Most of those who expose themselves to trials and afflictions in order to rise through them are instead brought low, because they lack steadfastness under trial—unlike those whom Allah tests without their seeking it. As Allah Most High says:

“You certainly wished for death before you encountered it. Now you have seen it with your own eyes.”
Surah Āl ‘Imrān, 143

He also says:

“O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do? It is deeply hateful to Allah that you say what you do not do.”
Surah al-Saff, 3

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“O ‘Abd al-Rahmān, do not ask for authority. If you are given it because you asked for it, you will be left to shoulder it alone; but if you are given it without asking, you will be helped in discharging it.”

He also said:

“If you hear of plague in a land, do not enter it. If it breaks out in a land where you are, do not leave to flee from it.”

Abū al-Qāsim said, “Know that Allah’s way with His allies is