The wretched in every sense of the word are the bankrupt in the treasures of Iman and the accounts of the certainty of Iman. They are forever in misery, anger, humiliation and ignominy. Allah (SWT) said: “But whoever turns away from My Reminder, verily for him is a life of hardship.” (Taha: 124)

The soul is not brought joy, or happiness, and is not purified, neither are its grief, anxiety, and apprehension taken away except by believing in the Lord of the worlds. There is no relish in life except with Iman.

When the Iman becomes lost, there is no (worthy) existence, and the world is not enjoyed by the one who has not embodied the religion.

The quick path to infidelity – when they fail to have an iman – is to commit suicide to pause for relaxation from these burdens, shackles, and darkness! What a pity, for a miserable life without Iman and the curse that afflicts those who deviate from Allah’s religion while on earth.

Allah (SWT) said: “And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away from guidance, as they refused to believe therein for the first time, and We shall leave them in their trespass to wander blindly.” (Al-An’am: 110)

The time has come for the world to contend in every sense of the word and to rightly believe that ‘There is no god but Allah – after trying different difficult alternatives over ages, after which sense shows that the idols are superstition, disbelief in Allah is a curse and falsehood and that the messengers are truthful and that Allah is real, to Him belongs the dominion and praise and that He has power over all things.

To the extent of your Iman – its strength or weakness, hotness, and coldness – will be your happiness, comfort, and rest of mind. Allah (SWT) said: “Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer, verily, to him, We will give a good life, and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do.” (An-Nahl: 97)

And this ‘good life’ is the peace of mind and expectation of the handsome favors promised them by their Lord – the Most High, the tranquility they experience from the love of their Maker, the purification of their hearts from the filth of deviation, the calmness of their nerves at the times of afflictions, and their serenity and pleasure when the pre-ordainments become established. Because they are pleased with Allah as their Lord, Islam as their religion, and Muhammad (SAW) as a Prophet and Messenger.

Truthfulness is beloved by Allah. Frankness cleanses the hearts. Experience is a virtue. But no deed is known to bring tranquility to the mind and great in reward as giving remembrance of Allah. Allah (SWT) said: “Therefore, remember Me, I will remember you.” (Al-Baqarah: 152)

Remembrance of Allah is deliverance for the soul from its exhaustion, fatigue, and unrest. Even, it is the easy and simple path to every achievement and success. By giving remembrance of Him, the clouds of fear, worry, and grief are dispersed; and by it, the mountain of agony, sorrow, and distress is pushed away. No wonder that those who regularly give His remembrance find rest, for this is the foundation.

To the extent of your giving remembrance of Him, your mind will be gladdened, your heart gets tranquil, your soul will be happy, and you feel at ease for in giving remembrance of Him, you find the essence of reliance on Him, trusting in Him, and turning towards Him, thinking positively of Him and awaiting joy from Him. He is near when beseeched, hearing when called upon, and responding when asked.

So, humble yourself, surrender, revere Him, and repeat His beautiful and blessed names on your tongue in praise, supplication, and seeking forgiveness and you will soon find success, security, joy, light, and delight.

by Muhammad bin Abdillah ASh-Shaayi