THE RECOGNITION OF TRUTH
A Test
WHEN the Prophet first brought God’s message to the people, there were many who opposed him. When he conveyed the message they said, “It is witchcraft.” They also asked, “Why was this Qur’an not revealed to some great man of the two towns?” (43: 31) God answered them thus: Is it they who apportion your Lord’s blessings? It is We Who apportion to them their livelihoods in this world, exalting some in rank above others, so that the one may take the other into his service. Better is your Lord’s mercy than all their hoarded treasures. (43: 31-32)
The “two towns,” Makkah and Taif, were central cities in ancient Arabia, where certain citizens like Walid ibn Mughirah and Utbah ibn Rabia in Makkah and Urwah ibn Masood and Ibn Abd Yalayl in Taif, enjoyed the status of acknowledged leaders (akabirs). They were held in high esteem and were looked up to by the people for guidance. That is why when “Muhammad ibn Abdullah” claimed to be the Prophet, people failed to understand how that could be possible, when he was not one of the acknowledged leaders.
To be able to perceive the truth for what it is, is one of the most important tests set for man by his Maker. That is why this ever-recurring test will confront man till Judgement Day itself
The truth is generally accepted when projected as such by some established and influential personality. But acknowledgement of the truth—and here is the greatest test for man—is valid only when the truth recommends itself by virtue of its own merit; when it is perceptible as such without the say-so of men of fame and status.
To be able to perceive the truth for what it is, is one of the most important tests set for man by his Maker. That is why this ever-recurring test will confront man till Judgement Day itself: Those who consistently measure up to it will succeed: Those who do not will fail.
To accept the truth on the basis of its visible grandeur is to judge by mere externals. Such an acknowledgement is valueless in the eyes of God. The true believer is one who accepts God’s reality before any visible signs appear to support it.
This world is a world of trial, in which God appears only to those who have the ability to penetrate the divine disguise.