Sheikh Abdur Rahman ibn al-Jawzi رحمه الله has said that when one ponders over the problems and calamities faced by the Ummah, one wonders why is it so knowing that Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy. The respected Sheikh observes that the condition of most people is that never concentrate on Divine Unity, they do not reflect on the commands of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله nor do they abstain from prohibitions. People survive like animals. If they find the commands suitable to their temperament, they observe them otherwise they ignore them. People are consumed by money, not showing any concern whether it comes from lawful or unlawful sources. People offer Salaah if they find it convenient otherwise they leave it. Some involve themselves in sin inspite of knowing the prohibitions. At times, although they are able to avoid transgression, they do not refrain from disobedience.

So in effect, people are witnessing these trials as a punishment for their acts of transgressions.

Quite unique is the fact that people question as to the reason for punishment but they conveniently forget how rebellious they were with regards the commands of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله.

The respected Sheikh Abdur Rahman ibn al-Jawzi رحمه الله states very clearly that when you see anyone in difficulty, understand that he is being punished for a sin.

May Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله grant us the tawfeeq to refrain from every act of transgression; we further implore Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله that He keep us away from all sins, because there is no one besides Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله who can save us from sins.
آمين يارب العالمين