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Conclusion

According to what mentioned in this chapter, there are factors for felicity in this world and in the Hereafter. Some of them are remembrance of God, worshiping God, patience, repentance, striving hard and waging Jihad in the way of God, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong, charity, and to love and to hate for the sake of God. Moreover, there are some behaviors and characteristics, which are against the felicity and should be avoided to receive salvation. Some of them are polytheism, greed, fabricating lies against God, usury, fornication, drinking wine, and gambling. However, we may summarize the factors of salvation in one factor, which is obedience to God’s commandments. The Qur’an says,

“All the response of the faithful, when they are summoned to God and His Apostle that He may judge between them, is to say, “We hear and obey.” They are indeed those who will receive salvation. Whoever obeys God and His Apostle, and fears God and is wary of Him it is they who will be the triumphant.” (Qur’an; 24: 51-52)

“Whoever obeys God and His Apostle has certainly achieved a great success.” (Qur’an; 33:71)

Obedience is an obligation each human being sustains to God. This is so because God the Glorious is the Creator and Ruler of the universe, and we are his creatures. Almighty God has said that if we by faith obey His orders, He will bless us and work through that to accomplish salvation.

Contrary to what some Christians say (that a Christian’s sins do not damn his soul and the way a Christian lives, what he says, his conduct, his character, or his attitude toward other people has nothing whatever to do with the salvation of his soul) Islam however, teaches that conduct affects on destiny. The Qur’an says,

“On that day (Hereafter), people will issue forth in various groups to be shown their deeds. Then whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” (Qur’an; 99: 6-8)

“We shall set up the scales of justice on the Day of Resurrection, and no soul will be wronged in the least. Even if it be the weight of a mustard seed We shall produce it and We suffice as reckoners.” (Qur’an; 21:47)

In other words, to achieve salvation, it is not enough only to believe in God, but it is necessary to obey God’s commandments. Islam believes that man will be judged based on his deeds. If he chooses to obey based on faith he will be blessed, but if he chooses to disobey then he will be condemned. According to the Islamic teachings, abandoning obedience causes deeds to become fruitless. The Qur’an says,

“O, you who believe, obey God and obey the Apostle, and do not cause your deeds to become fruitless.” (Qur’an; 47:33)

Another important point that should be mentioned here is that according to many verses of the Qur’an, obeying the Messenger of God is strictly the obedience of God.

“Whoever obeys the Apostle certainly obeys God.” (Qur’an; 4:80)

Moreover, God says in the Qur’an, that if believers love Him and want Him to love them and to forgive them they should follow His Messenger too,

“Say: “If you love God then follow me so God will love you and forgive your sins.” God is Forgiver, Merciful.” (Qur’an; 3:31)

God the Almighty has made obeying His Messenger tantamount to obeying Himself, and He has placed obedience to Himself alongside obedience to His Messenger, because His Messenger is infallible and only follows what has been revealed to him.

“He does not speak out of his own desires. It is just a revelation that is revealed [to him].” (Qur’an; 53: 3-4)

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Our final statement is:
Praise be to God, Lord of the worlds.