Way of The Seekers — Page 92
92 THE of the heart. 2. Fulfilling the obligations that were left unfulfilled. For instance, to perform pilgrimage to the Kaaba if it has not been performed already. But neglect of prayer cannot be made good like this. For such default the only recourse left is to seek forgiveness of God. 3. Seeking pardon of each person affected by the sinner’s defaults, such as God has caused to be forgotten. 4. Doing compensatory favors to those who have suffered at one’s hands. 5. Firm resolve not to commit an evil act again. These are, in fact, the conditions precedent to Tauba which is granted only if these conditions are adequately fulfilled. The Holy Prophet, peace be on him, has directed: Takhallaqoo bi Akhlaqillah: Adorn yourselves with divine qualities. One should not worry too much if the heart is not in it. One should persist in doing good as a duty. One should continue to be charitable, even if charitable acts hurt one. One should go on praying even when one is unable to concentrate. The important thing to remember is that duties must be performed with studied intent and without losing heart. The Promised Messiah (on him be peace) used to relate this story which I have also related a number of times. A disciple once visited his spiritual preceptor and mentor and stayed the night with him. The preceptor spent a great part of the night in supplicating and at the end the disciple heard God’s response that the supplication was rejected. He was shocked, thinking that the preceptor was not a good guide since his prayers had been rejected although people came to him to request for prayers. However, he kept his counsel and said nothing. The next night the same thing happened. The preceptor prayed through the greater part of the night and