Balance and Effort
\r\nIslam does not subscribe to the type of asceticism where we purify our hearts and yet remain immersed in political, economic or social corruption. Tazkiya (self-purification) must encompass our entire life - the privacy of our thoughts as well as their social manifestations in our daily life. Everything must be in conformity with Allah's will.
\r\nThis will of God also requires you to seek and maintain a delicate balance between the various obligations that demand your attention; between your obligations to Allah, your obligations towards others and your obligations towards yourself.
\r\nUnless you approach tazkiya as an all-embracing process, you will find that your life is compartmentalized, certain parts impeding the development of others. This can only result in a life of disharmony and unhappiness. Approached as a comprehensive and all-embracing process, however, you will find that each part of your life will complement some other part. This should, God willing, make your struggle on the path to God and Janna, easier and full of grace.
\r\nIt is a misconception to believe that simply by setting up Paradise as the ultimate goal, one can get there without any further effort. It is also a misconception that Paradise can solely be achieved by concentrating only on certain aspects of life, the 'religious and the spiritual'. The very fact that Paradise is the ultimate objective means that tazkiya must be pursued in all aspects of life, and in life as a whole. Consider, for example, the following:
\r\n- Is not honesty a means to enter Paradise?
\r\n - Will not a sense of responsibility enable me to enter Paradise?
\r\n - Will not striving to fulfill the needs of fellow human beings make me deserve Paradise?
\r\n - Will not abstaining from vain talk and aimless actions bring me closer to Paradise?
\r\n - Is not consciousness of the best use of my time a key to Paradise?
\r\n - Will not keeping promises and offering Salat on time, which are distinguishing traits of the righteous, put me on the highway to Paradise?
\r\n - Must not all of the above be sought to attain Paradise?
Every effort that is legitimate and is aimed at attaining Paradise is also an integral part of the process of tazkiya.
\r\n Compiled From:
\r\n \"In The Early Hours\" - Khurram Murad