Page 40 - The Secret Behind Our Trials

THE SECRET BEHIND OUR TRIALS
must be separated from the base coal-like qualities. But as this can be
done only by applying fire, human beings must go through a serious
testing period involving difficulties, misfortunes, and various frustra-
tions to remove their bad qualities so that their good qualities can
shine in the light of day.
Bediuzzaman gives another example: the separation of silver
and copper from the ore when it is struck against a touchstone. Two
valuable materials are separated from each other by striking the ore
against that stone, and the valueless copper ore is eliminated. In this
process of separation, the ore has to be struck violently against the
stone and then passed through a fine sieve. This process reveals the
silver within the ore and cleanses it of the copper ore, which reduces
its value. What the master means by being "struck against the stone"
is that undergoing difficulties, misfortunes, and various frustrations
will cause the person's internal beauty to be revealed. The severity of
the difficulties and frustrations reveal the strength of the person's be-
lief, as well as the superiority of his or her moral character, discern-
ment, faithfulness, and loyalty. Moreover, this testing leaves behind a
maturity of character with great faith and spiritual depth. So, this
process purges the believer's superior character of all qualities that
weaken it, until it appears like silver. Bediuzzaman writes:
Then this morning the following was imparted to me: for us to be
set this rigorous examination, and to be struck on the touchstone
numerous times to see clearly whether we are gold or brass, and to
be tried unfairly in every respect, and to be passed through ever finer
sieves three or four times to see whether our evil-commanding souls
take a share or are playing any tricks, is extremely necessary for our
service, which should be purely and solely in the name of truth and
reality, so that Divine Determining and dominical grace permit it. For by
being exhibited in this field of trial and examination confronted by obdu-

38