Miḥna
Definition
Mihna refers to the trials and difficulties that come with the pursuit of lawful livelihood — the competition, the setbacks, the injustices of the marketplace, the slow times and the lean seasons that test the Muslim's patience and trust in Allah. Al-Ghazali frames these difficulties not as obstacles to be resented but as opportunities for the growth of patience, tawakkul, and the deepening of the relationship with Allah. The Muslim who maintains honesty and generosity through financial difficulty, who refuses to cut ethical corners when times are hard, has demonstrated a faith more valuable than comfortable prosperity would have produced.
As understood in the classical tradition of Imam al-Ghazali and the scholars of his school.
How the scholars use Miḥna.
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"Mihna consulted with his kin, and some agreed, while others questioned confronting King An-Nasir while their lands lay in Al-Sham. Mihna declared, I will do as this man wishes and accompany him to the Sultan of Iraq. During this time, news arrived that Karasankhor's children were being sent post-haste to Egypt. Mihna told him, Regarding your children, there is no recourse, but for your wealth, we will strive to save it."
— Ibn Battuta, Volume One: From Tangier to the Lands of the East
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"He said, I only seek my children and wealth. She promised him protection and refuge. Mihna returned, welcoming Karasankhor and giving him freedom over his possessions. Karasankhor sought his family and wealth left in Aleppo. Mihna consulted with his kin, and some agreed, while others questioned confronting King An-Nasir while their lands lay in Al-Sham."
— Ibn Battuta, Volume One: From Tangier to the Lands of the East
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"Mihna was in pursuit, so Karasankhor approached his house, dismounted, threw his turban around his neck, and called to the women's servants, O Emir of the Arabs! Umm al-Fadl, Mihna's wife and cousin, responded, We have granted you and those with you sanctuary. He said, I only seek my children and wealth. She promised him protection and refuge."
— Ibn Battuta, Volume One: From Tangier to the Lands of the East
Appears in
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