Your Negative View of Allah May Be the Root of Your Trials - As-Salamu Alaikum

As-salamu alaykum. Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Allah Almighty says: I am as My servant expects of Me. If he thinks good of Me, he will have it. If he thinks evil of Me, he will have it.” (Sahih Ibn Hibban 639) Perhaps the pessimistic thoughts you held about Allah helped shape your current hardship. Your situation is a reminder that Allah’s words are true - so if this pains you, change how you perceive it. When calamity hits, many of us instinctively turn away from Allah and view it as punishment, thinking He must hate us for such a severe test - even though the Prophets were tested most. Assuming the worst lets Shaytaan whisper that it’s too late, and you give in to your lower desires. A heart that settles into sin gathers sicknesses like hypocrisy, jealousy, and doubt. Instead of purifying yourself, you play the victim and make excuses. That only deepens the trial, which may have been sent to wake you up to what will happen if you continue in wrongdoing. When difficulty comes, ask: where did I slip? Which duties did I neglect, whose rights did I violate, what sin did I keep? Trials aren’t usually random - often they come so sins can be expiated. Your job is to find the mistake and remove it with sincere istighfar. Ibn Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Whoever increases his prayers for forgiveness, Allah will grant him relief from every worry, a way out from every hardship, and provide for him in ways he does not expect.” (Musnad Ahmad 2234) Try to spend at least an hour a day seeking forgiveness with a present heart: reflect on your faults, feel true regret, resolve not to repeat them, and plan how to avoid future slips. Figure out the weakness in your eemaan that gave Shaytaan a foothold - is it lack of awareness that Allah sees you, fading haya (shyness) before Him, or a heart needing cleansing from anger, doubt, or envy? Seek beneficial talks and reminders to help, like useful lectures on softening the heart. Allah says (Qur’an 65:3–4): “And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them, and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He alone is sufficient for them. Certainly Allah achieves His will.” Recognize how immense Allah’s favors are toward you and how small your gratitude has been. Think of how shy you become when someone does you many favors - how much more should you feel before Allah, the One who bestowed everything you have. The Quran notes (31:20) that Allah has subjected for you all that’s in the heavens and earth and lavished blessings, yet some dispute about Allah without knowledge or guidance. You will be questioned about every blessing; asking for more while being ungrateful turns those favors into sources of regret on the Day of Reckoning. When your school or work tests you, you prepare and show up. So why fall apart when Allah tests the depth of your conviction and patience? Allah offers eternal reward in exchange for temporary perseverance in worship and restraint. Don’t expect a free pass - the one who fears Allah and endures ought not be judged the same as the one who abandons his faith when things get hard. These tests reveal what’s hidden in the heart. You can treat trials as purification and fix the faults revealed, or you can let doubt grow and harm your akhirah. You don’t need to understand everything to trust Allah; believing in Al‑Hakim means accepting that there is divine wisdom even when it’s not clear. Always assume the best of Allah. Choose to seek good in events instead of listening to the devil, who vowed to mislead you. Would you obey someone whose goal is to drag you to destruction, rather than the One who provided you with everything and tests you to elevate you? The peace that comes from sincere submission to Allah is priceless. Let your next sujood be spiritual as well as physical: admit your faults with humility, let go of pride and excuses, call on His beautiful names, ask sincerely for guidance and forgiveness. Abu Dharr reported the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Allah Almighty says: Whoever brings a good deed will have ten like it and more. Whoever brings an evil deed will be recompensed for one evil deed like it or he will be forgiven. Whoever draws near to Me by a hand’s length, I draw near to him by an arm’s length... Whoever comes to Me walking, I will come to him running. Whoever meets Me with sins filling the earth, not associating partners with Me, I will meet him with as much forgiveness.” (Sahih Muslim 2687) May Allah grant you tawfiq to turn back, to purify your heart, and to always assume the best of Him. Ameen.