They Say Life is a Test: What Am I Being Tested For?

Someone sent this question saying: “What is god actually testing me for? They say hardship is a test, what is Allah testing me for? It’s not a test to see if I can count to ten, or whether I know quantum physics questions. So what is this test for?”

ANSWER

The questions you ask do make sense to some extent when some people read it. It is also clear to some readers that these questions are causing you to have such doubts and have negative feelings. However, with a little understanding you will see how your perspective will change as your doubts ease.

Allah’s test is different from an academic test 

Having gone through school our understanding of what’s tested is very straightforward. Any test you sit tends to follow the same protocol with a result that ends in a simple pass or fail. The consequences of a pass or fail are solely related to worldly gain. This is a process that we are all familiar with from a young age.

It is only natural to expect that when we hear of Allah’s test to expect the same. This is an error that can lead to much misunderstanding. Allah’s tests are not the same as an academic test. Allah’s tests are not related to knowledge as such in the way that worldly tests are.

With Allah’s tests, there is nothing like pass or fail as such. Whether one copes well with the test or not, the reward from enduring the test is great. The way one deals with the test may contribute to a bigger or lesser reward, but for the one who endures the bigger test, the reward is greater

It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people He tests them.

Tests can also come in the form of blessings 

Another difference between the common understanding of a test and Allah’s test is that Allah’s tests are not always in the form of hardships. A test form Allah may come in the form of an apparent blessing.

Such as good health or abundance in wealth. Without deeper reflection one might wonder how such blessings could be a test. However, the person with good health or wealth will be questioned.

Allah’s tests are not only about wisdom

Allah’s tests are not only about testing how wise someone is. Instead, they serve a very different purpose. Allah’s tests serve many different purposes. They are a way to distinguish those who have a firm faith in Allah as well as the opportunity to prove one’s faith and purify oneself. So, as you can see, the purpose of Allah’s test is very different to the worldly types of tests that you are thinking about.

Tests from Allah are a sign of His Justice 

Tests from Allah are a way to distinguish those who have a firm faith in Allah regardless of how well they are able to manage the test itself.

Afterall, wouldn’t people question why they ended up in the Hellfire if there was no way to prove themselves to Allah?

Tests from Allah are a sign of His Mercy 

Allah’s tests are very complex. Not only can they come in the form of blessings or hardships, as well as being a sign of being the Most Just, but they are also a blessing in the form of purification and a sign of His Mercy and love as we can learn from the many of the Prophet’s Hadiths.

Summary 

So, as you can see, the main thing to remember is that Allah’s tests are different to worldly tests in many ways. They are much more complex. Tests from Allah can come in the form or trials as well as blessings too. Allah’s tests are a means of showing His qualities of Justice and Mercy.

On the surface, they may seem like negative things, but in fact, they are an opportunity for self growth and development too so come with many benefits on the other side.