Consciousness
"Allah. There is no god but He,-the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).
Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks... "
Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2: 255-256
God, in His Infinite Wisdom knows the course of all things; this information He keeps hidden, except that which He wills. He grants in us the capability of recognizing the Khair and Shar (that with Divine Qualities and that which is devoid of them). He tests us in ways to invoke self-knowledge--to realize our true inner-mettle. And In this lifelong journey of knowing the self, we come to know Him, our Creator.
He is The Supreme, The Wise. He gives us the ability of choosing our path; but this Blessed knowledge--of the world, and of ourselves, and of Reality--should evoke in us one thing: Iman. Our only safety.
Life has changed dramatically for me. It has been less than half a year, but it feels as if I've grown so much older.. Through His Grace alone, I feel I've gained more consciousness. I will continue to pray.
"And Allah heareth and knoweth all things."
Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2: 256