How to Pass Divine Tests
The Quran says: “We shall test you through fear, hunger, loss of life, property, and crops. (Muhammad), give glad news to the people who have patience.” (Verse 155 of Surah Al-Baqarah)
As we said, God is Adil and the adversities we face in life are sometimes divine tests aimed at helping our talents and aptitudes burgeon.
Now what should we do to pass divine tests successfully? The Quran gives us 6 ways to achieve this. Two of them are as follows:
1- Having a divine worldview.
The Quran lauds those who are patient in the face of hardships and says they endure adversities because of their divine worldview. They say they are from God and everything they have are from God and belong to God. They also say this world is a passageway not anyone’s permanent abode. “and in difficulty (they) say, ‘We are the servants of God and to Him we shall all return.’” (Verse 155 of Surah Al-Baqarah)
Such an attitude prepares one for facing events and difficulties with patience.
2- Being Aware of Divine Sunnahs (Laws)
The Holy Quran says today’s humans are no different than those living in the past and no one will reach paradise without tests and going through hardships.
“Would you think that you could go to Paradise without experiencing the kind of suffering others have experienced before you? Distress and afflictions battered them until the Messenger and the believers said, "When will God send help?" Certainly God's help is near.” (Verse 214 of Surah Al-Baqarah)
According to this verse, throughout history faithful people have gone through adversities to be tested and now it is your time. So it is a divine Sunnah. The Quran says in different verses: “Remember (the previous nations)” so that you realize that adversities have always been there and are not for you only.
The Quran also tells the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to remain patience: “(Muhammad), exercise patience as did the steadfast Messengers.” (Verse 35 of Surah Al-Ahqaf)
So when one realizes that adversities are divine Sunnah and are for everyone, they will be more prepared to face them. We fast easily in Ramadan when the majority of people fast because we know it is for everyone but after the holy month it becomes more difficult to fast.
When ordering believers to fast, the Quran reminds them that it is not just for them but all previous nations had also been ordered to fast: “Believers, fasting has been made mandatory for you as it was made mandatory for the people before you, so that you may have fear of God.” (Verse 183 of Surah Al-Baqarah)
