Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
Allāh says in Qur’ān, “Indeed we do test every believer”. Allāh knows everything, from what is in our hearts and what is outside, then why does Allāh test anyone. Tests are usually conducted to know the knowledge of a person or to know what a person can do. Allāh is already aware of the depth of our faith, so why explicitly those tests needed?
Answer:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allāh, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Jazāk Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for contacting Mathābah Institute.
Almighty Allāh has given the human being ‘will power’ and ‘the power of choice’. As humans, we are at liberty to make choices to do good or bad. Allāh does not compel anyone to do anything. We are then rewarded or punished for our choices and actions.
Yes, Allāh does have the knowledge of everything including what choices we make. However, the test or trial is primarily for us humans, whether we will consciously opt for Allāh’s ways or succumb to devilish choices. The knowledge of Allāh comes into manifestation and materialization by our choices and actions in this physical world, which we will be accountable for on Judgment Day.
Tests and trials from the Almighty upon humans also teach us that we are His slaves, grant us fortitude, is a means of forgiveness of sins, attaining rewards, self-discipline, develop faith in Him and teach us humility.
“He [Allāh] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.” – (Qur’ān 67:2)[1]
Only Allāh knows best.
[1] لَّذِي خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيَاةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفُورُ – الملك ٢