Page:A Moslem seeker after God - showing Islam at its best in the life and teaching of al-Ghazali, mystic and theologian of the eleventh century (IA moslemseekeraft00zwem).pdf/262



him or kill him say, I take refuge with God from them in this castle or in this fort/ and still linger without entering the fort? Surely this will not profit him. The only way to secure protection is to change his place. In like manner whoever fol lows his lusts, which are the lurking place of Satan and the abomination of the Merciful, the mere say ing, I take refuge in God will not profit. Who soever takes his passions for a God he is under the reign of the devil and not in the safe keeping of his Lord."

He gives a long spiritual interpretation of the fatihah which is beautiful. "At the conclusion of your formal prayer, * he says, " offer your humble petitions and thanksgivings and expect an answer and join in your petition your parents and the rest of true believers. And when you give the final salaams remember the two angels who sit on your shoulders."

In the giving of alms he says seven things are required: promptness, secrecy, example (and in this connection he quotes a Tradition ascribed to the Prophet about the left hand not knowing what the right hand doeth) absence of boasting or pride, the gift must not be spoken of as great, our best is demanded, for God is supremely good and He will only take the best, and we must give our alms to the right persons. Of these he mentions six classes: the pious, the learned, the righteous, the deserving poor, those in need because of sick