Question: I would like an explanation of the Hadith: "Whomever Allah wishes good for, He afflicts him."

The Hadith: "When Allah desires good for someone, He afflicts him [with trials]." Narrated by Malik, Al-Bukhari, Ahmad, Ibn Hibban, and An-Nasa'i from Abu Hurairah.

Its meaning: That Allah afflicts with calamities those for whom He intends good, in order to reward them for it, purify them from sins, and elevate their status. This is supported by the Hadith: "If Allah loves a people, He afflicts them. So, whoever shows patience, he will have patience [reward], and whoever shows impatience, he will have impatience [consequence]."

These Ahadith carry great glad tidings for the believer, for whatever afflicts him of diseases, pains, or physical or emotional sufferings expiates his sins.