How do we reconcile the Hadith: "The Prophets are the most severely tested of people," with the Almighty's saying: "And whatever strikes you of disaster – it is because of what your hands have earned"?

The apparent contradiction between informative and definitive texts is only superficial, not actual, and can be resolved by rules followed by scholars, such as reconciliation and harmonization between the texts. All of a believer's affairs are good: if joy befalls him, he is grateful, and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he is patient, and that is good for him. As for the apparent contradiction between the verse, "And whatever strikes you of disaster – it is because of what your hands have earned," and the Hadith which states that tribulation elevates ranks, there are two explanations:

1. The verse is general but specifically excludes prophets and righteous individuals. Their tribulations are for elevating their ranks, not as punishment or expiation for sins. If a tribulation coincides with a minor sin, it expiates it; otherwise, it elevates the prophet's rank and increases his reward.

2. The Hadith refers to al-balaa’ (tribulation), and al-balaa’ is a general term that encompasses good and evil, ease and hardship. It is not limited to misfortunes. Tribulation can be for elevating ranks, expiating sins, or as an expedited punishment for disobedience.