Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 132
132 consequence. If in the Hereafter it is realised that our assumption with regard to our ultimate goal and the means of arriving at it, on the basis of which we had ordered our life on earth, was not in fact well- founded, there would then be no margin left for voluntary correction of our error. Surely there must be some means of making sure as we go along that we are on the right path and that we are making progress along it. This assurance, this certainty, could only be achieved through revelation. We are assured that if we make God our shield in every respect and act in conformity with the guidance vouchsafed to us, we shall realise in this life the fruits thereof in the shape of progressive elimination of our faults and shortcomings, and in the actual enjoyment and experience of God’s beneficence (8:30). Light will be provided wherein we may walk (57:29). There is the promise that those who have firm faith and put their full trust in God, realising that He alone is the true source of all beneficence and that everything else is only a means of approach to Him and is under His power and control, and then remain steadfast and act righteously, will, in this very life, receive God’s assurance and comfort that they are under His protection both in this life and in the Hereafter (41:31 ⎯ 32).