MAD MAC,
I can't speak for Hamas, but it's universally known that the trial is a precursor to victory.......that way the people who truly believe in Islam remain in Islam whereas the people who didn't truly believe are deluded.....a crucible........it might not be apparent to the person who believes in only the "here & now", but Muslims will undergo all sorts of vicious trials as decreed by God.
I thought you owned a Quran
Anyways here are some examples.....:
"We will most certainly test you with fear and hunger and loss of property, lives and fruits but give good news to the patient." (2:155)
"Do you think that you shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Messenger and those of faith who were with him cried: "When (will come) the help of Allah?" Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!" (2:214)
"You will certainly be tried respecting your wealth and your souls." (3:186)
"Do men think that they will be left alone saying, We believe, and not be tried?" (29:2)