{"_id":"668da06b0b76658b4c2336c2","title":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"How can we tell if an obstacle is a test of our patience by Allah or a redirection away from our chosen path?\\n\"}]}","question":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"How can a believer know if obstacles or delays are a test of patience from Allah, meant for striving and perseverance to achieve that matter, or a sign and mercy from Allah to steer the believer away from it and choose another path that Allah has chosen for them?\\n\\nIf it is a test from Allah, how can I recognize it? Is there an approximate duration for trying? Sometimes, a believer is tested in what they desire until Allah permits it, and at other times, Allah repeatedly turns the believer away from something because He sees that it is not good for them, and He wants another path or thing for them. Are there any teachings or guidelines from the Quran and Sunnah on how to differentiate between being turned away from something and being patient for something?\\n\"}]}","answer":"{\"ops\":[{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Tawakkul and Istikhāra \"},{\"insert\":\"\\n\\nIt's important for a believer to entrust all their affairs to Allah. In other words, they should seek from Allah what is most beneficial for them according to His knowledge, not their own. This should be the mindset from the beginning. Before starting something, ask Allah to guide you to what is best for you and proceed based on what Allah facilitates and what your heart feels at ease with. Do not assume you know what is best for you. Instead, make your best effort to choose a course of action and then ask Allah to make it easy for you if it is indeed what is best according to His knowledge.\\n\\nIf you are torn between two choices or unsure, perform istikhāra first and then put your complete trust in Allah. If you give your best effort and circumstances do not permit you to succeed, turn to Allah again and ask Him for another opportunity. When you begin your actions this way, involving Allah from the start and placing complete trust in Him, Allah will grant you clarity and peace of mind when you encounter a dead end. You will not be confused about what to do next. When we rely solely on our own judgment and planning, Allah leaves us to our own devices since we did not place our reliance on Him from the beginning.\\n\\nRegarding whether something is a test from Allah, remember that everything is a test. Success is as much a test as failure. If Allah grants someone what they desire, it is a test; if Allah denies someone, it is also a test. Hence, patience is required in both situations.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Patience\"},{\"insert\":\"\\n\\nThe essence of patience lies in maintaining religious motivation in the face of desires. Patience is essential in all circumstances because everything a person encounters in life either aligns with their desires or opposes them. When things align with one's desires—such as health, security, wealth, status, and big family—there is a great need for patience. Without self-control, one might exceed bounds, indulge in luxury, follow desires excessively, and forget their origin and ultimate destination.\\n\\nFor this reason, the Companions said, \"},{\"attributes\":{\"italic\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"We were tested with the trial of hardship and were patient; and we were tested with the trial of ease and were not patient.\\\"\"},{\"insert\":\" This highlights that every believer can be patient with tribulation and failure, but only the truly steadfast can be patient with well-being and success.\\n\"}]}","tags":[{"_id":"668d9fe30b76658b4c232829","tag":"Worship: Dua","count":109},{"_id":"668d9ff20b76658b4c2329d9","tag":"Worship: Intention","count":103},{"_id":"668d9fe50b76658b4c232859","tag":"Aqeedah: Allah ﷻ‎","count":66},{"_id":"668da02d0b76658b4c233034","tag":"Salah: Istikhara","count":17}],"createdOn":"2024-07-09T20:41:15.846Z"}