Islamic perspective on divine testing and reward
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- This article is in Indonesian and discusses a religious perspective on divine testing and reward, referencing Islamic teachings and hadith.
- It focuses on the idea that what is destined to happen will happen, and what misses a person was not meant for them.
- The text highlights the concept of divine compensation for loss, particularly through the promise of paradise for those who patiently endure trials, such as the loss of eyesight.
This article, written in Indonesian, delves into a profound religious perspective on divine providence and human resilience, drawing heavily from Islamic teachings. It centers on the comforting assertion that "what has befallen you was not meant to miss you, and what has missed you was not meant to befall you." This guiding principle, attributed to Allah, suggests that all events are divinely ordained, offering solace and a framework for understanding life's challenges.
The text elaborates on the concept of divine reward for those who face trials with patience. It references a hadith from Imam Bukhari, narrated by Anas bin Malik, where Allah Ta'ala states that if He tests a servant by taking away something they love, such as their eyesight, and the servant endures with patience, He will replace it with paradise. This promise serves as a powerful incentive for believers to maintain faith and fortitude during difficult times.
Illustrative examples are provided to underscore this message. Ibnu Abbas, who lost his sight, reportedly stated that while Allah took the light from his eyes, He illuminated his heart and mind, keeping his intellect sharp and his tongue eloquent. Similarly, Yazid bin Harun, an ascetic and hadith scholar, when asked about his lost eyesight, attributed it to weeping during predawn prayers (sahur), believing the reward for this devotion lies with Allah. These accounts emphasize the spiritual compensation that can be found beyond material loss.
The article concludes by reinforcing the conviction that a believer should hold: any loss experienced as a test from Allah should not lead to forgetfulness of the greater, divine recompense. This perspective encourages a focus on the eternal rewards promised by faith, framing life's adversities not as mere misfortunes but as opportunities for spiritual growth and ultimate salvation.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.