On the other hand...

On the other hand, Allah (awj) must create “problems” at the individual and societal levels (some of which are caused by human choice and some of which are caused by natural means such as natural disasters) so that man can choose a course of action with respect to these problems.

By choosing a course of action with respect to divine law and the aforementioned problems, man actualizes the potential that is hidden within himself, and either proves himself to be worthy of eternal felicity or chastisement. It is for this reason that both the divine law and human tragedy are referred to in Islamic literature by the terms “trial,” “tribulation,” and “test.” To put it simply, Allah (awj) is like a scientist examining each individual human being.

The parameters on which his experiments are based are the shari’ah and human tragedy. Through these two variables, a person’s station with respect to the level of perfection that was intended for him is determined.[^6] To recapitulate, Divine tests are based on the Divine precedent called universal guidance. Through these tests every person comes to know which abode he will enter: the abode of reward or the abode of chastisement.

The Qur`an describes the purpose of these tests in this way: “…so that Allah may purify those who have faith and that He may eradicate the faithless.”[^7] In the course of repeated tests, the superficial faith and deceitful good qualities of the faithless and the hypocrites are extirpated.

Another meaning of the “eradication of the faithless” is mentioned in the verse that says, “the (final) outcome will be in favour of the fear of Allah”[^8] and in the verse that reads, “My righteous servants shall inherit the earth.” [^9] We can recap the positive effects of divine tests in the following two points: They serve to actualize hidden potentials. Imam ‘Ali b.

Abi Talib (ع) says: “It is in extreme circumstances that a man’s true mettle shows itself.”[^10] It is narrated from Imam ‘Ali b. Musa al-Rida (ع) that “People are tested as gold is tested, and they are purified as gold is purified.”[^11] The word fitnah refers to the process of smelting gold ore. Gold ore is melted so that its impurities float to the surface and are removed. Likewise the essence of man is like gold that Allah (awj) wishes to purify.

Meanwhile, the presence of animal-like qualities such as anger and lust pose a major obstacle to his purification.