When the days of separation come the people can be...

When the days of separation come the people can be distinguished as they differ from one another, for a man’s true worth is known only in a moment of crisis: thus, one's nature which was unknown before, is now revealed to others and, sometimes, even to himself. The day of Ashura was one such day. It divided the people into three groups. One was seduced by the world so they succumbed to their vain desires and were destroyed.

Another group freed themselves from the grip of their desires and managed to weather the test, albeit with great effort and suffering. All the same, they were able to land safely and meet God at the end. A third group hastened to meet their Lord unencumbered by other considerations and without any difficulty, suffering or indecision. They separated themselves from the object of trial as a hair comes out of sour milk.

These three conditions with regard to turning towards or away from God are found at all times and places, although people are not usually differentiated from one another. It is the days of separation that differentiate people. Now let us ponder upon these three classes of people that the day of Ashura unveiled. First class This is the group that failed the test.

On analysis we find that: (i) This class of people did not like to be consumed by tribulation in the initial stage, nor reject the truth, nor disregard God. In fact, they loved God and pursued the truth, as this is something that is implanted by God Most High in the very nature of every human being. (ii) They desired that God should bestow upon them the good of this world and the next, so that they may enjoy both.

This desire is part of the innate nature of mankind and forms part of our psychological reality. (iii) The drive towards this world was stronger in the minds of these people than the drive towards God, but they were not cognizant of this fact before they reached the crossroads (the point of separation). Others were also not aware of this trait that was found in this group till they also reached the point of separation.

The point of separation disgraced them before others and acquainted them with their own reality. Second class This group reached the point of safety although with much difficulty. Analysis shows that: (i) This group desired to enjoy the world and its pleasures and did not hold any aversion to worldly pleasures as relished by all people.