Islam As It Is
FOREWORD
~ 8 ~
the former case is superior, because it is illuminated
by divine inspiration, whereas in the latter case it
definitely is not. Waking or sleeping, the devotee
clings to his religion throughout his entire life as the
mainstay of his existence. There is no particle of his
being which remains insensitive to the effects of
religion.
Religion, as viewed by individuals of differing
beliefs, may pertain to God, or may pertain to
entities other than God. Everyone is free to adopt
whichever religion he pleases. But free as he is, it is
in his choice of religion that man is being put to the
test in this world. His choice of a God-centred, or a
godless religion will be what determines his fate in
the life after death. Men are led astray by the fact
that it is quite possible to choose a godless religion,
and yet be materially successful in this world; one
may ignore God, and yet have honour and glory in
this life. What they do not see is that none of this
means anything at all in the life after death. Worldly
successes accompany one only as far as the grave.
Beyond the grave, a man who has depended solely
on material things to support him through life will
find himself at that point totally bereft of any props
