ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Anecdotes for Reflection Part 1 Examination ============== Allah, the Wise, has said: الَّذِي خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَ الْحَياَةَ لِيَبْلَوَكُم اَيُّكُم اَحْسَنُ عَمَلاً (Who created death and life that He may try you (to prove) which of you is best in deeds; and He is the Mighty, the Forgiving) [^1] Imam Sajjad (a.s.) said: اِنَّماَ خَلَقَ الدُّنْياَ وَ اَهْلَهاَ لِيَبْلُوَهُم فِيهَا (Allah created the world and its inhabitants in order to examine them in it.) [^2] Short Explanation Man faces different types of examination in the world.

He is tested through fear, hunger, diseases, death of one’s near and dear ones, financial constraints, false accusations, evil neighbours, and so on Since this world is a place of deeds and examinations, blessed and happy are those who do not fail at any stage of life. On one occasion, a person is tested by means of wealth and on another occasion by indigence. He achieves success by resorting to thanksgiving during affluence and patience during poverty.

Everyone, without exception, is subjected to trials and examinations which vary only in their ‘quality’ and ‘quantity’. Do you not see how some people, who are accustomed to boasting, lose their patience and fail miserably in the face of examinations? Haroon Makki Sahl Khorasani approached Imam Sadiq (a.s.) and complained: “Why is it that in spite of the truth being on your side, you do not stage an uprising?

At the present time, there are one hundred thousand of your Shiites, who upon your orders, would immediately unsheathe their swords for battle.” The Imam (a.s.), with the intention of giving him a practical answer, ordered the furnace to be lighted. He then instructed Sahl to jump into the flames. Sahl said, “O’ My Master! May God shower you with His grace and favours! Do not place me in the fire.

I take back my words and request you to withdraw your instruction too.” Meanwhile, one of the sincere companions of the Imam (a.s.), by the name of Haroon Makki, happened to arrive. Just as he entered, the Imam (a.s.) told him to take off his shoes and walk into the hot furnace. As soon as Haroon heard the Imam’s (a.s.) order, he entered the furnace and sat within the flames.

The Imam (a.s.) then turned to Sahl and started to brief him about the circumstances prevailing in Khorasan, as if he had been there to witness the events taking place.

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