Article appeared Friday, May 4th, 2018 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (523) yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

To test competence, we humans design and conduct a multitude of tests and assessments for
ourselves. So, during the course of our brief individual life on earth, we undergo a variety of
tests. The focus question of this article, however, is whether our brief sojourn on earth itself is a
test? If so, is there a purpose behind the test and what/who would define success?

Before looking for a purpose, let us first look for logic and references on whether life itself is a
test. To develop logic, we need some facts. Let us consider the following. We exist and have an
intelligent consciousness. As we did not have a hand in giving our self birth, an unknown
external force – a force that would have to be highly intelligent, powerful and uncreated must be
responsible for bringing us into existence from nothing. The question is, would this force or
rather, all-powerful Being create intelligent life without a reason or a definite purpose? Would
this purpose give each individual life a meaning? As we have free-will would it be logical for the
Being or God, as we generally refer to Him, to test whether we choose to fulfill His purpose – as
we may choose to give objects, other than He, including our individual self more importance?

Is He likely to check how we individually react to Him? Is He likely to be pleased if we

individually do things for Him, by way of gratitude, for the unique and intelligent existence?
Having originated everything we have, would this be a natural or logical consequence?

Positive psychologists, on the other hand, have discovered {1} that people who believe that
their life has a purpose or meaning lead fuller and happier lives. People who cannot find their
purpose or are unable to attach meaning to their life are prone to depression and live with a
feeling of dissatisfaction with whatever they do. What could be the highest purpose of an
individual life? Could the purpose be something to do with God Himself?

Can we find references to whether life is a test? From his study of Biblical Scriptures, Pastor
Rick Warren {2} concludes that Life on Earth is a Test in his article with the same title.
“…you will be tested by God as he develops your character, faith, obedience, love,
integrity, and loyalty. Words like trials, temptations, refining, and testing occur more than
200 times in the Scripture…Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of
life is a test. You are always being tested. God constantly watches your response to
people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather! He
even watches the simplest actions such as when you open a door for others, when you
pick up a piece of trash, or when you're polite toward a clerk or waitress.” {2}

As an example of how God has tested loyalty, Warren quotes {2} from the Bible.
“God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his
heart.” [2 Chronicles 32:31, NLT] {2}

God administers tests and checks how our hearts respond. For example, when adversity
strikes, instead of developing patience while trusting God, one may panic in effect turning away
from Him. The Al-Qur’an therefore points out that intentions will be checked when tests are
administered.
“Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, "We believe" and that they will not
be tested? We did test those before them and Allah will certainly know those who are
true from those who are false.” [29.2 – 29.3]
When we approach God only when in need, who is always the intended beneficiary? If we only
think of ourselves, can such an attitude be classified as belief? As an example, if we say we
love someone, but only think of ourselves, can it be love? If we have no consideration for God,
e.g., do not consider why He made us or do not fear Him as the All-Powerful Creator, can it be
belief?

When we work for a company, we generally make efforts to please the boss. The boss has
honored us with existence in the company. If the boss is pleased could there be a greater honor
in the company? Could the relationship between man and Creator be any different? How may
the Creator react if His creation attempted to please Him?

So could the objective of intelligent humans be to please the Creator – could this give meaning
to an individual’s life? The opportunity to please the Creator definitely presents itself. Just like
students can witness the qualities of their teacher, God’s intelligent creation have the
opportunity to witness the qualities and attributes of the Creator. If God is pleased with a human
being, could there a higher honor? Could dedication to God give meaning to a person’s life?

What could dedication to God involve? For example, how could scientists dedicate themselves
to God? Once scientists discover and publish new facts about the universe, would it be
appropriate for them to credit God for the ingenuity and precision with which He has built the
universe? When we reflect on the blessings that God has given us, would it be right to privately
and publicly acknowledge what He has done? This would help towards developing a correct
understanding of the purpose of the test and develop our faith in Him.

As an example of patience and forbearance, the Al-Qur’an puts forward the tests given to
Prophet Job. With the loss of his family, loss of wealth and his long affliction, Job did not panic –
he kept his focus on God and constantly sought His Mercy.

21.83 “And (remember) Job when he cried to his Lord, "Truly distress has seized
me but You are the Most Merciful of those that are merciful."”
Being pleased with Prophet Job’s demonstration of faith and loyalty, God not only restored what
he had lost but doubled His Blessings.

21.84 “So We listened to him: We removed the distress that was on him and We
restored his people to him and doubled their number as a Grace from Ourselves
and a thing for commemoration for all who serve Us.
The Al-Qur’an therefore guides,
“Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or
lives, or the fruits (of hard work) but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.
Who say when afflicted with calamity, "To Allah we belong and to Him is our return."
They are those who gain blessings from Allah and Mercy and they are the ones that
receive guidance.” [2.155 – 2.157]
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{Notes}:
{1} https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201411/5-questions-test-your-
sense-meaning-in-life
{2} http://pastorrick.com/devotional/english/life-on-earth-is-a-test