The Philosophy of Islamic Teachings (25)
The fifth means of attaining the goal of life ordained by the Exalted God consists in sacrifice for His cause; that is, we should seek God by spending our wealth in His cause, using our faculties in furthering His cause, sacrificing our lives for Him and employing our reason in His name; as He says:
"And strive with your possessions and your persons for the sake of Al'lah" (9:41).
and:
"Whatever We have bestowed upon you in intelligence and knowledge, in understanding and art, employ it in Our Cause" (2:4).
"As for those who strive in Our way, let them know that We shall indeed guide them in Our paths" (29:70).
Perseverance constitutes the sixth means to achieve this goal, giving us to understand that the one who seeks God should not grow weary or despair, nor feel fear of being tested, as God says:
"To those who affirm, "God is our Lord," and turn away from false gods and are steadfast, that is, remain steadfast under trials and misfortunes, angels will descend to reassure them, saying, "Do not fear, nor grieve, but be happy; rejoice that you have inherited the joy that was promised to you. We are your friends in this life and in the next" (41:3132).
These verses indicate that it is through constancy that one is able to please God. It is true, as already stated, that steadfastness is more than a miracle. The perfection of steadfastness is proved when one is surrounded by misfortunes, and life, honour and good name are in danger for the sake of Al'lah, and there are no means of comfort available to us, so that even visions, dreams and revelations are suspended by God to test us, leaving us abandoned in the face of terrible dangers. It is at this time that we should not become disheartened, nor shrink back like cowards, nor let our faith be put in the slightest doubt. We should not allow our sincerity and perseverance to weaken, but, rather, we should be content with our misfortunes. We should reconcile ourselves to death and not expect a friend to lend us support to keep us steadfast, nor seek God's good tidings because of the severity of the trial. We should stand upright and steadfast, in spite of our inability or weakness, or lack of quietness. At all times we should present ourselves for sacrifice, being fully reconciled to the divine decrees, and not complain or lament until the end of the trial imposed upon us. This is the constancy that leads us to God. This is the quality whose perfume still reaches us from the ashes of the Messengers, the Prophets, the martyrs and the faithful.
This is also alluded to in the prayer:
"Guide us in the way of steadfastness, the way that entails Your goodness and favours, following which, we shall merit Your pleasure" (1:6-7).
Another verse indicates the same idea:
"Our Lord! Grant us patience, and cause us to die in submission to You." (7:127).
It is to be noted that in times of adversity and misfortune, the Exalted God causes a light to descend upon the hearts of those He loves, who, strengthened by this light, contemplate misfortune with serenity, and through the sweetness of faith, kiss the chains that bind them. When a divine person is faced with suffering, and when death approaches, this person does not struggle with the Benevolent Lord to free himself from such a condition, for to continue to ask for safety in such a condition is to struggle against the will of God, and is not compatible with complete submission. A true lover advances step by step in the face of adversity, and considering his own life insignificant at such a time, takes leave of it, submitting himself totally to God's will and seeking only His pleasure.
Concerning such people, God Exalted says:
"And among men there are those who would sell themselves to seek the pleasure of Al'lah; and Al'lah is Compassionate to His servants." (2:208).
This is the spirit of constancy through which man finds God. Whoever wants to understand, let him understand.
The seventh means of attaining the goal of life is to seek always the company of the righteous, and to observe their perfect example. One of the reasons why the advent of a Prophet is necessary is that man naturally desires a perfect example, and such an example stimulates zeal and resolution. He who does not imitate a model becomes lazy and strays from the right path. Al'lah the Glorious indicates this to us in the verse:
"Seek the company of the righteous" (9:119);
And in verse:
"Guide us in the way of those who have received Your favours" (1:7).
i.e. one should seek the company of the righteous, and learn from those who have received Divine grace before us.
The eighth means of attaining the goal of life consists of visions, true dreams and revelations. Since the path leading to the Exalted God is a difficult path, full of adversities and difficulties, it is possible that in following this unfamiliar path a person may stray, begin to despair, and cease to progress along the way. For this reason, God's grace continues to stimulate him, to comfort him and to intensify his zeal and longing. God comforts men from time to time by His Word and His revelation, and assures them that He is with them, and strengthened by God, men continue their journey on the right path. He says:
"For them there is good news in the present life and also in the Afterlife." (10:65).
The Holy Quran has set out various other means of attaining the goal of life, but for lack of time we cannot deal with all of them here.
(lpbD) - peace and blessings of God be upon him.
(With this installment - number 25 - we conclude the Holy Quran's answers to the third question, and will deal with the fourth question which, as indicated in the index [https://www.atalayar.com/opinion/qamar-fazal/la-filosofia-de-las-ensenanzas-del-islam/20230425163940184001.html], was "The effect of the practical ordinances of the Law in this life and the Hereafter").