Being tested...a blessing or punishment?
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It is both simple and complicated at the same time.
We should always ask Allah for help, guidance, goodness, personal growth, increased understanding, real success, truth etc, regardless of our circumstances. Often what we consider suffering is both caused by ourselves due to resistance to and ignorance about reality. So it acts as a wake-up call and a reminded that there is growth needed in some area. But I think it is futile and useless trying to distinguish or figure out what we might see as separate situations of suffering. Surrender will solve a lot of suffering. Resistance will increase it.It is also funny to see especially traditional characters when they explain other's suffering as punishment and their own suffering as a test for which there will be a reward/re-compensation. How arrogant, ignorant, judgmental and desperate. It's easy to be over-confident. I've seen this in traditional sunni circles.
Peace and best wishes!
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Peace.
i'm not sure if you already read about me, but Ever since i believed i went through much trouble than before, running away, being homeless because of hostility b/c of my beliefs.Ponder upon
We thus test the people by each other, to let them say (mockingly), "Are these the people among us who are blessed by GOD?" Is GOD not aware of the appreciative ones?
Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe," without being put to the test?
We have tested those before them, for GOD must distinguish those who are truthful, and He must expose the liars.
GOD is not to leave the believers as you are, without distinguishing the bad from the good
Do you expect to enter Paradise without being tested like those before you?They were tested with hardship and adversity, and were shaken up, until the messenger and those who believed with him said, "Where is GOD's victory?" GOD's victory is near.
You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and from the idol worshipers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength of your faith
(7129) They said, "We were persecuted before you came to us, and after you came to us." He said, "Perhaps your Lord will annihilate your enemy and establish you on earth, then He will see how you behave."
We have decreed in the Psalms, as well as in other scriptures, that the earth shall be inherited by My righteous worshipers.(Acts 1422)
strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,"...(Matthew 2413)
"But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." -
Verses 262 and 569 from The Qur'aan, inform us that, those who believe in GOD, and the Hereafter, and follow a righteous life should not be fearful and sad/be anxious, about their final destiny.
262,
569,
Of course the short life of this world is full of ups and downs, afflictions, and tests, but those who endowed with the criteria/characteristics formulated in the above said two verses should not worry at all. We belong to GOD and we will return to Him.
Salaam Khalil,
I disagree with the highlighted part above. You quoted aayaats bro, but I fail to see the words "final destiny" in those aayaats. This is a BIG misconception.
How about 238? Is it also referring to the final destiny? nope "Laa khaufun 3alaihim wa laahum yahzanoon" means "they will not fear not will they grieve" applies to here and to the Next Day.
2155,
And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.
2156,
Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return."
2157,
.
Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the guided.I disagree with this translation also. How Allah will test us with something without it is known to us?
Please look at 2740 , even if you take "yabluwaniyy" as test, he was tested in something which he is well known of, which he can see in front of him lying, this is how test of Allah is.
Most of us think that whenever something bad comes to them, they satisfy themselves by saying that it is a test from Allah. Allah never test you with something you don't know. You will surely know when He tests you.
BTW, "Ba Laam Waw" does not mean test, but it means "Audit", Allah audit only on our claims which is made either by heart or by tongue. Besides this, if anything is happening bad means, we have to seek Allah's forgiveness.
May Allah increase us in knowledge and guide us to His only path pr
mmKhan -
Peace.
i'm not sure if you already read about me, but Ever since i believed i went through much trouble than before, running away, being homeless because of hostility b/c of my beliefs.Ponder upon
We thus test the people by each other, to let them say (mockingly), "Are these the people among us who are blessed by GOD?" Is GOD not aware of the appreciative ones?
Do the people think that they will be left to say, "We believe," without being put to the test?
We have tested those before them, for GOD must distinguish those who are truthful, and He must expose the liars.
GOD is not to leave the believers as you are, without distinguishing the bad from the good
Do you expect to enter Paradise without being tested like those before you?They were tested with hardship and adversity, and were shaken up, until the messenger and those who believed with him said, "Where is GOD's victory?" GOD's victory is near.
You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and from the idol worshipers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength of your faith
(7129) They said, "We were persecuted before you came to us, and after you came to us." He said, "Perhaps your Lord will annihilate your enemy and establish you on earth, then He will see how you behave."
We have decreed in the Psalms, as well as in other scriptures, that the earth shall be inherited by My righteous worshipers.(Acts 1422)
strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,"...(Matthew 2413)
"But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved."So I guess what you are saying that whether its a punishment or trial depends on how you react to the challenges in life. But I believe some people have it much harder than others. This is a tough subject and I have read and listened to many sermons about it. But its not a subject that can be explained easily since God does not communicate with us individually.
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So I guess what you are saying that whether its a punishment or trial depends on how you react to the challenges in life. But I believe some people have it much harder than others. This is a tough subject and I have read and listened to many sermons about it. But its not a subject that can be explained easily since God does not communicate with us individually.
I also think it depends largely how you react to it. You can turn a punishment into an opportunity for growth, which would be a blessing from Allah. I also think that Allah is not unfair, and life is not unfair... but it is not easy to understand life at times, and some people really go through horrible things... but Allah knows what we do not know. Either we think Allah and life is fair and purposeful, or unfair and random. I believe there is a bigger picture that is easy to miss. And it is indeed a very tough subject, because it is so easy to think we know things about other people's situations and backgrounds. We don't. We hardly understand ourselves. But I do think that Allah does indeed communicate with each one of us, if we open up to it and listen... but that doesn't mean we are to receive books and stuff. Communication doesn't mean burning bushes and revealed scriptures. Why wouldn't Allah communicate with everyone who is open enough to listen? We don't need intermediaries such as popes and saints ans what not. Everything is available to all of us, if we just knew.
Anyway, doesn't it say in the quran that this life will seem like a playful dream when it is over and reflected back upon? Also, I think the quran says that we sometimes like things that are bad for us, and we dislike things that are good for us. I think Allah keeps presenting to us opportunity after opportunity to grow and improve oneself. But we have to make a conscious choice, however little. Even tiny steps, but in the right direction, will lead to success.
Peace all
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It is both simple and complicated at the same time.
We should always ask Allah for help, guidance, goodness, personal growth, increased understanding, real success, truth etc, regardless of our circumstances. Often what we consider suffering is both caused by ourselves due to resistance to and ignorance about reality. So it acts as a wake-up call and a reminded that there is growth needed in some area. But I think it is futile and useless trying to distinguish or figure out what we might see as separate situations of suffering. Surrender will solve a lot of suffering. Resistance will increase it.It is also funny to see especially traditional characters when they explain other's suffering as punishment and their own suffering as a test for which there will be a reward/re-compensation. How arrogant, ignorant, judgmental and desperate. It's easy to be over-confident. I've seen this in traditional sunni circles.
Peace and best wishes!
Peace Zulf,
I bolded the above because I understand exactly what you mean. I have heard it in both Islam and Christianity. In Christianity it is often "God is getting ready to bless you...just hold on!" The sunshine after the rain, so to speak. I don't agree with it one bit. Many don't seem to make the connection that "Maybe it is something I did that caused this."
Thank you to everyone...your posts really helped...
mmkhan...I am ready for another lesson in Arabic You have peaked my interest with your post...
Peace,
Amina
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Peace!
I did not see this thread earlier, but I would have liked to reply to it. I had the same thing happen to me! When I converted to Sunni Islam, my life went from good to bad in a matter of months. Today, I can sit back, reflect, and feel like I've learned so much. I suppose in every test, there are lessons to be learned. I agree with Zulf in that our reaction is important. For me, it's about conquering each test and having learned something in the process. Before, I used to find myself feeling very angry towards God, but now I am able to remain calm and focus on how I am going to get through it.
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Peace!
I did not see this thread earlier, but I would have liked to reply to it. I had the same thing happen to me! When I converted to Sunni Islam, my life went from good to bad in a matter of months. Today, I can sit back, reflect, and feel like I've learned so much. I suppose in every test, there are lessons to be learned. I agree with Zulf in that our reaction is important. For me, it's about conquering each test and having learned something in the process. Before, I used to find myself feeling very angry towards God, but now I am able to remain calm and focus on how I am going to get through it.
I hate to say it, but I am happy to hear that others have had similar experiences. It makes me feel a little better...
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I think the the question should be if both blessing and punishment are tests?
According to Quran then answer is yes . Both blessing and distress/punishment could be test.
So we should not be relaxed in good days and think that we are blessed by God.
Also we should not be impatient whenever we are in difficult situations in life and think that God is punishing us.
8915 As for man, if his Lord tests him and grants him much, then he says "My Lord has blessed me!"
8916 If his Lord tests him and gives him little wealth, then he says "My Lord has humiliated me!"
Peace
Abdullah
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From my general understanding we are not punished until the next life and all the harm that befalls you in this life is a test. We don't have control on the outcome of a given situation but we can control how we react to it. That part is the test, our reaction to the test. This is just how I see it...
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Peace Karimah
From my general understanding we are not punished until the next life and all the harm that befalls you in this life is a test. We don't have control on the outcome of a given situation but we can control how we react to it. That part is the test, our reaction to the test. This is just how I see it...
Punishment could be in this world also according to Quran
356 "As for those who have rejected, I will punish them severely in this world and in the Hereafter, they will have no supporters."
There are numerous examples of such worldy punishment
611 Say, "Roam the earth, then see what the punishment of the ingrates was!"
Peace
Abdullah
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Peace,
We all know that the road of life can be bumpy,
We have free will and the decisions we make have benefits or consequences.
We should learn from our mistakes, and not repeat them.
We should not be afraid to do right by ourselves even if it means making changes.
Fear, misunderstandings, greed, lust, revenge etc., should not be the well that we draw
our lifes goals from.Remember Siddartha, who sat by the river after all he went through enlightenment brought him
peace.You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and from the idol worshipers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength of your faith.
Peace O0
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Don't be too quick to condemn shortcomings and disasters as punishments.
When i was agnostic/atheist, i was fine. When i believed, i was homeless & on the streets for like 7 times. I was wasting away.
Things did not really get any better until i asked people to pray for me out of desperation.
the other thing that helped was just going out and trying to do good deeds. Smile, donate blood, help someone etc. -
Thank you to everyone for your answers...they have really helped me get through this rough time.
I find myself trying to understand the "free will" of mankind and "will of God" very often...where does one end and the other begin? I don't think we will ever know unless Allah reveals it to us. It is quite puzzling.
Regardless, after praying and meditating on the situations, I realized that they were all a result of decisions I had made. I am not being punished...I am paying the price for not using my head or common sense.
Allah has been my refuge all of this time...placing people (including this group) in my path to help me along whether it be financially, spiritually or emotionally.
Youssef I agree with what you said. Good deeds causes us to think about others instead of focusing on our problems and trials so much, and in turn, we may be blessed for doing good.
May Allah guide us all down the straight path.
-Amina
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Peace scaredmuslimah,
I discovered in my life that this free will thing can lead us to happiness or unhappiness,
in this life as well as the next, that is how important decision making is.
Turn to Allah for your needs. ask for wisdom, guidance, patience and intercession because Allah can fix anything.
Make choices only when you are in a calm state of mind
maintain righteousness, seek counsil, help others.Peace O0
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Peace scaredmuslimah,
I discovered in my life that this free will thing can lead us to happiness or unhappiness,
in this life as well as the next, that is how important decision making is.
Turn to Allah for your needs. ask for wisdom, guidance, patience and intercession because Allah can fix anything.
Make choices only when you are in a calm state of mind
maintain righteousness, seek counsil, help others.Peace O0
Thank you and peace be upon you also.
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Perhaps instead of saying "This is a punishment" and "This is a test", I think saying "God is trying to teach me something right now" leads to contemplation of a current situation, and then action. I feel that this is a more productive and positive way of looking at things. Saying "God is trying to teach me something" is my goal for the remainder of this year, and the rest of my life (except if Allah wills, of course).
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Perhaps instead of saying "This is a punishment" and "This is a test", I think saying "God is trying to teach me something right now" leads to contemplation of a current situation, and then action. I feel that this is a more productive and positive way of looking at things. Saying "God is trying to teach me something" is my goal for the remainder of this year, and the rest of my life (except if Allah wills, of course).
bravo
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Perhaps instead of saying "This is a punishment" and "This is a test", I think saying "God is trying to teach me something right now" leads to contemplation of a current situation, and then action. I feel that this is a more productive and positive way of looking at things. Saying "God is trying to teach me something" is my goal for the remainder of this year, and the rest of my life (except if Allah wills, of course).
Excellent! I think this approach is very conductive for growth and happiness. Wise!