Do people think that they will be let go merely by saying: “We believe,” and that they will not be tested, (29:2), for We indeed tested those who went before them? Allah will most certainly ascertain those who spoke the truth and those who lied. – Koran (29:3)

Allah says that trials and tribulations will come as tests to our faith. Many of us, think that merely saying we are believers in the one and only God, that we will or should live a trouble-free life. We are under the impression that life will be smooth sailing because we have chosen the life God guides us to live.

However, this is not the case, for many of us the trials and tests are continuous, with one trial after another. It seems they just keep on coming, with the end result making us stronger and firmer in our faith.

Just like at the gym, the heavier the weights, the more muscle we build, hence making us stronger. So in the end, it’s all good.

Throughout time, God has sent a number of prophets to mankind with a message of salvation if they adhere to the teachings of how to live according to His law. These prophets were chosen by God because of their piety and unblemished characters, yet they were tried and tested with immense hardships.

When Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) began his prophethood, he was met with fierce opposition from his own people. During the 13 years of his life in Makkah as the Messenger of God, he faced all manner of abuse, mockery, expulsion, threats and physical violence. He even had rubbish thrown on him as he prayed. Yet he never wavered from his mission. Rather he was gentle, considerate and sympathetic even to his enemies.

Then there’s Prophet Ayyub, known in the Bible as Prophet Jonah who had been living in prosperity for a long time when calamity after calamity besieged him. These calamities were sent by Allah to test how strong Prophet Ayyub's faith was and how much patience he had.

And of course we know the tremendous trials of Prophet Isa, known in the Bible as Jesus. So who are we to think that we shall be handed a carefree life because we say we believe?

However, Allah is merciful and has given us guidance that will and does help to strengthen our faith; reading the Noble Koran for starters and of course prayer. Prayer is the fortress of the believer. Allah reminds us also, “That those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort. Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of God.” (Koran, 13:28)

As believers, we continue to face trials and tribulations however, Islam provides us a peace that surpasses all understanding.

The people of Palestine are persevering believers, even under heinous, murderous and pure evil persecution. They continue to believe and know that Allah is the Greatest. Their unwavering faith is an inspiration to the world.

Do you think you will be admitted into Paradise without being tested like those before you? They were afflicted with suffering and adversity and were so violently shaken that even the Messenger and the believers with him cried out, “When will Allah's help come?”

Indeed, Allah's help is always near. (Koran, 2:214)

We can rest assured that Allah’s promise is true and be assured that His help is near.

The struggle continues. We must continue praying and using our voice to insist on a permanent ceasefire with a change to the present regime which hinders freedom and justice for all.

Bermuda may you have a blessed week.

As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam