WHY DO SOME PEOPLE GO THROUGH MORE TRIALS? – THE SECRETS OF DESTINY AND WISDOM

I. INTRODUCTION: The Question That Stands at the Door of Pain

Sometimes in life, we reach a point where questions get stuck in our throats: “Why me?”, “Why such heavy trials?”, “Why do some live easily while others constantly face storms?” These questions do not belong to just one person — they are the questions of humanity. Spoken in different languages, whispered in different prayers, shed in different tears, they all carry the same meaning — the mystery of justice and divine wisdom.

This article will explore why some people face more tests in life, the role of these trials, and how divine Qadr (destiny) and wisdom operate — from social, academic, communal, and spiritual perspectives.

II. WHAT IS QADR? – THE SPIRITUAL ARCHITECTURE OF DESTINY

The Arabic word Qadr means "measure" or "determination." In the Quran, it refers to God's act of creating everything with measure, according to a timeline, cause, and consequence.

“Indeed, We have created all things with measure.”
(Qur’an, Surah Al-Qamar, 49)

This means that every trial, joy, loss, or success is not random — but a measured part of divine design. Qadr does not deny human will, but places it within a larger system of divine testing.

III. WHY DO TRIALS EXIST? – THE TRUE PURPOSE OF LIFE

1. The Formation of Character
   A tree cannot grow strong without facing storms. Likewise, trials reveal our inner weaknesses and force us to understand ourselves. A life without trials remains shallow and untested.

2. Not Punishment, But Training
   Challenges are not always punishment — they often serve as training mechanisms. Without hardship, we would never learn gratitude or patience.

3. A Test for the Strong, Not the Weak
   In the Qur’an:

   “Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.”
   (Surah Al-Baqarah, 286)

   This verse shows that those who undergo the most trials are seen as strong and capable in the sight of God.

IV. SEEING TRIALS THROUGH THE EYES OF WISDOM

Every trial has a hidden purpose — a meaning and result that may not be immediately visible. But over time, it manifests as:

• The purification of the heart

• The deepening of consciousness

• Becoming a role model for others

• Spiritual elevation

Example: Think of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph). Thrown into a well as a child, sold into slavery, and imprisoned — all his trials prepared him to become a vizier in Egypt and savior of a nation.

V. WHY DO SOME PEOPLE SUFFER MORE TRIALS THAN OTHERS?

1. Because They Hold Greater Potential
   Great people are shaped by great lessons. God prepares those with big missions through big trials.

2. Because They Live for Others
   If a person dedicates their life to others — a mother, doctor, teacher, or volunteer — their trials often affect society, not just themselves.

3. Not to Be Enriched, But Purified
   Those focused on the Hereafter rather than worldly success often face more tests.

4. To Have Their Prayers Answered
   Sometimes we pray: “Make me patient, wise, compassionate.” God grants those prayers through trials.

VI. SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

• Society’s Reaction
  Those who suffer may feel isolated. Society may support them — or judge them. But their inner world can reshape societal values.

• From a Psychological Perspective
  Long-term adversity may cause trauma — but also post-traumatic growth, increasing empathy, leadership, and creativity.

VII. PHILOSOPHICAL AND DIVINE PERSPECTIVE

Philosophers have long asked:

If God is merciful, why do some people suffer so much?

Answers vary:

• Ibn Sina & Al-Ghazali: Trials are for the purification of the soul.

• Socrates: Those who suffer most, know the most.

• Nietzsche: “That which does not kill me, makes me stronger.”

In Islam, this topic is explained through the lens of reward and the Hereafter. This world is temporary — a place of testing. The next life is the destination.

VIII. THE RANK OF THE TRIED – PROPHETS AND SAINTS

In the Qur’an, the most tested individuals were the prophets:

• Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) – tested with the sacrifice of his son.

• Prophet Ayyub (Job) – a symbol of illness and patience.

• Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) – an orphan, persecuted, and leader — all at once.

Thus, many trials are not a disgrace, but a mark of being chosen.

IX. HOW TO COPE WITH TRIALS?

• Patience (Sabr) – Mentioned over 70 times in the Qur’an.

• Gratitude – Even in hardship, it is a powerful shield.

• Seek Support – Humans are not meant to suffer alone.

• Prayer – A breath of the soul during pain.

X. CONCLUSION: THE LIGHT UNDER THE TRIALS

Sometimes, a person reaches a point where only seeing the wisdom behind pain brings peace. Trials:

• Return us to ourselves

• Purify our souls

• Strengthen our will

• Connect us with others' suffering

If you’re facing a trial today, remember: You are not ordinary. God chose you. He is preparing you for something greater.

Readers' Question & Feedback

What do you think? Is going through more trials a coincidence — or part of a deeper divine mystery?
Share your thoughts — because your story might be someone else's healing.