A Letter to a Dear One — Page 11
Muhammad Zafrulla Khan 11 best of my ability, and at least you will have the realization that someone from your dear and near ones has deep concerns about your future. Before I finish this preamble I request you not to disregard this writing as mere witticism. Instead, ponder over it and act upon the portions that require action. You can prove to be worthy of the trust that I have put in your comprehension and intellect in writing this piece by reflecting over it and by acting upon it. Moreover, if you develop a concern for your own progress and living your life in a fine manner, as much as the concern I have for you, then my feeling will change into a belief that you will, with the grace and mercy of Allah and with the guidance bestowed by Him, definitely succeed in achieving the goal of your life. First of all, instill this point in your mind that life is an honor and a great gift from Allah. It is essential to give it much respect and deference. It is not a game. It is not an idle operation, its objective is lofty and, in achieving that objective, one attains eternal happiness and contentment. In order to achieve this objective, the most essential thing is to have and keep ambition, hope, and cheerfulness in one’s heart. The most dangerous thing that essentially deprives one in achieving this objective is hopelessness and despair. One should steer clear of this in all circumstances. Two Ways Believe me, right now you are standing in front of two grand doorways and it is up to you to either enter the door on the right side or the one on the left side. If you choose the door on the right, you will go through a porch, which is somewhat dark and passing through it requires courage and resolution. It will soon lead you into a bright garden. This garden’s passages, greenery, flowers and fountains are alluring to the heart and its fruits are fresh, sweet and nourishing and are also pleasing to the heart and mind. God willing, may you choose this door. If, God forbid, you choose the door on the left, then its adjacent porch is apparently brighter and grander than the other porch. It has fine pictures, images and statues, but just past the porch it is dark, cloudy with lightning and thunder, with horrific scenes and frightening,