THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

The Five Pillars of Islam ~ 105 ~ distance from what has been decreed unlawful by the Almighty. In adhering to the path of truth, he is bound to face difficulties in life. But he must bear with them, and avoid wasting precious time in reacting to the hurdles placed in his way by others. In this way he will be able to persevere in his life’s duties in spite of all obstacles. Impervious to the losses incurred by him in this world, he will press on in quest of the gains of the next world. Even when his pride is severely wounded, and the unpleasantness of events causes him great irritation, he refrains from displaying a negative reaction and continues to pursue positive ends. None of this can be achieved without the virtues of patience and endurance. The path of Islam can be followed only by those who have unlimited reserves of patience, and it is precisely this virtue which is inculcated by the annual lesson of fasting. This lesson, painfully learned during the month of Ramadhan, stays with devotees throughout their entire lives. The whole life of a believer is, in a sense, a life of fasting: he is required to abstain not just from food