Why Does Difficulty Sometimes Increase on the Right Path?

This is a profound question that often troubles the minds of truth-seekers, spiritual aspirants, and even ordinary individuals. When a person decides to embark on a path of righteousness, faith, and obedience to God, there's a natural expectation that the journey will become smoother. However, sometimes, to one's surprise, difficulties and challenges not only persist but also intensify. This experience can lead to doubt, despair, and even confusion. Yet, the Holy Quran, the divine book of guidance, offers profound and wise insights into this question, unveiling the hidden layers and purposes behind such trials. From a Quranic perspective, difficulties encountered on the right path are not random or meaningless events; rather, they are an integral, purposeful, and wise part of Allah's divine plan for human growth and perfection. One of the central reasons for the increase in difficulties on the right path is "divine testing" or "ibtilaa'." Allah Almighty explicitly states in numerous verses that He tests human beings to distinguish the truthful from the liars, and true believers from those whose faith is superficial or merely outward. These tests sometimes involve fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives, and crops, as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155): "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 clearly indicates that hardships are a divine tool to measure the extent of human faith and patience. Imagine a precious metal like gold needing to be subjected to intense heat and melting to remove its impurities; similarly, human faith is refined and strengthened in the furnace of events and problems. These tests are not because Allah is unaware of our state (He is All-Knowing), but rather to reveal to ourselves and to others the truth of our inner being, our hidden capacities, and our steadfastness on the path of truth. This process is essential for true spiritual maturation, ensuring that our belief is deep-rooted and resilient, not just a fleeting sentiment. Another significant reason is "purification and elevation of status." Many of the hardships and sufferings endured in the path of Allah serve as atonement for our sins, cleansing our souls from impurities. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Calamities wash away sins, just as water washes away dirt." When a person walks on the path of truth and faces obstacles, their patience and steadfastness not only erase past sins but also lead to an elevation of their spiritual rank and closeness to the Almighty. These difficulties are opportunities to subdue the ego (nafs al-ammara), to lessen worldly attachments, and to turn the heart entirely towards the Creator of existence. Sometimes, Allah tests His special servants with greater hardships to expand their inherent capacities and prepare them for higher stations. The lives of prophets and divine saints bear clear witness to this. There has been no prophet who did not face immense difficulties in their mission; from Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) and his long patience, to Prophet Job (peace be upon him) and his afflictions, to Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) and his imprisonment, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his numerous hardships in delivering the message of Islam. These difficulties did not hinder their growth; rather, they propelled them to the pinnacle of human perfection and spiritual excellence, making them paragons of resilience and submission. A third wisdom behind the increase in difficulties is the "strengthening of will and perseverance." Humans often tend towards weakness and complacency in comfort and ease. However, confronting problems forces them to think, strategize, and strive more diligently. These efforts strengthen willpower, patience, and steadfastness. In Surah Al-'Ankabut (29:2-3), Allah 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 will surely make evident the liars." These verses explicitly declare that true faith is that which remains steadfast in the midst of events and hardships. Patience in the face of problems is like a muscle that grows stronger with exercise and pressure. Every difficulty teaches a new lesson and brings invaluable experience, preparing a person for greater challenges. This process hones character, instilling virtues like gratitude in prosperity and patience in adversity, shaping individuals into more complete and God-conscious beings. Furthermore, difficulties can serve as a "criterion for distinguishing truth from falsehood." On the path of truth, there are always adversaries and enemies who try to mislead or obstruct the progress of believers. These obstacles and hardships act as a sieve. Those whose faith is weak and who are solely pursuing worldly benefits will deviate from the right path with the slightest pressure or problem. However, those whose faith is deeply rooted and pure remain steadfast despite all difficulties. This separation helps the believing community identify its true members and purify its ranks from impure elements. This divine filtration process ensures that the community of believers remains strong and unified, built upon genuine conviction rather than superficial adherence. Another crucial point highlighted by the Quran is "Divine Wisdom." Sometimes, as human beings, we are unaware of the wisdom behind events and hardships. Our vision is limited, and we perceive only a small fraction of the grand cosmic plan. Allah Almighty, based on His infinite knowledge and boundless wisdom, orchestrates matters in ways that we cannot immediately comprehend. The story of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and Al-Khidr (peace be upon him) in Surah Al-Kahf is a prime example of this hidden wisdom. The actions of Al-Khidr (such as damaging the boat, killing the boy, and rebuilding the wall) seemed illogical and even unjust at first glance, but ultimately, it became clear that each had a profound wisdom and a hidden good behind it. This teaches us that even if we do not understand the reason for our difficulties, we must trust in Allah's wisdom and mercy. He never wrongs His servants, and whatever He decrees for them contains their ultimate good and benefit. This trust (tawakkul) is a cornerstone of true faith, allowing believers to navigate life's storms with inner peace, knowing that a benevolent and all-wise Creator is in control. Finally, the Holy Quran gives us the glad tidings that the reward for those who patiently endure hardships is immeasurable. In Surah Az-Zumar (39:10), we read: "Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account." This means that every tear shed, every moment of pain, and every second of resistance endured in the way of Allah is preserved by the Almighty and will be compensated in the best possible way. This reward is not only in the Hereafter but sometimes also in this world, in the form of inner peace, spiritual contentment, and unexpected openings. And the divine promise in Surah Ash-Sharh (Al-Inshirah), verses 5 and 6, is always a source of comfort: "For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease." This repetition emphasizes the certainty of this divine promise: that after every difficulty, there is ease and relief. These difficulties are transient and should not lead to discouragement; rather, one should continue with hope in divine relief, believing in Allah's promises that after every darkness, there is light, and after every hardship, there is ease. This process is like a skilled gardener who prunes a tree for better fruit, so it bears sweeter produce. Difficulties are the pruning of our souls, helping us grow stronger and bear the fruits of true faith and closeness to Allah. In summary, the increase in difficulties on the right path is not a sign of divine forgetfulness or the wrongness of the path. Instead, it is a test to measure faith, a means of purifying sins and elevating ranks, a factor in strengthening the soul and will, and an opportunity to truly distinguish believers from mere claimants. These difficulties are part of Allah's wise management, ultimately leading to human perfection and eternal bliss. Therefore, instead of despair, one should continue this path with patience, reliance on Allah, and supplication, trusting in divine promises that after every darkness, there is light, and after every hardship, there is ease.