Page 72 - Quick Grasp of Faith 2

as is necessary because there are much more important sub-
jects on which man needs to reflect, things that concern one's
eternal life.
Man should first think about how he and all the living
beings that surround him have come into existence and how
they continue to exist. Following this he should reflect on
the attributes of Allah, Who created all these beings out of
nothing and who maintains their existence. Then he should
consider why our powerful and knowledgeable Lord, cre-
ated him and what He wants him to do. He should develop
the resolve to fulfil the commands of Allah in the best possi-
ble manner. In the meantime, he should always remember
and act with awareness of the inescapable end which awaits
him; death and the Hereafter. He should avoid frivolous
thoughts, behaviour and speech which would distract him
from these urgent matters, leading to heedlessness and than-
kless pursuits that are of no advantage to him in the next
life.
The mental capacity of man is, in fact, very great. What
is important is to know how to use it and not to let unneces-
sary thoughts occupy one's mind.
One can reflect on these important matters while contin-
uing with daily life. One can even consider each separate
topic quite deeply in relation to the relevant Qur'anic verses.
For example, a person who spends 9 or 10 hours a day at
work or at school encounters so many things that he could
think about during that time; different people whose charac-
teristics are described in the Qur'an, or factors concerning
the various circumstances he may find himself in through-
out the day. One's daily experiences give rise to hundreds of
thought-provoking matters such as heeding the voice of

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