Al-Ghazali — Briefe an Mujir-ud-Din

Allah says: "But seek, in that which Allah has given you, to attain the Everlasting residence. Do not forget your share in this world. Do good, as Allah has been good to you" Koran, Chapter 28 verse 77 Your Excellency must meditate upon the secrets of the Divine message contained in these verses, each one of which is the pearl of Divine knowledge. If you are blessed with a spiritual enlightenment, you would be able to cast yourself headlong into this Divine ocean, in order that you yourself may find the pearl that is worth more than all the goods of the earth. You should dig deep for the pearl that was never hidden in any earthly field. He who worships the gods of position and wealth and is overpowered by basic pleasures, is too ignorant to appreciate the true meanings contained in: "But seek, in that which Allah has given you, to attain the Everlasting residence" Koran, Chapter 28 verse 77. Of those who seek the life of this world Allah says: "We shall pay those who desire the present life and its adornments in full for the work they have done therein, they shall not be defrauded" Koran, Chapter 11 verse 15, Allah! How strange is the one whose life expires while he hoards gold. He is poor with all he amassed. It is impossible to impart the meanings contained in this verse: "Do not forget your share in this world" Koran, Chapter 28 verses 77. The Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, explained man's share in this world saying: "You possess the right of ownership only in the food which you eat and dispose of, but the money you give to the poor in charity can never be spent, because Allah increases (by its giving) manifold to whomsoever He wills." Those who try to receive any recompense and reward for their piety from Allah, the Mighty, the Glorified, in this world or in the Hereafter in the form of Paradise are not true lovers.…