and were tried through them as gold is tried by fire, so that its pure substance may be distinguished from its impurities. Human souls contain evil, and trials purify the believer of the evil within his soul. Allah Most High says:

“Such days We alternate among people, so that Allah may make evident those who believe and take martyrs from among you. And Allah does not love the wrongdoers.”

“And so that Allah may purify those who believe and destroy the disbelievers.”

Allah Most High also says:

“So that Allah may test what is in your breasts and purify what is in your hearts.”

For this reason, Sālih, peace be upon him, said to his people:

“Your fate is with Allah; rather, you are a people being tested.”

Thus, calamities expiate the believers’ sins, and their ranks are raised through patiently enduring them. As for the calamities they suffer at the enemy’s hands during jihad, Allah increases their reward for patiently enduring them. It is reported in al-Sahīh that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“No fighting force goes forth in Allah’s cause, returns unharmed, and gains spoils without having received two-thirds of its reward in advance. But if they suffer harm and gain no spoils, their reward is granted in full.”

As for the hunger, thirst, and exhaustion they suffer, a righteous deed is recorded for them on account of it. As Allah Most High says:

“That is because no thirst, fatigue, or hunger afflicts them in Allah’s cause, nor do they tread any ground that enrages the disbelievers, nor inflict any loss upon an enemy, without a righteous deed being recorded for them on account of it. Indeed, Allah does not let the reward of those who do good go to waste.”

There is much evidence supporting this.