So the lesson which we learn from this is that
Shaytan is continuously trying to divert us; to
stop us from arriving safely back to the Garden.
The Straight Path back is clear. It is, in fact,
to follow God's guidance and not to veer away from
it.
Today people say, "Oh, the rules of religion
are too many, there are too many things you can't
do. So much we have to give up." But essentially,
it's just as simple as the first command which was
given to Adam which is - listen to God and don’t
listen to Shaytan.
In another verse in the Qur'an, it makes it even
simpler; it explains what the Straight Path in essence
is.
Did I not enjoin on
you, O ye children of Adam that ye should not serve
Shaytan for that he was to you a clear enemy? And
that ye should serve Me, for that this is a straight
way? 9
One of the benefits of a well trodden Road is its
ability to keep people within its boundaries; to
stop people from veering off and keep them guided
towards their final destination. The steps along
the Straight path are our actions.
God has told us what basic steps are necessary,
preparing our souls in this transitory world for
the life to come and training us in daily life to
keep on the straight and narrow, till we reach the
end of our voyage.
Good deeds are the best provisions for the journey
and there are many we can do. Such as prayer, charity,
speaking the truth, kindness to parents, being patient,
refusing to engage in sex outside of marriage, good
neighbourliness, keeping one’s promises and
so on. These are the signs of guided, God-conscious
souls.
It is not righteousness
that you turn your faces towards East and West;
but righteous is he who believes in God and the
Last Day and the angels and the Scripture and the
prophets; and gives [of] his wealth, for the love
of Him, to family and to the orphans and the needy
and the wayfarer and those who ask, and [to] set
slaves free; and be regular in prayer and giving
charity (zakat); and those who keep their promise
when they make one and are patient when misfortune
and adversity befalls, during times of stress; such
are the sincere. Such are the God-conscious (muttaqeen).
10
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9 |
The Holy Qur’an: Yasin, 36:60-61 |
10 |
The Holy Qur’an: Al-Baqarah
(The Heifer) 2:177 |
|
