The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam — Page 174
168 That is, he whom God loves offers his life in the cause of God in return for God's pleasure. Such people win the compassion of God. This is the spirit of steadfastness through which one meets God. Let him who will understand. The seventh means of achieving the purpose of life is to keep company with the righteous, and to observe their perfect example. One of the needs for the advent of Prophets is that man naturally desires a perfect example, and such an example fosters zeal and promotes high resolve. He who does not follow an example becomes slothful and is led astray. This is indicated by Allah, the Glorious, in the verse: 219 كُوْنُوْا مَعَ الصُّدِقِينَ صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ 220 That is, keep company with the righteous; and in the verse: Guide us along the path of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed Thy favours. That is to say, you should keep company with the righteous and learn the ways of those who have been the recipients of grace 218. 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) 219. be with the truthful. (The Holy Quran, at-Taubah 9:119) 220. The path of those on whom You have bestowed Your blessings, (The Holy Quran, al-Fatihah 1:7)