Page 25 - Faith: The Way to Happiness

The Unhappiness of the Society of the Ignorant

aware that the decorations have been specially placed in this house
to test people and that in reality they will harm them, they will make
a more intelligent decision and will not exercise their pre f e rence in
favor of this more attractive looking house. In the same way, if they
know that with a little effort on their part the other house can be
made more attractive to them and in time will take on a more per-
manent beauty, they will choose the first house.
Just as in the example of the houses, Allah has created this
world with decorations which will be pleasing to people. But the
truth is, this is one of Allah's tests. These decorations should not de-
ceive people; they are all temporary and illusory. Allah explains one
of His Divine purposes in the Qur'an as to why He has created this
world in such a way as to be attractive to people:
We made everything on the Earth adornment for it so that
We could test them to see whose actions are the best. (Surat
al-Kahf: 7)
Everything existing in this world is created to test people and
everything is a blessing which provides an opportunity for earning
Allah's pleasure. Nobody should forget that the reason for setting be-
f o re him all the things he sees and what he possesses is only one of
Allah's tests. With everything he owns or will own in the future he
should engage in good deeds so as to gain Allah's approval. Ap e r s o n ' s
t rue life is in the next world and what are truly permanent are the
blessings which Allah will give His sincere servants there. In another
verse, Allah advises us that everything pertaining to the world is finery
and that people should use their intellect to understand the tru t h :
Anything you have been given is only the enjoyment of the
life of this world and its finery. What is with Allah is better
and longer lasting. So will you not use your intellect?
(Surat al-Qasas: 60)

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