Human life is filled with different experiences, including happiness and sadness, health and illness, wealth and poverty. This is the nature of worldly life, which Allah created as a place of trial and examination, where the truth of faith, patience, and gratitude becomes clear.

Allah Almighty tests His servants through hardships as well as blessings. Difficulties are not the only form of testing; prosperity and comfort can also be a greater test, revealing who truly appreciates Allah’s favors and who denies them.

Trials Are Among Allah’s Ways in Human Life

Allah created mankind to test them. He says:

﴿Indeed, We created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may test him; and We made him hearing and seeing﴾

Trials are part of human existence. They may come through illness, poverty, or losing something a person loves, and they may also come through health, wealth, strength, and status.

A true believer responds to both situations with faith: when hardship comes, they remain patient; when blessings arrive, they remain grateful. In every condition, there is goodness for the believer.

The Story of the Leper, the Bald Man, and the Blind Man in the Sunnah

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) narrated in the authentic hadith collections of Al-Bukhari and Muslim, on the authority of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), the story of three men from the Children of Israel: a leper, a bald man, and a blind man. Allah wanted to test them, so He sent an angel to them.

The Healing and Wealth Given to the Leper

The angel came to the leper and asked him what he desired most. He wished for a beautiful appearance, healthy skin, and for the condition that caused people to avoid him to disappear.

The angel touched him, and Allah removed his illness. He was given a beautiful appearance and healthy skin.

Then the angel asked him what type of wealth he preferred. He chose camels, so he was given a pregnant she-camel, and the angel prayed for blessings in it.

The Healing and Wealth Given to the Bald Man

The angel then went to the bald man and asked about his greatest wish. He wanted his baldness removed and to have beautiful hair.

Allah granted his wish, and he was given healthy hair. When asked about his preferred wealth, he chose cattle and was given a pregnant cow, with a blessing from the angel.

The Blind Man’s Supplication Was Answered

The angel came to the blind man and asked him what he wanted most. He wished that Allah would restore his eyesight.

The angel touched him, and Allah returned his sight. When asked about his preferred wealth, he chose sheep and was given a pregnant ewe.

From Poverty to Wealth: The Beginning of the True Test

Years passed, and Allah blessed each of them until they became extremely wealthy.

The leper owned a valley full of camels, the bald man owned a valley full of cattle, and the blind man owned a valley full of sheep.

Then came the real test, because not everyone who succeeds during hardship succeeds during times of comfort.

The Leper and the Bald Man: Denying Allah’s Blessings

The angel returned to them in their former appearances and asked each of them for help while reminding them of Allah’s blessings.

The angel approached the leper as a poor traveler who had lost his means of support and asked him for a camel to continue his journey.

However, the man denied the blessing, claimed that he had always been wealthy, and refused to help.

The angel then prayed that if he was lying, Allah would return him to his previous condition.

The same happened with the bald man, who also denied Allah’s favor and refused to assist the needy.

The Blind Man: Gratitude Preserves Blessings

The blind man remembered Allah’s favor upon him. He admitted that he had once been blind and poor, then Allah restored his sight and granted him wealth.

He told the angel:

"Take whatever you wish and leave whatever you wish. By Allah, I will not prevent you from taking anything for the sake of Allah."

The angel then revealed the truth of the test and informed him that Allah was pleased with him and displeased with his two companions.

Lessons from the Story of the Leper, Bald Man, and Blind Man

Blessings Are Also Tests

People may think that trials only come through illness and poverty, but this story shows that health, wealth, and comfort are also tests requiring gratitude and awareness.

Gratitude Protects Blessings

One of the greatest reasons blessings remain is recognizing that they come from Allah and thanking Him through words, heart, and actions.

True Wealth Is Found in Gratitude

The difference between the three men was not the amount of wealth they possessed, but how they dealt with Allah’s blessings. The grateful man preserved his blessing, while the others lost it.

Prosperity Can Be a Greater Test Than Hardship

Many people can endure illness and poverty, but fewer can remain steadfast when facing wealth, power, desires, and worldly temptations.

The Believer Gains in Every Situation

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Amazing is the affair of the believer, for all of his affairs are good, and this is not for anyone except the believer. If something good happens to him, he is grateful and that is good for him; if something harmful happens to him, he is patient and that is good for him."

How Can a Person Preserve Allah’s Blessings?

Blessings are preserved through three matters:

• Recognizing in the heart that they are from Allah’s فضل and generosity.
• Mentioning them with gratitude to Allah, not with pride over others.
• Using them in ways that please Allah and benefit people.

Blessings are a trust, and whoever thanks Allah for them will receive more. Whoever denies Allah’s favor risks losing them.

What is the story of the leper, bald man, and blind man?

It is the story of three men from the Children of Israel whom Allah tested first with illness and then with blessings to reveal their gratitude and sincerity.

Why were the leper and bald man punished?

Because they denied Allah’s blessings and refused to acknowledge His favor or help those in need.

Why did the blind man succeed in the test?

Because he recognized Allah’s blessings, expressed gratitude, and was willing to give generously.

Are blessings considered a test?

Yes. Wealth, health, and strength are all tests that require gratitude and responsible use.

How can a person preserve Allah’s blessings?

By being grateful, recognizing Allah’s favor, and using blessings in ways that please Him.