Is worldly success always a test?

From the perspective of the sublime teachings of the Holy Quran, yes, worldly success is not only a potential test but is indeed, always and profoundly, a divine trial. Life in this world, with all its ups and downs, everything given to us, and everything taken from us, are all components of a grand and comprehensive test designed to gauge our faith, piety, gratitude, and conduct. Allah Almighty states in numerous verses that the creation of death and life is to test humanity, to determine who among us is best in deed. This test is not limited to calamities and hardships; rather, blessings, wealth, power, social status, children, and even physical health are all forms of divine trials. The Holy Quran explicitly states that wealth and children, although considered the adornment of worldly life, are simultaneously a 'fitna' for humanity. The word 'fitna' here signifies a test or a means of assessment, not merely evil or harm. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 28, we read: "And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that with Allah is a great reward." This verse clearly indicates that wealth and children, which are considered primary manifestations of worldly success, are part of Allah's test. The purpose of this trial is to see whether a person, when faced with these blessings, will be grateful or ungrateful? Will they become arrogant and proud due to them, or will they adopt humility and modesty? Will they use them in the way of Allah and to help the needy, or will they hoard them and succumb to corruption? The divine test in worldly success can be examined from various angles. First, it's a test of gratitude: Does a person acknowledge the received blessings as coming from Allah and show gratitude to Him, or do they attribute them solely to their own efforts and intelligence, becoming conceited? (Surah Ibrahim, verse 7: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe."). Second, it's a test of humility and avoidance of arrogance: Success and power can easily lead a person into the abyss of pride and arrogance. The story of Qarun in the Quran is a prime example of someone who attributed his immense wealth to his own knowledge and ability, neglecting humility and gratitude, and ultimately, he and his wealth were swallowed by the earth (Surah Al-Qasas, verses 76-82). This story is a serious warning that worldly success can become a downfall if not accompanied by a correct attitude and humility. Third, it's a test of spending and justice: Does a person use their wealth and power to help the needy, establish justice in society, and advance divine objectives, or do they only use it for personal gain and worldly pleasures? True success in Islam is not merely about acquiring wealth and power, but about how they are used in pursuit of divine pleasure. Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him) is a prominent example of a prophet who, despite possessing unparalleled dominion and immense blessings, was always grateful and humble, using his power in the way of Allah (Surah An-Naml, verse 40: "This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful."). He knew that this immense success was itself a divine test. Fourth, it's a test of attachment to the world and heedlessness of the Hereafter: Worldly success can sometimes be so captivating and alluring that it makes a person forget the primary purpose of creation and the abode of the Hereafter. One might devote all their energy and concern to accumulating wealth and worldly pleasures, forgetting the transient nature of this world and the accountability of the Hereafter. The Quran strongly warns against this heedlessness, reminding us that the life of this world is nothing but play and amusement, and the abode of the Hereafter is better for the righteous. Therefore, worldly successes are tools to gauge whether a person becomes attached to them or considers them a stepping stone to eternal felicity. In conclusion, worldly success, in the Quran's view, is an opportunity: an opportunity for growth, for proving one's faith, for gratitude, for serving humanity, and for attaining divine pleasure. However, this opportunity is always accompanied by great responsibility and a significant test. The greater the blessings and success, the heavier the responsibility and the more challenging the test. Therefore, awareness of the fact that every type of success is a test from Allah helps a person remain humble even at the peak of their achievements, to be grateful, to respect the rights of others, and not to lose sight of the ultimate purpose of creation and the eternal abode. This Quranic insight transforms one's perspective on success, changing it from an ultimate goal into a means to achieve proximity to Allah and eternal bliss.