Page 69 - The Secret Behind Our Trials

This Testing Continues until Death
Since such a danger exists, believers must be aware of it up
until the very last moment of their lives. They should never fall
away. The moment they think that they have done enough to attain
eternal life, they may begin to act with abandon. As the Qur'an says:
"No indeed! Truly man is unbridled, seeing himself as self-suffi-
cient" (Surat al-'Alaq, 6-7).
So, always remember this danger and act in such a way to gain
Allah's good pleasure. The trials of this world continue up to the
very last moment of life.

Those who Lag Behind in the Struggle and
Those who Avoid It
People with little or no belief may live among Muslims as if
nothing were wrong, apparently following the rules of religion. But
Allah has created certain tests to bring out their real character.
Muslims who endure being tested by difficulties, hunger, need, ill-
ness, or the loss of possessions or loved ones become strong; those
with a sickness in their heart draw closer to unbelief with every
passing moment.
So, once again we see the importance of every moment. Some
people may spend the greater part of their life believing in Allah,
promoting the religion, and doing good works. But if they stop act-
ing according to their conscience, become lax and hard-hearted, they
will not be able to show the required discernment when necessary.
Worldly concerns and cares for this life may overpower their sense
of the need to seek Allah's good pleasure, a development that will
lead them to unbelief.
Many verses relate the Prophets' struggles to protect innocent
people from an aggressive society and guard Allah's religion. In
those days, this struggle was a very important act of worship. Our

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