| An-Nahl
(The Bee)
Chapter 16: Verse 128
 Companions of Allah
Surely God`is with those who refrain
from disobeying Him in awe of Him and who do good deeds (as if they
saw him). (16:128)
The example below shows how necessary it
is to pray and avoid major sins, and that both tasks
are directly related to our own nature.
During a war, one soldier is well-trained and
conscientious, while another is a recruit and a
slave to his own self. The first one attends training exercises
and struggle against his enemy.
He never worries about his provisions and
payment, because he knows that the government will provide
him with all the necessary equipment, food & medical requirements.
All he has to do is train for war and fight for his country. He helps
out by supplying food and working in the kitchen. When
asked what he is doing, he responds: "Some of the state's chores."
He does not say he is working for his living. The
other soldier, on the other hand, does not tra , nor does he fight.
When asked, he states that "Its' none of my
business, its' a government matter." He cares only about
his livelihood and income, and deserts the battlefield to spend his
time in the marketplace.
The first soldier advises him:
"Brother, you're supposed to be training for the country. That's why
you are here. The king would meet your needs, because that's his role.
You can't meet all your needs regardless of the time or place. As we're
in a state of war, you might be accused of desertion or rebellion, and
be punished. We have our duty and the king has his.” Imagine the trouble
the second soldier would be in, if he ignores his friend's words.
O My Soul! The battlefield represents the worldly life.
The trained soldier is a devout and pious
Muslim who understands his role in life, and hence struggles against his
self and the enemy. The other soldier is a sinner who
ignores his duty, commits many sins,
runs after the worldly life and ends up
not trusting even his sustainer.
Training represents the daily prayers and
other duties required of the believers. The
war stands for the process through which the spirit achieves everlasting
salvation - fighting our selfish desires. These two
duties are easily understood: the First (the creation and maintenance
of life) is the Creator's responsibility, while the second (beseeching
from Him and relying on Him only) is ours. Only He who gives life, can
sustain life with provision. If you need convincing, reflect
on the fact that the weakest and most vulnerable creatures,
such as the babies or newborn animals, get the best food.
Source:
“Humanity, Belief and Islam” – Bediuzzaman Said Nursi pp. 36-38 |