Islam Rediscovered
14. Spirituality in Islam
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the spiritual riches accruing from the discovery of
the Creator cannot be gained in the discovery of
mere objects of creation.
Furthermore, in the spiritual world there is no great
difference between comfort and deprivation. What
one gains from experiences of material pleasure is
of far less value than what one gains from
experiences of deprivation. The tears of pain
flowing from an aching heart gives far greater
satisfaction than the laughter of happiness. The
greatest source of pleasure is in the remembrance of
God. It is this reality which finds expression in the
following verse of the Qur’an: “It is only in the
remembrance of God that hearts are comforted.”
(13:28)
Here comfort means not just the temporary solace
to be found in everyday convenience, but the real
comfort with its implications of peace of mind that
can stem only from God Almighty. Man by nature
is an idealistic creature. Anything short of ideal can
attract only fitful attention from him, whereas true
and lasting comfort can be achieved only through
the Perfect Being.
