Is faith only for times of hardship?

Faith in Almighty God and the teachings of the noble religion of Islam is a profound and comprehensive concept that encompasses all dimensions of human life. The notion that faith is merely a refuge for difficult and distressed times is an incomplete view, contrary to Quranic teachings. In fact, the Holy Quran presents faith as a roadmap for all moments of life, including periods of ease and prosperity, as well as times of hardship and trial. True faith is like a robust tree whose roots are deeply embedded in the heart of the believer, and whose branches bear the fruits of devotion and submission in all seasons of life, whether in the spring of joy or the autumn of sorrow. One of the most fundamental manifestations of faith, often overlooked during times of ease and blessing, is gratitude (shukr). The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of showing gratitude for divine blessings. In Surah Ibrahim, verse 7, Allah explicitly states: "And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'" This verse clearly indicates that gratitude, which is itself an act of faith, is not only for times of prosperity but also a condition for the persistence and increase of blessings. A true believer is one who does not forget Allah even amidst abundant blessings and prosperity, and who expresses gratitude to Him with heart, tongue, and action. Neglecting Allah during times of ease and plenty is not only an act of ingratitude but can also be a sign of weak faith or even its absence. Faith, in essence, should help a person avoid arrogance and transgression during success and prosperity, and always see themselves as needy and devoted servants of God. Conversely, during times of hardship and adversity, faith plays a vital and comforting role. It is here that patience (sabr) and reliance on Allah (tawakkul), as the main pillars of faith, come to the aid of a person. Numerous verses in the Holy Quran refer to the importance of patience in the face of calamities and reliance on Allah in solving problems. Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153 states: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." This verse shows that faith is a tool for overcoming difficulties, but it does not mean that faith only exists during difficulties. Faith is the foundation of this patience and reliance. A believer knows that no event occurs without Allah's permission and that every hardship is a test from Him. This belief brings peace to the human heart and prevents despair and hopelessness. If faith were only for times of hardship, there would be no reason to continue it after the problem is resolved, whereas the Quran presents faith as a continuous path to drawing closer to Allah. The Holy Quran considers worldly life a stage for tests and trials. In Surah Al-Ankabut, verses 2 and 3, it states: "Do people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried? 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." These verses clearly indicate that divine trials, whether in the form of hardship or ease (as mentioned in other verses), are an inseparable part of the path of faith. Therefore, faith is tested not only during hardship but also when encountering blessings and prosperity. Faith must be deep and rooted enough to guide a person towards Allah's satisfaction and obedience in both situations. The behavior of some individuals who only remember God during troubles and become heedless again once the problem is resolved is condemned in the Quran. This type of behavior indicates a superficial and opportunistic faith that is far from the true meaning of faith. True faith is continuous and unconditional servitude. Allah Almighty, in Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 56, states that the purpose of creating jinn and mankind is solely to worship Him: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." This worship includes all aspects of life: gratitude in abundance, patience in scarcity, sincerity in intention, justice in behavior, and truthfulness in speech. These are all manifestations of faith that are expected from a believer in all circumstances. Therefore, faith is not only for times of hardship but is an inseparable element of human identity and the path to perfection, which must be present and active at all moments, including the ups and downs of life. Faith, in essence, is that lamp that illuminates the path in the darkness of calamities and also prevents a person from going astray and transgressing in the light of blessings. Faith is a lifestyle that reminds an individual of their Lord in all states and guides them towards gaining His satisfaction. This steadfastness and stability in faith are signs of its sincerity and depth, and it is this that leads a person to success in this world and the hereafter. A faith that is only resorted to when needed is like a friend approached only in times of necessity, and this is far from the dignity and greatness of the relationship with the Creator of existence. A true believer is one who, whether in the height of pleasure and blessing or in the depths of suffering and distress, sees God as present and observing, and finds themselves in His presence at every moment.