Through Force or Faith? — Page 308
?— A Reply to Pope Benedict XVI 308 true God, because an imaginary or a dead god cannot bestow any benefit on man. The Holy Quran has explicitly described this means in great detail. Unlike other religions, it does not suspend any of God’s attributes, nor does it ascribe any imperfection or shortcoming in His person. Love of God that comes by observing God’s beauty and ele- gance. Beauty attracts man to itself, that’s why the Quran has given a detailed description of God’s attributes so that man may become aware of His sublime attributes. Unlike earlier religions, Islam does not restrict God’s love of his creation to any specific nation. To consider God’s favours: other than beauty, benevolence is also such a thing that attracts man. That’s why the Quran has described, in detail, God’s favours to man that are innumerable and start even before his birth. Prayer: To find God, one needs God’s help. For this, prayer is an effective means. This method has been discussed above in some detail. Endurance and Sacrifice: Another method for gaining near- ness to God is striving hard and making sacrifices in His way. In this are included spending in the path of God and such other endeavours like fasting, pilgrimage, etc. Perseverance: It is another means which is essential to achieve the real objective of life. Those who move towards God have to go through arduous trials and tribulations; and those who persevere succeed in the end. Company of the Righteous: Another way to attain God’s closeness described is the company of the righteous; because man