The Majestic Quran

gain. The lesson is that we should accept God’s will, since His plan is mysterious and full of wisdom. The story of Zulqarnayn, the mighty ruler who challenges the view that the world must be abandoned for spiritual growth. It shows that’s not necessary to gain Paradise. What is needed is God-consciousness. The Connection Between the Five Stories The underlying theme in these stories, is the temptations individual’s face: Faith: the young men feared the Emperor would forcefully convert them. Our faith is always being challenged by society. How well we face this determines its strength. The company of righteous people can help to develop a strong faith that will resist the wrongs of society. Wealth: we are tempted by wealth, we love it and when wealth opposes religious duties we often prefer wealth, we are unable to sacrifice it and unable to spend it for others good. The solution; avoid attachment to the world. Temptations of Satan: He tempted Adam and Eve. He tempts us all the time. How can we protect ourselves against these temptations? Knowledge, competence and skills, often lead to arrogant behaviour. Resistance against this is found in humility: in recognising one’s weaknesses and frailties. The example of the humility of Moses is an excellent model for us. Power can corrupt and lead people to commit atrocities and injustices. Protection against corruptive power can be found in being sincere and genuine in one’s desire to serve others.