Life Supreme — Page 22
LIFE SUPREME 25. Everyone of these dark moods is a spiritual poison. They darken one's character and soul. They lead one away from paradise-not towards paradise. In the following verse of the Holy Quran, Allah emphasizes the improtance of self-purification: "Verily he truly prospers who purifies himself. " (87:15). The essence of the message of Islam is contained in this verse. One who fails to grasp the significance of its meaning fails also to appreciate the objective of Islam and its true meaning. The Holy Quran is not merely a theoretical book but provides a code of divine guidance which can transform and uplift one into a realm of heaven on earth, providing one is in earnest and strives to make oneself fit to attain that experience. I would like to recite a small poem which is relevant to this point: "And I will write to him who fights. And vanquishes his sins,. Who struggles on through weary years. Against himself and wins. . Again it has been said: 22 "He who conquers himself is greater than he who conquers a city. 33. It may appear to some that it is no more than a wild dream to become master of the dark moods. The goal is too high like trying to reach for the moon. That is not so and it is a negative attitude to adopt. No doubt the goal is high but Muslims are taught to aim high. . Allah is Ever Willing to assist those who strive to improve their spiritual status because this is what Allah wants man to do. In world affairs men strive to attain their cherished ambitions and are often successful. How even more so should man strive to attain those spiritual goals which Allah has set before him; and one of these is selfpurification. He should have faith and remain steadfast in his endeavours and then will he witness the fruits of his efforts. Hazrat. Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad has said: "Islam rescues man from despair and tells him that he can, in spite of his errors and mistakes, attain to the purity of mind and conduct which is the highest goal of man. It thus encourages him to make constant effort towards virtue and purity and enables him ultimately to arrive at his goal. "