At one point, Satan attempted to test Prophet Jesus (A.S.) by challenging him. He said, “If death and all things are determined by divine destiny, then throw yourself from this height and let’s see if you die.” This challenge presents a profound lesson. Firstly, Satan’s act is an example of deception, known as cerbeze, where truth and falsehood are mixed to mislead.
What astonishes me here is the audacity of Satan’s hope. Whom is he trying to deceive? He is attempting to lead astray a prophet who is divinely protected. Prophets are ma’sum (innocent and free from sin), while the awliya (saints) are mahfuz (protected). Despite knowing this, Satan still hopes to influence them. Do you see Satan’s misplaced hope? Can we learn from this?
Is it possible for a divinely protected prophet to be deceived? Satan, however, doesn’t act based on the outcome. He believes in doing his job and leaves the outcome to Allah. Even Satan, with all his wickedness, demonstrates a level of loyalty and commitment that some of us could learn from.
Consider this carefully: Satan tries to test Prophet Jesus through the concept of destiny. He is tempting Jesus by saying, “Throw yourself down and test Allah’s decree.” Testing Allah in this way is a major misunderstanding. When someone says, “I will perform my duty if Allah does His,” they are essentially testing Allah. And this is a flawed approach.
People sometimes say, “Once things go my way, I will start praying.” This mindset is flawed and rarely succeeds. Many who use such phrases do not succeed because, in trying to test Allah, they are disrespecting His omnipotence and wisdom. It’s like telling Allah, “You fulfill your duty, then I will fulfill mine.” This type of thinking is both disrespectful and unbecoming for a believer.
Prophet Jesus (A.S.) responded to Satan by saying, “Allah tests His servants to see what they will do. It is neither our right nor our place to test Allah.” Just as a teacher tests students, it would be improper for students to test their teacher. When we base our actions on expecting certain outcomes from Allah, we are essentially trying to test Him.
Think about it. If you say, “If things work out for me, I’ll become a better servant to Allah,” you are setting conditions for your devotion. This mindset shows a lack of respect and understanding of Allah’s wisdom and knowledge. Allah already knows the circumstances you face, the number of raindrops that will fall, and the condition of your heart. He has placed you in this test knowingly, and He expects you to turn to Him regardless of your situation.
This is why Prophet Jesus’s story is so valuable as an example. Even if a person considers themselves pious or knowledgeable, testing Allah’s plans or questioning His wisdom is disrespectful. We fall into disrespect when we limit or question Allah’s infinite power and wisdom. It is important to remember that Allah created every situation we face, and it is up to us to act within that reality with patience and faith.
Let us take this lesson seriously. We must avoid mixing up our responsibilities with Allah’s. Our duty is to put forth our best effort without trying to control the results. The outcome belongs to Allah alone. Whether He wills a crowd or a quiet gathering is His choice, and it is beyond our understanding. Testing or doubting Allah’s judgment is a sign of pride and is ultimately a form of ingratitude.
In all our actions, let us remember to strive with the awareness that outcomes rest in Allah’s hands. This is a lesson of humility and trust, guiding us to fulfill our roles without expecting specific results. As believers, we do not demand rewards for our efforts. Rather, we act out of a desire for Allah’s pleasure, knowing that our sincere efforts, not outcomes, are what truly count in His sight.