|
Cont'd from page 1
this condition is to be steadfast. To strive harder in the path of God. To seek His forgiveness and do better. Whether we have abundant resources or we face the hardships of life, we must submit to God alone. In the face of adversity or hardship, the believers are expected to submit. We will not object during the test if our mindset is fine tuned to go through it. God assures us victory as long as we remain steadfast in His path.
[40:51] Most assuredly, we will give victory to our messengers and to those who believe, both in this world and on the day the witnesses are summoned.
We need to understand the objective of our temporary life in this world.
[90:4] We created the human being to work hard (to redeem himself).
This awareness itself is a big blessing of God to us. As the famous English proverb says, “Well begun is half done”. God has taken care of half the job. Now we just need to accomplish the other half. Praise God, even our half of the job is lightened by God. Every human being wants to go to Paradise. You ask any person of any faith—the reply will invariably be the same. But only a few strive hard in preparation. God will definitely accept only those who have passed through the filtration system of God. He teaches us about it in the following verses:
[29:2] Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe,” without being put to the test? [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.
[47:31] 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.
God says He will fill hell with humans and jinns. Whereas He will also accept the true believers into Paradise. Filling and accepting are widely different activities. You decide which lot you would like to belong with. Whether you want to be the fill or you want to be accepted gracefully. God will magnify our each and every deed. He assures the true believers of His strong support on the Day of Resurrection.
[3:179] GOD is not to leave the believers as you are, without distinguishing the bad from the good. Nor does GOD inform you of the future, but GOD bestows such knowledge upon whomever He chooses from among His messengers. Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messengers. If you believe and lead a righteous life, you receive a great recompense.
This verse instills confidence and assurance in the hearts of the true believers. The righteous, the reverent servants of God, have nothing to fear. They realize that each test is for a good reason and passing it becomes easier, provided we fulfill the essential parameters. We find several examples in the Quran of God’s tests. Whether related to a prophet or a common man, God gives us every kind of example in the Quran. Some examples:
[2:124] Recall that Abraham was put to the test by his Lord, through certain commands, and he fulfilled them. (God) said, “I am appointing you an imam for the people.” He said, “And also my descendants?” He said, “My covenant does not include the transgressors.”
[2:49] Recall that we saved you from Pharaoh’s people who inflicted upon you the worst persecution, slaying your sons and sparing your daughters. That was an exacting test from your Lord.
[2:249] When Saul took command of the troops, he said, “GOD is putting you to the test by means of a stream. Anyone who drinks from it does not belong with me—only those who do not taste it
belong with me—unless it is just a single sip.” They drank from it, except a few of them. When he crossed it with those who believed, they said, “Now we lack the strength to face Goliath and his troops.” Those who were conscious of meeting GOD said, “Many a small army defeated a large army by GOD’s leave. GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere.”
[7:73] To Thamûd we sent their brother Sãleh. He said, “O my people, worship GOD; you have no other god beside Him. Proof has been provided for you from your Lord: here is GOD’s camel, to serve as a sign for you. Let her eat from GOD’s land, and do not touch her with any harm, lest you incur a painful retribution.
In addition, there are verses related to the tests of Jesus, Noah, Solomon, Jacob, Joseph, Jonah, David and Muhammad as well. The tests only increased their faith in God. They were all tested to prove their worth in the cause of God. For us they are true role models. We must try to follow their way of submitting, their perseverance and striving in the way of God.
Believe me, God is immensely merciful to us for He has protected us from exacting tests as compared to these messengers of God. God in His mercy also gave us the solution of passing the tests in His book, the Quran. He asked us to submit to Him wholeheartedly. Submission to God means to accept whatever God is doing knowing there’s a good reason.
Let us resolve right here to strive hard in the path of God. Let us please God so He will bless us with the eternal happiness as He has promised.
[9:72] GOD promises the believing men and the believing women gardens with flowing streams, wherein they abide forever, and magnificent mansions in the gardens of Eden. And GOD’s blessings and approval are even greater. This is the greatest triumph.
God has warned us to be more careful about our deeds. Never ever fall prey
Cont'd on page 3