This life was created as a test and setbacks are bound to happen. We generally assume that problems alone are tests, but Allah ﷻ says
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى ٱلْأَرْضِ زِينَةًۭ لَّهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًۭا Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed. (18:7)
reminding us that tests are not only through difficulties but through blessings as well.
Yes, hardships are tests and become a catalyst of growth and self-development, but when we look at the blessings of others and sometimes wish for the same things, we should not be envious of them, reminding ourselves that those very blessings might be what they are being tested with.
And each person's blessing is what Allah has apportioned to him.
وَرَبُّكَ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَآءُ وَيَخْتَارُ ۗ مَا كَانَ لَهُمُ ٱلْخِيَرَةُ ۚ Your Lord creates and chooses whatever He wills — the choice is not theirs. (28:68)
It may be that you will receive the same or more at a different time, either in this world or the next.
When we receive a blessing like a better job or an increase in provision, we may lose empathy and judge those with less. This blessing then becomes our test. When we are in difficulty, that very hardship could be the thread that's helping us hold onto our faith.
Whether it’s education, a better job, a spouse, kids... the list goes on - Allah ﷻ has chosen what is best for you, what is best in your journey.
وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تَكْرَهُوا۟ شَيْـًۭٔا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تُحِبُّوا۟ شَيْـًۭٔا وَهُوَ شَرٌّۭ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know. (2:216)
May Allah grant contentment in our hearts and make us content with what has been decreed for us. آمين
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Aameen!