Page 16 - The Secret Behind Our Trials

THE SECRET BEHIND OUR TRIALS
The Qur'an explains this truth in the following verses:
Make a metaphor for them of the life of this world. It is like
water that We send down from the sky; the plants of the
ground combine with it, but then become dry chaff scattered
by the winds. Allah has absolute power over everything.
Wealth and sons are the embellishment of the life of this
world. But, in your Lord's sight, right actions that are lasting
bring a better reward and are a better basis for hope. (Surat
al-Kahf, 45-46)
As this passage says, all of this world's riches, wealth, spouses,
jewels, homes, fame, career, and other values are nothing more than
a short and transitory dalliance, for they will end at a particular time.
But a large number of people do not realize that these things are
transitory, and so immerse themselves in gathering more material
goods, gaining more respect, finding the most attractive spouse, or
becoming known as the most successful person in their respective
professions. They are so passionately attached to these things that
they completely forget about the eternal life. Perceiving death as de-
struction, they make no preparations for the afterlife.
However, as Bediuzzaman said, death is not a separation or a
destruction; rather, it is the end of the trials of this world and the
place where people receive the reward for what they have done:
Death is not terrifying as it appears to be superficially. Through the light
afforded by the All-Wise Qur'an, in many parts of the Risale-i Nur we
have proved in completely certain and indubitable fashion that for believ-
ers death is to be discharged from the burdensome duties of life. And for
them it is a rest from worship, which is the instruction and training in
the arena of trial of this world. It is also a means of their rejoining friends
and relations, ninety-nine out of a hundred of whom have already de-
parted for the next world. And it is a means of entering their true home-

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