What is the difference between tribulation (al-balāʾ), trial (al-ibtilāʾ), and calamity (al-muṣībah)? Is a Muslim rewarded for patiently enduring what afflicts him, even if it was a consequence of disobedience? And is it permissible to say, "I seek help through Allah and through you"?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
"Al-balā’ (بلايا - trials) and al-ibtilā’ (ابتلاء - afflictions) both mean testing and examination, encompassing both good and evil. Whereas al-muṣībah (مصيبة - calamity) refers to what befalls a person from the misfortunes of life, and it is exclusively associated with evil. A Muslim is rewarded for showing gratitude for blessings or for exercising patience during calamities, even if the calamity is a consequence of a sin from which they have repented. It is not permissible to say, 'I seek help from Allah and from you,' or similar phrases that equate a created being with the Creator."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/68135
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- 68135
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