Do all humans have a divine test?

Yes, undoubtedly, based on the explicit teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), human life in this world is entirely a journey of divine trials and tests. This is a fundamental and central truth in the Islamic worldview, signifying that every individual, from birth until death, is exposed to various forms of divine examinations. These tests are not merely to gauge a person's faith and deeds, but also to facilitate their spiritual growth and elevation. The purpose of these tests is not that Allah is unaware of our intentions and actions; rather, it is to reveal our true essence, to distinguish between the truthful and the liars, and to provide an opportunity for each individual to manifest their perfections or deficiencies, so that they may be worthy of reward or punishment in the Hereafter. The Quran, in numerous verses, addresses this matter and presents it as the philosophy behind the creation of death and life. One of the clearest verses in this regard is Surah Al-Mulk, verse 2, which states: "Allathee khalaqa almawta waalhayata liyabluwakum ayyukum ahsanu AAamalan wahuwa alAAzeezu alghafoor(u)"; meaning, "[He] 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." This verse explicitly states that the purpose of creating life and death is to test humans to identify those who perform the best deeds. This 'best deed' is not solely about quantity but rather about quality, sincerity, and conformity with divine commands. Divine tests come in many diverse forms. Allah tests humanity not only through hardships and difficulties but also through blessings and prosperity. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155, we read: "Walanabluwannakum bishay'in mina alkawfi waljooAAi wanaqsin mina alamwali walanfusi waalththamarati wabashshiri alssabireen(a)"; meaning, "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient." This verse indicates that calamities and deficiencies are a natural part of the divine testing process. How does a person exercise patience in the face of these difficulties? Do they trust in Allah or despair? Are they grateful or ungrateful? These are the questions inherent in every test. On the other hand, abundant blessings and comfort are also a significant test. Does a person become arrogant and oppressive when endowed with wealth and power, or grateful and generous? Do they remember Allah in health and leisure, or do they forget Him? The Quran refers to the story of Qarun, whose immense wealth, instead of being a means of gratitude, led to arrogance and ultimately punishment. Therefore, neither poverty and hardship are signs of divine wrath, nor are wealth and comfort signs of absolute divine pleasure; both can be arenas for testing one's faith and deeds. Divine tests are not limited to material aspects; they also encompass moral and spiritual dimensions. For instance, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verses 2 and 3, Allah says: "Ahasiba alnnasu an yutrakoo an yaqooloo amanna wahum la yuftanoona (2) Walaqad fatanna allatheena min qablihim falayaAalamanna Allahu allatheena sadaqoo walayaAalamanna alkathibeen(a) (3)"; meaning, "Do people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried? (2) But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful and He will surely make evident the liars. (3)" These verses clearly state that claiming faith without undergoing tests is meaningless. Tests are the crucible of faith's sincerity, distinguishing the truthful from the false. Indeed, the concept of 'divine test' is inextricably linked to the concepts of human 'free will' (ikhtiyar) and 'responsibility'. Allah has created humanity with free will and shown them the paths of good and evil; now, humans choose a path with their free will. These choices throughout life constitute the tests. These tests apply to people of all religions, creeds, races, and social statuses. No one is exempt; even the Prophets of Allah faced the most severe trials to serve as role models for humanity. From Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) test of sacrificing his son to Prophet Ayyub's (Job's) patience in the face of illness and loss of wealth and children, all are examples of profound divine tests. The ultimate goal of these tests is to achieve perfection and closeness to Allah. Every test is an opportunity for growth, purification from sins, and strengthening of willpower and faith. A person who shows patience in hardships, gratitude in blessings, and piety when confronted with sins is indeed progressing on the path of spiritual evolution and closeness to Allah. These tests are a bridge to cross from this world and attain eternal bliss. Thus, from a Quranic perspective, life is not a random occurrence but a divine plan where every moment can hold a lesson for achieving salvation. Accepting this truth grants a person tranquility, insight, and resilience in the face of life's challenges, guiding them towards the ultimate purpose of creation.