'Challenges': Spiritual Awakening Across Islam And World Religions
Intro:
Challenges are a source of our moral growth, spiritual awakening, and divine wisdom. Challenges create among us wisdom, humility, and consciousness of the highest order.
By Arman Neyazi, New Age Islam
20 January 2026
A divine creation, that all human beings are, cannot even imagine a life that is devoid of challenges (Imtihan). Life devoid of challenges is colourless. Although we are all afraid of trials and tribulations, we become mature, experienced, and knowledgeable after overcoming our difficult times.
Main Points:
· Religiously speaking, challenges are meaningful.
· Turbulent times are teachers of patience that create leadership qualities in a man.
· Challenges create a mixture of endurance, perseverance, and the power of survival, which ultimately combine to become ‘success’.
· People who achieve success without facing challenges are not men of calibre.
------
A divine creation, that all human beings are, cannot even imagine a life that is devoid of challenges (Imtihan). Life devoid of challenges is colourless. Although we are all afraid of trials and tribulations, we become mature, experienced, and knowledgeable after overcoming our difficult times. Those who swim across the turbulent river of life know the value of time and relationships. Difficult times introduce humanity to the spirituality and values of society. Turbulent times are teachers of patience that create leadership qualities in a man. It creates a mixture of endurance, perseverance, and the power of survival, which ultimately combine to become ‘success’.
People who achieve success without facing challenges are not men of calibre. The world takes them to be fortunate that they are not. Their lives are lonely. They melt in the heat of a power struggle, and their lives go to dust. They face breakdowns on their rich and comfortable beds in the darkness of nights. They struggle to get a good sleep. They are spiritually and culturally hollow inside.
Religiously speaking, challenges are meaningful. These are not hardships but tests to refine our personality. Struggles build character, refine faith, and bring one closer to his Creator as unseen hands in the form of good Samaritans. Human beings feel that there is a power helping them attend seemingly difficult courses. Human beings feel the presence of divinity that guides them to the path of success.
Human beings face challenges in their lives, as trials and tribulations are there to test their belief in Allah. Allah the Most Kind and Loving says in Surah Al- ‘Ankabūt (29:2), “Do people think they will be left to say, ‘We believe,’ and they will not be tested?” Allah tests our belief, our endurance, but does not leave us alone. His guidance comes in the form of good Samaritans who show us the way when we need it the most, during our darkest hours. The above-mentioned verse denotes that faith is not merely a claim, but it has to be proven through challenges, trials, and turbulences.
Challenges of life are divine. They have to be accepted and face the spiritual power of belief in our Creator, with whatever name you may call Him. Allah, the Most Gracious, says in the Holy Quran — Surah Al-Baqarah:155:
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient.”
And according to Tirmidhi, 2398, Prophet Muhammad (saw) says:
“The people most severely tested are the Prophets, then the righteous, then those nearest to them in faith.”
Challenges and Suffering: Perspectives from World Religions
1. Christianity
“In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33
“Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
— Romans 5:3–4
2. Judaism
“For whom the Lord loves He rebukes, as a father the son in whom he delights.” — Proverbs 3:12
“According to the pain is the reward.”— Pirkei Avot 5:23
3. Hinduism
“Be steadfast in yoga, O Arjuna. Perform your duty and abandon attachment to success or failure.” - Bhagavad Gita: 2:48
4. Buddhism
“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” - Dhammapada.
5. Sikhism
“Whatever pleases Him is good.” - Ang 469, Guru Granth Sahib:
6. Taoism
“The soft overcomes the hard.”— Tao Te Ching: Chapter 36
7. Confucianism
“Adversity reveals virtue.” - Confucius:
8. Zoroastrianism
“Through good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, one overcomes evil.” – Avesta
Challenges of Life, Cleanse Sins, and Elevate Spiritual Rank
The above-mentioned verses, Shlokas, and teachings from different world religions and faiths are ample proof that only divine people are tested with challenges, trials, and turbulences. Challenges are a source of our moral growth, spiritual awakening, and divine wisdom. Challenges create among us wisdom, humility, and consciousness of the highest order.
Following the Quranic verses and Ahadith will empower us with more belief in our Creator that we are never alone. Allah, the Most Caring, is watching us and is there to ease our difficulties as and when required.
“And when adversity touches you, it is to Allah that you cry for help. — Surah An-Nahl (16:53)
“Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.” — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153)
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.” — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)
“So that Allah may distinguish the wicked from the good.”— Surah Al-Anfāl (8:37)
“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”— Surah Ash-Sharḥ (94:5–6)
“No fatigue, illness, anxiety, sorrow, harm, or sadness afflicts a Muslim—even the prick of a thorn—except that Allah expiates some of his sins because of it.” — Bukhari & Muslim.
“Whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.” — Bukhari, 1469
“Know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship.”
— Tirmidhi, 2516
We, the human beings, should be grateful to Allah, the Most Merciful, that we are chosen to be transformed in divine people. We must not ask, “Why me?” but use our wisdom to understand, “What is Allah teaching us through the challenges we are facing?”
("My Lord, increase me in knowledge" (Quran: 20-114) to illuminate my senses with more divine wisdom to serve my fellow human beings.)
And Allah Knows the Best.
…
Arman Neyazi is a columnist with NewAgeIslam.com
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism