Tests help develop our souls

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, He must expose the liars. (29:2-3).

We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities. (47:31).

Consider the example of Moses—God informed him that he was made just for Him. God nevertheless sent him to one of His servants, a guiding teacher, to provide valuable lessons for him and the world to learn (18:60-82). God saved Moses from grievous consequences when he killed a soul and he was tested thoroughly and purified to trust God fully and not fear Pharaoh and his oppression (17:102; 20:40-41; 26:62).

We too have our tests of purification. To make our task easier, God has awesomely blessed us (and the vast majority of the world population yet to come), with the Quran (10:57-58; 44:2-4).

 

He also sent us a purifying Messenger of the Covenant to give us proof and explain things to us (5:19; 13:7). God shows us His proofs until we recognize them (27:93). True believers strive to magnify God constantly, remember Him during most of our day, every day, and recognize that God is running everything (3:191; 8:17; 23:84-9; 42:30). We thus remain and belong in God’s Kingdom and enjoy His grace and protection (4:103; 10:62-64).

God loves those who purify their souls (9:108; 35:18; 80:3). Since God is the source of righteousness and forgiveness and all good comes from God—really He is the One who continues to purify us per His perfect Plan, if we deserve it. If we choose to continuously submit absolutely to God alone, God in His infinite grace and mercy guides us to save us from committing major sins (16:93; 19:75-6; 28:56; 39:36-7; 42:13).

To improve our abilities to pass tests and develop our souls, we should count our blessings (14:34; 16:18) and rejoice in remembering God (10:58; 13:27-8).

Your Lord has decreed: “The more you thank Me, the more I give you.” But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe (14:7).

Our responsibilities are greater when God gives us signs to upgrade: our submission, our efforts to fulfill His laws for our own good, and our efforts to remember that God plans everything perfectly for the believers. It is essential that we strengthen our faith by steadfastly persevering so that we fear none but God (3:175, 9:18). In order to improve us, God allows Satan to test us based on our weaknesses. No harm ever touches the believers who have attained God’s approval (3:173)—they expect one of two good things—either victory or martyrdom (9:52).

Whenever we slip and step out of God’s Kingdom, we must repent immediately upon realizing it and continuously strive to make amends so that we remain eligible to be guided and protected by God. God loves the repenters and He commands the believers to repent a firm repentance (2:222; 66:8).

Cont’d on page 2