GODORIENTED LIFELeading Towards Success IF the earth did not revolve around the sun, its existence would have no meaning, and life would come to an end. Just as the earth revolves around the sun, in man’s

man’s life, all his activities must revolve around God. The God-oriented life begins with the discovery of God. When an individual discovers God, it means that he has found the truth. And this truth pervades

that his greatest asset, God, is still with him. God is a spiritual focus for man. One whose heart is attached to God undergoes spiritual experiences at every moment. Belief in God becomes a source of spiritual

away or for whom the remembrance of death has made it impossible for him to sleep at night. The concept of death is a great revolutionary concept. But no one entertains the remembrance of death and that is

In the face of an earthquake, a human being is totally helpless. So also in the face of death. Remembrance of death is negation of the ego. Ego is a basic attribute of a human being. But this very same

self-importance are the cause of all negative qualities, such as arrogance, revenge, pride and envy. Remembrance of death can purify us of the negative emotions that are generated by a bloated ego. If we are

evil. Our sense of self-importance will be replaced with deep humility. We will be led to acknowledge God and recognize our total dependence on Him.

weep in God’s remembrance. Such remembrance is the result of a contact at a psychological level between the Lord and His servant. When a human soul undergoes this experience of contact with God, then it

and come closer to God.” (96:19) A true act of self-prostration is a moment of nearness between God and man. At that moment a spiritual contact is formed at an invisible level between God and man. This experience

tears fall from the eyes of the servant. In the life of this world this experience of nearness to God is the greatest spiritual experience a man can have. This state of nearness is not between two equals

(Surrender to God)Islam means to submit or to surrender with a full realization of God. Man abandons his ego, his freedom, and surrenders himself before God completely. In all matters of life he obeys God’s commandments

permissive one. This is what is called Islam.3. Dhikr (Remembrance)Dhikr means to remember—in Islamic terminology it means to remember God. When man discovers God, the Creator, the Almighty, Who will reward as

bad deeds, it is inevitable that the thought of God comes to dominate one’s mind. At all times and in all situations one remembers God. This remembrance is known as dhikr. When a person has reached this

priorities. The right priority leads man to success and the wrong priority leads man to failure.DEATH, REMEMBRANCE OF DEATHRemembrance of death makes a man cut to size, making him modest. Then one lives in total

control either over the earthquake or over death. While death puts an end to one’s life, the remembrance of death can cause the elimination of the ego. The ego is man’s greatest quality.Yet it is this

enter Paradise, they will say: “Praise be to God who has taken away all sorrow from us.” (35:34). A life of pain is the most intolerable thing for a human being. A life free of pain is the most desirable

new people. Ignoring the reality of our death makes us unaware of our own reality. In contrast, remembrance of our death makes us fully aware and alert. Awareness of death makes a person very serious about

in the phase of life before death? What is going to happen with me in the phase after death?” Remembrance of death makes a person serious about the affairs of life. He begins to take stock of his life

it will be said: “Praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds.” (39:67-75). Prayer I am God. There is no god but Me. So serve Me, and perform regular prayers for my remembrance.” (20:14). Perform the prayers

mindful. Therefore have patience; God will not deny the righteous their reward (11:114-115). Be ever mindful of prayers, including the middle prayer. And stand obedient to God (2:238). And when you have performed

performed the prayer, remember God, standing, sitting and lying down. Then, when you are secure, perform the prayer, for prayer is a

The Deniers of God’s Signs He who turns away from My remembrance shall live in anguish and come before Us blind on the Day of Resurrection. “Lord”

will say, “why have you brought me blind before you, when in my lifetime I was blessed with sight?” God will answer: “Because Our signs came to you and you forgot them. In like manner this Day you are yourself