This book aims to make Muslims aware of the characteristics of trials (fitan) as described in the Prophetic Sunnah, so that they recognise them and beware of them — paying them no heed in word or deed, fleeing from them, keeping away from them and warning others — which is only possible with the light of knowledge and faith.
The book presents twelve characteristics of trials in the Sunnah: much killing and bloodshed; punishment in this world; the decline of trustworthiness and the breaking of covenants; the sifting of people; darkness and blackness; enveloping people like canopies and shadows; being blind, deaf and dumb; being many and widespread like rain; being violent and swift like summer winds; surging like the waves of the sea; being presented to hearts like a woven mat, strand by strand; and each making the one before it seem light.
The author recommends that warning against trials be taught in school curricula, university courses and research in higher education. The book offers rich knowledge of its subject in simple language, combining thoroughness with brevity — a hallmark of the author's writing.
