Trials of Faith: The Spiritual Rewards of Illness and Hardship in Islam

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 21 December 2024 Illness as a Test and Purification Main Points: 1. The Role of Patience in Overcoming Hardship 2. Illness as a Means of Expiation and Reward 3. The High Rank of Those Who Endure Trials 4. Visiting the Sick: A Duty and Blessing 5. Islamic Teachings on Seeking Medical Treatment and Endurance 6. The Importance of Empathy and Compassion in Islam ------ The world is a place of trials. Just as a person without faith is tested with difficulties, a person with faith also faces tests and trials. According to Islam, both illness and healing come from Allah, and there is no distinction between obedient and disobedient people in this matter. Even the prophets, including the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), experienced illness. He suffered from illness for about fourteen days before passing away. Illness for a believer is a test and trial. The trials in this world come to bring forgiveness and mercy from Allah. In fact, illness is a blessing, as it serves as an expiation for sins and a means of raising one’s rank. Illness also provides an opportunity for the believer to seek forgiveness from Allah and fulfil the rights owed to others. Hazrat Ka'b bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The example of a believer is like that of a soft, delicate plant, which is swayed by the winds from side to side. But the example of a hypocrite is like that of a pine tree, whose roots are deeply embedded in the ground, and the wind cannot sway it, until it is uprooted suddenly." (Bukhari, Book of Diseases, Chapter on Expiation of Illness) This means that a believer is repeatedly tested to awaken him from negligence and help him grow spiritually. On the other hand, a hypocrite or a disbeliever is given respite and remains in heedlessness until death comes suddenly or a punishment strikes, leaving no chance for repentance or forgiveness. Illness and Troubles as Expiation for Sins In a sacred hadith, Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Allah, in His Majesty and Glory, says: 'By My honour and majesty, I will not take anyone from this world whom I want to forgive, until I have fully cleansed their sins through bodily illness or hardship in their sustenance.'" (Mishkat al-Masabih, Book of Funerals, Chapter on Visiting the Sick) This means that Allah purifies a person’s sins by making them experience illness and financial hardship before taking them from this world. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said: "No fatigue, illness, sorrow, or worry, and even a thorn that pricks a Muslim, except that Allah forgives his sins because of it." (Bukhari, Book of Diseases) In another narration, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whenever a Muslim suffers from illness or any kind of pain, Allah removes their sins as a tree sheds its leaves in autumn." (Bukhari, Book of Diseases, Chapter on the Greatest Trials) When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) visited Umm Saibah (may Allah be pleased with her), who was suffering from fever, he advised her not to speak ill of the fever, as fever purifies a person’s sins in the same way that a furnace removes impurities from metal. (Sahih Muslim) Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When a Muslim is afflicted with illness or any hardship, Allah erases their sins quickly, just as leaves fall off a tree in autumn." This means that a person becomes purified from sins in a short period. The Reward for Patience in Trials Abu al-Ash'ath al-San'ani (may Allah have mercy on him) narrated that he visited the mosque of Damascus and met two companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Hazrat Shaddad bin Aus and Hazrat Sanabih (may Allah be pleased with them). They were going to visit a sick brother, and he joined them. When they reached the sick person, they asked him how his morning had been. The sick man replied, "By the grace of Allah, I am fine." Hazrat Shaddad then reminded him: "Be happy with the things that remove sins and bring forgiveness. I heard the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) say: ‘When I test one of My believing servants and he praises Me for the trial, he will rise from his bed as if he has just been born, free of sins.’" (Musnad Ahmad) Allah says: "When I test My believing servant and he praises Me for the trial, he will rise from his sickness as free from sins as the day his mother gave birth to him." Allah then instructs the angels: "Record his deeds as you used to record them when he was healthy." Disease as a Means of Raising One's Status Disease can be considered a form of mercy, as it cleanses sins and elevates one’s rank in Jannah. Sometimes, Allah has decided that a servant will receive a high rank in the hereafter, but that person does not have enough good deeds to reach that rank. In such cases, Allah allows them to undergo illnesses and trials, so that through these, they may attain the level Allah has destined for them in the afterlife. It is narrated from Muhammad bin Khalid Salmi from his father, who reported from his grandfather that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “When a servant is destined to reach a high position from Allah but cannot attain it due to a lack of good deeds, Allah tests them with illness, financial hardships, or the loss of children. If they remain patient, Allah will elevate them to the position He had decreed for them.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Funerals, Chapter on Diseases that Expiate Sins: 3090) This hadith shows that difficulties and diseases are a means of raising one’s status in the hereafter, provided one remains patient, hopeful of reward, and content with Allah's will. Reward for Enduring Trials and Illnesses The reward for enduring afflictions is immense. For instance, Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) said to Ata bin Rabaah (RA): "Shall I show you a woman of Jannah?" Ata replied, "Yes, please." Abdullah bin Abbas then pointed to a black woman who came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said: "I suffer from epilepsy and my awrah becomes exposed. Please pray for me to be healed." The Prophet (PBUH) said: "If you wish, you can be patient, and for you is Jannah. But if you wish, I can pray for your cure." The woman replied: "I will be patient, but I ask that during the epileptic seizures, my awrah remains covered." The Prophet (PBUH) prayed for her accordingly. (Bukhari, Book of Diseases, Chapter on the Virtue of the One Who Suffers from Epilepsy: 5652) This shows that the reward for patience during illness can lead to great rewards in the afterlife, including eternal salvation. The Reward for the Acts of Worship Done During Illness A healthy person can perform many acts of worship that a sick person may not be able to do. However, Allah’s mercy is such that if a person who used to perform acts of worship regularly becomes ill, the reward for those acts is still written for them as if they were performing them in their healthy state. Abdullah bin Amr (RA) said: The Prophet (PBUH) said: “When a person used to engage in acts of worship and then becomes ill, Allah commands the angels to write down for him the reward of the deeds he used to do when he was healthy until he either regains his health or is called back to Allah.” (Mishkat al-Masabih, Book of Funerals, Chapter on Visiting the Sick: 1559, Musnad Ahmad, Musnad Abdullah bin Amr: 6895) This teaches that the good deeds performed in a person’s healthier days are still recorded as rewards during their illness. The Mercy of Allah during Illness The Prophet (PBUH) further explained the great rewards that await those who endure illness with patience. He said: “When a Muslim is afflicted with any fatigue, illness, worry, or sorrow—even a prick from a thorn—Allah forgives their sins because of it.” (Bukhari, Book of Diseases: 5641) Abdullah bin Mas'ud (RA) said: The Prophet (PBUH) said: “There is no Muslim who is afflicted with any illness, except that Allah removes his sins because of it, just as a tree sheds its leaves.” (Bukhari, Book of Diseases, Chapter on the Most Tested People: 5648) Thus, illness not only serves as an expiation for sins but also a source of elevation of ranks in the sight of Allah. Illness as a Means of Expiation and Reward A person who experiences illness or hardship, and bears it with patience, is rewarded as though they were performing their acts of worship during their time of health. When Abdullah bin Mas'ud (RA) was sick, he said: “I am not crying due to the sickness, but because this illness has come at a time when I am no longer able to perform the good deeds I used to. Had this illness come when I was able to act, my deeds would have been recorded for me during this time as well?” (Mishkat al-Masabih, Book of Funerals, Chapter on Visiting the Sick: 1586) This reflects the great mercy and reward associated with illness when it is borne with patience and trust in Allah. The Promise of Martyrdom for Some Patients There is no doubt that health is one of the greatest blessings for a person. Everything in life—religious and social duties, taking care of family, business, and trade—requires good health. In fact, there is no task in this world that does not need health. Hence, everyone desires to remain healthy throughout their lives. However, illness is a part of human existence, and there is no escaping it. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "There is no good in a person who has never experienced illness." (Sahih Muslim) Therefore, even when circumstances are favourable, when happiness and comfort are abundant, and when one enjoys financial prosperity and good health, believers should not think that these blessings are the result of their own efforts and strength. Instead, they should remind themselves that all of these things are a gift from Allah, and He can take back any blessing whenever He wills. For this reason, they should show gratitude for every blessing they receive. When hardships, afflictions, or illness strike, believers should not succumb to despair or confusion. Instead, they should face these trials with faith, patience, and a firm belief that this is all from Allah, our Wise and Generous Lord, who alone can deliver us from the suffering, hardship, or disease. In this world, everyone experiences both ease and hardship. However, it is only the believers who, through these experiences, achieve closeness to Allah and earn His pleasure. They show gratitude during times of comfort and joy, and they endure with full dignity during times of trial and pain, maintaining their faith in Allah’s wisdom and mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The situation of a believer is truly remarkable. There is good for him in every circumstance. If he is blessed with happiness and comfort, he thanks Allah, and that is good for him. If he faces harm and distress, he remains patient, and that patience is also good for him." (Sahih Muslim, Book of Asceticism: 2999) The High Rank of Those Who Endure Trials Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “If a person faces a personal or financial hardship and does not complain to anyone or express his distress to others, Allah takes responsibility for forgiving him.” (Majma' al-Zawa’id, Chapter on Those Who Endure Severe Conditions: 17872) The highest level of patience is when one does not reveal their suffering to others. For those who exercise such patience, there is a promise of forgiveness from Allah. This is a reward for keeping their trials between themselves and Allah, without seeking sympathy or complaining to others. Allah has taken it upon Himself to forgive such individuals. May Allah grant us the ability to trust in His promises and benefit from them! Patience of Prophet Ayyub (peace be upon him) Prophet Ayyub (AS) was blessed by Allah with every form of prosperity in this world: fields, livestock, servants, a virtuous wife, and righteous children. He was a grateful servant of Allah. However, Allah tested him with great trials. His fields were destroyed by fire, his livestock perished, and his children tragically died in a single calamity. His friends and relatives deserted him, and for many years, he was afflicted with a severe illness. Despite this, he never uttered a word of complaint. Allah praised his patience in the Qur'an, saying: "We found Ayyub to be patient. What an excellent servant he was! He was always turning to his Lord." (Surah Al-Anbiya: 83) Prophet Ayyub (AS) was as thankful in times of blessings as he was patient in times of hardship. He turned to Allah in supplication: "Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the most merciful of the merciful." (Surah Al-Anbiya: 83). Allah responded to his plea with mercy, granting him double the blessings he had before: his dead children were replaced with new ones, a spring of water emerged from the ground, and by drinking and bathing in it, his health was restored. His ailments were healed, and his life returned to normal, as had been foretold in a Hadith where gold-like locusts rained upon him. Allah granted him complete recovery and blessings, and his example stands as a reminder that when any servant of Allah faces difficulty, they should exhibit patience and turn to Allah alone for help. The Reward for Patience The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The greater the trial, the greater the reward. When Allah loves a people, He tests them. Whoever is pleased with His decree, Allah will be pleased with them. Whoever is displeased, Allah will be displeased with them." (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Book of Asceticism: 2396). This Hadith teaches us that great rewards come with great trials. When Allah loves a people, He tests them, and those who accept His will and remain patient earn His pleasure, while those who complain against His decree bring about His displeasure. Seeking Medical Treatment and Prayer in Patience In this world, there are both times of distress and times of comfort, both illness and health, all of which come from Allah by His will. Therefore, when a believer faces difficulty, they should endure with patience, take appropriate measures, and turn to Allah with hope for reward. This is beautifully illustrated by the story of Prophet Ayyub (AS) in the Qur'an, which serves as a perfect example for us. Seeking medical treatment, consulting doctors, and expressing one's condition are not acts of impatience. Rather, these actions are part of the lawful means Allah has provided. Similarly, praying for healing, expressing one’s weakness before Allah, and seeking His mercy are not signs of impatience but are beloved acts in the eyes of Allah. Allah Himself encourages us to turn to Him in times of distress. Allah says in the Qur'an: "Mention the case of Ayyub when he called to his Lord, 'Indeed, adversity has touched me, and You are the most merciful of the merciful.' So We responded to him and removed the harm which was upon him, and We gave him back his family, twice as many as them, as a mercy from Us and a lesson for people of reason." (Surah Al-Anbiya: 83) Scholars note that Prophet Ayyub's (AS) prayer is a beautiful example of monotheism, servitude, humility, and submission to Allah. Impatience and Its Negative Consequences Impatience is when a person complains loudly about their illness, expresses dissatisfaction with Allah's decree, and voices complaints against the Creator to others. It involves losing hope in Allah’s mercy, criticizing the Prophet (PBUH) or the Shari'ah, or taking inappropriate actions due to the severity of illness. This type of impatience is forbidden and not befitting a Muslim. Such reactions do not alleviate suffering but instead lead to prolonged trials and deprivation of rewards in the Hereafter. As Muslims, we are encouraged to remain patient, to accept the will of Allah, and to trust that His wisdom and mercy are beyond our understanding. Patience, along with the appropriate use of the means Allah has provided, leads to both relief in this world and immense reward in the Hereafter. The Importance of Visiting the Sick (I`Aadat) Islam encourages us not only to share in the happiness of others but also to empathize with their pain and attempt to alleviate it. One of the distinguishing traits of a true Muslim is the ability to feel sympathy for a fellow Muslim who is suffering, whether due to illness or other hardships. This empathy is expressed through visiting the sick, offering comfort, and making an effort to reduce their distress. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us that all Muslims are like one body, and when one part of the body suffers, the whole body feels the pain. Visiting the sick is a manifestation of this teaching, as it strengthens bonds of compassion and solidarity within the Muslim community. Visiting the sick enhances personal relationships, fostering feelings of sympathy, care, and love. When a person visits the sick, it nurtures a sense of connection between the visitor, the patient, and their family, helping to create a positive environment of unity and support. On the other hand, neglecting to visit someone who is ill can lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and even estrangement, as people may feel ignored or unimportant. The right to be visited when sick is part of the five basic rights that one Muslim has over another, as mentioned by the Prophet (PBUH) in a Hadith: “A Muslim has five rights over another Muslim: to reply to his greeting, to visit him when he is ill, to follow his funeral, to accept his invitation, and to say ‘Yarhamuk Allah’ when he sneezes.” (Sahih Bukhari, Book of Funerals: 1240) Islam considers the act of visiting the sick as a means of expiating sins and elevating one's rank in the Hereafter. In fact, visiting the sick has been compared to visiting Allah Himself, as narrated in a Hadith Qudsi where Allah says: “O son of Adam, I was sick, but you did not visit Me.” The person will respond, “O my Lord, how could I visit You, when You are the Lord of the worlds?” Allah will then reply: “Did you not know that My servant so-and-so was sick, and you did not visit him? Had you visited him, you would have found Me with him.” (Sahih Muslim, Book of Goodness and Relations: 2569) Whether the sick person is a friend or an enemy, rich or poor, visiting them should be considered an act of duty, not just a social formality. Unfortunately, in today’s society, the practice of visiting the sick has become more of a ritual driven by social expectations rather than genuine compassion. Often, people only visit those who are wealthy, hold high status, or are close relatives, while neglecting those who are poor or less influential. The Virtues of Visiting the Sick The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “When a Muslim visits his brother who is ill, he remains in the gardens of Paradise until he returns.” (Sahih Muslim, Book of Goodness and Relations: 2568) This means that as soon as one sets out to visit a sick person, they are in a state of receiving rewards, just as a person in Paradise enjoys the fruits of its gardens. The Prophet (PBUH) also said: “Whenever a Muslim visits another Muslim in the morning, seventy thousand angels invoke blessings on him until the evening, and if he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels invoke blessings on him until the morning, and for him, a special place in Paradise is prepared.” (Sunan Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi, Book of Funerals: 969) This highlights the immense blessings and rewards that come with visiting the sick. Another narration by Abu Huraira (RA) mentions that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever visits a sick person or a brother for the sake of Allah, a caller from the heavens will call out to him: ‘You have done well, your walk is blessed, and you have earned a place in Paradise.’” (Sunan Tirmidhi, Book of Goodness and Relations: 2008) This Hadith demonstrates that the act of visiting the sick is rewarded with divine blessings and a guaranteed place in Paradise. Even if the illness seems minor, the Prophet (PBUH) showed compassion for all forms of suffering. For example, when the Companion Zayd bin Arqam (RA) was suffering from eye pain, the Prophet (PBUH) personally visited him, showing that even small ailments deserve sympathy and attention. (Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Funerals: 3102) In conclusion, visiting the sick is not just a social courtesy but an important religious act that carries great reward both in this world and the Hereafter. It helps strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and fosters a compassionate society. It is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all Muslims, where the pain of one is felt by all. Thus, it is crucial for Muslims to approach the act of visiting the sick with sincerity, compassion, and the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure. The Islamic Ruling on Visiting the Sick (I'ada) In Islam, visiting the sick (I'ada) holds great importance, and based on this, some scholars have declared it obligatory. Imam Bukhari's view also aligns with this. However, Allama Ibn Hajar Asqalani states that the ruling on visiting the sick is primarily recommended (Mustahabb), though in certain circumstances, it may become obligatory. The obligation or recommendation of visiting the sick depends on the situation; if the patient has many caregivers, the visit is recommended, but if there are no caregivers, it becomes obligatory. Allama Bagawi has made a similar statement in his work. It is a Muslim's duty to show empathy and concern for the patient, inquire about their condition, and offer help wherever possible. This act is called I'ada in Arabic. The lowest level of I'ada is simply asking about the patient's well-being or inquiring with the caregivers about the patient's condition. The highest form of I'ada is to offer complete emotional support, such as helping with financial needs if the patient lacks money and one is able to assist, ensuring proper treatment, providing service if needed, and offering useful advice based on one's knowledge. It is also obligatory on caregivers (and the patient's family members) to assist the patient according to their financial capacity, ensuring their treatment and meeting their needs. Sharia teaches us that a patient is not a burden but a cause of mercy, and serving them and caring for them is a means to gain reward and blessings. Visiting Non-Muslims The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to visit not only Muslims but also non-Muslims when they were sick. This was an expression of sympathy and concern for all human beings. Visiting non-Muslims with empathy, irrespective of their faith, is also a rewarding act. In Islam, illness and hardship are seen not as punishments, but as tests from Allah, offering believers a chance to purify their sins and elevate their status in the afterlife. Through patience, faith, and trust in Allah's wisdom, Muslims are encouraged to endure trials with gratitude, as every challenge is an opportunity for spiritual growth. Illness, while painful, serves as an expiation for sins and a means to attain a higher rank in Jannah, provided the individual responds with patience and reliance on Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the teachings of Islam provide numerous examples of how believers can turn suffering into a source of reward, while maintaining their faith and devotion to Allah. By remaining patient and seeking Allah’s mercy, the believer can find comfort and the promise of great rewards in this world and the Hereafter. ----- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. 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