Page 59 - Zeal and Enthusiasm in the Qur'an

Harun Yahya - Adnan Oktar

the good pleasure of Allah attain moral maturity: "When one com-
mits himself to loftier purposes, his efforts become more sincere.
As he puts forth more efforts on behalf of Muslims, he, himself, at-

tains moral maturity." 72

Worship

For believers seeking Allah’s good pleasure, His approval and
love takes priority over everything else. Thus, throughout their lives
they continually seek ways to draw nearer to Him. Allah has com-

manded:
"O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means
[of nearness] to Him." 73
Believers regard fulfilling the obligations of worship ordered in
the Qur’an as among the means that brings them near to Allah.
However, they are aware that performing these alone is not suffi-
cient, and what matters more is the sincerity and enthusiasm one
feels while performing worship. As a matter of fact, Allah has stated
that it is not the flesh and blood of sacrifices which reach Him but

the piety in the hearts of those who offer them:
"Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but
what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We sub-
jected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that to
which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the
doers of good." 74
Awareness of this fact leads believers to engage in all good
deeds with the enthusiasm for fulfilling an obligation of worship.
They understand that sincerity is the attribute most appreciated by

Allah. That sincere acts done for Allah are invaluable in His Sight is
also related in a narration of the Prophet Muhammad (saas), where

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