The Essence of Islam – Volume I — Page 446
446 Essence of Islam-1 It is a misunderstanding of a verity to think that some- times this seeking of help proves of no avail and the Rahmāniyyat and Rahīmiyyat of God do not make them- selves manifest on all occasions. Indeed God Almighty hears the supplications which are made in sincerity, and helps in an appropriate manner those who seek His help. Sometimes it happens that a person's prayer seeking help is not inspired by sincerity and humility, nor is his spiri- tual condition in order so that while his lips utter the prayer, his heart is heedless, or only makes a show. Sometimes it happens that God hears the prayer and be- stows whatever He considers appropriate and best in His Perfect Wisdom, but an ignorant person does not recog- nize the hidden beneficence of God and on account of his ignorance and unawareness begins to complain, ignoring the subject matter of the verse: عَسَى أَن تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ وَعَسَى أَنْ تُحِبُّوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَكُمْ و اللهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ 254 It may be that you dislike a thing and it is in reality better for you, and it may be that you like a thing and it is in fact harmful for you. Allah knows the true reality of things and you know it not. So far it is clear that the verse: بسم اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ 255 comprehends the grand verity which comprises the excel- lent means of making progress in faith in the Unity of God and in servitude and sincerity, which is not matched in any other book. If anyone claims that it is so matched 254 al-Baqarah, 2:217 [Publisher] 255 'In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful'- al-Fatihah, 1:1 [Publisher]