“The lightning almost snatches away their sight. Every time it lights [the way] for them, they walk therein; but when darkness comes over them, they stand [still]…” Chapter 2 Al Baqarah, verse 20.
This verse indicates another characteristic of hypocrisy which muslims must avoid. Whenever they experience times of ease, which is compared to a bright lightning flash in this verse, they walk the correct path pleased with what Allah, the Exalted, has granted them. But when they face the darkness of difficulties, which all must face, they stubbornly stand still and refuse to continue acting in the obedience of Allah, the Exalted. Chapter 22 Al Hajj, verse 11:
“And of the people is he who worships Allah on an edge. If he is touched by good, he is reassured by it; but if he is struck by trial, he turns on his face. He has lost [this] world and the Hereafter. That is what is the manifest loss.”
These people treat Allah, the Exalted, like a shop-keeper and expect Him to always bless them with good times in exchange for their insignificant and paltry good deeds. They behave as if they do Allah, the Exalted, a favour through their deeds as if He needs them. This is a foolish mentality to adopt as Allah, the Exalted, is independent of the entire creation. The righteous deeds of people only benefit them as they will be rewarded for it. It is important to understand that this world is an abode created for the purpose of tests and trials. In fact, the most beloved group to Allah, the Exalted, namely, the Holy Prophets, peace be upon them, were tested the most. This is confirmed in a Hadith found in Sunan Ibn Majah, number 4023. If this is true regarding the Holy Prophets, peace be upon them, how can muslims believe they will escape tests and trials?
It is the duty of a muslim to remain obedient to Allah, the Exalted, by fulfilling His commands, refraining from His prohibitions and by facing destiny with patience under all conditions. This involves facing times of ease with gratitude and facing difficult times with patience. This will ensure they receive blessings and reward throughout their lives which has been indicated in a Hadith found in Sahih Muslim, number 7500.
This verse also indicates the importance of gaining and acting on useful knowledge in order to achieve certainty of faith. Those who possess weak faith behave similarly to those mentioned in this verse. When they experience times of ease their faith appears strong and powerful like a flash of lightning. But when they face difficulties the weakness of their faith is revealed as they remain lost and confused in darkness. Only through strong faith and the mercy of Allah, the Exalted, can a muslim overcome the tests and difficulties experienced in both times of ease and difficulty.
PodTafseer: Al-Baqarah – Part 24: https://youtu.be/eCxALvd_Suc
PodTafseer: Al-Baqarah – Part 24: https://fb.watch/3W2ztsim0U/
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