The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam — Page 196
190 content with repining in a dim light without beholding the countenance of that Sun of Truth? Is it not true that an affirmation by the Living God: I am present; bestows such a degree of understanding compared with which the self conceived books of all the philosophers amount to nothing at all? What can those so-called philosophers who are themselves blind teach us? In short, if God Almighty designs to bestow perfect understanding upon His seekers then He has certainly kept open the way of converse with them. In this context God, the Glorious, has taught us the supplication in the Holy Quran: اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ 231 That is, O God guide us to the path of steadfastness which is the path of those on whom you have bestowed your favours. Here by divine favours is meant heavenly knowledge by way of revelation and visions that are bestowed directly upon man. At another place it is said: إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَيْكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنْتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ 2320 That is, upon those who, having believed in God, continue steadfast, descend God's angels reassuring 231. Guide us in the right path-The path of those on whom You have bestowed Your blessings, (The Holy Quran, al-Fatihah 1:6-7) 232. As for those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah,' and then remain steadfast, the angels descend on them, saying: Fear you not, nor grieve; and rejoice in the Garden that you were promised. (The Holy Quran, Ḥā Mīm as-Sajdah 41:31)