Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:
It is authentically reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “The people who are tested most severely are the prophets, then those closest to them in righteousness, then those closest to them. A person is tested according to his religion. If his religion is strong and firm, his trial becomes more severe; and if there is weakness in his religion, he is tested according to the strength of his religion.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, and authenticated by al-Albani.
Trials are not limited to illness and poverty. Rather, they include everything with which Allah tests His servants, including hardship and ease, health and illness, wealth and poverty, tribulations, and other forms of testing. Allah Almighty says:
“And We test you with evil and with good as a trial.”
[Al-Anbiya: 35]
The meaning of the hadith is not that whoever suffers a more severe illness or a longer trial is necessarily better in the sight of Allah than someone else. This is because trials differ in their types, and only Allah Almighty knows their true measure and their effects.
A person may be tested through his body, while another may be tested in his religion and his steadfastness upon the truth. A person may also experience several types of trials at the same time.
Therefore, the person undergoing hardship should not compare himself with others. Rather, he should think well of Allah, rely upon Him, remain patient, and seek reward from Him. He should look toward the reward he hopes to receive, the expiation of sins, and the raising of his ranks.
Allah Almighty says:
“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without measure.”
[Az-Zumar: 10]
It is also authentically reported that the people who enjoyed well-being in this world will wish on the Day of Resurrection that they had been tested in this world when they see the immense reward granted to those who endured trials.
Therefore, the length of an illness or the severity of a trial does not mean that the person being tested has a lower status or that Allah does not love him. Rather, the trial may be a means of expiating sins and raising ranks if the servant remains patient and seeks reward from Allah.
What truly matters is the servant’s condition with his Lord, his patience, contentment, and good opinion of Allah—not merely comparing the extent of his trial with the trials of others.
And Allah knows best.