O God, occupy me with what pleases You
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“And Allah and His Messenger are more worthy that they should please Him, if they are believers.” (Surah At-Tawbah, 62)
I believe, and indeed I hold a firm conviction, that a rational Muslim, especially in today’s turbulent world, which is nearly overflowing with trials and tribulations, when he occupies himself in his worldly life with pleasing his Lord, the Exalted, will be granted by Allah what brings him the pleasure of his Lord, along with the tranquility, peace of mind, and spiritual strength that follow. Perhaps this moral preoccupation will qualify him for success in the Hereafter. Among the matters that must be guarded with utmost care is occupying oneself with seeking the pleasure of Allah, the Exalted. Examples of this include:
- Preparing for the Hereafter: A person of sound mind devotes his time and effort to preparing for the afterlife. Blessed is the one who remembers the fundamental importance of this matter in his worldly life, and does not allow himself to be distracted from contemplating it and truly preparing for it.
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- Emulating the noble character of the Quran: A rational Muslim follows the moral example of the role model of all Muslims, the best of mankind, our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). One who occupies himself with following the commands and avoiding the prohibitions of the Glorious Quran will make his soul a living embodiment of the Quran’s character, whether in his dealings with himself or with other Muslims. This preoccupation will yield a tranquil soul and a Muslim who is conscious of Allah in both private and public.
- Occupying oneself with what pleases Allah alleviates worldly worries: I am almost certain that whoever occupies his mind, heart, and body in pleasing his Lord will find the burden of some worldly worries lightened, and he will become less susceptible to the temptations of this transient world. For example, fulfilling his religious responsibilities toward himself and others will help him achieve spiritual aspirations and goals that he might otherwise be deprived of in this worldly life.
- Reciting the Quran and understanding its noble meanings: A rational Muslim in today’s world is keen on reciting the Quran, not only to emulate its moral teachings, but also to benefit from and deepen his understanding of Quranic wisdom. You are unlikely to find a person of sound mind who does not set aside time each day to recite the Quran and study its interpretations, with the aim of acquiring more wisdom that will benefit him in both this world and the Hereafter. The Glorious Book mentions nothing of the affairs of this world or the next without addressing it. And Allah knows best.
A Kuwaiti writer
