The Unseen Blessings in Disguise

 

Salaam Alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh Jannah Aspirants 🥰.

Today I will be discussing the topic: 

Trials: The Unseen Blessings in Disguise 

Let’s face it: life is a test. And as Muslims, we’ve been forewarned. Allah Himself told us, “We will surely test you with fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives, and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient.” Trials are not a “maybe” ; they’re a when. They come in all shapes and sizes, some feel like gentle nudges, others like a full-blown earthquake. But the beauty lies in how we handle them.  

It’s funny, though. Sometimes when trials hit, our first reaction is, “Who did I offend?” We start tracing our steps like detectives in a crime show. But let’s be clear: trials are not always about who dislikes you or who’s doing juju. They’re a divine decree, meant to test our patience and strengthen our faith. So, stop giving Aunty Iyabo credit for your setbacks, she’s not that powerful!  

What’s even more intriguing is how trials differ. One person is praying for a car; another is praying that their current car doesn’t break down. Someone is struggling to find a spouse, while another is praying their spouse doesn’t drive them insane. It’s all relative. You think your trial is unbearable until you hear someone else’s story and go, “Alhamdulillah, mine isn’t that bad.”

During these moments, patience isn’t just a virtue; it’s a survival skill. Trials are designed to shake your faith, to test if you truly believe in Allah or just say you do. And yes, it’s hard. There will be days when you’ll feel like screaming into the void. But remember: Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear. If you’re going through it, it’s because you have the strength to overcome it, even if you don’t see it yet.  

Now, let’s talk about the “grass-is-greener” mentality that trials bring. Some people, in their desperation, think switching religions or dabbling in forbidden practices will solve their problems. But here’s the question: are the people in that new religion or practice trial-free? Spoiler alert, they’re not. Trials are a universal human experience, not an Islamic feature. Running from your faith during tough times is like jumping out of a boat during a storm, you’ll only make it worse.  

Steadfastness during trials is what sets true believers apart. It’s easy to say, “I’m a Muslim” when everything is rosy. But when the going gets tough, that’s when your iman (faith) is truly tested. Some people will try to convince you to take shortcuts, sacrificing a chicken here, consulting a dubious "spiritualist" there. But let’s be honest, does that chicken have more power than God? When we let desperation cloud our judgment, we risk falling into traps that lead us further from the One who can actually help.  

It’s also worth remembering that trials, as hard as they are, come with hidden blessings. They cleanse our sins, elevate our ranks, and draw us closer to Allah. Think about it: when do we make the most heartfelt dua? When we’re desperate and in need. Trials remind us of our dependency on Allah and force us to turn back to Him.  

So, what’s the game plan during trials? Be patient, trust in Allah, and resist the urge to compare your life to others. Everyone is carrying a burden, you just can’t always see it. Instead of questioning why Allah is testing you, ask yourself: “How can I pass this test?” Because at the end of the day, this dunya (world) is temporary. The real reward lies in the Akhirah, where trials will transform into eternal blessings if handled with faith and perseverance.  

So when life feels like it’s throwing everything at you, remember this: even the Prophets, the best of mankind, faced trials far greater than ours. Prophet Ayyub (AS) lost his health, wealth, and family, yet he remained steadfast. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was persecuted, mocked, and driven out of his home, but he never wavered in his trust in Allah. If they could endure with grace, so can we.  

And please, don’t be the person who uses trials as a reason to abandon their obligations. No, skipping salah because you’re “too stressed” isn’t the answer. In fact, it’s in these moments that salah, dua, and istighfar (seeking forgiveness) become your lifelines.  

Remember: trials are temporary, but Allah’s mercy is infinite. Hold on to your faith, keep your head high, and trust that your pain has a purpose. One day, you’ll look back and see how it shaped you into a stronger, wiser, and more resilient believer. And when that day comes, you’ll whisper, “Alhamdulillah for everything.”

Shuaib-Osunleke Nusaybah