36 Preface فَما أوتيتُم مِن شَيءٍ فَمَتاعُ الحَياةِ الدُّنيا ۖ وَما عِندَ اللَّهِ خَيرٌ وَأَبقىٰ لِلَّذينَ آمَنوا وَعَلىٰ رَبِّهِم يَتَوَكَّلونَYusuf AliWhatever ye are given (here) is (but) a convenience1 of this life: but that which is with God is better and more lasting: (it is) for those who believe2 and put their trust in their Lord:Any good (or ill) which is our lot is only a temporary phase to serve the convenience of this life, But there is a higher good, which comes from God’s own Presence. Such good is both superior in quality, and more permanent. In the same way, any ills that we may suffer in this life, have reference only to the conditions of this our life of probation. The ills that we “earn” in our spiritual Lifesuch as deprivation of God’s Grace?are far more momentous and permanent.The higher and more permanent gifts which come from God’s Presence are for those who truly worship and serve God. These are described by nine of their characteristics: viz. (1) they have Faith: and it follows that (2) they trust in God, instead of running after false standards or values: (3) they eschew the more serious offences against God’s Law, and of course keep clear of any offences against sex (“shameful deeds”); (4) while knowing that they are not themselves perfect, they are ready to forgive others, even though they are sorely tried with anger and provocation; for the rest see n. 4578.