The Essence of Islam – Volume II — Page 108
108. Essence of Islam II forthwith repents. Man is often in need of being comforted by God. Very often he is overtaken by such misfortunes that had not the Word of God provided him with glad tidings he would have been so discouraged as perhaps to deny the existence of God, or in his disappointment would have broken off from God altogether, or would have died of sorrow: وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنْفُسِ و الثَّمَرَاتِ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّبِرِينَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُمْ مُّصِيبَةً قَالُوا : إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا اليورُجِعُوْنَهُ أُولَيْكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلوتٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَ رحمة تد وأوليكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ ) 24. In the same way, for overcoming one's passions God's word is needed as at every step man encounters matters which can be remedied only by the word of God. When a person desires to turn to God he encounters many obstructions. Sometimes he recalls the delights of the world, or he is attracted by the company of his cronies or he is awed by the difficulties of the way. Sometimes habits and customs block his way and sometimes considerations of honour, fame or power try to obstruct him. . Sometimes all these combine together like an army and pull him in their direction and tempt him with their immediate benefits. Their combination develops such force that his own ideas are not able to withstand it. In such a contest, the effective armament of God's word is 24 And We will try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and fruits; but give glad tidings to the patient;. Who, when a misfortune overtakes them, say: Surely, to Allāh we belong and to Him shall we return. . It is these on whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy and it is these who are rightly guided. '-Al-Baqarah 2:156-158 [Publisher]