Page 17 - The Basic Concepts in the Qur’an

Behold, there were brought before him one evening steeds of the highest breeding,
and swift of foot; and he said, “Truly, I love the love of good, with a view to the glory
of my Lord,” -until (the sun) was hidden in the veil (of night): “Bring them back to
me.” Then he began to pass his hand over their legs and their necks.
(Sad, 31-33)

About possessions and children, Allah gives other warnings to believers in the Qur’an.
Constant vigilance is essential to avoid this fitnah:
Wealth and children of this world by no means ensure salvation from a disastrous end,
unless they are made for the good pleasure of Allah:
O you who believe! Let not your riches or your children divert you from the
remembrance of Allah. If any act thus, the loss is their own.
(Al-Munafiqoon, 9)

The property and the children they possess will do them no good in the hereafter: Of
no profit whatever to them, against Allah, will be their riches or their sons: they will
be companions of the fire, to dwell therein for ever!
(Al-Mujadila, 17)

Oppression, Torture and Burden

Oppression, torture and burden are also referred to as fitnah (trial) in the Qur’an.
But none believed in Moses except some children of his people, because of the fear
that Pharaoh and his chiefs, would persecute them; and certainly Pharaoh was mighty
on the earth and one who transgressed all bounds.
(Jonah, 83)

Those who persecute (or draw into temptation) the Believers, men and women, and
do not turn in repentance, will have the penalty of hell. They will have the penalty of
the burning fire.
(Al-Burooj, 10)

Do not deem the summons of the messenger among yourselves like the summons of
one of you to another: Allah knows those of you who slip away under shelter of some
excuse: then let those who disobey the messenger’s order beware, lest some trial
befall them, or a grievous penalty be inflicted on them.
(Al-Noor, 63)

And this (He commands): Judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do
not follow their vain desires, but beware of them lest they turn you away from any of
that (teaching) which Allah has sent down to you. And if they turn away, be assured
that for their sins, it is Allah’s purpose to punish them. And truly most men are
rebellious.
(Al-Maeda, 49)

In their prayers to avoid the oppression of unbelievers, believers again use the word fitnah
(trial):
They said: “In Allah we have put our trust. Our Lord! Do not make us a trial for those
who practise oppression.”
(Jonah, 85)

“Our Lord! Do not make us a (test and) trial for the unbeleivers, but forgive us, our
Lord! For you are Exalted in Might, and Wise.”
(Al-Mumtahina, 5)