THE RELIGION OF HUMANITY: Islam’s Ethical and Spiritual Outlook

To avoid this psychological trap, the Prophet offered a simple and practical solution: Each person should look at those who are less fortunate than themselves—not at those who are more fortunate. The Persian sage Shaykh Saadi once wrote: “I had no shoes and felt distressed seeing others wearing them. But then I saw a man who had no feet. That sight made me thankful to God, who had blessed me with two healthy feet—far greater than a pair of shoes.” God desires gratitude from everyone. But in today’s world, only those who consciously train themselves to think this way—those who become their own guardians against ingratitude—are able to remain truly grateful. AT THE EDGE OF PARADISE Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet of Islam said, “When you pass by the gardens of Paradise, then graze in them.” He was asked, “O Prophet of Islam, what are the gardens of Paradise?” He replied, “The mosques and the gatherings of God’s remembrance.” He was then asked, “O Prophet of Islam, what does it mean to graze in them?” The Prophet said, “To say: Subhanallah (Glory be to God), al-hamdu lillah (Praise be to God), la ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but God), and Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest).” (Sunan alTirmidhi, Hadith No. 3509)