THE TESTING GROUND
Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz was an Umayyad caliph, born in 61 AH in Madinah and passing away in 101 AH in Homs. He was appointed caliph by the will of Sulaiman ibn Abd al-Malik. Due to his pious life and strong sense of justice, he is regarded in Islamic history as the fifth rightly guided caliph.
Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz belonged to the royal Umayyad family. Before becoming caliph, he led a luxurious life, but upon taking on the role of caliph, he gave up these comforts and chose a simple lifestyle. His wife, Fatimah bint Abd al-Malik, also came from a royal family and received valuable jewellery and gifts from her family upon their marriage.
After becoming caliph, Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz asked his wife to donate all her jewellery to the Bayt al-Mal (public treasury). He told her that if she refused, he would divorce her.
The caliph was unable to bear the thought of sharing a house with her and her jewellery; Fatimah accepted her husband Caliph Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz’s decision willingly. She sent all her jewellery, including the precious pearls given to her by Abdul Malik, to the Bayt al-Mal for public use.
This incident, involving Fatimah bint Abd al-Malik, is far from trivial; it is, without doubt, extraordinary. What prompted her to accept her husband’s exceptional decision so readily? The answer lies in the worldview that Islam cultivates in every man and woman.
Islam teaches that this worldly life is temporary and a test for humans. True life begins after death in the Hereafter, where the results of one’s actions are revealed. This world is a journey, while the Hereafter is the ultimate destination.
Such a perspective places worldly matters in their proper context, emphasizing the Hereafter over transient concerns. It enables individuals to accept losses in this life with patience, understanding that these are temporary, and to strive instead for enduring rewards in the life to come.
This worldview applies not only to general aspects of life but also to marriage. In married life, it is common to encounter unpleasant situations, including disappointment, unmet expectations, or hurt caused by one’s spouse. Those who view this world as their ultimate goal often become distressed when facing such challenges. They may remain trapped in sorrow or allow their relationships to break down, both of which can be equally harmful for men and women.
However, according to the Islamic worldview, life in this world serves as a test. Both happiness and sorrow, comfort and hardship, are integral parts of this test. Every aspect of life functions as an examination. For every man and woman, the life they lead is essentially their test paper. Each individual is equally tested in the grand examination of life, and the various situations they face are simply different forms of this test.
Whether married or not, individuals will encounter situations in which negative emotions arise. They may feel upset with someone, suffer a loss caused by someone, become angry, or experience jealousy. In such moments, there is a temptation to retaliate, plan unfair actions, or claim what is not rightfully theirs. In these circumstances, both men and women may exceed their limits. Overcome by emotions, they may act impulsively, and the loss of something can seem unbearable.
In these moments, the Islamic perspective on life serves as the greatest aid for both men and women. It shifts their focus from material gains and losses in this world to the importance of earning rewards in the Hereafter. This understanding helps maintain an emotional balance, viewing losses as temporary setbacks.
The Islamic worldview strengthens both men and women against loss by teaching that true value does not lie in material possessions but in the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. This belief enables individuals to face hardship with patience and remain grounded, knowing that far greater rewards await them in the life to come.
Both successful and seemingly unsuccessful marriages are part of this greater test of life. What truly matters in such situations is that husband and wife protect themselves against negative reactions, respond with patience and positivity, and keep their focus on their ultimate goal—the Hereafter. They should view unpleasant moments as temporary and allow them to pass, continually striving to achieve success in eternal life. There is no other principle applicable in this present world.
As the Quran states in Chapter Al-Fajr: “As for man, when his Lord tests him, through honour and blessings, he says, ‘My Lord has honoured me,’ but when He tests him by straitening his means of livelihood, he says, ‘My Lord has disgraced me.’” (89:15-16)
This verse explains the divine creation plan: the purpose of human life is to serve as a test. When a man or woman receives material blessings, it becomes a test of gratitude. Likewise, when faced with material deprivation, it becomes a test of patience. Ignorant individuals often develop a sense of superiority when blessed with wealth or feel inferior when faced with scarcity. Both attitudes are contrary to the divine scheme.
True individuals are those who remain content in both good and bad times. Material abundance should not lead to arrogance, nor should scarcity result in complaints or despair. In both circumstances, they remain committed to a positive mindset. These are the contented souls who maintain moderation in this world and are the ones who, in the Hereafter, will have the gates of Paradise opened for them.
