Life Supreme — Page 10
LIFE SUPREME 13 of the righteous from whom we may derive moral upliftment. We should remember that not only are we accountable to God for our actions but also for our thoughts. We read in the Holy Quran: "Whether you disclose what is in your minds or keep it hidden,. Allah will call you to account for it. " (2:285). Being human it is almost an impossible task to shut out evil or wrong thoughts completely from our minds. In that case we are enjoined to discard or suppress them; and doing that is in itself a virtuous achievement. the Holy Prophet (peace be on him) has said: "If a man is assailed by an evil thought but he suppresses it or drives it out of his mind and does not act in accordance with it, God will bestow upon him a good reward. >>. PERSEVERANCE. There is no doubt that the path of virtue is not an easy one to tread as it is a slippery uphill journey. We are all liable to slip. Nevertheless, it is an uplifting and delightful journey which winds through sceneries of heavenly enchantment. Nothing worthwhile can be achieved without effort and this maxim applies to moral development as much as it does to any other endeavour. Without pains there can be no gains. Whereas prayer is essential, at the same time we have to put our best foot forwardand strive in the way of Allah. Some people pray for more than they are prepared to work for and then wonder why their prayers are not answered. . The objective before us is to improve day by day in the development of moral virtues. No one should like to remain static. It has been said that if we go not forward then we go backward. This virtuous objective which we now have in mind calls for self-effort and perseverance. Let it be said of us when we die that we died climbing on the path of moral virtue. God tells us in the Holy Quran: "Persevere in the right path. " (10:89). Again we read:. Allah is with the steadfast. " (2:245). As I have mentioned, moral virtues cannot be developed without effort. We need to exercise constant self-vigilance, self-analysis, selfdiscipline, and self-control. As we are human beings and not angels, we are subject to weaknesses and liable to stumble and make