Many people face severe life trials, such as chronic illness or physical disabilities. These hardships can sometimes prevent them from reaching life goals, like marriage, and can lead to feelings of despair. This article addresses the Islamic perspective on facing such difficulties, finding purpose, and understanding the virtue of patience.
Hardship as a Test, Not a Punishment
A Muslim should always feel happy, having been bestowed with the blessing of Islam and iman (faith). Being deprived of some worldly blessings or afflicted with illness should not be seen as a punishment. On the contrary, it can be a means to gain more reward and get closer to Allah.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whatever befalls a believer of illness or fatigue, even if it was a thorn that sticks in his foot, Allah will make it a removal of his sins.”
Patience and Trust in Allah’s Decree
Prominent scholars elaborate that a believer should have ceaseless hope and trust in Allah. A true believer is characterized by showing patience and satisfaction with what Allah has decreed for him or her.
Almighty Allah says: “Lo! man was created anxious, fretful when evil befalleth him. And, when good befalleth him, grudging” (Al-Ma`arij: 19-21).
The Islamic Ruling on Desiring Death
A Muslim should never desire death because of an ill or defect that has befallen them. In his hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Let none of you desire death because of something bad that has befallen him. If he is really pressed to do so, let him say, ‘O Allah! Grant me life so long as life is good for me and take me in death if death is better for me'” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
Finding Purpose and Reward in Patience
A person who is unable to marry is not alone. There are great numbers of people who, despite being healthy, face other hindrances that make marriage difficult.
One should make the best use of their time, spending it in lawful and beneficial activities like reading, listening to lectures, and gaining more knowledge. Be sure that Allah will reward a person abundantly for every such activity and will grant even more reward for their patience.
