Page 32 - The Secret Behind Our Trials

THE SECRET BEHIND OUR TRIALS
ter falls upon a person one after another, such as when they are
thrown out of their house, driven from their country, confronted
with traps set just for them, as well as their family and people, and
they are subject to spiritual oppression.
The Qur'an provides examples of the difficulties experienced
by the Prophets and devout believers. As we said earlier, devout be-
lievers have been brought through and endured many serious trials,
for:
Or did you suppose that you would enter the Garden with-
out facing the same as those who came before you? Poverty
and illness afflicted them and they were shaken to the point
that the Messenger and those who believed with him asked:
"When is Allah's help coming?" Be assured that Allah's help
is very near. (Surat al-Baqara, 214)
In this verse, Allah announces that all people will undergo dif-
ficulties and gives the good news that those who are patient will
have good things for eternity. In these times, the difference between
"Muslims of moments of distress" and "fair-weather Muslims" will
become evident. Members of the first group respond to their diffi-
culties and frustrations in this way:
Those who, when disaster strikes them, say: "We belong to
Allah and to Him we will return." (Surat al-Baqara, 156)

The Voice of Conscience and the Voice of the
Lower Self in Times of Difficulty
When people come face to face with difficulty or frustration,
they hear two inner voices. One is the conscience, which urges them
to behave as Allah wants them to behave: with self-sacrifice,
courage, and moral rectitude. Those who listen to this voice will
choose to be patient and trust in Allah. The second voice belongs to

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