THE WORD OF GOD

Their entire attention should be directed towards the worship of God. They should spend their wealth for the cause of God and their time in understanding the teachings of Islam. This style of life makes one pure and righteous and it is only the pure and righteous who are approved of by Almighty God. Surely, for men and women who have surrendered [to God]— believing men and believing women, obedient men and obedient women, truthful men and truthful women, patient men and patient women, humble men and humble women, charitable men and charitable women, fasting men and fasting women, men and women who guard their chastity, men and women who are ever mindful of God—God is ready with forgiveness and an immense reward. (33: 35) This verse shows what Almighty God wishes a man or woman to be and the ten virtues He would like them to possess are: Islam (submission to God), Faith in God, obedience, truthfulness, patience, sincerity, charity, fasting, chastity and remembrance of God. These ten virtues encompass all aspects of Islamic faith and character. Briefly speaking, one who hopes to receive God’s pardon and His rewards should bow to His injunctions, showing his total belief in God. There should be no contradiction between his words and deeds and stand firm, regardless of the circumstances. The realisation of God’s greatness should have made him modest and he should consider the meeting of others’ needs as his own responsibility. He must fast regularly and be chaste and pure. His days and nights are spent in the remembrance of God. Just as these qualities are required of men, so also are they required of women. Although their manifestation may be different, the qualities are the same for both. A human being, will be considered acceptable to God only when he or she approaches God endowed with these ten qualities. o