Muslim’s Trial and Illness (1) — In the Light of Hadith

It is narrated from Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “When Allah intends good for a person, He afflicts him with trials.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

It is narrated from Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “No fatigue, illness, anxiety, sorrow, harm, or grief befalls a Muslim — even the prick of a thorn — except that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari wa Sahih Muslim)

It is narrated from Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The example of a believer is like that of a crop which the wind continues to bend; the believer continues to be afflicted with trials. And the example of a hypocrite is like that of a pine tree — it does not sway until it is uprooted.” (Sahih al-Bukhari wa Sahih Muslim)

Illness is also an expiation of sins

It is narrated from Jabir رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ visited the house of Umm al-Sa’ib رضي الله عنها and said: “What is the matter with you that you are shivering?” She said: “It is fever — may Allah not bless it.” The Prophet ﷺ said: “Do not curse fever, for it removes the sins of the children of Adam just as a furnace removes impurities from iron.” (Sahih Muslim)

The illness of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was severe

It is narrated from Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud رضي الله عنه that he entered upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ while he was suffering from fever. I touched him with my hand and said: “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, you have a severe fever.” The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Yes, I experience fever as intense as that of two men among you.” I said: “Then you receive double reward?” He said: “Yes.” Then the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “There is no Muslim who is afflicted with illness or anything else except that Allah causes his sins to fall away just as the leaves fall from a tree.” (Sahih al-Bukhari wa Sahih Muslim)

It is narrated from ‘A’ishah رضي الله عنها that she said: “I have never seen anyone suffering from an illness as severe as that of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.” (Sahih al-Bukhari wa Sahih Muslim)

Reward for deeds continues even during illness

It is narrated from Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “When a servant travels or becomes ill, the same deeds are recorded for him as he used to perform while he was at home and in good health.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

It is narrated from Abdullah ibn ‘Umar رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Indeed, when a servant is steadfast upon worship and then falls ill, it is said to the angel appointed to record his deeds: ‘Record for him the same deeds that he used to perform in the state of health until I grant him recovery or take him back to Me.’” (Mishkat al-Masabih)