Recently, someone raised an important question. He said, “I’m experiencing a lot of confusion when it comes to matters of religion. The reason is that whenever I start learning from a knowledgeable person, soon after, I come across something on the internet or from another source that contradicts what I learned. This causes me to lose trust and become confused.”
Undoubtedly, this is a real issue. However, this problem only remains a problem as long as we fail to understand the nature of the test Allah has ordained for humans in this world. This test is not only of actions but also of thoughts. Just as in this world the path of purity is open and there are lewdness calling towards indecency; just as it is possible to speak the truth and be honest, while lies, dishonesty, and corruption are also easy route; just as one can choose the way of justice while oppression and tyranny are easier choices; similarly, by Allah’s command, those who call towards truth are present, and so are those who distort falsehood into truth. In this world of God, it is not possible for someone to receive all the truth by birth without having to seek it. It is the responsibility of humans to avoid every misleading path. Investigating is part of the effort. Paradise cannot be attained without it.
The reason is that in this world of trial, it is impossible for Allah to allow only the prophets and the righteous to work freely while shackling the devils and criminals. It would not be fair for those calling towards faith and morality to be given full opportunities, but as soon as someone stands to accuse or slander them, they are silenced. It would not make sense for the path of the righteous to be smoothed by angels, while the paths of liars, deceivers, and those promoting wrong beliefs are blocked by rocks and stones.
This is the reality of the test in this world, which Allah has explained by saying that whenever the call of truth arises, devils from both humans and jinn spring into action to oppose it. Allah Almighty says: “And so We have assigned for every prophet an opponent, Satans from among men and jinn, who make evil suggestions to each other by means of specious words in order to deceive — had it been your Lord’s will, they would not have done so; so leave them alone to their fabrication.” (Al-An’am 6:112)
The same thing is said in Surah Al-Furqan (25:31), where it is mentioned that We have made for every prophet enemies from among the criminals. This principle does not apply only to prophets, but as stated in the hadith: “The scholars are the heirs of the prophets.” Therefore, when the scholars rise with the inheritance of the prophets to call towards faith and morality, the heirs of the devils also rise, armed with slander, false accusations, lies, and deceit, to fight them.
However, as mentioned in the noble verse, if Allah had willed, this would not have happened, but this is all occurring under the wisdom of Allah, which we discussed earlier. This is part of the trial and an essential requirement for salvation. It is the individual’s responsibility to distinguish between the truthful and the false people.
But now, the question arises: How can an ordinary person distinguish between truth and falsehood, right and wrong? After all, everyone stands in the name of truth and righteousness. The answer is simple: A truthful person’s message and methods are always aligned with the principles set by Allah and His beloved Prophet (PBUH). A true caller’s invitation always directs towards the straight path of faith and morality. He does not have any goal other than the worship of Allah, obedience to His Messenger, and the attainment of His highest paradise. He presents his message in accordance with established ethical standards.
In contrast, the followers of devils, no matter how much they invoke the name of Allah and His Messenger, always trample upon established moral values. Lies, deceit, slander, false accusations, and negative propaganda are their tools. Stirring the flames of discord and corruption is their method. Hatred, anger, division, oppression, and bloodshed are the inevitable outcomes of their call. They target people’s lives, wealth, and honor. They are the sickly preachers of sectarianism and prejudice. Their factories of disbelief and heresy produce fatwas (rulings by scholars) by the dozen. They do all this while portraying themselves as the greatest champions of reform and good, and labeling others as the embodiment of evil and misguidance. However, it is the ordinary person’s responsibility never to be swayed by such individuals, but to see who is violating universally accepted moral principles. Who has left the straight path of faith to stand on the crooked road of prejudice? Who is preaching hatred? And whose personality and actions reflect the beloved character of the Last Prophet?
Ordinary people may not have the depth to fully understand intellectual discussions, but they cannot fail to notice violations of accepted human values. If they can do nothing else, they can at least observe who is upholding ethical standards and who is not. If someone lacks even the ability to see this difference, it means they themselves are morally degraded. Those who fall into this pit of degradation have no destiny but the depths of hell. There, they will weep and writhe in eternal torment alongside their false leaders.
Translated by Taqi Ahmed