The Shariah and Its Application

containing both kinds of verses together. Muslims have, therefore, to discover from their own ijtihad which of the injunctions are addressed to them in the particular set of circumstances in which they find themselves. This is the test of the later-day Muslims. Their success lies in their ability to discover that particular injunction which is desirable by God in terms of their circumstances. Their failure lies in their inability to discover this injunction desirable in their changed sets of circumstances. For instance, in terms of their actual state of affairs, the verses of patience and da’wah are applicable to them, yet they are waging war with other nations by referring to the verses on fighting in the Quran. Such an act on their part amounts to their having failed in the divine test. This failure is very grave in nature. This can be likened to a Prophet’s contemporary failing to recognize him as the true Prophet of God. The deprivation resulting from this failure is very serious while the gain resulting from success in recognizing is very great. The Secret of Guidance and Ignorance The Quran states, “By it (the Quran) God causes many to stray and many He leads into the Right Path.” (2:26)