A Wish-List

A Wish-List

1992 8-9 August-September 9 A Wish-List (255) Cleary Simpson, a highly educated American lady, undertook several jobs after the completion of her studies until; finally, she landed a job with Time magazine – something she had longed for all her life. Presently, she is Advertising Sales Director in Time’s New York office. In its issue of August 5, 1991, Time published a jubilant photograph of the lady, along with her happy comment: ‘Working for Time was always on my wish-list.’

There is something in everyone’s life which he regards as wonderfully superior. He thinks about it, day and night, dreaming fondly of his heart’s desire. He simply longs for the day this most ‘cherished goal will be achieved: This is what figures most prominently on his ‘wish-list’. And there is no one in this world who does not have some such focus for his attention.

What places the believer on a different plane is the fact that at the top of his wish-list is paradise – a world of eternal, perfect blessings where he will find his lord, where he will meet truthful human beings and savour God’s munificence. There he will live in a world free of absurdities, hardship and noise. The atmosphere will be filled with “peace and the praise of God. Freedom will be unbounded, pleasure unlimited.

Whenever a man discovers the reality of life, the most important thing he realises is that there is nothing greater than paradise. He yearns for paradise, but paradise is only for those whose craving for it is so intense that it amounts to greed.

While worshipping God, respect the convenience of others

1992 8-9 August-September 9 While worshipping God, respect the convenience of others (59) The Prophet was once in retreat in the mosque when he was disturbed by the sound of loud recitation. Raising the curtain, he said to the worshippers, “Look, you are all intent on beseeching God, but in so doing you must not trouble others. Don’t raise your voices to outdo each other while reciting the Quran.”

(Abu Da’ud, Sunan)