Published on Sep 02 2010 by Nadimur Rahman

Hudhur gave a discourse on striving in the way of God in his Friday Sermon today. He began by reciting the following Quranic verse: ‘And as for those who strive in Our path — We will surely guide them in Our ways. And verily Allah is with those who do good.’ (29:70) Hudhur said we are currently going through the last ten days of Ramadan which are special days to attain the highest point in acceptance of prayer. Today, being Friday, is also a blessed day that comes every seven days and which also has a particular moment of acceptance of prayer. All these combined blessings draw our attention to God’s favours. Such thoughts should not be temporary, rather, as the aforementioned verse states there should be constant striving in God’s way.

Success is attained in this striving by consistently and resolutely trying, keeping in view God’s commandments. It is indeed His favour that He facilitates an environment during Ramadan when there is keenness in spiritual development. Fasting and worship in Ramadan are also a particular ‘striving’, if carried out thoughtfully.

Hudhur said each person has different capacities and inclinations, and the commandment is to seek God in accordance to whatever capacity one has. When effort is made in this regard, God shows the way that leads to Him. However, if selfish thoughts and excuses get in the way, slight effort is assumed as ‘striving’, man cannot attain God. Hudhur explained the ways and means to attain Divine nearness and to be included among those who in God’s sight ‘do good’ through various writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) that he had penned in elucidation of the particular aforementioned verse of Surah Al Ankabut.

The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said one who is careless and indolent cannot attain the same degree of Divine grace as one who makes an effort with all one’s might and with sincerity to search for God.

Hudhur said there are different degrees of Divine nearness which can be attained by constant striving which attracts God’s attention. One must strive in God’s way according to the means that God has taught. Belief in the unseen and perfect belief in God’s attributes inclines one to this striving. If one tries to find God purely through intellect, God does not show the way. God has not left man in dark for as regards this search. From the advent of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) till the Day of Judgement we have the Holy Qur’an as the guidance. Earlier, there were other Prophets. God also manifests signs through His Prophets to prove His existence.

The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said that God states He would show the way to whoever strives in His way, this is His promise. Conversely, He has taught us the prayer of ‘guide us in the right path’ (1:6). One should say this prayer during Salat with the supplication and aspiration to be counted among those who have been granted spiritual advancement and insight.

Hudhur said if this prayer, which is read in each rakah (unit) of Salat, is said with due care and compassion, wanting guidance, God grants it. It is obvious that when a wise person derives benefit through someone’s advice, he/she is grateful to the one who had advised as well as tries to inculcate a connection with them. Indeed, should try and inculcate a connection. Hudhur said it is important to understand this point, it leads to success. When Prophets and those who are commissioned by God, guide to the ways of seeking God, it is essential to follow them and stay connected to them. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) foretold about the coming of the Messiah in this age. How important it is then to pay attention to one who was to connect man with God. How important it is that rather than mindlessly reject him, by making a connection, they try to at least experiment finding the ways that lead to God. They have the prayer (1:6) to do this. Hadhrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) would even tell non-Muslims that although they would not say the Quranic prayer of ‘guide us in the right path’, but if they simply prayed for the straight path with an open mind, God would guide them. Many told him that the truth of Islam was unfolded to them. How important it is then for Muslims to try this formula! It is also important for us Ahmadis, who have accepted the Imam of the age, to not simply sit back but try and constantly strive in the way of finding God, especially during these days.

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