Why Does My Faith Sometimes Only Grow Stronger in Crises?

The experience of faith strengthening during crises is a common human phenomenon deeply rooted in Quranic teachings. The Holy Quran teaches us that worldly life is a realm of trials and tribulations, and crises and difficulties are an inseparable part of this journey. Almighty God tests His servants with various hardships, both to reveal the extent of their faith and patience, and to turn their hearts back to Him, freeing them from worldly attachments. These crises are, in essence, opportunities for spiritual purification and for deepening one's connection with the Creator. During times of peace and comfort, a person might easily become heedless and drift away from the remembrance of God. Wealth, power, health, and worldly successes can draw a veil over the heart, leading one to self-admiration and forgetfulness of their origin and ultimate destiny. In such circumstances, human reliance tends to be more on material means and resources rather than on the boundless power of God. However, when these means fail and a person finds themselves in a dead end, they are compelled to extend their hand for help towards a higher power. It is then that the veils of heedlessness are lifted, and hearts turn towards the source of all power and absolute good. The Holy Quran refers to this phenomenon in several verses, where it states that man remembers God during distress but turns away again after the affliction is removed. This indicates a natural human tendency that requires correction. This inner experience is an unconscious search for refuge and tranquility amidst the storm, often leading to a return to the monotheistic innate disposition (Fitra). One of the divine wisdoms behind trials and crises is the purification and refinement of faith. Faith is not merely a verbal affirmation; it must be proven in action and under difficult circumstances. The Quran explicitly states that God does not leave those who merely claim faith without testing them, so that the truthful may be distinguished from the false. These tests are like a crucible that separates impurities from gold, revealing pure and unadulterated faith. In this process, a true believer perseveres in the face of hardships, practices patience instead of complaining or despairing, and seeks spiritual solutions with complete reliance on God. This type of faith is firm and deeply rooted; it does not waver with every breeze, but stands stronger even in storms. Furthermore, crises help individuals to better understand the reality of this world and its transient nature. When everything is lost or put at risk, one realizes that what is truly enduring is only the Divine Essence. This profound realization helps people recognize true values and reassess their life priorities. The connection with God and the pursuit of His pleasure are elevated from secondary to primary importance, and dependence on fleeting material matters diminishes. This transformation in perspective significantly aids in the stability and strengthening of faith. Personal experience of divine help in situations where no other path exists strengthens belief in God's power and mercy far more than merely hearing verses and narrations. From another perspective, crises are opportunities to awaken from heedlessness and turn towards repentance (Tawbah) and seeking forgiveness (Istighfar). Many of us in our daily lives become engrossed in routines and commit minor and major sins. When a crisis occurs, we often reflect that perhaps this is a consequence of our own actions, and we humbly return to God, pleading and beseeching His mercy. This return and repentance itself is a significant factor in strengthening faith and purifying the soul. God loves those who repent and opens the doors of His mercy to them. Ultimately, the strengthening of faith during crises signifies the truth that God is always with His servants, especially during the peak of difficulties. He desires for people to draw closer to Him and to place their hope in none but Him. These bitter but instructive experiences solidify the foundations of faith and prepare individuals to face greater challenges on the path to perfection. The goal is for a believer to achieve this same depth of faith not only in hardship but also in comfort, being constantly mindful of God and relying on Him. In essence, crises act as catalysts that accelerate the process of spiritual growth, leading individuals to a more genuine understanding of themselves and their Lord. This phenomenon should not be seen merely as an emergency reaction but rather as a life lesson for consistency and deepening faith at all times. For God has repeatedly stated in the Quran that He is always observing our deeds and grants immense rewards to His patient and grateful servants.