Page 241 - Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman
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                 Allah reveals that our Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him
            and grant him peace) is "truly vast in character," and will have "a wage
            that never fails" (Surat al-Qalam: 3-4).

                 No doubt, the fact that Allah praises His Prophets and other devout
            Muslims in this manner clearly reveals their dignified status. It is a great
            honor to be told such things as Allah is pleased with you, that you have
            been raised to a high status, that you have been chosen as Allah's close
            friend, to be one of the deserving, or that you are a good servant. Every
            believer desires to be rewarded with His closeness, friendship, and good
            pleasure. In order to realize this desire, however, they must not consid-
            er these gifts as being only for Prophets and must realize that our Lord's
            mercy and grace is very great. Allah has revealed that He will answer all
            of the prayers made by the sincere believers who turn to Him. For this
            reason, both men and women must do their best to attain the Prophets'
            high status.
                 "Those for whom the Best from Us was preordained will be far
            away from it" (Surat al-Anbiya': 101). This verse refers to those to whom

            our Lord gave goodness. Allah gives everyone, regardless of gender, the
            opportunity to become one of His chosen people. What we must do to
               achieve this goal is to bond with Allah through our love for Him and
                   hold Him dearer than anything else by living according to what
                      pleases Him. Anyone who lives this genuine faith, Allah will-
                        ing, will find the best reward in His Presence.
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