Which people does God test again and again?

 Allah (God) tests those whom He loves and wants to elevate in rank. In Islam, repeated tests and trials are often seen as a sign of closeness to Allah, not as punishment. Allah’s testing is often directed at those He calls to significant roles (prophets, leaders), His covenant people (like Israel), and believers generally. The purpose is not punishment but spiritual growth, purification, and alignment with divine will. As James 1:12 states, those who endure testing are blessed, having stood the trial of faith. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"The most severely tested people are the Prophets, then the next best, then the next best. A person is tested according to his level of religious commitment..."

— (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2398)

So, the people Allah tests again and again are usually:

The Prophets – because of their great status and responsibilities.

The Pious and Righteous – to purify them and raise their ranks.

Those with Strong Iman (Faith) – because they can handle it and grow spiritually.

Those He Wants to Bring Closer to Him – through patience and reliance.

Allah tests all people (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155) with hardships to cultivate patience, gratitude, and piety. Prophets like Abraham, Moses, and Muhammad (peace be upon them) faced profound trials as examples for humanity.

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ

We will certainly test you with some fear and hunger, and some loss of possessions and lives and crops. But give good news to the steadfast. (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155)

Umm al-Mu'mineen Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say:

"No Muslim is afflicted with a calamity and says the words that Allah has commanded (i.e., this supplication):

[إِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَ إِنَّا إِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ، اَللّٰہُمَّ أْجُرْنِیْ فِیْ مُصِیْبَتِیْ وَ أَخْلِفْ لِیْ خَیْرًا مِّنْہَا]

(Verily we belong to Allah, and verily to Him do we return. O Allah, reward me in my affliction and replace it for me with something better)

— except that Allah will compensate him with something better than it."

Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: When Abu Salamah (may Allah be pleased with him) passed away, I thought, "Who among the Muslims could be better than Abu Salamah? He was the first household to migrate to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)." But then I recited the above supplication, and Allah granted me someone better than him — the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him).

[Muslim, Book of Funerals, Chapter: What is to be said at the time of calamity: 918]

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