English

In the book, the author, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan explains that God has created this world full of wonderful opportunities. Here, when matter perishes, it becomes energy; when darkness comes, a new light emerges from its depths; when one building falls, it leaves a place for another construction. So it is with events in the life of man. From every failure emerges the chance of new success. Everywhere in this world the paths to progress are open to everyone. In no situation are the paths to progress are ever closed for anyone.

The Quran tells us: “God has the most excellent names.” (7:180) Here, “names” have the extended meaning of the best attributes that inhere specifically in God. Traditions tell us that they number 99, which are a major sampling of God’s infinity of attributes. These best names of God, asma-e-husna, in actual fact, are different aspects of the attributes of God. When a person reflects on the existence of God and His creations, various aspects of God appear to him and he is able to understand these different aspects of God.

The Quran states: “Remembrance of God is surely the greatest thing.” (29:45) In other words it means that, for a person, remembrance of God is the greatest form of worship.

What is meant by remembrance of God? It does not mean any numerical or statistical exercise but rather it is one’s mental condition. According to a tradition, Ayesha, the Prophet’s wife, said: “The Prophet Muhammad used to remember God on every occasion.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 373) One can understand the meaning of remembrance of God from this tradition.

God is the Creator and Lord of this world. Man has only one thing to give to God and that is to acknowledge Him, and live a God-oriented life. Such a life is a life of taqwa, a cautious life. Man faces various temptations in life. While facing them he should follow the way of taqwa by sedulously keeping away from all temptations and adopting a cautious approach.