You claim that no Christian; no Jew; and no Muslim has ever obeyed God’s laws: ‘for more than a few moments.’
Really?
It has been my privilege to know many who were shining examples of loving devotion to God; folk who – by their behaviour – were living proof that it is possible for us to obey the commands of our Lord; and to do so habitually.
If you have never known such folk, then you are truly bereft; and deserving of pity.
God is not a puppet-master, and does not insist on the impossible. The fact that He requires us to behave in a certain way – to avoid sin – makes sense only if we are free to comply.
Everything we do – freely and willingly – should be done for His own sake; and for no other reason. He desires that we should choose to live in His love. Each and every one of us:
'I set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live, in the love of Yahweh your God, obeying his voice, clinging to him; for in this your life consists…’ (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 – Jerusalem Bible).
We are given a choice. I choose life.
You wish to know how Muslims ‘get right with God’.
By two means: Remembrance of Him, and Repentance.
Concerning Remembrance:
When we love someone – and are loved in return – we long to be remembered by them. A simple card; a letter; a greeting; a phone call to say ‘I love you’.
It is a source of immeasurable wonder that the Beloved – the Master of the Universe – should say to one such as I: ‘Remember Me; I will remember you.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Baqara: 152’).
One of the Beloved’s ‘Beautiful Names’ is ‘Al-Wali’; meaning the ‘Protecting Friend’; and our relationship with Him is one of closeness; of love; of trust; and of dependence.
He says:
‘We created man – We know what his soul whispers to him: We are closer to him than his jugular vein.’ (Sūrah ‘Qaf:16).
Ms. A. Helwa is a Master of Divinity, with over fifteen years writing and speaking on Islam and spiritual development. She writes:
‘Whether you are in a plane in the sky, in the heart of a desert, or in the depths of a sea where no light can reach, God is with you. Everyone else may leave, everything else may break, but Allah will forever be your most faithful and intimate friend.’ (‘Secrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey into the Heart of Islam’)
The Beloved says:
‘But for those who the friends of God there is no fear, nor shall they grieve. For those who believe and are conscious of God, for them there is good news in this life and in the Hereafter – there is no changing the promises of God - that is truly the supreme triumph.’ (Sūrah ‘Yunus: 62-65’; my emphases).
Remembrance of God leads to taqwa; an active state of consciousness and mindfulness of the Divine.
The Quran mentions taqwa multiple times, underlining its significance in a believer’s life.
Taqwa is described as the best of all garments:
‘Children of Adam, We have given you garments to cover your nakedness and as adornment for you; the garment of God-consciousness is the best of all garments – this is one of God’s signs, so that people may take heed.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-A‘raf: 26’).
It is the criterion of honour in God’s sight:
‘People, We created you all from a single man and a single woman, and made you into races and tribes so that you should recognise one another. In God’s eyes, the most honoured of you are the ones most mindful of Him: God is all knowing, all aware.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Hujurat:13; my emphasis).
Taqwa provides a moral compass, guiding – throughout their daily lives – all who truly love their Lord; and who desire to adhere to His teachings, and to abstain from sinful behaviour.
A person (or community) guided by taqwa values truth, justice, and compassion; values that lie at the very heart of the Beloved’s commands:
‘You who believe, be steadfast in your devotion to God and bear witness impartially: do not let hatred of others lead you away from justice, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to awareness of God. Be mindful of God: God is well aware of all that you do.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Ma’ida:8).
Taqwa enables the believer to be patient; to persevere; and to trust in God’s plan:
‘You who believe, seek help through steadfastness and prayer, for God is with the steadfast.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Baqara: 153).
The Beloved acknowledges any good that we do:
‘Anyone who does good of his own accord will be rewarded, for God rewards good deeds, and knows everything.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Baqara 158’).
And again:
‘If anyone does good, We shall increase it for him; God is most forgiving and most appreciative.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Shura 23’).
Life’s trials are not to be seen as punishments, but as opportunities to grow spiritually and emotionally. Taqwa helps us to be remain patient and hopeful; to recognise that every hardship is a test of faith; and an opportunity to provide ease to those who suffer hardship.
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