- Category: CALAMITIES - Trials
- Language: ENGLISH
- Format: PDF
The linguistic meaning of fitnah is testing, afflictions, and trials. It is derived from fitnatul fiddati wa-thahab (the testing of gold and silver when they are melted under heat to distinguish the pure parts from the impurities). Also, fitnah linguistically means burning as in the saying of Allaah (SWT):
«(It will be) a Day when they will be tried (i.e. burnt) [yuftanoon] over the Fire!» Surah ath-Thaariyat (51:13).
As to the legal or Islamic meaning of fitnah, fitnah in essence has the same meaning as the linguistic definition. Allaah made it clear in His book that the testing of His slaves is a universal way, not changed nor altered.
That is why the word fitnah came in the Qur’an to mean trial, testing, and distinguishing. Allaah (SWT) said:
«Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: “We believe,” and will not be tested (yuftanoon)?» Surah al-Ankabut (29:2).
Also, the saying of Allaah:
«Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall make a trial (fitnah) of you with evil and with good, and to Us you will be returned.» Surah al-Anbiya’ (21:35).
In addition, the term fitnah came to mean burning and punishment in the fire, as Allaah said:
«”Taste you your trial (burning) [fitnatakum]! This is what you used to ask to be hastened!”» Surah ath-Thaariyat (51:14).
The word fitnah also came in the Qur’an to have other meanings, including shirk (association in worship).
