Approaching the West — Page 112
A pproaching the West—112 To save ourselves from sin, and to remain unsullied, we must seek help through prayer from the Gracious and Merciful God. “O, ye who believe! fear Allah and seek the way of approach into Him and strive in His way that you may prosper” says the Holy Qur’ ā n (5:36). Sincere remorse needs to be expressed in full humility. Asking for forgiveness of sins from God helps to fortify us against the onslaught of sins. Without Divine protection, we tend to become victims of temptations. Security from sin is obtained through the grace of God. Once a man’s heart and mind are “possessed” by God’s grace, then his conscience keeps a watch over his thoughts and actions, and he gains a new strength to fight against sin. He starts feeling a natural revulsion in his heart against sin, and finds joy in virtue. In addition, the Holy Qur’ ā n teaches us that keeping the company of the righteous is an extremely useful factor that contributes to develop strong moral character to stay away from sin: “O ye who believe! fear All ā h and be with the truthful” (9:119). Good and virtuous domestic and social environment plays a vitally important role in keeping a disposition against commission of sins. To create morally wholesome and appropriate environment, one has to make a conscious effort and diligent planning. In fact, proper planning and praying to God should both go hand in hand! The Messiah and Mahd ī of our time, Ḥ a ḍ rat Mirz ā Ghul ā m A ḥ mad (may All ā h’s peace be on him) says, Man needs to eschew sin, and do good deeds. He should worship God the Exalted and obey Him. When he stays away from sin and worships God, then his heart is filled with