Answer: The anxieties, hardships, and sorrows that befall a person in this world occur by Allah’s decree and predestination as a test for His servants. The believer, therefore, must be patient and seek reward, never succumbing to panic or resentment, for nothing happens to him except that it is ultimately good for him: if prosperity comes to him and he gives thanks, that is good for him; and if adversity strikes him and he remains patient, that too is good for him. Because of his faith, a true believer should not behave in ways that conflict with the qualities of the faithful. Rather, he must be patient, anticipating his reward from Allah—victory comes with patience, and relief is near. And who, after all, is entirely spared in this life from trials and vexations?

As for tearing one’s garment, this is absolutely impermissible, for it is one of the practices of Jāhiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance). Among those practices are tearing open the collars of one’s clothing and slapping the cheeks. The Prophet ﷺ said: “He is not one of us who tears the collars and calls with the calls of Jāhiliyyah,” or words to that effect.

Therefore, the Muslim must remain patient and avoid any deed or word that expresses panic or discontent with Allah’s decree and predestination. Your having torn your garment several times is a mistake and forbidden, but you must repent to Allah and never return to such behavior; and Allah accepts the repentance of those who repent.