Reflection on the article ‘The Tests”

In his article titled named ‘The Test’ published in 92th Issue of the bimonthly periodical Fountain Fethullah Gulen elaborated on various tests that we have to pass and endure throughout our lives. This is a very meaningful and important article to read. It can help you to change your perception about hardships and problems of life, to look at things from different angle, and to discover hidden meanings in obvious matters. Let me summarize this article.

During our lives we always have to pass different kinds of tests. Some are obvious such as tests we have to take to enter the school, to graduate, or to pass the exam. Some are figurative, such as illnesses, being fired from work and all kinds of different everyday problems anyone can encounter. Some tests are short, and some tests seem to never end. Some of them are relatively easy like cutting your finger when cooking and some are very difficult like losing your loved one. Some of them you expect and for some of them you are completely unprepared. For example, one of the most difficult tests is sudden betrayal of person who you considered to be your friend. Such a hard test might break your faith in people and make you an estranged individual for your entire life. All tests are different; however, all of them have common important aim – to make you a stronger and better person than before. Also by the help of these tests we gain experience and learn to distinguish things, for example, evil from virtue, loyalty from betrayal, and carnal obsession from pure love. Without these tests, we would always remain tiny baby birds that cannot make a single step outside their nests.

As Fethullah Gulen beautifully puts it “A human being is purified through tests and gets hold of his or her inner essence, thus their life is saved from stagnancy and becomes colorful. Our spirit matures in the face of tests and becomes prepared for bigger challenges, as the bigger the tests and harder the questions are, the more entitled the human is to pass the class and to rise higher in the school of human values and perfection.” I especially liked these two sentences of the article: “Refinement of the individual and empowerment of the society cannot take place without tests. Only souls who have been burdened and pressured by tests can coil like a spring, thrust like an arrow, and reach their target with the blink of an eye.” These two sentences contain very deep meaning that can help us to pass any test our life gives us. If we feel saddened and depressed, remembering them can recharge our powers to overcome further struggles with new energy and zeal.

Lastly, I would like to draw your attention to one very significant point of the article. It is very important to distinguish between two kinds of tests. There are some tests that call you for action. For example, if you fail an important exam, by looking at your mistakes, you will know what you should study in order to pass the next one. And some tests, like the death of your loved one, are just what you have to endure silently. In such situations, there is nothing you can do except enduring and saying:

“A reprimand from Your Majesty
or a favor from Your Grace;
Both are a pleasure for my soul;
How pleasant is Your grace
How pleasant is Your wrath”

To those who can endure silently such difficult moments without lamenting and cursing, God will surely give mercy and strength.

The article ‘The Test’ contains other important ideas and points. To read the entire article, please click the following link: https://www.fountainmagazine.com/Issue/detail/the-test-2013