The belief that difficult times are the real trials of life is widespread. In times of hardship, be it due to poverty, emotional or psychological pressure, strength and willpower seem to be particularly required. Patience and perseverance in such moments are often seen as proof of strength of character. However, this view falls short, as the true challenges often only reveal themselves in times of prosperity and abundance.

In times of need, many people entrust themselves to Allah and believe that Allah will help them. They fight with the virtues given to them, such as strength and patience. But no phase, good or bad, is eternal. Interestingly, a person's true character is often only revealed when he no longer has to struggle, when the hard times are over and a life of prosperity and contentment begins.

In these phases of abundance, free from external pressure, personal strengths and weaknesses, gratitude, patience, forgiveness, forbearance and humility are put to the test. Without the need to fight for survival, it is revealed whether these virtues are deeply rooted in character or were merely a product of circumstance.

It is an observed fact that in their younger years, during study or training and in times of scarcity, people are often particularly zealous in their faith and pursuit of knowledge. However, when they later experience the seductive taste of material success, some lose their grip and all those noble traits that they thought were an integral part of their being dissolve.

The values that function like a survival instinct in times of need must also endure in times of plenty. It is easy to practice humility, forgiveness and patience when you have no other choice. But when you have the choice to chase after worldly luxuries and swim in a sea of prosperity, it shows whether you are really acting out of conviction or just out of necessity. Arrogance, greed and an insatiable thirst for more can sprout up in such times. The past is forgotten, former gratitude fades and the urge for worldly success can lead to an uncontrollable nosedive.

In times of success and prosperity, an essential test is not to forget those who have supported us in difficult moments. It shows true greatness and integrity when we express our gratitude through actions and words to friends, mentors and benefactors who have contributed to our rise. Forgetting these important people would be a sign that we are blinded by our success.

True strength of character is shown in the consistency of our values - in gratitude and loyalty - regardless of how our external circumstances change. The challenge, then, is to remain humble even in good times and to honor those who have helped us get to where we are today. Therefore, the true test of character and personal values is not in the times of hardship, but in the times of prosperity.

When we are doing well, we are completely on our own. Then it becomes clear whether the principles and values that we have used as a lifeline in difficult times are actually anchored within us. The point is to demonstrate that these qualities were not just crisis tools, but the cornerstones of who we are.

In the good times, we must prove that we are capable of sticking to our principles without being forced to do so by external circumstances. It's about maintaining gratitude even when we seemingly have nothing more to yearn for; continuing humility when we find recognition in the world; practicing patience even when we could gain instant gratification; and the ability to forgive even when we have the power to retaliate.

The real test is whether we are able to master the temptations of material success and not sacrifice our values to the glitz and glamor of worldly life. Can we practice renunciation even when everything is at our disposal? Do we maintain our forbearance and kindness even when we have the means to turn away from anyone who does not serve us?

Ultimately, it is the challenge of not forgetting where we come from, what we have been through and who we want to be - regardless of whether we are in times of hardship or abundance. The consistency of our strength of character in good times and bad is the true indicator of our integrity and authenticity as a human being.