An Islamic Perspective on the Current Crisis (Part 5)

3: 139. So, lose not heart nor fall into despair: for ye must gain mastery if ye are true in faith. 

     140. If a wound hath touched you be sure a similar wound hath touched the others.  Such days (of varying fortunes) We give to men and men by turns: that Allah may know those that believe and that He may take to Himself from your ranks martyr-witnesses (to Truth).  And Allah loveth not those that do wrong. 

     141. Allah's object also is to purge those that are true in faith and to deprive of blessing those that resist faith. 

     142. Did ye think that ye would enter heaven without Allah testing those of you who fought hard (in His cause) and remained steadfast? 

     143. Ye did indeed wish for death before ye met him: now ye have seen him with your own eyes (and ye flinch!). 

     144. Muhammad is no more than an Apostle: many were the Apostles that passed away before him.  If he died or were slain will ye then turn back on your heels?  If any did turn back on his heels not the least harm will he do to Allah; but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve him) with gratitude. 

     145. Nor can a soul die except by Allah's leave the term being fixed as by writing.  If any do desire a reward in this life We shall give it to him; and if any do desire a reward in the hereafter We shall give it to him.  And swiftly shall We reward those that (serve Us with) gratitude.