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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Philosophy of Islamic Laws Question 29: Why Does Allah Subject People To Tests? Question: Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: Who created death and life that He may try you — which of you is best in deeds …[^1] Now the question is that testing is required by one who is not aware of something and one who is not aware of the result. While for Allah apparent and hidden is all same and whatever it is in the Heavens and the earth; nothing is hidden from Him.

Then why is it necessary for Him to test His servants? Answer: We should keep in mind that the purpose of test and trial by Allah is something different. The man himself because of his deficiency and lack of wisdom and understanding is compelled go through the test to find out the truth, and to remove all kinds of ambiguity. However, such a situation is impossible for Allah.

He is well aware of everything in the light of His unprecedented and unlimited knowledge, therefore in that sense, His taking a test is not akin to wisdom. Rather, the test is in some other sense and for some other purpose, the explanation of which is given below: (1) This can be explained in a way that when a person is born, there are so many capabilities and astonishing potentialities in his nature. All the human perfections and ethical proficiencies are hidden in him in the form of talent.

And his temperament is made from that. These capabilities are like yarns under the ground, which do not come out without proper means and do not reach up to the stage of power and excellence. This is a matter of commonsense that, as long as these capabilities are not coming into open, till the time, evolution and excellence and as a result of it, reward and blessing cannot have a visible existence.

The purpose of such tests is the upbringing of humans and cause to grow up in him high quality of virtues. If these responsibilities and tests were not there in the existence of man there the capabilities would never have become apparent. It could never have been visualized and no one would have been eligible for reward. This is mentioned by Amir al-Mu’mineen (a.s.) in a short but very meaningful way in a paragraph in Nahjul Balagha . He says: “Never say that, O Allah!

I seek refuge from tests and trials from You, because, there is no one who is not put to trials, rather, while doing prayers (or asking for favors) say this that, O Allah!