Islam As It Is
man, know theyself!
~ 12 ~
production of wealth and the giving of fair shares to
all. These widely differing opinions show that
people in general do not properly recognize what
they themselves are. If they did, they would all
argue that what affects man most is his ignorance of
his own nature, and his refusal to accept the fact
that one day he must die, and, more terrible, be
called to account, before his Maker. If we could only
accept this reality, we would think less of the
present world and more of the afterlife.
Today, most people do believe in God and in the
afterworld. It is not as if they deny these things; yet
their actions do not conform to their beliefs. In
practice, all people are concerned about is getting
on in life.
If you stand in a busy shopping centre during the
evening rush-hour you will soon become aware of
what it is that people are rushing towards; they are
rushing towards the satisfaction of their own
desires. One need only look at them, and listen to
them, to understand that buying and selling,
acquiring objects or money, are what give them the
greatest joy in life. The happiness or sadness we see
