things one desires. Similarly, realization of God also has its price, and this price is man’s own being. Nothing less than that can be the price of realization of God. This is something that can be attained

negation of one’s own self. If one is not willing to negate oneself, one cannot achieve realization of God. One’s own negation does not mean some kind of mysterious words counted out on the rosary. This can

comparison to that of God becomes totally valueless. Self-negation is achieved by developing such qualities as modesty, humility, acknowledgement, introspection, selflessness, simplicity, being God-fearing, having

determine whether he is willing to devote himself entirely to God to the exclusion of all else, and to give proof of whether he dedicates himself to God, revering Him, depending upon him and serving Him as he

early in the morning, he thanks God for putting him to sleep and awakening him. After his ablutions, he leaves for the mosque in order to join his brethren in attesting to God’s divinity and his own willingness

times, he shows that he gives precedence to God above all else in life. While satisfying his hunger and thirst, every fibre of his being gives thanks to God. “Lord,” he exclaims, “I am wonder-struck at

world are good actions. God rewards those who fulfil the rights of others, who do not harm their neighbours, who deal justly with people, who lead their lives in devotion to God, rather in devotion to themselves

before the truth, even if it is against them, who surrender their egos to God and who agree to live egoless in this world. Fear God Today, there is no place anywhere where there is no oppression. Whom do

eyes that see, those they would fear most would be people whom they consider to be powerless, because God stands behind the powerless. Whatever happens in this world is according to a plan in order to test

about the best names of God, asmae-husna: “God has the Most Excellent Names.Call on Him by His Names and keep away from those who distort them.” (7:180). That is, think of God in terms of these perfect

names as people have themselves concocted. Man by his very nature lives in total helplessness, whereas God, because of being the Creator, the Lord, is All-powerful, compensates for man’s helplessness. As such

upon Him on all occasions. For this purpose man is aided by his knowledge of God’s great attributes. All these names of God, in fact, relate to man. Whenever man is in need of divine succour, he makes

PLAN OF GODCREATION PLAN OF GOD According to the creation plan of God the present world is a place for preparation while the next eternal world is the place to reap the rewards of one’s actions. God has a

period of time in order to test him, then whoever measures up to the test is accepted and rewarded by God. Those who do not pass this test will be rejected outright. To meet the exigencies of the test, a person

desires and whims. The right attitude for him is that he should try to understand the creation plan of God and, accepting that, build his life accordingly. By misusing his freedom in this present world, he

Prophet is an intermediary between God and man. He takes God’s messages and conveys it to human beings. A prophet is one who has been selected to represent God on earth. When God chooses a human being as His

inform him of this selection. In this way, he is left in no doubt that he is indeed God’s messenger. Afterwards, God sends him His teachings through the angel so that he may

these duties makes him deserving of God’s succour. The prime duty of a believer is that which he owes to God. This duty to God (called huququllah) entails accepting God with all His perfect attributes, worshipping

worshipping Him, holding himself in readiness to serve Him and willingly accepting that whatever God demands of him, he will immediately and wholeheartedly carry out. Another duty of a believer (called

during this month has been prescribed so that man may become God-fearing. (2:183) The qualities of patience and piety or God-consciousness (fear of God) are required of us every month of the year. In the month

not to blindly follow one’s desires. God has given man a free will to test if he can use his freedom properly. One needs to tie oneself willingly with the rope of God’s laws. Thus, one who fasts, imposes

A perfect Paradise cannot be inhabited by lessthan-perfect beings. So, God created perfectionseeking beings—human being. He intended us to spend a periodof trial here. After this, according to our deeds

test, Paradise is kept hidden from us. God created a perfect world called Paradise. As a perfect Paradise cannot be inhabited by less-thanperfect beings, so, God created perfection-seeking beings us and

inhabit Paradise. The essence of God’s Creation Plan is to give a person complete freedom–not simply as a gift, but as a test. The result of this test would enable God to know who misused his freedom and

not backbite. Would any of you like to eat his dead brother’s flesh? No, you would hate it. Fear God, God is ever forgiving and most merciful. Mankind! We have created you from a male and female, and made

and tribes, so that you might come to know each other. The noblest of you in God’s sight is the one who fears God most. God is all knowing and all-aware. (49:6-13)