LINGERING DOUBTS

LINGERING DOUBTS government is seen as collusion with false politics, then indulging in worldly luxuries is no different from cooperating with one’s lower self. He argues that such comforts help a person to perform religious duties more effectively and in greater measure. But in reality, what really matters for religious work is a sincere longing of the heart—and that longing begins to fade once layers of comfort cover it. It must be clarified that there is a difference between necessity and comfort. For religious necessity, anything may be used, and in that case it is the better option. But for physical comfort, nothing can be considered better, even though legally all such things are entirely permitted. At this point, I will quote a passage from Abu Hamid Muhammad ibn Muhammad al Ghazali (1058–1111 CE), one of the most influential Muslim scholars: One must recognize that a person cannot reach Allah, the Exalted, except by turning away from desires, restraining oneself from pleasures, limiting them to necessities, and devoting oneself wholly to Allah in every movement and stillness. (Ihya Ulum al Deen, vol. 1, p. 265) Worldly pleasures are indeed permissible, but overindulgence in them risks dulling one’s finer sensitivities, leaving the soul without a strong desire for the Hereafter. Such a person may still engage in