Hawzah News Agency – The Almighty God, in the Holy Quran, addresses those servants who have wronged themselves by squandering their own existential capacities, stating:
«قُل یَا عِبَادِیَ الَّذِینَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَیٰ أَنْفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ.»
“Say [that Allah declares,] ‘O My servants who have committed excesses against their own souls, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. ” (Zumar; 39:53)
Explanation:
In the Quranic lexicon, the concept of israf (transgression/squandering) carries a profound breadth; beyond the misuse of material wealth, it encompasses the squandering of the soul and self. It implies that a human being has deviated from the bounds of moderation in utilizing their talents and existential potential, falling into the snares of excess or negligence.
While transgression is blameworthy in any form, one might identify the “squandering of human existential capacities” as the ultimate form of israf; for the Almighty says regarding humanity:
«وَسَخَّرَ لَکُمْ مَا فِی السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِی الْأَرْضِ جَمِیعًا مِنْهُ إِنَّ فِی ذَٰلِکَ لَآیَاتٍ لِقَوْمٍ یَتَفَکَّرُونَ.»
“He has disposed for you[r benefit] whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth; all is from Him. There are indeed signs in that for a people who reflect.” (Jathiyah; 45:13)
Now, how can a human being, who possesses the potential to subjugate the universe, forget the true worth and status of his position in existence, and squander his immense existential capacities in a path other than the one ordained for him?
The significance of remaining on the Divine path, fulfilling the purpose of creation, and employing one’s existential capacities is so great that it has become the central focus of numerous supplications from the Infallibles (peace be upon them):
«وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِی فِی طَاعَتِکَ.»
“O God, employ me in Your obedience.” (Misbah al-Mutahajjid, v. 2. p. 542)
«وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِی بِمَا تَسْأَلُنِی غَداً عَنْهُ.»
“O God, employ me in that for which You will hold me accountable tomorrow.” (Sahifah Sajjadiyyah, Supplication no. 20)
«وَ اسْتَفْرِغْ أَیَّامِی فِیمَا خَلَقْتَنِی لَهُ.»
“O God, devote my days to that for which You have created me.” (Sahifah Sajjadiyyah, Supplication no. 20)
«و فَرِّغنی لِما خَلقتَنی لَه.»
“O God, grant me a detachment so that I may focus on what You have created me for.” (Al-wafi, v. 11. p. 441)
…and so on.
In essence, we must declare before the Almighty: O Lord! We seek to refrain from transgressing against our own souls. O God, we know that You have not created us in vain or in jest. We know that You have a purpose for our creation. Conversely, we realize that the desires, devils among jinn and mankind, worldly adornments, and attachments are all obstacles in the path of demonstrating our devotion to Your Sacred and Celestial Presence.
Therefore, we ask You to take charge of our affairs. Guide our interests, our tastes, our decisions, and our choices toward the path You deem righteous.
O God, grant us the success that our inner selves and our outer faculties be spent in what is beloved to You, not in paths that do not meet with Your satisfaction.
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