Page 41 - The Secret Behind Our Trials

The Muslim of Difficult Times
rate, unjust enemies and their pretexts, everyone has understood that
there is no trickery, no egotism, no malice, no worldly or personal
interests, nor those that look to the Hereafter, mixed in with our
service, and that it is completely sincere and proceeds from truth
and reality. If it had remained concealed, it could have been given nu-
merous meanings. The mass of believers would not have had confidence in
it. They would have said: "Perhaps they are deceiving us," and the elite
too would have had their suspicions. Thinking that "perhaps they are act-
ing the same as some of those who sell themselves to acquire spiritual rank
for themselves and to win confidence," they would not feel completely
certain about it. Now, following the examination, even the most stubborn
and obdurate person is compelled to submit. If your hardship is one,
your profits are a thousandfold. Allah willing. 9
In these examples, Bediuzzaman also draws attention to other
reasons for frustration and misfortune. Other people will see and be
inspired by the superior moral character of those individuals who
rid themselves of their negative qualities while passing through se-
vere trials. The faithfulness of Muslims, their superior and virtuous
acts on the side of righteousness, will come out as they face these se-
rious trials, and people will see that they expect no human reward
for the services they perform. Even those who harbor great doubts
about Muslims will admit that every effort they make is solely for
the sake of earning Allah's good pleasure, and everyone will attest to
the purity of their intentions. Other people will come to recognize
Muslims by the difficulties and misfortunes that they undergo, all of
which confirm that they are on the right path.

Exhibiting Good Moral Qualities at Times
of Difficulty and Frustration
Everyone experiences many things during the day: feelings of

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