February 2000: Page 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitters Perspective

Page 3

Testing the Believers

Cont’d from page 2

hardship or adversity. God wants us to implore Him. Do not rush an answer. God runs everything. (See 40:60)

(5) Steadfastly persevere. This is the greatest trait of the true believers. (See 2:153, 2:45, 90:17, 2:177 and 103:3). God promised those who steadfastly persevere great recompense. (See 41:35, 23:111, 22:35, 31:17 and 2:155-157)

(6) Believe that God’s promise is the truth and that victory belongs to the believers, but you have to pass your test. Victory is on the way. God’s victory is near. (See 30:47, 30:60, 2:155 and 2:214)

There are two kinds of victories according to the Quran, victory in this life and the bigger and eternal victory in the Hereafter. The believers accept whatever God’s victory comes to them and always strive to achieve the eternal victory in the Hereafter. (See 9:50-52)

With the help of God and the assurance in the Quran, the true believers will make the best out of their test and wait for God’s victory. They trust in God, and know that God is Just. They are absolutely sure that God’s victory is coming and that God’s victory is their reward. It is God’s promise.

Related Verses from the Quran

[2:45] You shall seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). This is difficult indeed, but not so for the reverent.

[2:62] Surely, those who believe,

those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in God, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:155-157] We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast. When an affliction befalls them, they say, “We belong to God, and to Him we are returning.” These have deserved blessings from their Lord and mercy. These are the guided ones.

[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.

[3:120] When anything good comes your way they hurt, and when something bad happens to you they rejoice. If you steadfastly persevere, and maintain righteousness, their schemes will never hurt you. God is fully aware of everything they do.

[9:50-52] If something good happens to you, they hurt, and if an affliction befalls you, they say, “We told you so,” as they turn away rejoicing. Say, “Nothing happens to us, except what God has decreed for us. He is our Lord and Master. In God the believers shall trust.” Say, “You can only expect for us one of two good things (victory or martyrdom), while we expect for you condemnation

from God and retribution from Him, or at our hands. Therefore, wait, and we will wait along with you.”

[22:11] Among the people there is the one who worships God conditionally. If things go his way, he is content. But if some adversity befalls him, he makes an about-face. Thus, he loses both this life and the Hereafter. Such is the real loss.

[22:35] They are the ones whose hearts tremble upon mentioning God, they steadfastly persevere during adversity, they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and from our provisions to them, they give to charity.

[23:111] I have rewarded them today, in return for their steadfastness, by making them the winners.

[30:47] We have sent messengers before you to their people, with profound signs. Subsequently, we punished those who transgressed. It is our duty that we grant victory to the believers.

[31:17] O my son, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat). You shall advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and remain steadfast in the face of adversity. These are the most honorable traits.

[40:60] Your Lord says, “Implore Me, and I will respond to you. Surely, those who are too arrogant to worship Me will enter Gehenna, forcibly.”