The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam — Page 121
That is, of the people there are those of high degree who dedicate themselves wholly to seeking the pleasure of Allah in return for their lives. These are the people towards whom Allah is Most Compassionate. Thus he who arrives at the stage of spiritual life becomes wholly devoted to the cause of Allah. 115 In this verse God Almighty sets forth that only such a one is delivered from all suffering who sells his life in the cause of Allah in return for His pleasure and proves his devotion by laying down his life. He considers that he has been brought into being for obedience to his Creator and for service of his fellow beings. He performs all the virtues which are related to every one of his faculties with such eagerness and sincerity as if he beholds his True Beloved in the mirror of his obedience. His will is identified with the Will of God and all his delight is centred in his obedience to God. Righteous conduct proceeds from him not as labour but as delight and pleasure. This is the paradise that is bestowed upon a spiritual person in this very life. The paradise that will be bestowed in the Hereafter would be a reflection of this paradise which will, through Divine power, be manifested physically. It is to this which Allah 160. And of men there is he who would sell himself to seek the pleasure of Allāh; and Allāh is Compassionate to His servants. (The Holy Quran, al- Baqarah 2:208)