Malfuzat – Volume III — Page 281
281 clear. Also, one should not be deceived by the word ‘trial’ and think that Allah Almighty, who is the Knower of the unseen and ّ یَعْلَم ُ السِّر َّ وَالْخَفِی (who knows what is hidden and secret), is in need of tests and trials, and without them He remains in a state of ignorance; such an idea is not only wrong, rather leads one to disbe- lief, because one who entertains such a belief, rejects the magnificent attributes of Allah Almighty. The actual purpose of a trial or test is so that hidden realities may become manifest and so that the true nature of the faith possessed by the individual who is confronted with the test are revealed to him; and they, in turn, are able to see the extent to which they are true to God, and sincere and loyal to Him; and so that other people can realise the individual’s merits as well. In short, it is a false notion to conclude that since Allah Almighty tests people, this means that He does not have full knowledge. Allah the Exalted possesses knowledge of even the most minute of things. However, it is necessary for the expression of a person’s various inner states of faith that they are tested and for them to be ground in the mill of tribulation. How wonderfully has someone stated: یں وقم را قح دادہ ادن ک� رہ الب ز� ی � ر ٓاں جنگ رکم اہنبدہ ادن Every trial that God has destined for this people; beneath it is a hidden treasure of divine mercy. Trials and tests are necessary, for without them, hidden realities cannot be unveiled. For the Jewish people, the advent of the Messiah was a great test indeed. Whenever a divinely commissioned one comes from God Almighty, it is certain that he brings tests. The prophecy about the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, being the likeness of Moses as is present in the Torah. However, do the critics not argue as to why Allah Almighty did not use his full name? Why did God not give full information and say that he would be born in the home of Abdullah from the womb of Aminah, and that he would belong to the children of Ishmael; why did God just say that he would be from among your brethren. The fact is that if God Almighty had given information so explicitly, then faith would no longer be faith. You see, an individual who is able to spot the moon of the first night can be deemed sharp of sight. However, if someone were to see the full moon and say that they have also seen the moon, will the people not laugh at such a person? This is precisely the case when it comes to recognising the p. 256