Glad tidings to the one who leaves the world before it leaves him, prepares for his grave before he enters it, and pleases his Lord before he meets Him.
Yahya Ibn Mu'Adh Al-RaziRead
The beloved of Allah are the perfume of Allah upon this world, but only the true, sincere believers have noses to smell them. They smell that beautiful perfume; they follow that smell. That perfume creates a yearning in their hearts for their Lord, and as a result the sincere believers increase their pace, efforts and devotions.
Interpretation
True believers are drawn to the divine through their love for Allah, which inspires a strong desire for devotion.
This quote by Yahya Ibn Mu'Adh Al-Razi highlights that genuine believers can sense the divine presence in the world, likening it to a beautiful perfume that evokes yearning and devotion toward Allah. Those who truly believe are motivated to enhance their spiritual efforts and commitment, responding to the spiritual fragrance with greater love and dedication in their hearts.
In practice
In a sermon focused on faith, you might say this quote to inspire your congregation.
Glad tidings to the one who leaves the world before it leaves him, prepares for his grave before he enters it, and pleases his Lord before he meets Him.
"My aim is to institute perpetual adoration," spoke St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe, Franciscan priest and founder of the Knights of the Immaculata. For he said that this is "the most important activity," and "if half of the Brothers would work, and the other half pray, this would not require too much."
It is God’s passionate pursuit of us that calls us to prayer.
A Prayer of Anselm My God, I pray that I may so know you and love you that I may rejoice in you. And if I may not do so fully in this life let me go steadily on to the day when I come to that fullness . . . Let me receive That which you promised through your truth, that my joy may be full.
As we seek the Lord ever more diligently, we will surely find Him. We will see clearly that the Lord does not abandon His Church or His faithful Saints. Our eyes will be opened, and we will see Him open the windows of heaven and shower us with more of His light. We will find the spiritual strength to survive even during the darkest night.
If you want to talk to God, pray. If you want him to talk to you, read your scriptures.
I do not believe that one can earnestly seek and find the priceless treasure of God's call without a devout prayer life. That is where God speaks. The purpose of prayer and of God's call in your life is not to make you number one in the world's eyes, but to make him number one in your life. We must be willing to be outshone while shining for God. We hear very little about being smaller in our own self-estimate.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.