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Life is a test

In numerous verses, the Holy Qur'an states that life in this world is a test:

He Who created Death and Life, that He may test which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted

in Might, Oft-Forgiving. (67:2)

Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: "We believe," and will not be

tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allh will certainly make (it) known

(the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are

liars, (although Allh knows all that before putting them to test). (29:2-3)

For example, in Surah al-Baqarah, verses 155 and 156, Allah says: "Verily, We will test all of you with

things from fear, hunger, loss of property and life, and decrease of fruits; and give the good news to

those who are patient and enduring when they are confronted by a hardship from hardships. [They

are] those who say, 'we are from God and to Him is our return.'"

These two verses point out to this universal test and some of its forms. The first verse says with

certainty: "Verily, all of you will be tested by matters such as fear, hunger, loss of property and body,

and reduction of fruits." And due to the fact that it is impossible to succeed and pass these tests

without endurance and firmness, the end of the verse states: "Give the good news to those who are

enduring and unwavering."

The next verse introduces those people who are enduring and unwavering before life's difficulties

and trials and says, "They are those who, whenever confronted by a hardship from the hardships of

life, say, 'we are from God and to Him is our return.'" Paying attention to the fact that "we are all

from God" teaches us that we should never become perturbed by the decline of bounties, becausethese bounties and even our own selves belong to Him. One day He gives us, and another day He sees

it fit to take it away from us, both of which are for our wellbeing.

In any case, attention to the fact that "we are all going to return to Him" tells us that this world and

its life are not permanent and eternal. The decline in bounties or their scarcity, or their abundance

and increase, are all passing matters. All of these are means for treading the path towards perfection.

Attention to these two principles has a deep influence in bringing about the spirit of patience and

endurance with us.

After pointing out to these realities, the following verse (2:157) states God's immense grace for those

who endure and strive hard to succeed in this great trail. It says, "For them is God's grace, mercy and

blessings." This grace and mercy gives them strength, so that they are not overtaken by mistakes and

deviation on this dangerous and frightening path. Therefore, at the end of the verse, Allah says,

"They are the ones who are guided." In this manner, in a few short sentences, it shines light on the

matter of this great test, its end goal, its various forms, the factors for passing it, and its results.

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1. This life is a test for the hereafter.

Good times are a test that whether we are thankful or not and bad times are a test to see whether we

are patient or not.

2. Allah tests different human beings in different ways.

Every year the question paper in an examination keeps on changing. It does not remain the same.

SimilarlyAllah tests different human beings in different ways. He gives health to some people while

others are born with defects or are handicapped. To some people He gives wealth, while others are

poor.

3.Judgement will be based upon the difficulty of the test.

Depending upon what facilities and qualities Allah has provided to each human being, Allah will

judge him accordingly. If the test is difficult, then Allah will be lenient while judging. If the test is

simple, then Allah will not be lenient while judging. A poor person does not have to give Zakah. Hegets full marks where Zakah is concerned. On the other hand, a rich person is supposed to give

Zakah. Many rich people give much less than what they actually are supposed to give, thus getting

less marks (or negative marks) where Zakah is concerned.

4.Human beings with congenital defects are a test for their parents.

Many infants are born with congenital defects. Some are deaf and dumb, while others are

handicapped. An infant is not responsible for his or her defect. In such cases, perhaps Allah is testing

the parents, whether they yet have faith in Him after this misfortune. Allah says in the Quran in

Surah Anfal Chapter-8 Verse-28 And know ye that your possession and your progeny are but a trial;

and that it is Allah with whom lies your highest reward. (Al-Quran 8:28)

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