What Does God Want from Man?

Verse of the Throne “God, there is no deity save Him, the Living, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes him. Unto Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth. Who is he that intercedes with Him save by His leave? He knows that which is in front of them and that which is behind, while they encompass nothing of his knowledge save what He will. His throne includes the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous.” (2:255)…….

The Correct Worldview - The Two Owners of Gardens: – Gratefulness, Acknowledgment of power, Not falling into false pride Facing Adversity: –Man loses hope… (39:8) –“Man does not tire of calling for good things, but if evil touches him he loses all hope. And if We give man a taste of Our mercy after affliction has touched him, he says, ‘This is due me, and I do not thing the Hour will come, and if I am returned to my Lord, indeed I have good things awaiting me with Him.’ So We inform those who disbelieve of what they do, and indeed We give them a taste of severe punishment.” (41:49) –Adversity is a test… so that God might know. “These days, We alternate them amongst the people, so that God might know them who believe and take from amongst you witnesses (shuhada’), and God does not love the wrongdoers.” (3:146)

Who is Your God? “Hast thou seen him that make his desire his god, and God sends him astray purposefully, and seals up his hearing and his heart, and sets on his sight a covering. Will you not then take heed?” (45:23 ff.)

Understanding the Nature of the Life of this World The life of this world as idle play… (15:20-22) “The Hereafter is better and more lasting.” “Beautiful for mankind is love of the joys that come from women and offspring, and stored-up heaps of gold and silver, and horses branded, and cattle and land. That is comfort of the life of the world. God, with Him is a more excellent abode. Say: shall I inform you of something better than that? For those who keep from evil, with their Lord, are Gardens underneath which rivers flow, and pure companions, and contentment from God. God is most observant of His slaves.” 3:14 ff.

Belief and Good Deeds “Indeed God enjoins justice, and goodliness and tending to those close kin, and He forbids foulness, the reprehensible and overweeningness. He reminds you that you may take heed.” (16:90) “By time, indeed man is in loss. Except those who believe and do good deeds. And enjoin upon one another truth, and enjoin upon one another perseverance.” “… because they fulfill their vows and fear a day the evil thereof is widespread. And feed the needy, the wretched and the prisoner for sake of Him. [They say], We do but feed you for the sake of God, no thanks nor reward do we want from you.” (76:7-9)

Perseverance (sabr) “O you who believe, seek the aid of perseverance and prayer, indeed God is with the perseverance.” (2:153) Seek God’s assistance and prepare for right action: –“Have we not expanded your chest, and lifted from you your burden, that so weighed down upon your back, and raised up your dignity. Indeed with hardship comes ease, indeed with hardship comes ease. So when you are freed [from trial], stand tall. And seek towards your Lord.” (94)

The Correct Choice “There is no compulsion in religion. Guidance has been distinguished from error. And he who rejects false deities (taghut) and believes in God has grasped a firm handhold which will never break. God is Hearer, Knower.” (2:156)

Consistency in Pursuits By the night enshrouding. And the day resplendent. And Him who hath created the male and female. Indeed you strive towards divergent ends! As for him who gives and is dutiful, him will we ease towards ultimate goodness. But as for those who are stingy and deem themselves self sufficient, them will we ease towards the ultimate hardship. (92:1-10)

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