For in it Allah Most High declares that all people are in loss except those who are themselves believing and righteous, and who counsel others to truth and counsel them to patience.

When trials become severe, they become a means for the righteous believer to attain a higher rank and a greater reward. Thus, when the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked, “Which people are most severely tried?” he replied:

“The prophets, then the righteous, then those closest to them in excellence, followed by those next closest. A person is tried according to his faith: if his faith is firm, his trials are increased; if his faith is weak, they are lightened. Trials continue to afflict the believer until he walks upon the earth without a single sin remaining upon him.”

In such circumstances, he needs a degree of patience that others do not need. This is the means to