THE RIGHT TRAINING FOR A BELIEVER

In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate

Surely God is with those who fear (Him) and who do good deeds (as if they saw Him). (16:128)

A parable to understand the intrinsic relation of worshipping God and refraining from sins to human nature

To understand how true and proper are the tasks assigned to us of performing prescribed prayers and avoiding ma­jor sins, and that both tasks are directly related to the nature of human beings, read the following allegory.

During a war, there are two privates in a regiment, one well-trained and conscientious, and the other a recruit and a slave to his self. The first one attends training exercises and struggles against the enemy. He never worries about ra­tions and allowances because he is sure that it is the government’s task to supply the military equipment and food, and, in case of illness or wounds, to provide him with proper medical care. He knows that his major task is first, training for war and then fighting for the country; he also takes part in the task of supplying provisions and does some work in the kitchen such as washing up mess tins.

When asked what he is doing, he responds: ‘I am doing some of the chores of state.’ He doesn’t say that he is working for his living.

The other, inexperienced and self-indulgent soldier does not join in the regular training exer­cises or fight. He explains himself in this way: ‘It’s none of my business; that is a government matter.’ As a result of this attitude, he cares only about his livelihood, deserts the battle-front and goes to the market-place instead.

One day, the other soldier who does not ap­prove of this attitude, advises him: ‘Brother, your major task is to train for war and fight for the country. That’s why you have been assigned to this post. You should rely on the king. He doesn’t leave you in need of food. The supply of rations and allowances are his responsibility, not yours. Anyway, you do not have the power to arrange for your provision at all times and places. And we are now in a state of war: you may well be accused of being a deserter or rebel and face punishment.

‘It is true, there do seem to be two tasks: one is the responsibility of the king and the other, ours. The king regularly supplies the needs for training and war. Our task is to get trained and fight.’

Imagine how precarious is the condition of the irresponsible soldier if he doesn’t pay heed to what his friend tries to explain to him!

O indolent soul of mine! That violent battle­field represents the tumult of this worldly life. The army divided into regiments is an image of the peoples of all nations; and that particular battalion stands for an Islamic society. Of the two soldiers, one is a devout and pious Muslim who knows what he is asked to do and struggles against his self and against Satan not to commit sins. The other soldier is an unfortunate sinner who doesn’t at all observe his duties as a servant, set out by God, but commits many sins and, what’s more, he is so obsessed with his rations and allowances that he even accuses the true Sustainer. Training represents the daily prayers and other forms of duties required of the believ­ing servants of God. The war stands for the process through which the spirit achieves ever­lasting salvation-through fighting against the carnal passions, whether instinctive or urged on by Satan. The two duties referred to are easily enough understood: the first, the creation and maintenance of life are responsibilities of the Creator alone. The second is our responsibility-begging from the Creator and Sustainer, relying on Him totally.

Doing the basic responsibility

Only He who gives life, which is a most brilliant miracle of the Eternally-Besought’s art and a wonder of the Wisdom of the Lord, sustains life with provision. Do you need convincing?

The weakest and simplest animals such as fish and fruit- worms are the ones which are best fed. Also the least capable and the most vulnerable creatures, babies for example, or new-born ani­mals, get the best food.

Getting the needed food is not a matter of ex­ercising strength or free will, on the contrary it is a matter of being in need and suffering shortcom­ings or shortages. To understand how this can be so, compare in general how trees are fed to how animals are fed, compare fish to foxes, babies to savages, and that should suffice to convince you.

Anyone who quits his daily prayers for the sake of his livelihood may be likened to the soldier in the allegory: he neglects his exercises, deserts from the battle-front for fear of not having any food and wanders about in the market-place.

As a contrast, to seek one’s rations from the earth-the kitchen of the All-Generous Provider’s Mercy-after performing the prayers, and to avoid being a trouble or burden on others is fine and manly. This too is a kind of worship.

Furthermore, the nature of man and his spiritual being demonstrates that he is created to worship God. He is even slighter than a little sparrow as far as his merely physical powers and competence necessary for the life of this world are con­cerned. But in respect of his knowledge, understanding of his need, supplication and worship-which are necessary for his spiritual life and the life of the Hereafter-he is the king and commander of all animate creatures.

As long as you set this world up, O my soul, as your major goal and work for it, you can only be a soldier in it, with no more control of your affairs than has a sparrow. Whereas, if you move toward the Here­after and consider this world as a field to be sown, a preparation for the other world and act accordingly, you become the ruler of the animal kingdom and a supplicant servant of Almighty God, and His favored or indulged guest in this world.

Now you have two choices. You can choose either of them. So ask for guidance and success in His way from the Most Compassionate of the Compassionate.