Gardens of the Righteous — Page 26
26. GARDENS OF THE RIGHTEOUS 85. Sufyan ibn Abdullah relates: I asked the Messenger of Allah: Tell me something about Islam which should enable me to dispense with having to ask anyone else. He said: Affirm: I believe in Allah; and then be steadfast (Muslim). 86. Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet said: Follow the faith strictly and be steadfast; and remember that no one can achieve salvation through his conduct. Someone asked: Not even you, Messenger of Allah? He said: Nor I, save that Allah should cover me with His mercy and grace (Muslim). 9. . On Pondering over the Creation of Allah, etc. . Allah, the Exalted, has said: 36. Say to them: I exhort you to do one thing: and that is that you stand before Allah two and two or singly and reflect (34. 47). 37. In the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of the night and the day there are indeed Signs for people of understanding, who remember Allah standing, sitting and lying on their sides and ponder over the creation of the heavens and the earth, which impels them to supplicate:. Lord, Thou hast not created all this without purpose, Holy art. Thou (3. 191-192). 38. Do they not observe the clouds how they have been created, and the heaven how it has been raised high, and the mountains how they are set up, and the earth how it is spread out? Then continue to admonish for thou art but an admonisher (88. 18-22). 39. Do they not travel in the earth so that they could observe what was the end of those who were before them? (47. 11). 10. . On Vying with One Another in Doing Good. Allah, the Exalted, has said: 40. Vie with one another in good works (2. 149). 41. . Hasten towards forgiveness from your Lord and a. Paradise whose price is the heavens and the earth, prepared for the righteous (3. 134).