads, and tear their clothes in mourning.
This incident teaches us that even in the midst of great pain, a companion adhered to patience and discipline, reminding his wife of the Prophet’s command, so that she, too, would act in accordance with it.
There are two reasons for trials and tribulations. One reason is a person’s own mistakes, for which Allah sends difficulties as punishment. The second reason is a test, where Allah may send trials to elevate a person’s rank and reward him with blessings. Allah says:
وَمَا أَصَابَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُو عَن كَثِيرٍ (الشوری:30)
Translation: Whatever strikes you of disaster is from what your own hands have earned, but He pardons much.
And Allah Almighty says:
وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ (البقرة:155)
Translation: “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.”
Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) reports that the Prophet (PBUH) said: Three men from a previous nation were traveling and sought shelter in a cave at night. Suddenly, a large rock rolled and blocked the entrance of the cave, leaving them in a state of distress. All of them said in unison:
In this context, consider what kind of wife one should marry. A wife should be pious, devoted to the worship of Allah, and committed to upholding the faith. This is why a righteous wife is considered the most precious thing in this world. When a man marries a wife who lacks faith, misfortune begins to settle in the home. However, when Sarah prayed and sought Allah’s help, her prayers were answered and the hardship was lifted. Likewise, if we pray and ask Allah for relief, He will surely help us.
Translation: Aisha (RA) narrates that when the Prophet (PBUH) fell ill, he would read the Mu’awwidhat (Surahs of seeking refuge) and blow on himself. When his pain intensified during his final illness, I would read these Surahs and blow on him while also gently rubbing his blessed body with my hand.
In lawful Ruqyah (spiritual healing), it is sufficient to read three Surahs, as practiced by the Prophet (PBUH). These are Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Nas. Either one can read these Surahs over oneself or someone else can recite them and blow on the sick person’s body. Giving charity on behalf of the sick person is also beneficial. If someone is ill, they may give charity, hoping that Allah will relieve them of their illness.
You see, the Prophet (PBUH) did not just pray, but also took action by using wisdom and making efforts. This combination of prayer and effort led to success, and the Muslims gained victory.
The better life here refers to the better life in this world that a believing man or woman attains by remaining firm on the path of faith and righteous deeds.
Whether misfortune comes as a result of bad deeds or as a test, a person should remain patient and turn to Allah, seeking relief. This is for their own good, as the reward for patience in the face of any difficulty includes forgiveness of sins, elevation in ranks, and countless rewards. The greatest reward for patience is attaining Jannah. When a believer reflects on the benefits of patience in times of hardship, the pain becomes easier to bear, and the difficulty seems insignificant.
Finding Strength in Trials: Lessons from Quran and Sunnah
Now, let us return to the main topic and understand the way out of hardship, the role a believer should play during times of trial, and how true stories based on the Quran and Sunnah guide us.
(1) Seeking Relief from Hardship Through Prayer:
When a believer faces any distress or sorrow, they should immediately say “Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’oon” (Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him is our return), and seek Allah’s help through good deeds, just as we declare in Surah Al-Fatiha: “We worship You alone, and we ask You for help.” Remember, in times of hardship, we call upon Allah alone, for in calling upon Him there is relief. A true story serves as a great lesson for all of us.
فقالو:إنه لا ينجيكم من هذه الصخرة إلا ان تدعوا الله بصالح اعمالكم
(They said: None can save you from this rock except to call upon Allah by recalling your best deeds.)
One of them prayed: “O Allah! My parents were elderly, and I would give them milk before anyone else, even before my wife or servants. One day, I returned home late after milking the cows, and they had fallen asleep. I stood with the cup by their bedside until they woke up, and I gave them milk before anyone else. If I did this seeking Your pleasure, then relieve us from this hardship.” As a result, the rock shifted slightly, but they still could not escape.
The second person prayed: “O Allah! I once had a cousin whom I was deeply fond of, and I tried to seduce her, but she remained steadfast. During a famine, she came to me seeking a loan. I gave her 120 dinars, under the condition that she would commit a sinful act with me. But she feared You, O Allah, and stopped me. If I did this for Your sake, then remove this hardship from us.” The rock shifted again, but they still could not escape.
The third person prayed: “O Allah! I employed some workers, and they were paid for their work. One of them left without taking his payment. I invested his money in a business, and when he returned his wages, I said to him: ‘These camels, cows, goats, and slaves are all yours.’ He took everything and left. If I did this for Your sake, then remove this hardship from us.” Allah caused the rock to move completely, and they were freed from their distress.
(Sahih Bukhari: 2272, Summary of the Hadith)
This incident illustrates that in times of hardship, one must turn to Allah alone, seeking His help, as He is the only One who can provide relief, just as He did for these three men.
(2) Deliverance from Trials through Patience:
Another way a believer responds to trials is by practicing patience, refraining from impatience, anxiety, and complaints. Allah says, “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer.” (Al-Baqarah: 153). When we act patiently in the face of trials, as demonstrated by the incident of Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (RA), Allah’s help descends, and the way to deliverance opens up. Let me share a true story related to this aspect.
Sayyidna Anas (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The Prophet of Allah, Ayub (AS), was ill for eighteen years. All his relatives, near and far, became distant, except for his two brothers who would visit him morning and evening. One day, one of them said to the other: ‘Do you know, by Allah, Ayub must have committed a sin that no one else has committed?’ His companion replied, ‘What sin?’ He said: ‘Look, it has been eighteen years, and Allah has not had mercy on him to remove his illness.’ When they arrived at Ayub’s place in the evening, one of them expressed this opinion to him. Ayub (AS) replied: ‘I am not aware of any such thing, but Allah knows that whenever I passed by two people who were in dispute, they would call upon Allah, and I would return home to offer expiation, so that they would not call upon Allah in vain.’ Ayub (AS) would go out to relieve himself, and his wife would support him by holding his hand until he reached his place. One day, he was delayed, and his wife waited for him. Allah then revealed to him: ‘Strike your foot, and here is cool water for you to drink and bathe.’ (Surah Sad: 42). When his wife saw him, she did not recognize him and asked: ‘May Allah bless you, have you seen the Prophet of Allah who is sick?’ Allah is my witness that when he is healthy, he resembles you most.’ He replied: ‘I am he (Ayub), and now Allah has cured me.’ Ayub (AS) had two granaries, one with wheat and the other with barley. Allah sent two clouds; one poured gold on the wheat granary, and the other poured silver on the barley granary. Thus, Allah granted him both health and wealth.” (Silsilah Sahihah: 3872)
Regarding Ayub (AS), Allah testifies: “We found him patient,” (Sad: 44). As a reward for his patience, Allah returned what he had lost many times over and granted him good health. We too should seek Allah’s help through patience during trials.
(3) Deliverance from Trials through Prayer:
Allah’s command is:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ (البقرة:153)
Translation: O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.
Consider the example of our beloved Prophet (PBUH) in times of distress.
عن حذيفةَ قالَ كانَ النَّبيُّ صلَّى اللَّهُ عليْهِ وسلَّمَ إذا حزبَهُ أمرٌ صلَّى (صحيح أبي داود:1319)
Translation: Huzayfah (RA) said that whenever a matter troubled the Prophet (PBUH), he would pray, meaning he would immediately engage in prayer.
Similarly, here is a true story showing how prayer brings deliverance in times of difficulty.
Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Ibrahim (AS) emigrated with Sarah (RA) from the land of Nimrod and reached a city where a king or a tyrant ruler resided. Someone informed the king that Ibrahim (AS) had come with a very beautiful woman. The king sent a messenger to Ibrahim (AS) asking, ‘Who is this woman with you?’ He replied, ‘She is my sister.’ When Ibrahim (AS) reached Sarah (RA), he said, ‘Do not deny me; I have said she is my sister, and by Allah, today there is no believer between me and you.’ So, Ibrahim (AS) sent Sarah (RA) to the king or the king came to her. At this time, Sarah (RA) stood up to pray and made a supplication, ‘O Allah! If I believe in You and Your Messenger (Ibrahim AS), and if I have safeguarded my chastity except for my husband, do not let this disbeliever overpower me.’ At that moment, the king shook, and his feet sank into the ground. A’raj said that Abu Salmah bin Abdul Rahman narrated from Abu Huraira (RA), ‘Sarah (RA) prayed, “O Allah! If he dies, people will say that I caused his death.” Then the king was released and approached Sarah (RA) again. She again stood up to pray and made the same supplication, ‘O Allah! If I believe in You and Your Messenger, and have protected my chastity except for my husband, do not let this disbeliever overpower me.’ Again, the king trembled, his feet sank into the earth, and he was released a second time. Eventually, the king said, ‘You have sent a devil to me; take him to Ibrahim (AS) and give him Hajar as well.’ Then Sarah (RA) came back to Ibrahim (AS) and said, ‘Did you not see how Allah humiliated this disbeliever, and gave me a young girl?’ (Sahih al-Bukhari: 2217)
(4) Reliance on Allah and Taqwa during Trials:
When trials are part of destiny and are sent by Allah, it is only through complete trust in Him that one finds hope for deliverance. When reliance on Allah is established, He becomes sufficient for His servant, and whoever adopts taqwa, Allah opens the way to deliverance. Allah says:
وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا (الطلاق:2)
Translation: And whoever fears Allah, He will make a way for him to escape.
The story of Maryam (AS) in Surah Maryam gives us courage. When she became pregnant by Allah’s decree, she feared the people’s reproach. She secluded herself until she gave birth. In her severe distress, with no food or drink, Allah sent an angel to help her, providing a spring for her to drink from and arranging for food from a dry tree, where dates would fall when shaken. When she returned to her people with the child, Allah granted Isa (AS) the ability to speak, declaring that he was the servant and messenger of Allah. This way, Allah protected her from harm.
Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas, the story of Umm Musa (AS) illustrates reliance on Allah. When she feared for her child’s life from Pharaoh, Allah inspired her to cast her baby into the river, assuring her not to grieve, for He would return her child to her. Thus, she placed the baby in a box and sent it into the sea. The child was returned safely to her.
(5) Deliverance from Trials through Repentance:
Since one of the causes of trials is the commission of sins, when a person turns to Allah in repentance and seeks forgiveness, Allah forgives and removes the trial. Istighfar serves as security for the servants of Allah. As long as a person is engaged in seeking forgiveness, they remain in peace, and Allah averts His punishment.
Anas bin Malik (RA) narrated that Abu Jahl said: “O Allah! If this speech is indeed the truth from You, then rain stones upon us from the sky, or send us a painful punishment!” Allah’s response was:
وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُعَذِّبَهُمْ وَأَنْتَ فِيهِمْ وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ مُعَذِّبَهُمْ وَهُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ * وَمَا لَهُمْ أَنْ لَا يُعَذِّبَهُمْ اللَّهُ وَهُمْ يَصُدُّونَ عَنِ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ
Translation: “And Allah would not punish them while you are among them, nor would Allah punish them while they seek forgiveness.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 4648)
This incident shows that when Abu Jahl called for punishment, Allah refrained from sending it because of the presence of the Prophet (PBUH), who was a protection. After his departure, a second protection remains—seeking forgiveness from Allah. Therefore, we should continuously seek Allah’s forgiveness.
(6) Rescue from difficulties through prescribed invocations:
The regular daily supplications and invocations, such as those for eating, entering and exiting the restroom, and entering and leaving the home, provide us with protection. In fact, one should be consistent in reciting the prayers of sending blessings upon the Prophet, as this is an important means of removing distress. Moreover, the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) is a source of tranquility and comfort for the heart. In addition to these general invocations, I would like to guide you on eight specific occasions, based on the Sunnah of the Prophet, when certain invocations are prescribed. I can say with full certainty that if a Muslim consistently recites the prescribed invocations at these eight occasions, difficulties will never afflict them; rather, any approaching hardship will be averted. If difficulties have already come, they will be removed. Furthermore, I assure you that, after following these practices, you will be protected from the harm of jinn, and you will not need to seek the help of any professional exorcist or a person involved in black magic. If there are issues related to witchcraft, the blessings of these invocations will resolve all such problems. What are these eight occasions?
The Prophet (ﷺ) taught invocations for the morning and evening, and you should regularly recite them after Fajr and Asr prayers. The Prophet (ﷺ) also taught invocations after the obligatory prayers, so you should perform the five daily prayers and ensure to recite these invocations after each obligatory prayer. Additionally, the Prophet (ﷺ) prescribed invocations to be recited before sleep. Always recite them before going to bed. These eight occasions are: twice in the morning and evening, after each of the five daily prayers, and once before sleeping. By doing this, you will be protected from witchcraft, be freed from distress, and remain in the protection and security of Allah.
If someone is affected by black magic or is ill, you can perform prescribed spiritual healing on them.
عن عائشة رضي الله عنها، ان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم:كان إذا اشتكى يقرا على نفسه بالمعوذات وينفث، فلما اشتد وجعه كنت اقرا عليه وامسح بيده رجاء بركتها(صحيح البخاري:5016)
(7) Rescue from difficulties through wisdom and planning:
Allah says:
وَأَن لَّيْسَ لِلْإِنسَانِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ (النجم:39)
Translation: “And that man shall have nothing but what he strives for.”
Islam allows for the use of worldly means to overcome difficulties and solve problems, provided those means are lawful. For example, if one experiences physical pain, they can seek treatment from a doctor. If there is poverty, one should seek employment, earn lawful income, and make legitimate efforts to resolve problems, such as seeking a spouse or children. When the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) saw a major difficulty during the Battle of Badr, he prayed to Allah:
اللهمَّ أنجزْ لي ما وعدتني، اللهمَّ آتِ ما وعدتني، اللهمَّ إن تُهلكْ هذه العصابة من أهل الإسلام لا تُعبَدْ في الأرضِ (صحيح مسلم:1763)
Translation: “O Allah, fulfill the promise You made to me, O Allah, grant me what You promised me, O Allah, if You destroy this group of the Muslims, there will be no one left to worship You on earth.”
Finally, I want to emphasize an important point: without faith and righteous deeds, a person will never find success or tranquility in life. For a good life, one must follow the path of faith (believing in what Allah has commanded to believe in) and righteous deeds (all actions of goodness that are connected to the rights of Allah or others). By following this path, Allah will grant the best life and the best rewards. Allah says:
مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُمْ بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ (النحل:97)
Translation: “Whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will surely grant him a good life, and We will surely give them their reward according to the best of what they used to do.”
We ask Allah to make our deeds sincere and grant us the patience to endure trials and emerge successful in them. Ameen.
Written by: Maqbool Ahmed Salafi
Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy As-Salamah, Saudi Arabia