Life Supreme — Page 5
8. LIFE SUPREME honourable status in the sight of God which is, after all, the ultimate aspiration of every true believer. Allah says in the Holy Quran: "Verily the most honourable person in the sight of Allah is he who is the most virtuous. " (49:14). The Quran reveals as clear as crystal why we have been created. It declares that we should endeavour to excel in moral virtues. This being so, then why should we give preference to the fulfilment of any other ambition? Indeed, let us have ambitions; but let our highest ambition be the development of moral virtues. Allah has declared that He has ordained fasting during the month of Ramadhan solely as a means of acquiring virtue: "Fasting has been prescribed for you in order that you may become more righteous. " (2:184). Keeping this point in mind we should look forward to Ramadhan with eager anticipation and diligently observe all the fasts unless legitimate reasons prevent us from doing so. . Most people in this world are primarily concerned in seeking financial prosperity. They forget that as silver is less valuable than gold, so gold is less valuable than virtue. God says in the Holy Quran: "Surely he is very keen for the love of wealth. " (100:9). While it may be good to have plenty of money, it is also good to check up now and again and make sure that we have not lost those things which money cannot buy such as moral virtues. Concerning real prosperity God says in the Holy Quran: "Verily he truly prospers who purifies himself. " (87:15). Let us remember that virtue is to the soul what health is to the body. People are very concerned about their physical health and are prepared to give careful attention to their diet. When they are unwell they will quickly call the doctor and seek the most effective remedy; but generally they are little concerned in feeding their souls with spiritual nourishment and similarly they do not seek effective remedies for their spiritual ailments. . Islam provides a complete code of guidance on all virtues. God helps those who help themselves and it is now up to us, with the help of God, to develop them within ourselves.