The Essence of Islam – Volume II — Page 465
The Purpose of Creation Third Means 465 The third means of achieving the purpose of life is to become aware of the benevolence of God Almighty for love is generated by beauty and benevolence. The benevolent attributes of God Almighty are set forth briefly in the Surah Fatihah, where it is said: الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَلَمِينَ . الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ مَلِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ 0 242 It is obvious that the perfection of benevolence consists in that God Almighty created His servants from nothing and thereafter His Providence was bestowed upon them and He became the support of everything, and all types of His mercy were manifested for His servants. His benevolence is without limit and beyond count as is repeatedly set forth in the Holy Qur'an, as, for instance: وَإِن تَعُدُّوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ لَا تُحْصُوهَا 243 If you try to number the bounties of Allah, you will certainly not be able to count them. Fourth Means The fourth means of achieving the true purpose is Prayer, as is said: ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ 244 You pray and I shall accept your prayer. There is repeated urge towards Prayer, so that man should achieve his purpose not through his own power, 242 All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds, The Gracious, the Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgement. ' Al-Fatihah, 1:2-4 [Publisher] 243 Ibrāhīm, 14:35 [Publisher] 244 Al-Mu'min, 40:61 [Publisher]