The Self’s Holy War

True believers live a daily strife to keep up with the divine standards of leading a righteous life. For them, every day is an opportunity to practice perseverance, hold fast to the teachings of Quran, earn credit and grow their souls. Even though God would never burden a soul beyond its means (23:62, 22:78, 4:28), He emphasizes that the journey on the straight path isn’t smooth or effortless. We struggle to discipline ourselves to unconditionally obey God. It is often challenging to implement His teachings and portray His ordained ethics.

[90:4-18] We created the human being to work hard (to redeem himself). Does he think that no one will ever call him to account? He boasts, "I spent so much money!" Does he think that no one sees him? Did we not give him two eyes?  A tongue and two lips? Did we not show him the two paths? He should choose the difficult path. Which one is the difficult path? The freeing of slaves. Feeding, during the time of hardship. Orphans who are related. Or the poor who is in need. And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind. These have deserved happiness.

[3:142] Do you expect to enter Paradise without God distinguishing those among

you who strive, and without distinguishing those who are steadfast?

We are promised God’s support when we steadfastly persevere to stay in this daily race. God also assures us that He will bring us ease and contentment when we choose this striving path of being devout servants of Him alone:

[47:7] O you who believe, if you support God, He will support you, and strengthen your foothold.

[61:11-13] Believe in God and His messenger and strive in the cause of God with your money and your lives. This is the best deal for you, if you only knew. In return, He forgives your sins, and admits you into gardens with flowing streams, with beautiful mansions in the gardens of Eden. This is the greatest triumph. Additionally, you get something you truly love: support from God and guaranteed victory. Give good news to the believers.

[2:153] O you who believe, seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). God is with those who steadfastly persevere.

[92:4-10] Your works are of various kinds. As for him who gives to charity and maintains righteousness. And upholds the scripture. We will direct him towards happiness. But he who is stingy, though he is rich. And

disbelieves in the scripture. We will direct him towards misery.

Based on His knowledge, God assigns for each one of us in life certain duties and tasks. Easy or tough, simple or complicated, it is the effort to steadfastly apply God’s commands while fulfilling these obligations and performing our duties that matters in the sight of God. The dedication and the effort we put forth to follow His teachings while handling these assignments validate our devotion and reverence to God. God is in full control of the outcome of our efforts. He urges us to do our best and teaches us through many examples that our efforts are appreciated irrespective of their outcome:

[4:74] Those who readily fight in the cause of God are those who forsake this world in favor of the Hereafter. Whoever fights in the cause of God, then gets killed, or attains victory, we will surely grant him a great recompense.

[6:135] Say, "O my people, do your best, and so will I. You will surely find out who the ultimate victors are." Certainly, the wicked will never succeed.

[17:19] As for those who choose the Hereafter as their priority, and work righteousness, while believing, their efforts will be appreciated.

Cont’d on page 2