Our Claims Must Be Tested
[3:142] Do you expect to enter Paradise without GOD distinguishing those among you who strive, and without distinguishing those who are steadfast?
[3:143] You used to long for death before you had to face it. Now you have faced it, right before your eyes.
[3:144] Muhammad was no more than a messenger like the messengers before him. Should he die or get killed, would you turn back on your heels? Anyone who turns back on his heels, does not hurt GOD in the least. GOD rewards those who are appreciative.
When a someone claims they believe in God their claim will be tested. If we look at the example of Adam: He was in paradise, and with a whisper of an idea from Satan he failed because he chose to listen and follow Satan’s advice instead of God’s. People make their own test by what they say. When we make a claim we will be tested on it.
The Test is Mandatory
[29:2] Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe,” without being put to the test?
[29:3] We have tested those before them, for GOD must distinguish those who are truthful, and He must expose the liars.
Any hardship that a believer experiences toughens them in a good way. Hardship strengthens our faith and elevates us to a higher status.
Higher Ranks for the Strivers
[4:95] Not equal are the sedentary among the believers who are not handicapped, and those who strive in the cause of GOD with their money and their lives. GOD exalts the strivers with their money and their lives above the sedentary. For both, GOD promises salvation, but GOD exalts the strivers over the sedentary with a great recompense.
[4:96] The higher ranks come from Him, as well as forgiveness and mercy. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
All of God’s prophets and messengers went through a lot of hardship and came out better because of it. As believers when we make the claim that we believe in God we need to understand that we will be tested. And if we are steadfast we will complete the test better off.
[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.
[94:5] With pain there is gain.
[94:6] Indeed, with pain there is gain.
The test is designed to be proportionate to the degree of faith we have. The tests are never unreasonable and are designed for us to be able to handle them if we are steadfast and do what God commands of us.
God’s Tests Are Never Unreasonable
[4:66] Had we decreed for them: “You must offer your lives,” or “Give up your homes,” they would not have done it, except for a few of them. (Even if such a command was issued,) had they done what they were commanded to do, it would have been better for them, and would prove the strength of their faith.
[6:132] Everyone will attain a rank commensurate with their deeds. Your Lord is never unaware of anything they do.
If a person does not pass their test it is a reflection of their training. This is similar to Olympic athletes. The athlete that trains the hardest and has the best regiment will perform the best.
[3:155] Surely, those among you who turned back the day the two armies clashed have been duped by the devil. This reflects some of the (evil) works they had committed. GOD has pardoned them. GOD is Forgiver, Clement.
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