The concepts of trial and falsehood in the Holy Qur'an, akin to two steadfast pillars, elucidate the system of creation and divine guidance. Trial is like a mirror that reveals the existential reality of human beings when confronted with good and evil, blessing and affliction; while falsehood is like a shadow that exposes everything severed from truth and ultimate felicity. This writing, relying upon the radiant verses of the Holy Qur'an and profound reflections within Qur'anic lectures, examines these two key concepts and explores their philosophical, mystical, psychological, and sociological dimensions with a comprehensive approach. The objective is to present a coherent and lucid perspective to guide seekers of truth along the path of understanding divine wisdom.
Trial, as an all-encompassing current, embraces all creatures. The Exalted God tests human beings within a network of relationshipsfrom the believer to the non-believer, from parents to children, and from spouses to one another. This test is not only concerned with individual behaviour but also evaluates social interactions and collective modes of living. Human beings, like travellers on the path of perfection, encounter challenges within these trials that manifest at times through divine blessings and at other times through the hardships of life.
This universality is like an ocean whose every wave reflects a part of divine wisdom. From a mystical perspective, trial is a bridge towards divine proximity, a place where through overcoming constrictions, the human reaches the light of knowledge. Psychologically, these tests act as mirrors revealing the inner capacities of individuals for managing emotions and desires. Sociologically, trial serves as a factor that either strengthens social bonds or reveals their weaknesses.
The Holy Qur'an depicts trial in the two aspects of good and evil. Blessings such as knowledge, power, and beauty, and afflictions like poverty, illness, or lifes hardships are each divine tests. God, like a wise gardener, plants the seed of human existence in the crucible of trial through the granting of blessing or affliction, to harvest the fruit of sincerity and piety.
From a mystical viewpoint, these trials pave the way to recognising the true nature of human existence and the degree of reliance on God. Psychologically, good and evil serve as opposing forces that test human capacities for resilience and self-regulation. Sociologically, these trials assist in organising social relations and the equitable distribution of resources.
Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth an adornment for it that We may test them as to which of them is best in deed.
We have placed whatever is on the earth as an adornment for it, to test which of them is best in action.
Earthly blessings, like alluring ornaments, serve as a test of human sincerity. God observes human reactions to the grant of knowledge, power, or beauty: whether these blessings lead to arrogance and boasting or to righteous deeds and gratitude. This test is akin to a scale weighing human piety.
Mystically, blessings are like lights that, if accompanied by gratitude, lead to divine proximity. Psychologically, these trials assist in managing desires and avoiding narcissism. Sociologically, blessings either foster social cohesion or, through misuse, lead to division and inequality.
A lecture example recounts a personal story of an individual who was deprived of education because of his spouses beauty. This blessing, like a double-edged sword, led him to neglect rather than to perfection. This example serves as a warning that blessings, if not wisely managed, may turn into curses.
One dimension of trial is adherence to covenants and oaths. God, like a just judge, tests human commitments. Oaths taken upon the Qur'an or testimony, if sincere, are signs of piety; however, false oaths are veils that conceal the truth.
Mystically, fidelity to covenants reflects a profound bond with God. Psychologically, false oaths damage self-confidence and social credibility. Sociologically, such behaviour either reinforces or undermines public trust.
The lecture cites an example of a person who claims I walk on the Qur'an with both feet yet exposes his impiety. A wise judge, acting as a vigilant observer, deems such a person unreliable, for this conduct is a sign of disrespect toward sacred matters.
Trial by good is like a breeze that can lead a person to negligence, but trial by evil is like a storm that tests perseverance and resilience. Blessings such as a beautiful spouse or wealth, if accompanied by heedlessness, cause deviation; however, afflictions endured with patience and trust lead to perfection.
From a mystical perspective, trial by good tests gratitude and humility, while trial by evil provides an opportunity for divine proximity. Psychologically, blessings risk narcissism, whereas afflictions strengthen psychological resilience. Sociologically, exploitation of blessings results in inequality, but patience in adversity enhances social cohesion.
A lecture narrates the story of a person who attained mysticism and divine proximity due to his spouses afflictions. This hardship was like an alchemy that transformed his being into the light of knowledge.
Trial, whether through good or evil, is like a furnace refining the essence of human existence. Proper confrontation with afflictions leads a person to the heights of perfection, while misuse of blessings drags one into negligence.
Mystically, trial is a path toward divine proximity where through tests, the human reaches the light of knowledge. Psychologically, these trials strengthen resilience and self-awareness. Sociologically, trial assists in regulating relations and reducing inequalities.
The lecture presents an example of an individual who, by enduring his spouses afflictions, attained mysticism and was celebrated as an agent of divine proximity. This instance is like a torch illuminating the path of patience and reliance.
