Al-Hijr: (97-99) And We certainly know that you...

Know that when the Almighty mentioned that his people mock him, especially those dividers [of faith] and those scoffers, He said to him: {And We certainly know that your breast tightens because of what they say} (97). This is because human nature and disposition necessitate that.

At this point, He commanded him: {So glorify the praise of your Lord} (98). He commanded him with four things: glorification (Tasbih), praise (Tahmid), prostration (Sujud), and worship ('Ibadah).

People differed on how turning to these acts of obedience becomes a means for the removal of the tightness of the heart and sorrow.

The realized Gnostics (Arifin al-Muhaqqiqun) said: When a person engages in these types of worship, the lights of the Lordship realm are unveiled to him. When this unveiling occurs, the world becomes utterly insignificant. When it becomes insignificant, the loss of it and the attainment of it become light upon the heart. Thus, he is not distressed by its loss, nor does he find comfort in its attainment, and at that point, sorrow and grief vanish.

The Mu'tazilites said: Whoever believes in the transcendence of God Almighty from all reprehensible things finds it easy to bear hardships, because he knows that He is Just and transcendent from sending down hardships upon him without purpose or benefit. Then his heart becomes content.

The People of the Sunnah said: When some adversities befall the servant, he resorts to acts of obedience as if saying: I owe You my worship whether You grant me good things or cast me into hardships.

And His saying: {And worship your Lord until there comes to you the Certainty} (99). Ibn Abbas (may God be pleased with him) said: It means death, and death is named the Certainty because it is a certain matter.

If it is asked: What is the benefit of this timing, given that everyone knows that when he dies, the obligations of worship fall away from him?

We say: What is intended by it is: {And worship your Lord} during the time of your life, and let no moment of your life pass without this worship. And God knows best.