Sickness is a Test

During last week the world commemorated World Mental Health Day and therefore we focused our discussions on the Islamic perspective of Mental Health, but when sick, people always ask, “Why me? Why did I have to get sick?” So this week let`s try to understand how Sickness is a Test from Allah.

For a Muslim, life is a means to an end, a path that leads to a final abode in heaven. This transient life is a realm where a person’s faith is put to test in various capacities including health. Islam considers health as a blessing and not a default state to which one is entitled. Accordingly, sickness is a normal part of life and holds great meaning as it presents a path for a Believer to reconnect with one’s Lord; an opportunity to develop one’s faith.

The Purpose of Sickness

Allah created everything, including sickness and disease, with a purpose.

وَمَا خَلَقْنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا بَـٰطِلًا ۚ

We did not create this heaven and earth and all that lies between them in vain. [S`ad 38:27]

A prominent Muslim scholar named Ibn al-Qayyim R once mentioned that Allah ﷻ created what appears to be evil with a purpose, and through His wisdom, it ultimately transforms into something good.

Illness serves as a reminder of Allah ﷻ and becomes a point for contemplation and self-examination before one’s eventual passing. A patient recognizes the fragility of life, ponders their imminent mortality, and contemplates the afterlife.

إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَـٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ

ٱلَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ قِيَـٰمًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَـٰذَا بَـٰطِلًا سُبْحَـٰنَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ

Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted are You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire” [Aal Imran 3: 190, 191]

Illness serves as a means for individuals to recognize the majesty of Allah ﷻ and come to terms with their own vulnerability. When people experience an ailment caused by even the most minuscule microorganisms like bacteria or fungi, they can become incapacitated, disabled, and in some cases, face mortality.

In certain instances, even doctors and medical professionals possessing substantial knowledge, expertise, and access to advanced treatments can be afflicted by illnesses they cannot cure or save themselves from. Such situations can humble the wise as well as the arrogant, as both are compelled to acknowledge the might and grandeur of Allah ﷻ.

Sickness as a Test

Disease is also one of the ways in which Allah ﷻ tests people.

ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلْمَوْتَ وَٱلْحَيَوٰةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْغَفُورُ

“Who has created death and life that He may test you which of you is best in deed. And He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving” [Al Mulk 67: 2].

Through the loss of health due to illness, an individual can come to recognize the grace of Allah ﷻ upon them and, in turn, develop a deeper appreciation and gratitude for the blessing of good health.

A healthy person is expected to be grateful for the blessing and the sick ought to be patient; these two distinctive states are beneficial to a believer.