There is an unbreakable link established between each creature with the Creator. It is not possible for anyone to escape from this link. This link signifies the Lordship of the Creator. Without the support from the Creator, the creatures cannot maintain even their own existence . Allah being the Creator is also the Rabb (Lord) of all Worlds; i.e. He is not just simply creating beings but He is also maintaining and reviving life, while also fulfilling everyone's needs. So, on one side there is the Lord (Rabb), who is independent and without any needs, and on the side there is creation that is always dependent on Allah and is always in need of Him. For example, the blood circulation system, the nervous system, the digestion system, the reproduction system, and many other systems in our bodies are working without our will and control. When we die, the whole body stops working. We cannot live or maintain our existence without the support from the creator. Islam teaches us to Believe in Allah with all His attributes such as His attribute of Lordship, His Supremacy, His Justice. Islam also teaches us to have Trust in Allah because there is only Khaiyr (goodness) in His hand, He is reviving life for the betterment of all creation.

One might say if Allah is the Provider (Rabb) of all then why are their millions of helpless-needy people around the world? Why is the Creator not helping those oppressed men, women and children when they are being persecuted by criminals? These questions frequently come to our mind. In fact, these questions have always been sliding across the minds of the people throughout the human history. For example consider the story of Bani-Israel:

The story of Prophet Moses (Musa, 'alaihi salam) and the trials faced by Bani-Israel are well known to us. Before the arrival of Prophet Musa ('alaihi salam), Bani-Israel was under the oppression of Pharaoh (Fir'awn). Pharaoh was trying his best to suppress the people by inflicting them with all kinds of troubles. Bani-Israel was expecting a deliver (Moses), who was to free them from the trials of Pharaoh. But even when Prophet Musa ('alaihi salam) had arrived, Bani-Israel was still under the Pharaoh's vicious oppression. Eventually, the people of Prophet Musa ('alaihi salam) came to him and spoke about their sufferings: "O Musa! We had suffered troubles before you came to us, and since you have come to us..." [al-Araaf 7:129]. In other words, they said to Prophet Musa ('alaihi salam): 'O Musa! Has your Message brought any goodness to us or improved our situation any better?'. Prophet Musa ('alaihi salam) knew his people were being tested by Allah, so he advised them to put their Trust in Allah;

Moses said: "O my people! If you sincerely believe in Allah, then put your trust in Him, if you are really Muslims (submitters)." ¤ [Yunus - 10:84]
Translit: Waqala moosa ya qawmi in kuntum amantum biAllahi faAAalayhi tawakkaloo in kuntum muslimeena ¤

When the people of Musa ('alaihi salam) understood the meaning of 'Trust in Allah' (Tawakkul), they called out:

They replied: "In Allah do we put our trust. Our Lord! Do not let us suffer at the hands of unjust people, ¤ and deliver us through Your mercy, from the nation of unbelievers.¤ [Yunus - 10:85-86]
Translit: Faqaloo 'ala Allahi tawakkalna rabbana la tajAAalna fitnatan lilqawmi alththalimeena ¤ Wanajjina birahmatika mina alqawmi alkafireena ¤

[ What is Tawakkul? ]

And finally the trial of Bani-Israel was over. Allah destroyed Pharaoh and delivered Bani-Israel from the oppression of Pharaoh. History of man is filled with many similar stories. An interesting thing to learn from this incident is that the people of Prophet Musa ('alaihi salam) were living in fear and were almost hopeless of the Mercy of Allah. But when they understood the meaning of Tawakkul (Trust in Allah), all kinds of fears disappeared from their hearts and they surrendered themselves to Allah in His Mercy by saying "In Allah do we put our trust...". In essence, Tawakkul (Trust in Allah) is that which removes all kinds of doubts and fears from our hearts. Those who truly believe in the Supremacy of Allah that Allah has the power to do anything, they should also believe that Allah is all Just and all Merciful that He will not permit anyone of His creation to harm another without deserving a punishment. And such believers who believe in Allah's Justice will never have to fear from any injustice nor from the trials of this life. It is upon Allah to bring justice and punish the wrongdoers; either in this world through His people or in the hereafter. This basic belief is the key to a peaceful life; the life that is free from all kinds of fears and worries whether it be the fear of the lose of wealth, job, health, or death. The best form of life that can be lived is the life free from worries, doubts, and fears. A good example in this regard is the life of a new born baby. An infant has no past, hence, he has nothing to grieve about his past deeds; an infant has no sense of future, hence he is never worried about his food and the future. If we really want to live in bliss, we have to put our past, present and future in the hands of the One who is All-Powerful, the Most Just, the Most Merciful, and who neither sleeps nor dies. Allah says:

"Be informed! Allah's friends (Awliya Allah) have nothing to fear or to grieve.
Those who believe (Amanoo) and keep their duty (kanoo yattaqoon).
for them there is good news in this life and in the hereafter - Allah’s Words do not change - this is indeed the mighty achievement."  [Yunus - 10:62-64]

Translit: Ala inna awliyaa Allahi la khawfun AAalayhim wala hum yahzanoona
Allatheena amanoo wakanoo yattaqoona
Lahumu albushra fee alhayati alddunya wafee alakhirati la tabdeela likalimati Allahi thalika huwa alfawzu alAAatheemu

 [ Trials of this world ]

There is no surprise in the trials of this life. Allah has foretold us in the Quran that He will be testing people with the lose of property, with famine, with sickness, and with deaths until it becomes clear to the people what kind of Faith is really residing in their hearts. Also, we are not the only ones who go through these troubles. Allah has even tested His Prophets, all of them, and also the people who followed them.

"Do you think that you will enter Paradise without any trials while you have known the examples of those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with suffering and adversity and were so violently shaken up that even the Messenger and the believers with him cried out: "When will Allah’s help come?" Then they were comforted with the words, Be aware! Allah’s help is ever close." ¤ [al-Baqarah - 2:214]

Translit: "Am hasibtum an tadkhuloo aljannata walamma yatikum mathalu allatheena khalaw min qablikum massathumu albasao waalddarrao wazulziloo hatta yaqoola alrrasoolu waallatheena amanoo maAAahu mata nasru Allahi ala inna nasra Allahi qareebun " 

"We shall surely test your steadfastness with fear and famine, with loss of property, life and produce. Give good news to those who endure with patience;" ¤ [al-Baqarah - 2:155]

Translit: "Walanabluwannakum bishayin mina alkhawfi waaljooAAi wanaqsin mina alamwali waalanfusi waalththamarati wabashshiri alssabireena " 

 [ Why trials? ]

One might say, why does Allah test us? He is Al-Ghani (rich) and can make everyone happy, both in this life as well as in the hereafter? We could have lived in paradise with unlimited bounties, why did Allah create this World that is going to end one day? What is the purpose and wisdom behind the trials of this world?

When Allah wanted to reveal His Lordship, He created us and the whole universe. The knowledge of the Lordship of Allah is such a bright light that we cannot comprehend except by looking at the dark. For example, the thing that we call 'Light' is only cognised because of the knowledge of 'Darkness'. Is it ever possible to understand 'Light' without the knowledge of 'Darkness'? If there was light everywhere and for forever, such that no one ever saw darkness or ever closed eyes, then people would never have appreciated the significance of 'Light'. In fact, the terms 'Light' and 'Darkness' would never have been known to us. Darkness is created so that we could appreciate the significance of Light. Likewise, the presence of injustice on earth tells us the concept of 'Justice'. Meaning that without the knowledge of 'Injustice', the concept of 'Justice' (that Allah is Just) will be meaningless to us. If everything on earth was to live for forever, the concept of 'Death and Resurrection' (that Allah resurrects and causes one to die) would not be known to us. Without the feeling of 'sorrow', we can never understand the significance of 'Happiness'. Without the harshness of this life and the trials of this Dunya, how would we appreciate the reward of Paradise! The Quran says:

"So verily, with the hardship, there is relief, ¤ Surely, with the hardship, there is relief." ¤ [al-Shrah - 94:5-6]
Translit: "Fainna ma'a al'usri yusran ¤ Inna ma'a al'usri yusran ¤"

The above quoted Ayaat inform us that there is a bright side to every dark side. A bright side is always there with every hardship. It is better understood if we relate another ayah from the Quran: "...and My Mercy embraces all things..." (warahmatee wasi'at kulla shayin) [7:156]. According to this ayah, everything existing in this universe is covered/enveloped in Allah's Mercy. Allah's mercy is always there with every hardship, but we fail to see it when the hardship is dominant on us. There is only goodness in all Allah's Decisions: '..Biyadikal Khayr..' (..In Your Hand is the Goodness..) [3:26]. The story of Prophet Musa ('alaihi salam) and the servant of Allah (Khidr a.s.) mentioned in Surah Al-kahf tells us how Allah's decisions are made for the goodness of people. A man got his whole boat (hence his business) saved on account of a small misfortune of having a small hole in the boat.

"Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?" ¤ [al-Rahmaan - 55:13]
Translit: "Fabiayyi alai rabbikuma tukaththibani "

Allah says "And to Allah belongs the Ghayb (unseen) of the heavens and the earth, and to Him return all affairs (for decision). So worship Him and put your trust in Him. And your Lord is not unaware of what you (people) do." [Hud - 11:123]. The unseen things happing at the background of this world, and the future are both collectively considered as al-Ghayb (the unseen). And Ghayb (the unseen) is in the hands of Allah. Since, there is only goodness in Allah's hand, therefore everything in the future is for our own goodness. However the days of this world are, the eventual future will be in the hereafter, where Allah has promised to reward righteous with Paradise. Those who lose hope about the future and think Allah will not be Merciful to them, such are not true believers.

"...And never give up hope of Allah’s mercy; in fact none despairs of Allah’s mercy except the unbelieving people."  [Yusuf - 12:87]
Translit: ...wala tayasoo min rawhi Allahi innahu la yayasu min rawhi Allahi illa alqawmu alkafiroona  

 [ To Believe and To Trust ]

"And if We give man a taste of Mercy from Us, and then withdraw it from him, verily! He is despairing, ungrateful." ¤ [Hud - 11:9]
Translit: "Walain athaqna alinsana minna rahmatan thumma nazaAAnaha minhu innahu layaoosun kafoorun ¤"

To believe in Allah is to believe in His Attributes and Words. Prophets of Allah have informed people about Allah's attributes. For example, Allah is the Creator (Al-Khaliq), the Provider of food (Al-Razzaq), All Just (Al-'Adl), very Compassionate (Al-Rahmaan), etc. However, there will come times of trials when people will not have enough to eat, when people will be unjustly treated, when people will become ill, when someone very close will die, and so on. Then we will be tested on our faith, whether we trust in Allah that He will provide us food, or we don't believe in Allah that He is Al-Razaaq (the provider of food) and we go on steal things. We will be tested on our faith whether we trust in Allah that He will bring Justice and will help people uphold His religion, or we turn away and indulge in wrongdoings thinking nobody will punish us. Allah will test us as He has tested people before us; to see who are the liars claiming to have believed in Allah but when trials occur they run away. And to see who are the truthful to their belief, who stand firm during the trials. 

"Do the people think that they will be left alone on saying 'We believe,' and that they will not be tested? ¤ We did test those who have gone before them. And Allah will certainly make it known (the faith of) those who are truthful, and will certainly make it known who are liars."  [Ankaboot - 29:2-3]

Translit: "Ahasiba alnnasu an yutrakoo an yaqooloo "amanna" wahum la yuftanoona ¤ Walaqad fatanna allatheena min qablihim falayaAAlamanna Allahu allatheena sadaqoo walayaAAlamanna alkathibeena "

"Of mankind are some who say: 'We believe in Allah,' but if they are made to suffer for the sake of Allah, they consider the trial of mankind as Allah's punishment, and if victory comes from your Lord, (the hypocrites) will say: "Verily! We were with you (helping you)." Is not Allah Best Aware of what is in the breast of all beings? ¤ Verily, Allah knows those who believe, and verily, He knows the hypocrites. "  [Ankaboot - 29:10-11]

Translit: "Wamina alnnasi man yaqoolu amanna biAllahi faitha oothiya fee Allahi jaAAala fitnata alnnasi kaAAathabi Allahi walain jaa nasrun min rabbika layaqoolunna inna kunna maAAakum awa laysa Allahu biaAAlama bima fee sudoori alAAalameena ¤ WalayaAAlamanna Allahu allatheena amanoo walayaAAlamanna almunafiqeena " 

The life of this world is nothing more than a nightmare. When we die in this world, we wake up in the hereafter. Then it will be realised that the life of this world is nothing more than a dream. A king died in this world wakes up in the hereafter having no kingship with him. While a person died under persecution will wake up all healthy in the hereafter. This life is short, while the hereafter is everlasting. Only the effects (deeds) will be there in the hereafter with us, everything else leaves behind. 

"Whatever you are given (in this world) is nothing but a provision for the transitory life of this world, better and ever lasting is the reward which Allah has  for those who believe, and put their trust in their Lord,"  [Shura - 42:36]

Translit: "Fama ooteetum min shayin famataAAu alhayati alddunya wama AAinda Allahi khayrun waabqa lillatheena amanoo waAAala rabbihim yatawakkaloona " 

"Indeed those who say: 'Our Lord is Allah', and then remain firm shall have nothing to fear or to regret.
They shall dwell in paradise forever as a reward for their good deeds."  [Ahqaaf - 46:13-14]

Translit: "Inna allatheena qaloo rabbuna Allahu thumma istaqamoo fala khawfun AAalayhim wala hum yahzanoona ¤ Olaika ashabu aljannati khalideena feeha jazaan bima kanoo yaAAmaloona " 

Anyone who stands firm on the fact that Allah is Al-Razaaq during the days of poverty, really shows the presence of patience. Patience is such a precious thing in the sight of Allah that has the reward without any measure [39:10]. The reward is Allah's infinite blessings that the people will definitely get in the hereafter. In fact, patience is an extreme submission to the Will of Allah. Whatever Allah has decided for us, whether it is good or bad, we take it happily because it is from Allah sub'hanahu wa ta'ala. Anyone who understands the meaning of patience, which can only be after being patient, such a person is in the position of learning the Will of Allah. Understanding of the Will of Allah comes in the highest category of Knowledge. Only the people of patience and faith can reach to that knowledge.

"...Those who endure with patience will be rewarded without measure." ¤ [Zumar - 39:10]
Translit: "...innama yuwaffa alssabiroona ajrahum bighayri hisabin " 

"No one knows what delights of the eye have been kept hidden for them as a reward for their good deeds." ¤ [Sajdah - 32:17]
Translit: "Fala taAAlamu nafsun ma okhfiya lahum min qurrati aAAyunin jazaan bima kanoo yaAAmaloona" 

The ranks of the people are raised by the degree of their patience. In this regard, the Prophets of Allah have suffered the most and hence they are at the highest ranks. Rasullullah (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) said "When Allah has previously decreed for a servant a rank which he has not attained by his action, He afflicts him in his body, or his property or his children." [ Abu Dawud]. Another hadith says "There is nothing (in the form of trouble) that comes to a believer, even if it is the pricking of a thorn, that there is decreed for him by Allah (something) good or his sins are obliterated." [Sahih Muslim].

Some people might find life very hard, despite they tried hard to be patient. If they want to loosen their load or get more strength to be able to bear the load, they should start to consider what they are able to do to make the life of other people easier. When a person starts to think about the needs of others (including people and animals), Allah makes the life of that person easier and He Himself takes care of the needs of that person. This formula mentioned in the Quran always works:

"So for him who gives in charity, fears Allah and testifies to goodness, We shall facilitate for him the easy way." ¤ [Lail - 92:5-7]
Translit: Faamma man aAAta waittaqa ¤ Wasaddaqa bialhusna ¤ Fasanuyassiruhu lilyusra

"Say: 'Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us; He is our protector;'
 and in Allah let the believers put their trust." ¤ [Taubah - 9:51]
Translit: "Qul lan yuseebana illa ma kataba Allahu lana huwa mawlana
waAAala Allahi falyatawakkali almuminoona" 

The Mercy of Allah is encompassing the whole universe. There is nothing in this world that happens without Allah's Will. We believe there is always Khayr (goodness) in the decisions of Allah. Regardless of what Allah has decided for us, whether it is good or bad, we accept it happily and patiently. Allah will reward the patients without any measure. Once we have put our trust in Allah, we need not fear or worry about anything. Only those who have suffered for the pleasure of Allah can know the sweetness of this Trust in Allah. A person slain for Allah's sake will wish to return back to earth and be slain over and over again. 

"... and in Allah let the believers put their trust.
What reason do we have not to put our trust in Allah, when He has already guided us to the ways of our lives?
We shall certainly endure your persecution patiently,
and those who want to put their trust, should put their trust in Allah." ¤ [Ibrahim - 14:11-12]

Translit: waAAala Allahi falyatawakkali almuminoona ¤
Wama lana alla natawakkala AAala Allahi waqad hadana subulana
walanasbiranna AAala ma athaytumoona
waAAala Allahi falyatawakkali almutawakkiloona 

"And put your trust in the Ever-Living (Allah) Who never dies..." 
[Furqaan - 25:58] 

"Glory be to your Lord, the Lord of Honor, He is free from what they ascribe to Him!
Peace be on the Messengers, and praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds."
Al-Quran [37:180-182]