All of us go through difficulties at some point in our lives. Trials come in different forms—sometimes we experience the death of a loved one, at other times we suffer from illness, and occasionally we face financial hardship. In short, life is full of challenges. In such situations, the first and foremost thing to understand is that, according to the Qur’an, this life is a test. In Surah al-Mulk, Allah Almighty says:

“He who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deed” [Quran, 67:2]

This means that the world is not a place of rest, but a place of trial where we are called to adopt both patience and gratitude.

During trials, it often feels as if all support has vanished. Yet at such moments, the Qur’an offers us comfort and reassurance. It teaches that if we wish to draw closer to God and seek solutions to our difficulties, we must reflect on the blessings we have already been given. Instead of focusing on what we have lost, we should take a moment to recognize what God has already granted us. This is a kind of “gratitude therapy” that can serve as a remedy for all our troubles.

For example, if someone is suffering from an illness, they should reflect on the fact that they still possess functioning hands, eyes, ears, and other healthy organs. They are able to eat two meals a day, have access to education, and can visit a doctor. When we think from this perspective, we realize that there are millions of people in the world worse off than we are.

Many people live below the poverty line. They eat today but are unsure about tomorrow. If you visit slum settlements, you will see people living in extremely difficult conditions. They have no shelter from the rain, heat, or cold. Children roam around half-naked, women cook on makeshift stoves, and clothes hang on ropes stretched across alleys. Despite these hardships, they continue with life.

Similarly, there are many laborers who cannot be certain whether they will find work today, and even if they do, whether they will be paid fairly. Their livelihoods hang in the balance. Yet they keep going.

If we reflect upon the blessings God has given us, they are countless. Take the example of eyesight—it is an immense blessing. Try closing your eyes for just a few moments and attempt your daily tasks like changing clothes, drinking water, or walking. Within moments, you will realize how invaluable sight truly is. The Qur’an also says:

“And if you tried to count the blessings of God, you could never enumerate them” [Quran, 16:18]

Even forgetfulness, which we usually consider a flaw, is actually one of God’s blessings. If we were unable to forget our grief, life would become unbearable. While forgetfulness might hinder a student during exams, in everyday life, it helps us overcome trauma. Even the most painful incidents fade over time, allowing us to move on. This too is a great mercy from God.

Sleep is also an extraordinary blessing. Many people suffer from insomnia and rely on medication to fall asleep, while most of us are able to sleep peacefully. This is a special favor from God.

There are two events in my life that deeply shook me and transformed my understanding of gratitude. Both are short but deeply impactful.

The first relates to a close relative who passed away due to lung cancer. In the final stages of the illness, the lungs begin to collapse, and breathing becomes extremely difficult. Normally, we breathe without even thinking, but for her, every breath became a conscious struggle. Witnessing this, I realized how unaware I had been of such an immense blessing—the ability to breathe with ease. Life’s trials remind us of the countless blessings we live with daily.

The second incident occurred at a wedding. When the meal was announced, guests rushed toward the dining area. I was among the last to enter. Once the space was full, a curtain was drawn to prevent more people from entering. A little while later, once the meal was over and the curtain was removed, about ten to fifteen children rushed inside. They began picking bones, scraps of meat, and rice off the floor—some even putting them into their bags. There was joy on their faces. These children should have been in school, but instead, they were surviving on leftovers at weddings. One of the hosts told me that these children often line up at such events, waiting for people to finish so they can collect the remains. That moment shook me to my core—it made me realize how effortlessly we consume our meals, while for others, even a single meal is a luxury.

I remember as children, we used to go on “nature study walks” at school. We were taken to deserts or plains to observe the sun, moon, and stars. We were taught that all these things exist to serve us—that the sun, moon, and stars were made for our benefit, that God has provided us with air, water, and food. When we reflect on these things, we realize how much care God has taken of us. And then, beyond all of this, He has also given us a family that supports and loves us.

In a life filled with trials, we must remain grateful for the blessings God has given us. The attitude of gratitude gives us the strength to face life’s difficulties and helps prepare us for the Paradise to come.