Disabled People & God's Test(s)
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Given the recent discussion on God's tests for us in this world; Assuming that we are here to be tested;
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What is God's expectation of disabled people, particularly those who are born severely 'broken'? (i.e. 'vegetable' status)
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What is the role of said people?
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What are the responsibilities of those who are 'whole' to the said disabled people?
I cringe whenever I see disabled people. What horror. ( The other day, I saw a few people wheeling around a short table on wheels. On the table, was this, 'meat' with a head protruding from beneath blankets amidst tubes and what not. Please consider this, and similar situations with the above questions in mind.
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Those are very tough questions; it?s very unlikely that you will get a satisfactory answer for them.
So far the best explanation I have been given about disabled people is that they may be a test for other people, to see how we would treat them. But that is not exactly a brilliant explanation either.
However being disabled is not the end of the world, Stephen Hawking was severely disabled and by the grace of god he was very successful; he is famous for his contributions in the fields of cosmology and quantum gravity, especially in the context of black holes, and his popular works in which he discusses his own theories and cosmology in general. He contributed to society more then the average Joe. And when he was asked about how happy he was he said "who could have asked for more".
His students at Cambridge University had to feed him at lunch time coz he could not feed himself, and he always had more food coming out of his spoon then what was going in his mouth. I wish we all had that type of optimism.
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as-salaam-u-alaikum,
i beleive there is a definite answer this unique, interesting question. here's my input
let's consider a "perfect" world. in a perfect world we would be spiritually corrupt because we can't think and see how "imperfect the world would be", mankind was created weak in the sense that we do not feel the need for thanks when we are constantly indulging in goods, only do we feel this need when we see an emptyness of our needs and goods. lookng at the disabled and the disadvantaged people makes us reflect and cry over our own spiritual self and say " why am i not thankful for my eyes, ears, speech, intellect, family, strength, food, comfort(the list goes on and on...".
consider this if everybody in the world was a "muslim" then would we be even proud to be a
"muslim"? i think not. if everybody was so rich in this world, would we ever consider the "value" of being rich?we say we can survive our obstacles with hardship, and god says, "all right, your wish is granted" this "test" is given to us so we can truly prove the ego in us. the ego exists in everybody. it is expressed to when someone wants to be "recognized" and "distinguished" for their cause. god sets us up in different situations to prove our "ego", to see if we are really "worth it"...
Let God be te judge for the accuracy of what i said.
allahu-akber, rifat
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That?s a good post Rifat and an interesting point indeed );
however it does not answer this question;
- What is God's expectation of disabled people, particularly those who are born severely 'broken'? (i.e. 'vegetable' status)
That is the million dollar question we will never find the answer to (.
Salaam
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however it does not answer this question;
- What is God's expectation of disabled people, particularly those who are born severely 'broken'? (i.e. 'vegetable' status)
That is the million dollar question we will never find the answer to (.
Salaam
peace,
i think that question can be applied to all people, and not just those with disabilities - what does God expect from us? we all have varying degrees of understanding and intellect - so God and only God can judge on our actions... and i believe those in a vegetative state do not have any obligations to God, as other people do, simply because they cannot be performed - however that does not mean that they cannot nurture their spiritual side (if they have the mental capacity to do so).
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Peace nazz, all,
- What is God's expectation of disabled people, particularly those who are born severely 'broken'? (i.e. 'vegetable' status)
The expectation is service. One should always ask the question, "How can I serve, or let God work through me?" Angel's example of Stephen Hawking is precise. The man is spoken of in the same breath as Einstein and Newton and all he has is his mind. But if even the mind is not operable then...
- What is the role of said people?
We simply do not know. Rifat's explanation that they can be a catalyst for our own compassion to focus on seems acceptable. But that explains their role for us, and not their role for themselves. They are, essentially, spirit trapped inside a 'broken' vehicle. Perhaps, just as children who die young, their reward is instantaneous. God knows best.
- What are the responsibilities of those who are 'whole' to the said disabled people?
Just as it is our responsibilty to shelter the orphans and homeless, I believe the same can be said for the severely disabled. I would, however, think it would be a bonus if these people are offered spiritual soothing as well. Beautiful music comes to mind.
Peace,
Tay