FROM THE SPIRITUAL TREE

reaps his reward. That will be the beginning of a new and eternal life— either eternal heaven or eternal hell. Man is reminded daily of this most important reality when he goes to sleep and when he rises from sleep. In this way, actions of this world come to remind man of the Hereafter. If we are conscious of the above fact on a daily basis it will certainly show in our behaviour in the day-to-day life. It is not possible that we can at the same time be aware of this fact and also keep living our life without any consideration for striving towards achieving the higher goals we are meant to achieve in this world. We are here for a purpose and for this, one needs to adopt the concept of high thinking and simple living. The Prophet of Islam used to lead a very simple life and laid great stress on believers doing likewise. Once he said, “O people, don’t you hear me, O people, don’t you hear me, O people, don’t you hear me. Simplicity is undoubtedly a part of faith. Simplicity is undoubtedly a part of faith.” When man has discovered the greatness of God, his own existence in comparison appears quite insignificant. This feeling makes him a truly modest person. His whole being is coloured in the hue of servitude. His manner ceases to be aggressive and his voice becomes gentle. Even his gait expresses his modesty. His whole attitude comes to reflect a new seriousness. All this inevitably results in his preferring simplicity in everything; in food, drink and living arrangements. He avoids luxuries, pomp and show. His soul finds pleasure and contentment in leading a life of simplicity instead of indulgence. True faith leads man away from artificial things to nature, where simplicity is the rule. He develops a liking for a simple way of life, which is more natural. This naturalness behoves the believer. Naturalness is in accordance with his modesty and humility, which are great virtues in the eyes of God. The daily actions of sleeping and waking up which might just appear as two ordinary actions amongst many in our life can actually be the greatest reminders to keep us away from frivolities and to be serious about achieving the high goals befitting a human being. o Our inevitable awakening after sleeping foreshadows with certainty how we shall arise after death to give an account of our deeds on the Day of Judgement.