Therefore the verse ends in the good news...

Therefore the verse ends in the good news: ``And give glad tidings to the patients.'' [ 167 ] VERSE NO. 156 Here in this verse the patients are introduced as: ``Those who, when afflicted with a misfortune will say: to Allah we belong, and to Him is our return.'' VERSE NO.

157 Here is mentioned the Grace of God and HIS Mercy by which the patients and the steadfasts are rewarded saying: ``Those are they on whom descends blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones who are truly guided.'' NOTES: 1- WHY SHOULD GOD EXAMINE HIS SERVANTS? The first question that puts its foot forth in this regard, is that an examiner wants to know something which he knows it not of the examined. He puts someone under the test, because of his lack of information.

However this comes not true in the case of the All-Knowing and Omnipotent Creator of the Universe. Why should such an All-Knowing God put HIS servants under test or exams? In answer to this question we may say: TRUE! Man's examination arises from his want of knowledge and lack of information, but God's trial is not on that account. He tests His servants in order to nurture and nourish them. To train them and bring them up.

The purpose of God's examination is to increase the skill and experience, and to disclose and put to work the hidden abilities of Man. Man goes under the tests of God as a piece of steel goes to the furnace, for more and further treatments, or it could be taken as similar to maneuver practiced by the soldiers.

They perform a series of various movements in their maneuver, as training and for the purpose of developing the skill and abilities of the army, and bringing them up in art and technical proficiency. GOD'S EXAMINATION IS GENERAL The system of life in Universe, is the system of evolution and development. All the moving creatures are traversing the road of [ 168 ] evolution and development.

Therefore, all the people even the apostles and prophets have to be tested in order to reach their higher destiny and position, and to exhibit their natural talents and put to function their hidden abilities.

Allah's tests are of various natures and qualities, sometimes HE tests His servant through fear, hunger, loss of property and even loss of life; and sometimes HE may put HIS servants on trials on account of rank and wealth, strength and health; whatsoever it be, God's test is common and for all, and it is in fact a means for development and evolution.