Page 110 - The Worst Slander: Idolatry

108 THE WORST SLANDER: IDOLATRY

seeking His approval alone, and basing oneself solely upon
His mercy. One's ultimate aim is Allah's love and approval.
For that reason, such people live according to His criteria,
commands, and prohibitions. Other people's approval and
contentment is always secondary, for they want nothing in
the world other than their true friend, Allah, to be pleased
with them. Every believer who reads these words may well
think that he or she possesses these same attributes.
However, instead of being absolutely certain of themselves,
they should think long and deeply on the subject and con-
stantly strive to perfect themselves.

Remembering that Allah controls all things
Those who dedicate themselves only to Allah have full
trust in Him alone, for they know that only He has actual
control of, and actual power over, everything. Thus, there is
no need for them to call upon that, which is not Him. Those
who possess this true trust never feel doubt and sadness,
and are not troubled by anything that comes their way dur-
ing life. Aware that Allah sends everything to test them, they
accept it and turn toward Him. Out of respect for Him, they
feel satisfied with whatever He, in His wisdom, has destined
for them. There is a great deal of good in whatever true
believers experience, a fact that they know very well. Surely
Allah has the true knowledge of what is good for His ser-
vants. In the Qur'an Allah reveals this:
It may be that you hate something when it is good for
you, and it may be that you love something when it is