a person approaching, only for it to be the trunk of a palm tree. And how often does a person see what is still as moving, and what is moving as still. But Allah’s report is never subject to uncertainty. Therefore, we ask Allah to grant us and you steadfastness. The believer is more certain of Allah’s report, more ready to accept it, and more believing in it than he is of what he sees with his own eyes.
“And from the trials of life and death, and from the trial of the False Messiah; and he supplicates with what has been transmitted.”
His statement, “and from the trials of life and death,” is coordinated with “from the punishment of Hell.” What is meant by trial is a person’s testing in his religion, during his life and after his death. The trial of life is immense and severe, and few escape it except those whom Allah wills. It revolves around two matters:
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Doubts.
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Desires.
As for doubts, they affect a person’s knowledge, so that truth becomes confused with falsehood: he sees falsehood as truth and truth as falsehood. When he sees truth as falsehood, he avoids it; and when he sees falsehood as truth, he acts upon it. As for desires, they affect a person’s will, so that he desires, through his appetites, what has been forbidden to him. This is a tremendous trial. How many people regard usury as profit and thus engage in it! How many regard cheating people as cleverness and skill in buying and selling, and so they cheat! How many regard looking at women as pleasure, enjoyment, and freedom, and so allow themselves to gaze at women! Indeed, how many drink wine, considering it pleasure and merriment! And how many regard instruments of amusement and musical instruments as an art to be taught, for which certificates and ranks are awarded!
As for the trial of death, the scholars differed concerning it, holding two views (1):