Four Ways for Success in Divine Tests
Success in these tests requires certain conditions.
The Holy Quran says: “We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, and decrease of goods, life and fruits. Give glad tidings to the patient.” (Verse 155 of Surah Al-Baqarah)
What is the way for overcoming adversities and successfully passing divine tests?
As we said, God is Adil (just) and the adversities in life are aimed at testing people and helping their inner talents to flourish. In addition to the first and second ways mentioned earlier, here are four ways the Quran offers for passing divine tests:
3- Learning about Sabireen (the patient ones) and their patience.
Learning about how people in the past exercised patience is one of the secrets to success in facing difficulties in life.
The Quran speaks a lot about this and introduces role models of patience and endurance who lived before. Divine prophets told their opponents: “We shall exercise patience against the troubles with which you afflict us.” (Verse 12 of Surah Ibrahim)
After the sorcerers who had been invited by pharaoh to counter Moses (AS) saw the truthfulness of Moses (AS) they started to believe in God and said in the face of pharaoh’s threats: “We would never prefer you to the miracles that we have seen or to our Creator. Do what you want. This life is only for a short time.” (Verse 72 of Surah Taha)
So learning about the past helps one grow in patience. So does knowing about the future. Prophet Khizr (AS) told Moses (AS) he would not remain patient because he was not aware of the secrets of what he is going to do: “For how can you bear patiently with that which you have never encompassed in your knowledge?” (Verse 68 of Surah Al-Kahf)
Moses (AS) said he would remain patient, God willing. But because of his lack of knowledge about secrets, Moses (AS) lost his patient and protested against what Khizr (AS) did.
4- Attention to Presence of God
If man knows and believes that God is aware of all of his deeds and conducts and even his thoughts, he would exercise patience in the face of hardships and even welcome adversities.
God told Moses and Aron: “Do not be afraid; I Am with you all the time, listening and seeing.” (Verse 46 of Surah Taha)
When the people of Noah (AS) rejected his teachings, God ordered him to build a ship under His watch: “Build the ship under Our eyes and by Our inspiration.” (Verse 37 of Surah Hud)
When Noah began building the arc, unbelievers started mocking him, but what made him steadfast on the path was God’s words about overseeing his work.
5- Attention to divine reward
Among the issues that strengthens the spirit of steadfastness and patience in people is paying attention to the divine rewards because going through difficulties (and remaining grateful to God) will have rewards for one in this world and the next. There are many examples of such rewards mentioned in the Quran.
6- Seeking help in patience and Salah.
Another issue that can help a person become steadfast is seeking help in patience and Salah: “And seek assistance through patience and prayer.” (Verse 45 of Surah Al-Baqarah)
We also read in Surah Al-A’raf: “Seek help from Allah and be patient.” (Verse 128)
It has been said that Imam Ali (AS) sought help from God through Salah when he faced hardships.
Salah connects the infinitely small human being with the infinitely great Creator and helps him have peace in mind: “Remembrance of God certainly brings comfort to all hearts.” (Verse 28 of Surah Ar-Raad)
