Having Hope – Is Sickness a Sign of Allah’s Mercy or Allah’s Anger?
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani shed light on this important question which a seeker submitted through our leading Question and Answers service.
The questioner expressed that they fear their ill health may be due to Allah’s anger, despite signs and openings to make a change and repent. These comforting words by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani instil comfort in our hearts that are in need of Allah and His infinite love.
Advice from Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
You should have hope that these are the tests of those whom Allah loves.
Allah Most High tells us in the Quran about the wisdom and purpose of life:
“Glorious is the One in whose grasp is all dominion, and who has Power over all things. He is the One who has created both death and life to test which of you is best in their actions. And He is the Mighty and Forgiving.” [Quran, 67.1-2]
Life is a test, and the most intense of tests are send to those most beloved to Allah.
That is why the Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace & blessings be upon him & his folk) tells us, “The people most intensely tested are the Prophets, then the foremost after them, and then the foremost after them.” [Tirmidhi, Ibn Maja, and others; sound].
In another narration, he (peace be upon him) added, “A person is tested according to the strength of their religion. If their religion is firm, their tests are more severe…. And a person will continue to be tested until they walk among people, without any sin whatsoever.” [Ibn Hibban, Hakim, and others]
Tests are a gift and blessing from Allah. Respond to them with:
One. Acceptance (taslim),
Two. Contentment (rida),
Three. Reliance upon Allah (tawakkul),
Four. Trust in Allah (i`timad),
Five. Steadfastness (sabr), and
Six. Gratitude (shukr) for all your blessings.
If you do so, your tests will be an elevation for you in this life and eternally in the Next.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “If Allah loves a servant, He sends them trials.” [Tabarani, and others]
With that, take the means for health, facilitation, support, ease, and wellbeing. And turn to Allah in need and with those qualities mentioned.
One of the many wisdoms of tests is for the servant to turn to Allah Most High in needy supplication.
The Messenger of Allah (peace & blessings be upon him) said, “If Allah loves a servant, He sends them trials, in order to hear their needy imploring.” [Bayhaqi, Shu`ab al-Iman, and others]
Thus, we can begin to understand the wisdom of Allah Most High’s call and promise, “O believers, seek assistance in steadfastness and prayer.Truly, Allah is with those steadfast.” [Quran, 2.153]
See also:
A Comprehensive Guide to Dealing With Trials and Tribulations
And consider taking this On-Demand Course on Tests and Tribulations:
Why We Suffer – Understand the Problem of Evil Tribulations and Suffering
And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.
Faraz Rabbani
