And with this (same) chain, (it was reported) from the Prophet (ﷺ) who said: "Indeed greater reward comes with greater trial. And indeed, when Allah loves a people He subjects them to trials, so whoever is content, then for him is pleasure, and whoever is discontent, then for him is wrath."
Hadith Text & Reference
"Indeed greater reward comes with greater trial. And indeed, when Allah loves a people He subjects them to trials, so whoever is content, then for him is pleasure, and whoever is discontent, then for him is wrath."
Source: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2396 | Book: Chapters On Zuhd | Author: Jami' at-Tirmidhi
Meaning & Significance
This profound hadith establishes the divine wisdom behind trials and tribulations. Greater trials carry greater spiritual rewards, serving as purification and elevation for believers. When Allah loves His servants, He tests them to forgive their sins, raise their ranks, and manifest their patience and faith.
The trial is not punishment but rather a sign of divine selection and love, similar to how gold is purified through fire. The believer's response determines the outcome: contentment with Allah's decree brings divine pleasure, while discontent invites divine wrath.
Scholarly Commentary
Al-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan gharib. Scholars explain that trials serve multiple purposes: they distinguish the sincere from the hypocritical, purify believers from sins, demonstrate the reality of one's faith, and prepare souls for higher stations in Paradise.
The contentment mentioned is not mere passive acceptance but active satisfaction with Allah's decree, rooted in certainty that whatever Allah chooses is best. This state emerges from perfect tawhid and understanding of divine wisdom.
Historical examples include the intense persecution of early Muslims, which purified the community and elevated the martyrs. The greater the trial endured with patience and faith, the greater the eternal reward, with some scholars noting that the most severely tested prophets received the highest ranks.