A Virtuous Life

Faith in God and the concept of accountability to Him makes one’s life virtuous. Then one’s thinking, intention and will, all take a positive direction in every respect.

Chapter 16 of the Quran states: “To whoever does good deeds, man or woman, and is a believer, We shall assuredly give a good life; and We will bestow upon them their reward according to the best of their works.” (16:97)

The beginning of a virtuous life happens when an individual is convinced of the fact that he has been created by a Creator and that it is He who sustains him. And at every moment he is under His Guardianship. It is this belief which is the sole basis of a virtuous life in this present world.

The whole personality of a person changes once he sincerely accepts this reality. He undergoes a revolution in his life. His character becomes spiritual in nature. He follows all the teachings God has given to reform himself. Faith and virtuous deeds render his life virtuous. His thinking becomes constructive. His intention and his will all take a positive direction in every respect. He maintains a healthy attitude. Whenever anyone meets him, he feels that he is meeting someone who has a divine light in his heart.

This holds true for both men and women. The secret to spiritual progress is common for both man and woman, that is, the doing of good deeds. In this respect, there is no difference between the one and the other.

Those men and women who have regulated their lives in this healthy way are God’s chosen servants. God will select them for special blessings in the present world as well as in the eternal world after death.

A good life in this world is granted by God. But this blessing is received only by those who willingly lead their lives in accordance with the divine plan.