The Green Announcement — Page 15
15 If past Prophets and Saints had not faced these difficul- ties, they would not have attained the high status they did through the blessings of their trials. Their ordeals set the seal on their perfect obedience, firm resolve, and readi- ness to offer the ultimate sacrifice. In the face of adversity they displayed wonderful steadfastness, complete obedi- ence and true love. They were caught in terrible storms, enveloped by darkness, shaken by earthquakes, ridiculed, and considered liars and deceitful and dishonourable, and deserted by everyone. For a time, they were even deprived of the Divine support in which they put all their trust, and all at once He seemed to withdraw His sustenance, as though in anger, and left them in difficulty and sorrow, as though they had become deserving of His wrath. He ap- peared indifferent to them and did not seem to care for them in the least, and seemed instead to show concern for their enemies. Thus their trial was drawn out and one or- all night and was overwhelmed by grief and anguish as if in the throes of death. All night he cried and beseeched his Lord to let the cup that he was destined to drink pass from him. But, despite his many prostrations, his prayer was not heard, because prayers that are offered during trials are not accepted. We should also not forget the sufferings endured by our lord and mas- ter, pride of the Messengers, and seal of the Prophets, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, during his times of trial. At one such time, he prayed, "My Lord! I complain to you of my weak- ness and confess my helplessness at your threshold. My humble state is known to You. I am ready to bear every hardship until You are pleased with me, and I have no strength other than You. " [Author]