« decisive moments | Main | to delight and instruct »
December 27, 2007
seven signs of the love of god
The first test is this: he should not dislike the thought of death, for no friend shrinks from going to see a friend.
The second test of sincerity is that a man should be willing to sacrifice his will to God’s, should cleave to what brings him nearer to God, and should shun what places him at a distant from God.
The third test is that the remembrance of God should always remain fresh in a man’s heart without effort, for what a man loves he constantly remembers, and if his love is perfect he never forgets it.
The forth test is that he will love the Koran, which is the word of God, and Muhammad, who is the prophet of God; if his love is really strong, he will love all men, for all are God’s servants, nay, his love will embrace the whole creation, for he who loves anyone loves the works he composes and his handwriting.
The fifth test is, he will be covetous of retirement and privacy for purposes of devotion; he will long for the approach of night, so that he may hold intercourse with his Friend without let or hindrance.
A sixth test that worship becomes easy. When love to God is complete no joy is equal to the joy of worship.
The seventh test is that lovers of God will love those who obey Him and hate the infidels and the disobedient.
Ghazali - The Alchemy of Happiness
Posted by amin at December 27, 2007 12:48 AM