Sura 22, Pilgrimage (Al-Hajj / الحج), verses 52 informs us of God’s system in this world.
22:52 We did not send before you any messenger, nor a prophet, without having the devil interfere in his wishes. GOD then nullifies what the devil has done. GOD perfects His revelations. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.
When Satan asked God for a respite after refusing to prostrate before Adam, God granted him a respite and allowed him to present his case to Adam and his descendants in an attempt to sway them to his point of view (7:14-17). The purpose of this world is for us to decide who we want to select as our ruler, either God alone or if we choose any other entity then we would be ultimately selecting Satan (36:60). Only by having both arguments presented can we make an honest decision. Despite Satan’s evidence invariably being based on lies, these schemes are permitted to expose the hypocrites who do not sincerely believe in God alone nor the Hereafter,
22:53 He thus sets up the devil’s scheme as a test for those who harbor doubts in their hearts, and those whose hearts are hardened. The wicked must remain with the opposition. 22:54 Those who are blessed with knowledge will recognize the truth from your Lord, then believe in it, and their hearts will readily accept it. Most assuredly, GOD guides the believers in the right path. As for those who disbelieve, they will continue to harbor doubts until the Hour comes to them suddenly, or until the retribution of a terrible day comes to them.
While Satan has been granted this privilege in this world, in the Hereafter all sovereignty belongs to God. So while one is free to choose if they want to choose God or Satan as their lord in this world, in the Hereafter the only Master is God alone.
22:56 All sovereignty on that day belongs to GOD, and He will judge among them. As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, they have deserved the gardens of bliss. 22:57 While those who disbelieved and rejected our revelations have incurred a shameful retribution.
Then the following verses discuss individuals striving and emigrating in the cause of God and dying or getting killed in the process.
22:58 Those who emigrate for the sake of GOD, then get killed, or die, GOD will surely shower them with good provisions. GOD is certainly the best Provider. 22:59 Most assuredly, He will admit them an admittance that will please them. GOD is Omniscient, Clement.
Then another example is presented showing that it is permissible for one to retaliate in kind to an injustice that was inflicted upon them and that if someone does this and is persecuted because of it that God will support them.
22:60 It is decreed that if one avenges an injustice that was inflicted upon him, equitably, then is persecuted because of this, GOD will surely support him. GOD is Pardoner, Forgiving.
Then the next verse upon first glance may seem a little out of place. As it states that this is because God merges the night into the day and the day into the night.
22:61 It is a fact that GOD merges the night into the day, and merges the day into the night, and that GOD is Hearer, Seer.
This may seem inapplicable to the previous verses, but upon closer analysis, we see that this is a metaphor for God’s system. The night symbolizes defeat, while the light symbolizes victory. Therefore, God alternates the days of victory and defeat for the believers to determine the sincerity of our faith. This is to determine whom we call upon when things get dire. Do we stay committed to God alone, the only One who can help us in such situations, or do we look for help from other than God?
22:62 It is a fact that GOD is the Truth, while the setting up of any idols beside Him constitutes a falsehood, and that GOD is the Most High, the Supreme.
Conclusively, if God supports a person, no one can defeat them. Therefore such a person who has God’s support will be victorious, but the question is if they will be steadfast to see God’s victory to its end.
3:160 If GOD supports you, none can defeat you. And if He abandons you, who else can support you? In GOD the believers shall trust.
In order to determine this, it is God’s system that He alternates the days of victory and defeat among the people to distinguish the true believers from the rest.
3:140 If you suffer hardship, the enemy also suffers the same hardship. We alternate the days of victory and defeat among the people. GOD thus distinguishes the true believers, and blesses some of you with martyrdom. GOD dislikes injustice.
47:31 We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities.