Page 52 - Why Do You Deceive Yourself ?

50 WHY DO YOU DECEIVE YOURSELF?

knows everything. No human act or thought is a secret from Allah.
Allah knows every thought that crosses a person's mind, everything
he feels in his heart and everything which is hidden in his subcon-
scious. As the Qur'an tells us: "… Allah knows what your hearts con-
tain" (Surah Al 'Imran: 119).
However, although they are given the opportunity to earn Allah's
approval and attain Paradise, people who are far removed from the
morality of the Qur'an prefer to set aside their worship using illness as
their excuse and follow their own selfish desires. In return for this in-

sincerity, they will receive bitter torment in the Hereafter because the
excuses they offer for not carrying out Allah's instructions are dishon-
est. For people who really do have physical ailments, a number of con-
cessions are provided in the Qur'an. For example, fasting is one of the
religious duties which Allah has made compulsory. Consequently,
people are obliged to carry out this instruction. In the Qur'an, Allah
tells us clearly about situations in which people may be exempt from
this form of worship:
[Fasting is prescribed] for a specified number of days. But
any of you who are ill or on a journey should fast a number of
other days. For those who can [scarcely] afford it, making up
for it means feeding a poor man. And if someone does good
of his own accord, it is better for him. But that you should fast
is better for you, if you only knew. (Surat al-Baqara: 184)

As we can see in this verse, Allah recognizes the situation of trav-
ellers and sick people, and eases the task of carrying out the duty of
fasting. In the verse's continuation, Allah points out where the greatest
blessings lie for the believers. In a later verse, Allah tells us of another
relaxation of the fasting rule and reminds us that He always wants
ease for His servants: