Title: Differences Between the Haves & the Have-Nots Question: I firmly believe that Allah has created a time and place for everything. What I do not understand however is why some people have to try harder than others. By this I mean some people obtain what they are looking for with out much effort (for example marriage), however others need to begin praying durood and making a lot of dua . Please help me understand this better Jazakallah Yasmeen Kahn Turkey Answer: It is nice to hear that you firmly believe in Allah and accept His decisions. As you know, the Almighty has created this world in order to test us which one of us is good in deeds. This life will serve to demarcate an evident line between the righteous and the bad on the Last Day of Judgment. Every person, on the face of this earth, is being tested in his individual capacity. Moreover, the practical trial of life also varies from person to person as well as for the same person over time. We are all tested by blessings as well as through hard and testing times. Both situations are indeed a manifestation of the two aspects of the trial of life. This idea has been enunciated in the Holy Qur'an in the words that follow: We test you with good and bad, to judge you. Finally, you shall all be returned to Us. ( Al-Anbiaa 21: 35) You have hinted that some people have to pray a lot before their wishes are granted. I daresay some people keep praying throughout their lives for their seemingly genuine desires, which remain unfulfilled. The reason again is the scheme of the Almighty regarding the trial of life. The only befitting attitude is, therefore, to learn to seek happiness in what Allah decides for us. When He provides us with what we wish for, our heart should be brimful with feelings of gratitude. And if He takes away and withholds something that we yearn for, our heart should overflow with feelings of contentment and submission [1] . Jhangeer Hanif May 6, 2003 [1] Edited by Moiz Amjad