Al-Risala (English), January-February 2000

life that takes shape as a result of this realisation is called servitude of God. When a pot floating in the river fills to the brim, it sinks. Similarly when man’s span of action is completed, death comes unannounced. One who reforms himself before his pot is full saves himself. One who remains oblivious till his last day of the necessity to reform is doomed to eternal destruction. If the oppressors are given a long rope, it does not mean that they have been left scot-free. It only means that it is not the Sunnah (way) of God to seize them in haste. God has not created man for the completion of His Being. Rather man has been given this opportunity to prove himself a true servant of God in this world of trial in order that he may be deserving of the blessings of God for all eternity. □ Guidance by the Prophets Has he not heard of what is preached in the books of Moses and Abraham, who fulfilled his duty: that no soul shall bear another’s burden and that each man shall be judged by his own labours; that his labours shall be scrutinized and that he shall be justly requited for them; that all things shall in the end return to God? (Quran, 53:36-42) Along with creating man, God started a chain of prophethood for human guidance. In every age and in every nation prophets have come and conveyed the message of God to men. While provision for the sustenance of life remained constantly available in this world, the principles of how to lead this life were sent to man by God again and again as the occasion demanded. Each