PASSING THE TEST
Why do they not study the Quran carefully? Do they
have locks on their minds? [47:24]
Studying the Quran is an important part of our growth and development
as submitters. It’s also a wonderful blessing. In a recent
Quran study, we noted one phrase in the verses we were reading and
our discussion set off a whole new train of thought for me.
We know that we’re here on earth by God’s great mercy
as a final chance to redeem our souls and come back to God. It’s
a test.
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. [29:2-3]
In fact, this whole life is preparation for the ultimate final
exam on the Day of Resurrection. But the most amazing thing is that
it’s an open book test! God has given us all the answers and
encourages us repeatedly to go to the source, the Quran, and check
those answers.
We made the Quran easy to learn. Does any of you
wish to learn? [54:17]
In school as you go through a course, the professor will frequently
come to some point that he or she considers critical and will tell
you to remember this; it will be on the exam. That’s the same
sort of phrase we found in the Quran as we were reading in Sura
8:
…. You should know that GOD's
retribution is severe. [8:25]
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You should know
that your money and your children are a test, and that
GOD possesses a great recompense. [8:28]
If they turn away, then you should know that
GOD is your Lord and Master; the best Lord and Master, the best
supporter. [8:40]
God is telling us that we should know these things; they’re
on the test. We need to be aware that if we ignore God’s guidance,
if we disbelieve or idol worship, if we are distracted by worldly
things, then God’s retribution is severe. But if we remember
that God is our only Lord, if we follow His commandments and worship
Him Alone, then He is there for us as the very best supporter.
We went to QT
and pulled up all the verses containing that phrase and found some
varied information that God’s telling us we should know. Most
of them concern His qualities and attributes, important things for
us to remember.
….. You should know that GOD
knows your innermost thoughts, and observe Him. You should know
that GOD is Forgiver, Clement. [2:235]
….. You should know that GOD
is Almighty, Most Wise." [2:260]
…. You should know that GOD is Rich, Praiseworthy.
[2:267]
…. You should know that GOD
is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [5:34]
…. You should know that GOD
knows everything in the heavens and the earth, and that GOD is Omniscient.
[5:97]
…. You should know that GOD
is closer to you than your heart, and that before Him you will be
summoned. [8:24]
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Then there are reminders that we’re not in charge of what others say
and do, only God controls that.
We know that you may be saddened by what they say.
You should know that it is not you that they reject;
it is GOD's revelations that the wicked disregard. [6:33]
If their rejection gets to be too much for you, you
should know that even if you dug a tunnel through the earth,
or climbed a ladder into the sky, and produced a miracle for them
(they still would not believe). Had GOD willed, He could have guided
them, unanimously. Therefore, do not behave like the ignorant ones.
[6:35]
Finally, there are reminders of the consequences of our actions.
O you who believe, do not follow the steps of Satan.
Anyone who follows the steps of Satan should know that
he advocates evil and vice. If it were not for GOD's grace towards
you, and His mercy, none of you would have been purified. But GOD
purifies whomever He wills. GOD is Hearer, Knower. [24:21]
Anyone hoping to meet GOD, (should know that)
such a meeting with GOD will most assuredly come to pass. He is
the Hearer, the Omniscient. [29:5]
Thus, the followers of previous scripture should
know that they have not monopolized GOD's mercy and grace,
and that all grace is in GOD's hand. He bestows it upon whomever
He wills. GOD is Possessor of Infinite Grace. [57:29]
God will not make the test tricky or difficult. If we study and
practice faithfully, He’s given us all the tools we need to
pass with flying colors.
Cont’d on page 4
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