The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam — Page 167
161 been able to match them. It is obvious, therefore, that the highest reach of man's faculties is to meet God, the Exalted. Thus the true purpose of his life is that the window of his heart should open towards God. Means of the Attainment of Man's Purpose It may be asked how can this purpose be achieved and through what means can a person find God? The very first means of achieving this goal is to recognize God Almighty correctly and to believe in the True God. For if the very first step is not right, for instance, if a person believes in a bird, or an animal, or in the elements, or in the issue of a human being, as god, there can be no hope of his treading along the straight path in his further progress towards God. The True God helps His seekers, but how can a dead god help the dead? In this context God the Glorious has set forth an excellent illustration: لَهُ دَعْوَةُ الْحَقِّ وَالَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِنْ دُونِهِ لَا يَسْتَجِيبُونَ لَهُمْ ئَيْ إِلَّا كَبَاسِطِ كَفَّيْهِ إِلَى الْمَاءِ لِيَبْلُغَ فَاهُ وَمَا هُوَ بِبَالِغِهِ وَمَا دعَاءُ الْكَفِرِينَ إِلَّا فِي ضَلَّلٍ 207 207. Unto Him is the true prayer. And those on whom they call beside Him answer them not at all, except as he is answered who stretches forth his two