God's Messengers - Topics for Understanding

Why did the prophets go through difficulty in their lives?

• God tests his prophets in different ways that they go through hardships to deal with the difficulties of their mission, especially as many will face opposition from their communities.
• They had to challenge the existing corruptions, injustice and malpractices in their communities.
• They also go through difficulties to strengthen their faith which will in turn help them to carry on their mission.
• Since all prophets were God’s chosen humans, they were required to endure sufferings in order to emerge successful in their mission of conveying the Divine message to their communities.
• Overcoming adversity and strengthening your faith helps you get closer to God, which is a lesson for all Muslims.
• They had to be tested continuously and repeatedly to strengthen their faith and their closer associated with God.
• Through these, the prophets became role models for the humankind and their followers who continued their mission after them.

God sends humankind messengers from amongst their own communities. Why this is significant?

• Prophets sent from amongst a community will be able to understand the needs and condition of the people which will make it easier for him to teach the message to them in a way that suits them.
• Also, if he is from the community the people are more likely to be able to relate to him as they can see that he is the same as them and he is also able to practise and benefit from the teachings he is giving.
• If angels were sent as opposed to humans, then people may not have been able to see that they can practise the message in their everyday lives, or they may have started to worship the angels instead.

As God’s “representative (khalifa) on Earth” how men and women can serve God?

• Muslims can serve God on earth by understanding and fulfilling their obligation to Him, primarily through praying and fulfilling the five pillars, and by not disobeying His commands.
• They should be grateful to Him for what He has given them, food, shelter, clothing, and thank Him. This can be done by praying, reciting Qur’an, being generous to others, helping those in need, e.g. by feeding the poor, giving gifts and charity.
• They should also look after the provisions God has given them, whether it be the food and the environment it grows in, the knowledge He gives for guidance or the people who are in a person’s life for their help and wellbeing, e.g. by not wasting food or eating too much, by learning something and teaching others, by respecting teachers and colleagues.

‘Undergoing hardships brings a person closer to God.’

Reasons to Agree:

• All prophets were tested which allowed them to get closer to God, likewise humankind now can get closer to their Lord through their hardships, as long as they reflect and understand that God is testing them.
• Also, by remaining patient and steadfast, and not leaving their worship, they will gain rewards and understanding.
• Prophets were tested and remained steadfast, so Muslims should also expect to be tested and they should also remain steadfast.
• Remembrance of God has been declared by the Qur’an as an effective means of enjoying peace of mind. The Holy Qur’an says: “…for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” (13:29, Ar-Ra’d)
• A believer’s faith in the eternal reward in the Hereafter is also strengthened as they remember that the worldly living in temporary. Thus, the believers constantly remember the real life, full of bliss and comfort after their release from this worldly imprisonment.

Reasons to Disagree:

• Not everyone goes through the same hardships, that people are different so they may react differently to hardships so they may not necessarily know they are being tested.
• However, remaining true to prayer, fasting and the Five Pillars is more important and more likely to get a person closer to God.

God’s Messengers experienced trials. How can their responses help Muslims face difficulties in their own lives?

• God sends trials to everyone, including prophets who are closest to Him. So Muslims should realise that going through hardships does not mean that they are far from God, but that being tested means they have an opportunity to become closer to Him.
• Trials are also sent to teach people, so Muslims should try to reflect upon what God is trying to teach them.
• For example, being steadfast in difficulty, not turning away from God, showing patience and having hope of something good coming from their hardship, is expected by God from us.

Using the Qur’an to have a closer connection with God:

• The Qur’an is the word of God, so it gives Muslims a connection to God.
• It contains guidance from God, so it lets them know what God wants and expects from them.
• There is a communication with God through the Qur’an, whether it is through reciting it or using certain passages as supplications.
• Reading it, memorising it, teaching it to others all have benefits and may allow Muslims to increase their connection to God.