Today I went to IQRA bookstore with brother Ryan and we both bought this book: ‘THE BEST WAY FOR THE WORSHIPPERS’. It is by ‘ Imam Abu Muhammad Al Ghazali’ and is translated by ‘Iqbal Hussain Ansari’. It was $12.00. I recommend this book for all to all my Muslim brothers and sisters in Islam. From the Preface, I have extracted the following: It opened my eyes up, SubhanWALLAH.
According to the description given by the Holy Prophet (PBUH):
‘Paradise has been covered with unpleasant and undesirable things and hell has been covered by desires and lusts’
In other words, he who desires Paradise has to pass through many repulsive and unpleasant situations in this life and he who wishes hell is absorbed in satisfying lusts and desires. Prophet Mohd(PBUH) has further said:
‘Beware! Paradise is situated on a high steep ground and hell is situated on a smooth low ground’
This means that it is difficult to climb up to Paradise and is easy to get down to hell. The way to Paradise is very difficult and the way to hell is very easy!
…A sound-minded person reflects and searches for ways and means for his salvation and security. And so in order to achieve a sincere path to Paradise, a person must cross the following valleys:
1: The Valley of knowledge and acquaintance.
The first valley in the path of worship is to reflect on the creation of universe to acquire knowledge of its Creator. After having learnt these injunctions and obligations he turns to obedience and service. In the meantime he remembers the countless sins and excesses he has committed in his life and is urged first to repent and purify before establishing relationship with ALLAH. At this stage he faces another valley’
2: The Valley of repentance.
He will engage himself in worship and devotion. At the same time he will confront another valley,
3: The Valley of obstacles.
This is the valley of negative forces that will deter him from obedience and devotion. Now he finds that he cannot do full justice to worship and devotion owing to obstacles that are 4 in number:
1>>The world 2>>The creatures 3>>The Self and 4>>Satan
Mans’ self is the strongest of all these obstacles. It is easy to get rid of other obstacles, but the self is most tenacious. It is the weapon of human life and accompanies man till death. It is impossible to eradicate it. It can be tamed with the bridle of TAQWA.
And yet man will have to cross more valleys’
4: The valley of hindrances
5: The valley of urge and impetus
6: The valley of factors ruining worship.
After crossing all these valleys he will find himself permanently drowned in the bounties and mercy of ALLAH. It is due only to Allah’s infinite mercy that he is enjoying the virtue of worship, good deeds and total freedom from sins and vices. And he will finally arrives to the
7: The Valley of praise and thanksgiving.
After crossing all these valleys, he shall arrive in the land of Allah’s mercy and grace and the plain of divine love and access to ALLAH. He shall be admitted in the pleasures of ALLAH and the abode of the Angels. He will become so deeply absorbed in the company of spiritual Angels that he shall pass the remaining part of his life in the garden of Allah’s remembrance. His love for and interest in the affairs of the world will gradually vanish. Every moment he will wait for the call of death and a desire to meet ALLAH. The call will ultimately come to him accompanied with glad tidings. He will be ushered into Paradise with great honor, ease, comfort, and luxuries and love.
We pray to Exalted ALLAH to include us all, by HIS mercy, among such servants and favor us with HIS great gifts and bounties and exclude us from HIS rejected and condemned servants! AMEEN.
Remember ALLAH and HE will Remember you.