Are we punished in this life or merely tested?

Allah Ta'ala says, 'Do people think that they will say we have faith and they will be left alone and not tested.' (29:2)

'And Certainly We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits. But give glad tidings to the As-sabirin (the patient ones) who: when afflicted with calamities say, Truly: To Allah we belong and truly to Him we shall return.' (Baqarah)

'And whatever misfortunes mefalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned.' (42:30)

'Problems have appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of man have earned (bad deeds) that Allah may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allah, and begging his pardon).

In view of the abovementioned verses, it is understood that adverse conditions that come upon man are a test for some and a punishment for others. Patience should be exercised by those having firm faith when faced with a difficulty. For most definitely, it is test which in turn will be a means of attaining reward and proximity to Allah. In an event where a person has erred by disobeying Allah, then trials and tribulations are a punishment in order that he revert to Allah through the medium of Tawbah (repentance).

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.