Life Supreme — Page 17
20. LIFE SUPREME earth, and in the Hereafter is wide open for everyone to travel along. . There is something far more valuable and satisfying in life than the possession of wealth and the enjoyments of worldly comforts. . Although these things are not condemned by Islam, it does make it crystal clear that spiritual prosperity is infinitely more important than worldly prosperity. The pleasure derived from a deep connection with Allah and the living of a noble and virtuous life far exceeds the pleasure gained only from material enjoyments. Spiritual power enables one to sail through the storms of life with patience and fortitude and grants one contentment of heart under all circumstances. It calls for the adjustment of one's thoughts in conformity with divine laws and good general conduct. Allah says regarding the virtuous: "Verily the most honourable person in the sight of Allah is he who is most righteous. " ""The best provision is righteousness. 33 (49:14) (2:198). Real prosperity lies through religion and living the right kind of life as is clear from the Holy Quran in which Allah says: "So fear Allah, O men of understanding, that you may prosper. >> " (5:101) "O you who believe, be patient and enjoin patience and be firm and fear God that you may prosper. (3:201). Life on this earth is a preparation ground for the life to come. . Through righteous conduct and behaviour one can find paradise here on earth even before one reaches the grave. Prosperous indeed is the person who finds it. There is no comparison between heavenly contentment and the pleasure gained from things of the world. . Regarding the things of this world Allah says in the Holy Quran: "And the life of this world is only a pleasure and a sport but surely the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who are pious. Will you not then understand?" (6:33) >> "O my people, this life of the world is but a temporary provision, and the Hereafter is certainly the home for the permanent abode. (40:40). Anything worth achieving requires effort; and this principle also holds true in the development of spiritual qualities which is the