Zeal and Enthusiasm Described in the Qur'an: Becoming More Zealous in the Face of Hardships

It has been stated that among the most important signs of faith and zeal is the attitude believers assume in the face of hardships. Another sign revealing believers’ faith in difficult times is that they never become weak-hearted. On the contrary, when they face hardships, their zeal grows even stronger, for people cannot attain paradise unless they are tested by difficulties, as were the people of past generations.

"Or do you think that you will enter paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you?"

Therefore, a believer’s encounter with problems and hardships is inevitable and is a requisite of religion. To put it another way, these tests determine important attributes of believers and give indications of their being on the right path. Conducting oneself in compliance with Qur’anic verses in the face of difficulties makes a person someone with whom Allah is content. This being the case, it is a believer’s will to face hardships, as did the prophets, their companions and all true believers who lived throughout history. With excitement and joy they await the moment Allah’s promise will be fulfilled. Being tested with similar difficulties means that they are following in the prophets’ footsteps.

Surely, they do not seek out difficulties, but a hardship they encounter will add to their zeal and strength. They hope, additionally, to gain better rewards in return for hardships because they will be of those who remain loyal to Allah without falling weak-hearted and will say: "This is what Allah and His Messenger had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger spoke the truth."