Purification through Affliction

For a believer, afflictions are like medicine, they remove from him diseases that, were they to remain, would destroy him or decrease his level of Iman (Faith). The afflictions and tests extract such diseases and prepare him for receiving full rewards and a high position in Paradise.

The occurrence of these afflictions is better than their absence, as Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said:

By Him in Whose hand is my soul, Allah does not ordain a decree for a believer but it is for his good; and this merit is for no one except a believer. If he is granted ease of living, he is thankful; and this best for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres; and this is best for him.

Therefore, affliction and testing are required for the believer to achieve victory, honor, and well-being. Because of this, the Prophet (PBUH) said:

Those most afflicted among the people are the prophets, then the most righteous, then the next most righteous. One is afflicted in accordance with his deen (Way of Lfe). If his deen is firm, his affliction is made harder, and if his deen is weak, his affliction is made lighter. A believer continues to be subjected to adversity until he walks on the surface of the earth without a sin (haraam's).