QUALITY OF IBAADAH – DESIRE FOR RESULTS – Part 2

THE OBJECTIVE IS AMAL NOT SPIRITUAL BLISS
The objective of enthusiasm is amal (i.e. to practise the ahkaam of the Deen). The objective of amal is not attainment of enthusiasm (or some spiritual state –Kaifiyat). As long as there is constancy in amal, the Maqsood (objective) has been achieved even if the amal is not accompanied by enthusiasm (or by some spiritual condition such as pleasure, elation, etc.). One should not become grieved for failure to attain any spiritual condition (kaifiyat). Of importance is to ensure that there is no deficiency in amal.

WAITING FOR PERFECT SENERITY IS FUTILE
To wait for total settling of the mind (i.e. complete devotion to Allah) is futile. This is not possible while one is caught up in this world (with its responsibilities and duties). To achieve this, even in a troubled and perplexed condition, start the connection with Allah Most High. Gradually such single-minded devotion will follow. Otherwise life will come to an end (waiting) and complete devotion will not be achieved.

NO HARDSHIP IN IBAADAH
Nowadays, people regard Ibadat to hardship. Wallah! There is no hardship in Ibadat. Ibadat is like varieties of delicious foods. There is no hardship in participating in such varieties of delicacies. If this is branded as hardship, it will be tantamount to denying the quality of nourishment of food. I take oath by Allah! These virtuous deeds of the shari’ah are like bread. Initially the baby finds difficulty in eating bread and seeks to abstain from it. However, once the realization has dawned on the child, he will understand the bread to be a mercy. Similarly, the worshipper experiences some difficulty initially in Ibadat. But later, when experiences the pleasure of Ibadat, he will engross himself wholeheartedly therein.

WE FLEE FROM IBAADAT
Alas! We are increasingly becoming the enemies of such things which create the love of Allah. We flee from the Ibadat of Allah. On the other hand, we adopt the things which distance us from Allah.

COMPLETE SUBMISSION WILL RESULT IN BARKAT
I claim with emphasis that if a person submits fully (to the Shari’ah), the result will be barakat (blessings) in abundance. But one should be steadfast. In the beginning one will not discern benefit. However, later such noor (spiritual light) will be perceived that peace of mind without obedience will not be possible. In fact, the effect of such obedience will extend to others.

COMFORT AND PLEASURE COMES AFTER ACCOMPLISHMENT OF WORK
People search for comfort (and pleasure) in the works of the Deen. While such comfort does occur, it is only after accomplishment of the work. But people desire to attain this comfort first. Their similitude is that of a sick man who complains of his ill- health. While he wishes for good health, he abstains from medicine. Health without eliminating the sickness is not possible. The eliminating of sickness cannot be effected without medical treatment. However in the affairs of the Deen the intelligence of people has become deranged (because they are reluctant or refuse to adopt correct methods for spiritual reformation and benefit).