How can the text "No calamity befell but for a sin" be reconciled with the hadith: "The Prophets are the most severely tested of people, then the righteous, then the next best; a man is tested according to his faith"?
The saying "No tribulation descends except due to a sin, and none is removed except through repentance" is authentic, and it is from the words of some of the Salaf. Likewise, the "The most severely tested people are the Prophets, then the righteous, then the next best, and so on" is authentic. There is no contradiction between them. The tribulations of the Prophets and the righteous are for the elevation of their ranks, so that they may be role models in patience and submission, and so that their virtues may be perfected, and so that no one may mistakenly attribute divinity to them. Whereas the tribulations of the disobedient and the disbelievers are due to their sins, so that they may return to obedience to Allah. Thus, tribulation is either for raising ranks or for expiating sins. Allah tests His servants with whatever He wills, and all His actions are just and wise.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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