Testiness with Tests

In the face of adversity and hardship, the believers are expected to submit. God tests us to see how we react in different situations. Since God already knows our innermost thoughts and He knows the future, the tests in reality prove to ourselves if we are truly submitters, and whether we worship God alone under all circumstances.

[29:2-3] 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.

[2:214] 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

So when God tests us, we should not lose our cool and become testy; instead we should try to be patient and be steadfast.

[2:155]  We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast.

The tests are not always in the form of adversity or hardship. Anything God blesses us with is ultimately a test to see how we reflect on His blessings.

[8:28] You should know that your money and your children are a test,

and that GOD possesses a great recompense.

We have the example in the Quran that Solomon was tested with his kingship and incredible blessings God bestowed upon Him. He was always appreciative, and he passed his tests.

[27:40]  The one who possessed knowledge from the book said, "I can bring it to you in the blink of your eye." When he saw it settled in front of him, he said, "This is a blessing from my Lord, whereby He tests me, to show whether I am appreciative or unappreciative. Whoever is appreciative is appreciative for his own good, and if one turns unappreciative, then my Lord is in no need for him, Most Honorable."

But of course, as human beings, we find the adversity and hardship to be the real tests since they leave a lasting impression on us. We learn from the Quran that these tests are for our own good if we can reflect on them.

There is a wise saying “When you lose, don't lose the lesson.” God tailors the tests for the individuals in accordance with the knowledge He has about them. If we are tested with a hardship, we should submit to God’s will, steadfastly persevere, and turn to God wholeheartedly. If we learn our lesson after a test, we grow our souls. That’s part of the reason we are tested—to improve on our weak points until we are completely rid of them, God willing. In a way, they are blessings in disguise.

If we become an objector of our test, blame God or others for it, and become testy, we fail our test. God tells us that He loves those who steadfastly persevere and rewards them for their steadfastness. The rewards for our submission to His will start in this world, but the recompense is more fantastic in the Hereafter, the real world.  The Heaven God promises people as a reward for their righteous works is indescribably beautiful. It’s beyond our imagination and worth waiting for.

[32:17]  You have no idea how much joy and happiness are waiting for you as a reward for your (righteous) works.

An amazing example given to us in the Bible and the Quran for us to reflect is the story of Job, and what He went through. He persevered in the face of adversity and demonstrated a wonderful submission to his tests — never became an objector.

[21:83-4]  And Job implored his Lord: "Adversity has befallen me, and, of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful."  We responded to him, relieved his adversity, and restored his family for him, even twice as much. That was a mercy from us, and a reminder for the worshipers.

Thus the story is that the devil afflicts Job in accordance with God’s will, but he endures the tests and passes them.

Cont'd on page 2