Page 93 - Faith: The Way to Happiness
P. 93

The Happiness and Blessings Brought by Faith

        are spiritually no different from the senile.
             As we can see, these people live without the spiritual strength
        which Allah would give them because they have no faith in Him. In
        return for the immorality which such people display Allah removes
        the strength from their hearts. As a result, their spiritual state re-
        duces them to a kind of living death. This unpleasant state of theirs
        is easily discernible in all of their behavior.
             In contrast to disbelievers, the powerful faith of believers in-
        c reases their happiness and spiritual strength. Those who always
        take Allah as their guardian and friend and accept His decree are al-
        ways cheerful and strong because of the spiritual strength which
        Allah gives them in return. They never sink into a lazy or lethargic
        state, because they know it will bring them harm and loss. The spir-
        itual strength they feel inspires them to strive even harder for Allah's
        approval, making ever more strenuous efforts.
             In difficult situations they encounter on the path of Allah, this
        spiritual strength is also the source of their patience. Therefore, there
        is no challenge or circumstance which could ever cause them to be-
        have in a way which Allah would not approve. They always opt to
        be vigorous and active in order to be always at the forefront, setting
        the best example. Their efforts ensure that they come a little closer to
        the prospect of the Garden each day. The strength brought by their
        hope of Allah's approval grows all the time so that they achieve the
        superior mode of conduct which Allah describes in the Qur'an.
             The satisfaction they derive from doing good deeds creates in
        them a desire to look for further good actions to do. No matter how
        much effort they expend on this, it never tires them. Effort sincerely
        made to earn Allah's pleasure only increases their faith and adds to
        their strength. Allah tells the faithful in the Qur'an to continue their
        efforts unceasingly:

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