Life Supreme — Page 69
72. LIFE SUPREME. EASE FOLLOWS HARDSHIP. Life is a battle ground from which every successful man and woman has emerged victorious. They were never despaired of victory but fought until they claimed their prize. Then the inner experience of a new sensation charged every fibre of their body; and it is particularly delightful when the prize is a heavenly one gained after a long spiritual struggle. . The spiritual wayfarer enters new realms of paradise on earth as he continues to overcome hurdle after hurdle. Living becomes a joy and an enchantment and the storms of worldly distractions no longer blow him from pillar to post. He enjoys the gentle breeze of heaven which refreshes and purifies the inner recesses of his heart. He has studied at the university of hard knocks and is now reaping the reward of his patience and perseverance, remembering God's promise that ease follows hardship: "Surely there is ease after hardship. " (24:6) "Allah will soon bring about ease after hardship. " (65:8). . Hardship is inevitable: "We have created men to face hardships. " (90:5). The devotee of God regards hardships as blessings because he knows that by accepting them patiently and courageously he will not only win the approbation of God but also grow in spiritual stature; and this is the nourishment he is seeking more than anything else. . THE MOUNTAINEER. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world and for many years climbers attempted to conquer its summit. Time after time they failed and the perilous venture cost many a man his life, but dogged persistence won in the end and the mountain was mastered by a team of climbers in 1953. . The lowest slopes of ascent are easy going for the mountaineer; but as the gradient begins to rise, progress becomes slower. As he climbs yet higher he is harassed by bitter cold and howling winds. Then as the summit draws nearer the thin air causes breathing difficulties and he has to apply his oxygen mask. Every step of the last stage of the ascent has to be hacked out of solid ice and finally he has to muster his last ounce of strength to haul himself to the top. The mountaineer exhibits great powers of endurance; and such exemplary endurance should mark the efforts of every sincere Muslim in his struggle to attain his spiritual goal.