FITNAH (TRIALS)

 FITNAH' - A DEEPER MEANING BEHIND OUR TRIALS

"...We test you with evil and good as a trial (fitnatan)..." (21:35)

"...Nay it is a trial (fitnatan), but most of them do not know it" (39:49)

"We shall send the She-camel as a trial (fitnatan) for them..." (54:27)

"...your wealth and your children are only a trial (fitnatan)..." (64:15)

The Arabic word 'fitnah' is a nuanced expression and carries different meanings depending on context.

However, in light of the above verses, it is interesting to note that the word is actually derived from its primary signification meaning to burn something in the fire. This is attested by various Quranic verses and noted by grammarians.

However, the purpose of melting or smelting with fire as generally understood (usually with gold and silver) is done with a view to separate the good from the bad or to ascertain the degree of goodness.

In this way, trials can be seen as a means of purification, to separate good from the bad.

As noted by grammarians and lexicographers

"Fitnatan = a burning with fire. (T.). And The melting of gold and of silver (K, TA) in order to separate, or distinguish, the bad from the good. (TA.) - And [hence, or] from فَتَنَ signifying “ he melted, ” (T,) or from that verb as signifying“ he put into the fire (Msb,) gold, and silver for that purpose, (T, Msb,) it signifies A trial, or probation; (IAar, T, S, M, K, TA;) and affliction, distress, or hardship; (TA;) and [particularly] an affliction whereby one is tried, proved, or tested: (IAar, T, S, K, TA:) this is the sum of its meaning in the language of the Arabs: (T, TA: *)" [1]

"...or, as some say, and we purified thee with a [thorough or an effectual] purifying [like that of gold, or silver, by means of fire]: (TA:) [in many instances] فَتَنَهُ, aor. فَتِنَ , [inf. n. فَتْنٌ,] signifies He tried, or tested, him; whence, in the Kur 9:127, يُفْتَنُونَ means They are tried, or tested, by being summoned to war, against unbelievers or the like; or, as some say, by the infliction of punishment or of some evil thing.

 (M.) فَتَنْتُم

" [2]

Our trials are indeed designed to test our resolve but not without purpose. They also have the ability to separate the impurities within us and purify us in a manner no different from the smelting of gold and silver which is carried out with a view to distinguish good from the bad.