Desiring God blog
The Sole Creator, Fashioner, Sustainer & Nourisher of His beloved creation. God reveals to mortals Who He is.
The Purpose of LifeBeautiful Islam is the timely realization that most conscientious people arrive at in middle or old age. Anyone who looks back at their reckless and unruly life will see, that the outcome of partying, womanizing, drinking and drugging, is naught but destruction and despair. Every next-generation keeps challenging values, morality, and virtue even more ferociously than the past one. We demand abnormal rights that go against our God-given nature and instincts. Hankering after excessive freedom in every aspect of our lives causes our moral compass to malfunction. Alas...
Irrespective of how much fame, wealth, material possession, freedom, liberties, entertainment, upliftment, progress - you name it one acquires. None of it, indeed not even all of it, can buy the much sought after 'inner peace'. This is also the reason why so many celebrities turn to drugs, and some inevitably commit suicide. Reality being, that as we sow in this fleeting worldly life, so shall we reap in the eternal Afterlife. What a pity then, that we fail to take heed of the Omniscient and Omnipotent God's enlightened guidance. A Divine Gift that could easily save us from squandering away over half of our lives aimlessly and unfruitfully. If the true measure of a worthy and meaningful life is to secure happiness, the dark and ugly truth of our wasteful existence begins to dawn upon us as we age. Whether we live for 30, 40, 70, or even 100 odd years, death is inevitable. And one can either meet it prepared or unprepared. What a Compassionate God then, Who despite all our flaws and repeated sins continues to nourish and sustain us. Even outright deniers are never denied! From Adam to Muhammed (peace be upon all Prophets of God) reminders were sent unto mankind. Bearing an invitation to believe in what common sense dictates - that creation must have a Creator - that we should worship the Creator alone and not His creation. And that He did not create man without a purpose. God mind you, was not obliged to send these timely reminders but did so out of love and concern for our well-being. For He alone is the epitome of mercy, justice, and wisdom. Neither was one feigning authority, found compelling the Almighty to send a final reminder and manual for human existence. Heaven and the earth are from amongst God's insurmountable treasures and are under His command. The Supreme commander, the Self-Sufficient and the Final Authority, whom none dare advise, or influence. The final reminder in question was none other than the Timelessly Miraculous Quran. The uncreated word (speech) of God. A comprehensive manual covering all aspects and challenges of human affairs. From the direst to the most mundane. And one meant to endure the test of time. Disadvantage, incompetency, or unpreparedness could not touch the Creator and Owner of time, for nothing escapes His flawless knowledge of the past, present or future. A divine guarantee for the preservation of the final message up to the Last Day, was thus given for all to witness and marvel at. Previous revelations were not offered this eternal protection. Logic would then dictate, that it is next to impossible to alter a book that is memorized from cover to cover by millions of believers across the globe. That is precisely what it's guardians and adherents have done, ever since the revolutionary first-word 'Iqra' (Read) was revealed in confines of the Hira Cave. The wonder of all wonders is that the Magnificent Quran addresses all mankind, and not Muslims alone. For the one and only true God is not a partisan God. This equity is also evidenced in how all believers and disbelievers alike, are clothed, fed, sustained, and protected, simply by virtue of being from among the creation of God. Divine Justice assures a level playing field for one and all. These eternal truths are often brushed aside by the average human. Does he not see that although life is unpredictable, death, on the other hand, is guaranteed? Should a man not be questioning the final outcome of his own existence? Had he been created for this world, surely death would not have touched him. Which cherished worldly possessions have his deceased loved ones carried to their grave? Was he then, created without purpose or in jest? Is he more qualified than One Who created him, to determine life’s true purpose, given his limited knowledge and impaired foresight? Should men who bow down to human authority continue to disregard the Divine Authority that is far superior? What good is our God-gifted free-will and intellect, if we abuse it to embrace disbelief and disobedience, instead of earning God’s pleasure? Nay, the time for soul-searching has indeed arrived. Lord of the mighty heavens and the earth informs His beloved creation: "My Mercy overpowers My Wrath", lest we lose all hope and become ingrates. Every single mortal is awarded countless opportunities to repent to the Oft-Returning Lord. To believe in Him alone as Creator, Nourisher, Sustainer, and Provider. And to work good deeds based upon His flawless guidance. It is only when one experiences the final pangs of death, that this opportunity is revoked. As we go into the realm of the Unseen World, the glaring truth becomes abundantly clear. Beautiful Islam is the last and final message of guidance unto mankind from their Adoring Lord. And one that recognizes, honors and respects all revelations and Prophets of God that preceded it. May God guide mankind to all that is most pleasing to Him. Aameen.
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Mellow greetings of peace from Ayesha!
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