How Do I Believe That ’Everything Happens for a Reason?

Answered by: Maulana Yūsuf Badāt

Question:

1. Whatever happens does so for a reason. Sometimes I want to know the reason and I really get upset because Allāh does not answer. People as well do not have answers. How do I believe that ‘everything happens for a reason?
2. I always hear from people that whatever happens is good for us. How can we assume we are getting good only? Alḥamdulillāh, I try to follow most obligations of Allāh, since I was a teenager. I have always been very obedient to my parents also. I am treated as an ideal person among my friends and relatives; however, I still face hardship for the past couple of years and I am tired of asking for help from Allāh as I get no help. Sometimes, I feel regret for being obedient because of this helpless nature. Now, where is the good? Should we not expect any good in this Duniya (world). Is this not unjust?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

It should be noted that this dunya (worldly life) is full of ups and downs. We can never be in a situation of absolute success and peace. That is reserved for Paradise. True peace in this world, for a believer, is in obedience to the Almighty despite outward hardship and difficulty. You should know that people can never have all the answers. Hardships are part and parcel of life.

My advice to you is to let go of things that are not in your control. Strive to achieve all the good. Never stop nor regret your good work and religious practices. You are sure to see the results of your good either in this world or definitely in the hereafter. – (See: Al-Ta’līqāt Al-Aqīdah Al-Ṭaḥāwīyyah, Page 20¹)

“We test you with difficulty and good [conditions], as a trial; and to Us, you will be returned.” – (Qur’ān 21:35)²

“It is He who sent down tranquillity into the hearts of the believers.” – (Qur’ān 48:4)³

“Whatever you do of good, indeed, Allāh is Knowing of it [and therefore will reward you handsomely].” – (Qur’ān 2:215)⁴

“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” – (Qur’ān 94:5)⁵

Only Allāh knows best.

Written by Maulana Yūsuf Badāt

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

1 وأصل القدر سر الله تعالى في خلقه لم يطلع على ذلك ملك مقرب ولا نبي مرسل – كتاب التعليقات الأثرية على العقيدة الطحاوية ص٢٠

2 وَنَبْلُوكُم بِالشَّرِّ وَالْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ – سورة الأنبياء ٣٥

3 هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ السَّكِينَةَ فِي قُلُوبِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ – سورة الفتح ٤

4 وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ – سورة البقرة ٢١٥

5 فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا – سورة الشرح ٥ ‎‏إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا