Page 62 - The Secret Behind Our Trials

THE SECRET BEHIND OUR TRIALS
(Surat al-An`am, 125). This corruption may not be outwardly visi-
ble, but its spiritual aspect can be noticed by those who fear and re-
spect Allah. These people wear a spiritual corruption: They are
mean even though they have money and possessions and do not
feed the poor and the needy. Even if they do help, they leave the re-
cipient with a sense of obligation. The Qur'an's description of such
people (e.g., those who are immoral, eat forbidden food, amass
money without giving alms, and spend money in forbidden ways)
awakens a reaction in believers.
Have you seen him who denies the religion? He is the one
who harshly rebuffs the orphan and does not urge the feed-
ing of the poor. (Surat al-Ma`un, 1-3)
We often see a portrait of these people, who became wealthy
through illegal and immoral ways. They show signs that they earn
their money by murder, bribery, corruption, and fraud; make unjust
profits; rob orphans and give nothing to the poor and needy; and
strip people of all their beauty and dignity. While they try to be
beautiful, they are surrounded by spiritual corruption and a deep,
ugly darkness. This is a sign of immorality, growing sinfulness, and
dishonor. Allah uses the word "debasement" to describe this dark-
ness and corruption, which is visible on such a person's face:
Those who do good will have the best and more! Neither
dust nor debasement will darken their faces. They are the
Companions of the Garden, remaining in it timelessly, for-
ever. But as for those who have earned bad actions—a bad
action will be repaid with one like it. Debasement will
darken them. They will have no one to protect them from
Allah. It is as if their faces were covered by dark patches of
night. Those are the Companions of the Fire, remaining in it
timelessly, forever. (Surah Yunus, 26-27)

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