The Test
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The Test
?Did the people think that they will be left to say ?We believe? without being put to the test?. While We had tested those before them, so that God would know those who are truthful and so that He would know the liars.? (292-3)
In reading the Quran, we come across the issue of the ?test? that those who profess belief will be subjected to sooner or later?Unfortunately, many of us take the warning of the Quran lightly and fail to understand the intensity or severity of these tests when they come.
?Or did you expect that you would enter Paradise, while the example of those who were before you came to you; they were stricken with adversity and hardship, and they were shaken until the messenger and those who believed with him said ?When is God?s victory?? Yes indeed, God?s victory is near.? (2214)
Though the path to God is clear and simple, it is His way that once a man or woman embarks on His path that they will be shaken and tested through difficult and sometimes even traumatic events. The purpose of the test or series of tests that we shall all undergo is very clear ?so that God would know those who are truthful and so that He would know the liars?. Although God is fully aware of our innermost beliefs, it is still the ultimate in cosmic fairness and justice that we all ?put our money where our mouth is? and PROVE that we serve the One and only god rather than simply pay Him lip service!.
Types of Tests.
If you have not yet been tested since accepting the path to God, then know that you will be struck where you are most vulnerable, whether that vulnerability is your attachment to money, your attachment to certain people, to your property, or your fear of death or battle or the torture and punishment from others?
?And We will test you with some fear and hunger, and a shortage in money and lives and fruits. And give good news to those who are patient. (2155)
?For they had come from above you, and from beneath you; your eyes were terrified, and the hearts reached to the throat, and you harboured doubts about God. That is when the believers were truly tested; they were severely shaken up. (3310-11)
?And from among the people are those who say ?We believe in God,? but if he is harmed in the sake of God, he equates the persecution inflicted by the people with God?s punishment. And if a victory comes from your Lord, he says ?We were with you!? Is God not fully aware of what is inside the chests of the worlds? God is fully aware of those who believed, and He is fully aware of the hypocrites.? (2910-11)
For some Muslims, September-11th and the media frenzy against Islam was enough to shake them away from the path they had firmly been walking, for some it is the constant set-backs in the Middle East and the loss after loss that has caused them to lose faith, for others it is being made job-less and losing all wealth and prestige that makes them question God and even doubt His existence!.
What to Do?
?O you who believe, be patient and call for patience, and bond together and revere God that you may succeed.? (3200)
There lies the answer?In patience, perseverance, and helping one another through the good and through the bad.
Even Luqman many generations ago taught this to his son as we are once again learning...
?O my son, hold the assembly and advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and bear with patience whatever befalls you. These are the most honourable traits.? (3117)
You must not lose hope, you must not lose faith, and most of all, you must stay the course till its end?It is inevitable that you will be shaken and tested?It is inevitable that you will ask as the messenger did when he was shaken ?where is God?s victory!??And the answer for those who stay the course ?Yes indeed, God?s victory is near!.
?And recall God?s blessings over you and His covenant that He Has bound you with, for which you have said ?We hear and obey,? and be aware of God; for God knows what is inside the chests.? (57)
