Conclusion

Throughout this book, we have stressed that merely saying, "We believe" or that worshipping Allah from the fringes of true religion would not suffice to please Allah. Rather, we said, Allah would be pleased with us when we were the foremost in piety, became an example to pious believers, and constantly displayed moral perfection. in this book, we called upon believers to have a deep-seated fear and love for Allah, never to consider their morality as perfect, to seek the attitudes and behaviour that most pleases Allah at every moment and to pay heed to their conscience.

Becoming a person of perfected faith is not a goal attainable after making strenuous efforts. As the verse, "We shall guide you to the smoothest path" (Surat al-A'la, 8) informs us, a person can attain perfected faith only with sincerity of intention, even if that intention is of very recent origin.In this sense, no matter how reprehensible a life one has led in the past, one can, at any moment, start a new life founded on the basis of earning Allah's approval.

After making these points clear, we now urge everybody to "hasten", that is, not to "defer" the taking of such a vital decision. the time granted to man is very short. Life is as brief as "the twinkling of an eye" or "part of a day". During the course of this limited time he is granted, man should race against time and hasten to acquire perfected faith by engaging in good deeds. Allah promised His Paradise to those of His servants who are committed to piety, who become "foremost in faith" and hasten to draw near to Allah. There, they reside with the prophets, the faithful ones, the martyrs and the sincere believers. But most important, they will meet our Lord. Allah also gives them glad tidings that there will be a word for them from their Lord there: "Peace!", which is one of the best rewards for a believer:

the Companions of the Garden will be busy enjoying themselves that day, they and their wives reclining on soft couches in shady groves. They will have fruits there and whatever they request. "Peace!"—Aword from a Merciful Lord. (Surah Ya Sin, 55-58)

Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be with those whom Allah has blessed: the Prophets and the truthful, the martyrs and the righteous. What excellent company such people are! Such is the bounty of Allah. Sufficient is Allah's inifinite knowledge. (Surah an-Nisa', 69-70)

So, hasten to attain this reward, to reside with prophets and people of perfected faith in the gardens of paradise as a believer who has earned the approval of Allah.

By being committed to live by the principles of perfected faith, be a good example for those who love and fear Allah. Allah exhorts all those who want to attain salvation to live by the values of the Qur'an. They are described as ""Those who, when they are reminded of the Signs of their Lord, do not turn their backs, deaf and blind to them; who say, 'Our Lord, give us joy in our wives and children and make us a good example for those who guard against evil.' Such people will be repaid for their steadfastness with the loftiest abode in Paradise, where they will meet with welcome and with 'peace'. They will remain in it timelessly, for ever. What an excellent lodging and resting place!" (Surat al-Furqan, 73- 76)