Through Force or Faith? — Page 309
Chapter 7 — Novelty in the Teachings of Muhammad 309 is in need of role models to follow and he learns and reforms him- self by observing others. Communication from God: The eighth means is God’s com- munication that one receives in the form of revelations, dreams and visions. They assure him as to the accuracy of the path for his journey towards God, and enhance his hope and eagerness and enthusiasm. Spiritual Conditions of Man and Guidance About Progress in Them After discussing the means to attain God’s nearness, it is essential to know different phases that one has to pass through so that he is aware of the stage of his journey and knows how much passage is left to be traversed. Awareness of the distance covered encourages him to move forward with greater enthusiasm and fervour and also gives him the feeling of humility and humbleness. The Holy Quran describes three basic states of man Natural State: Its source is Nafs-e-Amm ā rah, the self that incites to evil. In this state man is basically removed from justice, and is tempted towards all sorts of evils, sins and errors. At this stage, he follows his natural instincts and immediate needs, and does not care for any moral discipline. Moral State: Its source is Nafs-e-Laww ā mah, the self-re- proaching self. It gives birth to sense of morality in man, and