By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, March 11, GNA – Sheikh Ahmed Adjei Adjetey, Greater Accra Regional Imam of the Ghana Muslim Mission (GMM), has urged Muslims to be steadfast, learn and position themselves to pass the tests and trials of life to enjoy the fruits of it.
He said as Muslims it was important to acknowledge the fact that the entire life of man was full of trials and tests, hence they must be steadfast and position themselves to pass these tests.
Speaking at the annual Ramadan lecture series organised by the GMM in Accra, on the topic: “Defining and explaining what trial or test stands for”, he said as Muslims they must understand that the purpose of their creation as human beings was to worship Allah as stated in Quran chapter 51 Verse 56.
He said, “The purpose of creation is to worship Allah, and the purpose of worship is to attain piety and that is why Allah in his wisdom and mercy for believers gave us Ramadan and He made it compulsory for us to benefit from it.”
Sheikh Adjetey said the Muslim must also understand that this life was not meant to be the abode of peace. “It is the testing ground and abode of trials.”
He said what constituted trials or tests differed from one person to another, but every person was tested or experienced trial in some form or many forms.
According to him, trials were not necessarily delivered in proportion to ones mistakes. “In fact, they may not have anything to do with our mistakes, but they may be presented as an opportunity to scale the obstacle and reach something better on the other side.”
The Regional Imam said in Islam the words test (Balaa), and trial (Fitnah) were two different Arabic words used interchangeably by English translators of the Quran.
“Balaa are tests we all have to deal with because they are part of the fabric of being human and it is used in specific instances, and Fitnah is a trial designed to separate true believers from disbelievers, and it is broad and used in many general instances.”
Sheikh Adjetey noted that ‘Balaa’ is also meant to strengthen the faith of believers and increase their reliance of Allah. “And this can take many forms, including physical, financial, the loss of loved ones, among others.”
“While ‘Fitnah’ is the trial often associated with temptation, deception and confusion. “Its purpose is to determine if someone is a true believer or just providing a lip service.”
He added that “even though trials or tests are not necessarily delivered in proportion to one’s mistakes, it can however, come out of one’s mistakes or negligence, or may come as a natural cause. But everything is in the knowledge of Allah.”
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Botchway, Member, Greater Accra Regional Imam’s Council, GMM speaking on the topic ‘Available remedies to apply in pursuing steadfastness in times of trial’, said in every trial and test, Muslims or believers must have reliance in Allah and be patient.
He said, “in times of trials and tests the Muslim must be aware that Shaitan is their enemy, hence will try everything possible to cause them to deviate from trusting in Allah.”
“The believer in times of trials and tests, must also engage a lot in the remembrance of Allah, be selective in their consultation for guidance and recognize the fact that everything they possess belongs to Allah.”
GNA