(Surat an-Nur; 15)
BEING RESOLUTE IN WORSHIP
He is Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything in between them, so worship Him and persevere in His worship. Do you know of any other with His Name? (Surah Maryam; 65)
"To be resolute" is to be firm in purpose and persistent therein. Allah orders Muslims not only to perform acts of worship, but also to be resolute in performing them.
However, some people tend to limit the concept of being resolute in worship to certain obligatory acts such as regular prayer, giving alms, fasting or pilgrimage. In its true sense, however, worship means "being a servant." That is, a man's attitudes, behaviors and whatever he does to serve Allah are all acts of worship. Compliance with what is ordered in the Qur'an comprises many important obligatory acts of worship, and is in itself an act of worship.
Controlling one's temper, speaking gently and kindly, warning people of the Hereafter, avoiding wicked thoughts, and refraining from pointless dispute are all acts of worship. Therefore, this commandment refers to both the physical acts of worship and the moral excellence that a believer adopts for himself.
Yet, the resoluteness of Muslims will be put to test. Stories of prophets and believers of the past portray events by which their perseverance was tested. Trying times are shown to be invaluable opportunities to demonstrate a Muslim's loyalty to Allah.
The verbal and physical attacks of unbelievers are among the occurrences through which a Muslim's loyalty to his religion is tested. Disease, thirst, starvation, exhaustion, threats and life-endangering situations are also tests for believers. There will be many times when a Muslim must persevere to live by the principles of Islam.
There are also times when Allah grants to believers such favors as health, strength, wealth or power. These too are invaluable opportunities through which they can demonstrate their commitment to the religion of Allah. That is, Muslims will be tested with both hardship and ease, yet neither should make them deviate from righteous conduct.
WARNING OF PUNISHMENT
The basic philosophy of a society which does not live by the values of the Qur'an is that man is responsible to himself alone. According to that way of thinking, man needs only to provide the best conditions for himself and surround himself with the most comfortable environment he can. He assumes no responsibility whatsoever towards the lives of others. This being so, most people assume they are accountable only for their own adherence to religious values and thus distance themselves from the responsibility of communicating Allah's message to others. From the Qur'anic viewpoint, however, the reality is quite different.
Among a Muslim's responsibilities is to convey the religion of Islam to the people around him and encourage them to believe in Allah. Certain Qur'anic verses relate to this, such as the directive to Prophet Mohammad (saas):
You who are enveloped in your cloak!
Arise and warn. (Surat al- Muddaththir; 1-2)
Every Muslim is also responsible for calling others to Islam.The believer would like everyone to share his contentment in Islam. His objective is to communicate the existence of Allah to everyone, make people aware that they will be called to account in the Hereafter, and that Hell is a true place of torment for those who fail to obey Allah's commandments. For a Muslim, these duties are far more important than his commerce, comfort or entertainment. In order to communicate Allah's religion to people, they do whatever it takes, even if it might require abandoning home or possessions. Allah addressed His Prophet (saas) and all believers, saying:
Warn them of the Day of Bitter Regret when the affair will be resolved. But they take no notice. They have no faith. (Surah Maryam; 39)
(Surat an-Nur; 15)
CALLING OTHERS TO ALLAH'S PATH
WITH WISE AND GOOD METHODS
Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair admonition, and argue with them in the kindest way. Your Lord knows best who is misguided from His way. And He knows best who are guided. (Surat an-Nahl; 125)
Islam is acceptable to Allah only when a person lives by it sincerely, willingly and happily, and only when the person himself consents to it. Allah has revealed this quality of religion in many verses of the Qur'an. For example, a person who prays must do it willingly and lovingly for Allah. Or if someone gives gifts from his possessions, he must do it willingly and lovingly, if his act of worship is to be approved in Allah's sight.
Someone becomes a Muslim when he is able to acknowledge Allah through his intellect and in his heart. Moreover, he must be conscious of the purpose of his religious duties. And he must be aware of why he performed these acts of service. This comes from his attachment to the Muslim religion and his belief in Allah's existence. For this reason, he performs the requirements of religion willingly and lovingly. Therefore, Islam is a religion whose true practice depends on the voluntary choice of the individual.
Hence, there is no compulsion to accept Islam. Allah does not expect Muslims to pressure those who do not incline towards Islam, since religion accepted under oppression is not acceptable in His sight. Experiencing religion without sincerity and only because of pressure from others will have no validity before Allah. Therefore it will make no difference for anyone to practice religion with this kind of morality.
Communicating the religion of Islam to others should be an invitation made with gracious words, as a summons to a relationship with Allah. Here is a verse which says that there is no coercion in religion:
There is no compulsion where the religion is concerned. Right guidance has become clearly distinct from error. Anyone who rejects false gods and believes in Allah has grasped the Firmest Handhold, which will never give way. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Surat al-Baqara; 256)
In compliance with Qur'anic instruction, when explaining the religion of Allah, Muslims employ the best style that will kindle love in the hearts of people towards Islam. They must be kind and patient. When people can love and respect Muslims, they will be receptive to the system of beliefs that gave them moral excellence. Therefore, the right word will be important to soften their hearts to Islam.
REMEMBERING ALLAH WHEN ONE FORGETS SOMETHING
Man is a being of imperfection, while Allah alone is self-sufficient. This is because Allah created man with weaknesses. One of man's weaknesses is forgetfulness; no one is free of it, no matter how intelligent he may be.
Admitting this weakness makes one acknowledge his dependence upon Allah. In a way, that is because a person can claim to exist only through his memory. All the information related to his identity, beliefs, deeds, pleasures, habits, and way of life are held in memory.
However, Allah may allow one to forget the end of his sentence, and if He wills, He can make him forget his entire life in an instant. In order to be aware of himself, man is in need of Allah, Who permits him to keep information in his memory at every moment. If Allah should take a piece of information from a person's mind, he will have no power whatsoever to retrieve it. In such a state of helplessness, everyone should take refuge in Allah and seek His help:
…Remember your Lord when you forget, and say, ‘Hopefully my Lord will guide me to something closer to right guidance than this.' (Surat al-Kahf; 24)
Remembering something that one has forgotten and succeeding in any particular objective is possible only by Allah's will. Therefore, the only recourse is to pray for guidance.
NOT LOSING HOPE FOR ALLAH'S MERCY
Say [from Me]: ‘My servants, you who have transgressed against yourselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Truly Allah forgives all wrong actions. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.' " (Surat az-Zumar; 53)
In many verses of the Qur'an, Allah mentions that Muslims—even those with the most fear of Allah—– may make mistakes. This verse surely brings relief to their hearts, for a Muslim who errs could feel great regret, sorrow and guilt. But Allah knows that Muslims are very careful about improving their shortcomings. In the Qur'an, He gives the examples of prophets who have won His approval to show that every person may make mistakes.
So, these encouraging and refreshing consolations prevent Muslims from falling into despair after they have made a mistake. Allah has made the scope for error so wide in human beings that He has promised to forgive a person's errors without exception, if that person is sorry and repents of what he has done.
But despite of the many consolations in the Qur'an that refresh the spirit and give hope, many human beings do not admit that they make mistakes. In spite of the glad tidings announced in the Qur'an, after making a mistake they become wrapped in despair and become anxious and downhearted. An individual who refuses to acknowledge errors he has committed out of pride and arrogance is greatly saddened by what he has done. He has trouble accepting that he is a creature prone to making mistakes and faulty decisions, and whose actions and words may be wrong. He does not consider that perfection and freedom from error belong only to Allah. He wants to be perfect himself. But he cannot, and the fact that some of his attitudes are wrong (despite his desire that they not be), draws him into despair.
A Muslim experiences deep peace by accepting his imperfections and helplessness in relation to Allah and never claims to be free from error.
It should be remembered that the tendency to err and sin—even though one may be a firm believer—makes him more aware of Allah's perfection. One can conceive of perfection only when he had experienced imperfection. Consciousness of his own failures and weaknesses lets him better appreciate the absolute perfection of Allah.
HONESTY
Lying is frequently employed by those of little or no faith to mislead others. Various reasons prompt a man to lie: to avoid others' criticisms, to lay the grounds for a dishonest argument, or to attain superiority. However, no matter what the reason, it is an act forbidden by Allah. In the Qur'an, He praises those who are truthful and curses liars:
If anyone argues with you about him after the knowledge that has come to you, say, ‘Come then! Let us summon our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves. Then let us make earnest supplication and call down the curse of Allah upon the liars.' (Surah Al'Imran; 61)
Every inaccurate word uttered with the intent to mislead someone is a lie. But a person may say something incorrect, unintentionally or simply out of forgetfulness. A person who does not seek to mislead another loses no time in correcting his words. However, a deliberate lie is based on evil intention: The liar has a purpose. Therefore, Allah holds him liable for his intentions. As ordered in the verse below, Muslims must always speak the truth:
You who believe! Have taqwa of Allah and speak the right word. (Surat al-Ahzab; 70)
Even if an unintentional word escapes from his mouth in an unguarded moment, a Muslim will immediately make up for it. He will never deliberately try to mislead someone, knowing that he will give an account of his actions in the Hereafter; for this is a thing to be condemned both in the Hereafter and in this world.
PERSONS WHOSE WORD IS NOT TO BE TRUSTED
In searching for the truth, it is recommended in the Qur'an to consult others in situations where one's own experience or knowledge is insufficient. Often, when Muslims fear they may have made a mistake, they seek advice about how to find the right thing to do and avoid the wrong. That is, the aim of seeking advice is to find out what is right and proper.
However, not everyone has the wisdom and honesty to make the right decisions or to lay his own interests aside. There are people, too, whose words cannot be trusted. Anyone who gives advice must possess particular qualities, the foremost of which is faith in Allah. Only by acting according to his conscience can a person make a right evaluation of a situation and explain it to someone else, even if such an explanation is not in his own best interests. His love and fear of Allah make him conscientious and trustworthy.
Any person who fails to employ his conscience and displays moral failings has neither the ability to see the right choice nor the ability to lead another to the truth. Consequently, a Muslim should be meticulous in choosing his advisors. In the Qur'an, Allah forbids obedience to wicked people and makes clear the type of person whose words and admonitions are not to be trusted, someone who easily transgresses Allah's limits:
But do not obey any vile swearer of oaths,
Any backbiter, slandermonger,
Impeder of good, evil aggressor,
Gross, coarse and furthermore, despicable,
Simply because he possesses wealth and sons.
When Our Signs are recited to him, he says, ‘Just myths of previous peoples!'
(Surat al-Qalam; 10-15)
And in another verse, we see that there are two types of individuals who should not be listened to:
"Therefore wait patiently for the judgment of your Lord. Do not obey any evildoer or thankless man among them." (Surat al-Insan; 24)
The Qur'an is very clear about whose word is to be trusted; that is, whose guidance and advice should be relied upon. According to this distinction, when it is a matter of his material and emotional welfare, a Muslim should never act on the advice of liars, gossipmongers, or aggressive, argumentative individuals, who easily disregard the limits set by Allah or people who are deceitful or sarcastic.
(Surat an-Nur; 15)
JUSTICE UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES
Justice means being fair and impartial when offering solutions to problems between people. Those who do not live by the values of the Qur'an, however, generally do not conduct themselves with a sense of justice. Many external factors may have positive or negative impact on their decisions. A person may give preference to the party he feels closer to himself, or his own interests may influence the verdict; he may veer from justice for the sake of personal inclinations.
Deviation from strict justice is often greatest towards those whom one dislikes most. Grudges and resentment cloud the mind and make it hard to take a decision in favor of the despised party. Rage harbored in the heart may hinder a person from even acknowledging the other party's rights of. For this reason Allah draws special attention to this pitfall and warns believers against it:
You who believe! Show integrity for the sake of Allah, bearing witness with justice. Do not let hatred for a people incite you into not being just. Be just. That is closer to heedfulness. Have fear of Allah. Allah is aware of what you do. (Surat al- Ma‘ida; 8)
In compliance with the verse, Muslims never commit injustice to any individual or society because of kinship, resentment or personal interests. No matter what someone's belief, ideology or philosophy may be, or how hostile his attitude to Muslims, a true believer always treats him with justice. He is not moved by emotion toward unfair decisions, and even when contrary to his own interests, he does not conceal or distort the truth.
SPREADING GOOD TIDINGS OF PARADISE
We have sent you with the truth bringing good news and giving warning. There is no community to which a warner has not come. (Surah Fatir; 24)
Along with warnings, Muslims also are responsible for giving good news. The Qur'an was revealed both as a warning and bringer of good tidings. In it, Allah gives the encouragement of Paradise for people of moral excellence. Provided they are patient, sincere, just and modest, Allah promises practicing Muslims many rewards in the Hereafter. Paradise is so glorious in terms of its artistry, richness and magnificence that nothing in this world can be compared to it. Everything created therein is of unprecedented beauty. The joy, happiness and relief that people in Paradise will experience is also unparalleled. In the Qur'an, Allah gives detailed accounts of Paradise that are a source of great enthusiasm for Muslims. Contemplating Paradise motivates Muslims and encourages them to make serious efforts to attain it. Knowing that Allah generously rewards every bit of good done for His cause, the Muslim feels more devoted to Him.
Allah also presents rewards to Muslims in this world; relief of heart, victory over unbelievers, inheritance of abundant wealth, and a good life are among those mentioned in the Qur'an. Each is a further incentive and source of joy for Muslims.
It is an act of worship for Muslims to pass on this good news. Thus, Allah referred to prophets as those who "give good news" as well as "warnings." Tidings about the improvement of the Muslims in the material or spiritual sense, their successes, Allah's help and protection of them, and their victories strengthen the morale of believers, while discouraging and terrifying their enemies.
REMEMBERING ALLAH'S WILL WHILE SPEAKING ABOUT THE FUTURE
Allah created man as a being bound by time and space, while He is unbounded by them and encompasses them since it is He Who created them. By his very nature, man is confined to time and space, but Allah sees time and space both from within and without and holds them under His control.
This means that Allah sees and knows the beginning, end and duration of everyone's lifespan simultaneously. For Allah, there is no lapse of time between the beginning of the universe and the Day of Judgment; yet, man perceives this as an infinitely long period. But just as we can see the beginning and end of a yardstick, Allah can see the beginning and end of the universe all at once.
Thus, the past, present and future are all part of a destiny that Allah predetermined. Allah has revealed this to us in the Qur'an through the concept of fate. Man can never escape his destiny. In brief, the future of man can be shaped only in the way Allah predetermines it. Therefore, Allah instructs people not to be certain when talking about the future, for no matter what a person may expect to experience, nothing happens except what Allah wills. Muslims have faith in the fact that only what Allah wills will occur, so believers never speak with certainty about the future, even about the next moment. Instead, they say, "In-sha-Allah," which means, "If Allah wills."
Never say about anything, ‘I am doing that tomorrow,' without adding ‘If Allah wills.' (Surat al-Kahf; 23-24)
NOT PURSUING WHAT ONESELF HAS NO KNOWLEDGE OF
People must achieve certainty based on their conscience about any thought or belief they live by, advocate and spread. To follow any ideology, person or cause about which one is not knowledgeable is forbidden in the Qur'an. Moreover, Allah states that on the Day of Resurrection, men will be held accountable for whatever they believe is true and propagate with their eyes, ears and hearts:
Do not pursue what you have no knowledge of. Hearing, sight and hearts will all be questioned. (Surat al-Isra'; 36)
The only thought system of whose authenticity man can ever be certain is the one that Allah explained in detail in the Qur'an. And so, Muslims reject any belief which is not compatible with it and their conscience. In order for a Muslim to support an individual or an idea, it is necessary for that idea to be ratified in the Qur'an and the individual to act within the boundaries of Qur'anic morality.
Moreover, a believer speaks with meticulous care while explaining, promoting or communicating any scientific, social or religious subject. He engages in no commercial or social partnership that does not conform to Islamic morality. Any idea bereft of sound grounds cannot earn a believer's support. Therefore, the accuracy of his every statement or suggestion will be obvious to everyone.
NOT YEARNING FOR UNBELIEVERS' WEALTH AND WAY OF LIVING
Do not direct your eyes longingly to what We have given certain of them to enjoy. Do not feel sad concerning them. And take the believers under your wing. (Surat al-Hijr; 88)
Allah makes clear in the Qur'an that He may grant wealth to both non-believers and believers. However, the reasons are not the same.
Wealth given to believers is a manifestation of Allah's promise to them of a good life in this world due to their moral excellence. Allah has revealed that he will make Muslims His heirs to the wealth of the world. When we look at the life of the prophets, we see that nearly all of them have undergone a common development. Even though they were poor in the first part of their lives, this development later brought them great wealth.
But for those Allah grants abundant wealth while they are enemies to Him and His religion, it serves a different purpose:
Do not let their wealth and their children impress you. Allah merely wants to punish them by them in this world, and for them to expire while they are unbelievers. (Surat at-Tawba; 85)
Money, property, ornaments, opulent furnishings, clothes or other material means are only trials for those who deny the existence of Allah and insist on disbelief. These favors serve to reveal the extent of their ungratefulness and denial of Allah.
In His wisdom, Allah may punish people in various ways. An unbeliever may be afflicted with forms of punishment of which he is unaware; such as an affliction that seizes his heart. A situation deemed advantageous may well turn out to be a disappointment for him in the Hereafter.
For this reason, yearning for anything that has been granted to an unbeliever is not in compliance with Qur'anic principles. Muslim morality and piety must be nurtured. For this reason, Allah has commanded that the wealth of those who do not practice religious morality should not arouse any admiration within a believer. Nor should their way of life, their possessions or anything else.
(Surat an-Nur; 15)
NOT FORGETTING ONE'S OWN CONDUCT WHEN WARNING OTHERS
Do you order people to devoutness and forget yourselves, when you recite the Book? Will you not use your intellect? (Surat al-Baqara; 44)
An intelligent and experienced person well acquainted with the Qur'an can detect the minor faults and weaknesses in the faith of people and advise them. This is a praiseworthy quality, yet that does not mean he himself is free of mistakes. On contrary, he must strive to avoid committing the same errors; otherwise, he may earn Allah's disapproval rather than reward for his advice.
It is unlikely that someone able to recognize a fault in others will fail to recognize it in his own soul. Undoubtedly, he is also aware of his own wrongdoings and sins. This shows that he is very insincere. For instance, it would be hypocritical for a liar to call people to truth and sincerity, or for someone who does not pray to call others to regular prayer. An advisor who fears Allah would surely be the first one to avoid committing sins. The conclusion to the verse above, "Will you not use your intellect?" makes it clear that people should practice what they preach.
Deviant attitudes such as the desire to control others, have one's word respected or be influential underlie hypocritical behavior that lies outside Qur'anic morality. This kind of motivation will neither protect the interests of the religion nor correct the mistakes and sins of Muslims. If one gives these warnings out of the fear of Allah and out of concern that these errors should not be committed, he is more concerned that he does not commit the same sins himself. But when he counsels and advises only to attain status, respect and esteem, the manipulation of faith-related issues for personal benefit will only lead to great disappointment in the Hereafter.
When a Muslim sees another committing an error that he himself is guilty of, he can let him know that he too is trying to correct that same mistake. Then the two can encourage one another toward improvement and by doing so, earn the pleasure of Allah.
WRITING DOWN A DEBT
You who believe! When you take on a debt for a specified period, write it down. A writer should write it down between you justly. No writer should refuse to write; as Allah has taught him, so he should write. The one incurring the debt should dictate and should have fear of Allah his Lord and not reduce it in any way. If the person incurring the debt is incompetent or weak or unable to dictate, then his guardian should dictate for him justly. Two men among you should act as witnesses. But if there are not two men, then a man and two women with whom you are satisfied as witnesses; then if one of them forgets, the other can remind her. Witnesses should not refuse when they are called upon. Do not think it too trivial to write down, whether small or large, with the date that it falls due. Doing that is more just in Allah's sight and more helpful when bearing witness and more likely to eliminate any doubt—unless it is an immediate transaction hand-to-hand, taken and given without delay. There is nothing wrong in your not writing that down. Call witnesses when you trade. Neither writer nor witness should be put under pressure. If you do that, it is deviancy on your part. Have fear of Allah, and Allah will give you knowledge. Allah has knowledge of all things." (Surat al-Baqara; 282)
In this verse, Allah clearly states that believers must keep records of their debts. The point is that believers cannot disregard the commandment because of kinship, assumed sincerity or friendship. This commandment applies to every-one, no matter how much the debt is, since there is no exception to this obligation. Therefore, sincere believers should behave according to this command in the Qur'an without reserve.
Allah makes it clear that such a precaution is the best way to eliminate doubt, misunderstandings or injustice in the future. There is no reason not to comply with this injunction.
LEAVING GROUPS WHERE PEOPLE SPEAK AGAINST ALLAH
No matter where they may be, believers never make concessions about their faith, since every Muslim is a representative of Allah and His religion. For a believer who is conscious of this fact and the responsibility it entails, it cannot be fitting for him to remain in an environment where people talk against Allah and His religion. Allah forbids such an attitude:
It has been sent down to you in the Book that when you hear Allah's Signs being rejected and mocked at by people, you must not sit with them till they start talking of other things. If you do, you are just the same as them. Allah will gather all the hypocrites and unbelievers into Hell. (Surat an-Nisa; 140)
When you see people engrossed in mockery of Our Signs, turn from them until they start to talk of other things. And if Satan should ever cause you to forget, once you remember, do not stay sitting with the wrongdoers. (Surat al-An‘am; 68)
The main attribute of the members of ignorant societies is their failure to appreciate Allah's majesty and their heedlessness of Allah's superior power. With the arrogance they derive from their unthinking state, unbelievers speak against Allah and His religion. It may be in the form of an explicit assault or merely implications or ignorant comments about religion in general. In any case, it is obligatory for a believer to leave that place if he is unable to intervene. Remaining oblivious to it and being a member of such a group is unlawful for a believer.
PRAISING AND GLORIFYING ALLAH AT SPECIFIED TIMES
Praising and glorifying Allah is an important part of a believer's life, expressing that Allah is the only One Who is worthy of glory and confirming that He is exalted above any imperfection or fault. It is done both by the tongue and heart. Allah states in the Qur'an that praising and exalting Him are acts of worship performed by all creation:
The seven heavens and the earth and everyone in them glorify Him. There is nothing which does not glorify Him with praise, but you do not understand their glorification. He is All-Forbearing, Ever-Forgiving. (Surat al-Isra'; 44)
The thunder glorifies His praise, as do the angels, out of fear of Him… (Surat ar-Ra‘d; 13)
During regular prayers (salah), praising and glorifying Allah at certain times are obligatory acts. A believer does not arrange Allah's commandments in order of importance according to his own understanding. He does not consider praying as more important than glorifying Allah, or fasting as more important than giving alms. He obeys all of Allah's commands to the letter.
According to the Qur'an, Allah created man only to worship Him, and it is one of the most important duties of a Muslim to glorify Allah in the way He instructs. During morning prayer and afternoon, glorifying Allah and praising Him at the same time are notified particularly in the verses.
BEING HUMBLE TOWARD BELIEVERS AND FIRM TOWARD UNBELIEVERS
Being modest and humble is an attitude praised in the Qur'an, and a Muslim who is humble inspires affection and trust to the hearts of other believers. In its true sense, modesty is awareness that one owes all his good qualities to Allah and that there is none worthy of worship but Him. No matter how good-looking, successful, wealthy, intelligent or strong a believer may be, he knows that these are all blessings granted by Allah, that they are actually a trial for him, and that each one of them are opportunities to earn His good pleasure. Therefore, he cannot grow arrogant. This characteristic manifests itself in respect and humbleness towards other believers, who are endowed with noble souls. In the Qur'an, Allah qualifies this conduct:
Give good news to the humble-hearted." ( Al-Hajj; 34)
You who believe! If any of you renounce your religion, Allah will bring forward a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble to the believers, fierce to the unbelievers, who strive in the Way of Allah and do not fear the blame of any censurer. That is the unbounded favor of Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. Allah is Boundless, All-Knowing. (Surat al-Ma'ida; 54)
As conveyed in the verse above, believers show modesty to other believers but do not remain humble before the unbelievers. This attribute of believers is mentioned in another verse:
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are fierce to the unbelievers, merciful to one another… (Surat al-Fath; 29)
Allah has shown believers in the Qur'an as a close and intimate friend. And He commands them to challenge infidels and hypocrites about their ideas. For this reason, a Muslim will always behave towards a hypocrite as the Qur'an dictates. Apart from the Qur'an, there is no other criterion by which to determine a believer's behavior.
Thus, it is an act of worship to love and respect other Muslims and be uncompromising with unbelievers and hypocrites who harbor grudges against the religion of Allah and employ all means to oppose it, covertly or openly. A show of love and respect to these would indicate support and approval of their negative attitude.
However, it is also important not to misunderstand the concept of opposition, since in this context it does not entail harshness in the physical sense. What is actually meant is to thwart the expectations of the hypocrites and unbelievers through resoluteness and strong commitment to religion.
"Forcefulness" means forestalling the success of strategies against Muslims by disclosing them, assuming a clear stance towards their reprehensible attitude, and not being their intimate friends.
Believers are the people whom hypocrites fear most. In the Qur'an, Allah states that hypocrites fear them as they fear Allah (Surat al-Hashr; 13). For this reason, it is important for a Muslim to have the taqwa (fear for Allah) that puts fear into the hearts of His enemies and to those hostile to Muslims.
At the same time, getting along well with non-Muslims who do not engage in efforts against Islam and attempting to bring the hearts of people recently introduced to Islam nearer to the faith are practices encouraged by Allah in the Qur'an.
REMAINING STEADFAST AND FIRM
The strength of a believer's faith, sincerity and commitment to Allah's cause becomes obvious from his steadfastness, which also reflects the intensity of honor he feels for his religion.
Giving up in matters of religion is a weakness peculiar to those who have not yet attained maturity, despite living among believers. It often appears in the form of evasion during times of hardship, avoidance of risks or whatever is likely to harm one's private interests, and giving priority to personal interests rather than those of the religion. In times of ease, on the other hand, apathy manifests as not being disturbed about the unrest caused by unbelievers, avoidance of responsibility and difficult tasks, and remaining passive and unwilling to take action in the face of unfavorable developments. Faculties of reasoning and judgment grow blurred to such an extent that people consider avoiding of exertion in the service of Allah as a gain or blessing:
Among you there are people who hang back, and if you encounter a setback then they say, ‘Allah has blessed me in that I was not there with them.' (Surat an-Nisa'; 72)
People tend to ease their consciences by pointing out that there are others who do undertake these tasks. However, once Allah gives relief and grants victory in which they have no share, they disclose their regret and are aware of their distance from the superior morality of believers:
But if you meet with favor from Allah they say–as if there were no friendship between you and them–‘Oh! If only I had been with them so that I too might have won a great victory.' (Surat an-Nisa'; 73)
But they have also missed out on great rewards and a superior status in the Hereafter. Allah warns believers against displaying similar attitudes or being negatively influenced by people with weak faith:
So be steadfast. Allah's promise is true. Do not let those who have no certainty make you impatient and shake your firmness. (Surat ar-Rum; 60)
A person with real faith is never idle. A Muslim must strenuously fight against weaknesses such as uncertainty, listlessness, irresponsibility and adherence to the desires or whims of his lower self. Here are some verses that forbid believers from being idle in various circumstances:
Do not relax in pursuit of the enemy. If you feel pain, they too are feeling it just as you are, but you hope for something from Allah which they cannot hope for. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (Surat an-Nisa'; 104)
Do not give up and do not be downhearted. You shall be uppermost if you are believers. (Surat Al ‘Imran; 139)
The ideal Muslim supports the interests of his religion in times of difficulty as well as ease, and prefers the approval of Allah over his own whims and desires. No difficulty or hardship daunts him or makes him lose his firmness and zeal. Examples from the past serve as his role model:
Many a Prophet has been fought, when there were many thousands with him! They did not give up in the face of what assailed them in the Way of Allah, nor did they weaken, nor did they yield. Allah loves the steadfast. (Surah Al ‘Imran; 146)
In another verse, Allah mentions the value of serious effort:
But as for anyone who desires the Hereafter, and strives for it with the striving it deserves, being a believer, the striving of such people will be gratefully acknowledged. (Surat al-Isra'; 19)
(Surat an-Nur; 15)
SHOWING GRATITUDE TO ALLAH
Being thankful to Allah means not only expressing inner gratitude to Him for all sorts of favors granted, but to put those favors to use in a way that Allah approves.
Besides conveying gratitude by words and heart, it is important to express it by deeds. Using a particular blessing for the cause of Allah (for the purpose of earning His good pleasure) would fulfill this obligation. A person fails to give due thanks to Allah unless he uses his possessions, wealth, status, intelligence or health for the cause of Allah.
In fact, gratitude to Allah is an act of worship to which Allah repeatedly draws attention in the Qur'an, and believers pay meticulous attention to it. The following are injunctions related to gratitude:
No! Worship Allah and be among the thankful. (Surat az-Zumar; 66)
So eat from what Allah has provided for you, lawful and good, and be thankful for the blessing of Allah if it is Him you worship. (Surat an-Nahl; 114)
Giving due thanks to Allah earns for a person Allah's love and good pleasure, drawing one nearer to Him. Because a person does not attribute his ability to worldly causes, he knows deep inside that he owes everything to Allah alone and thus avoids ascribing any associates to Him. This way, he attains spiritual benefits which are far better than any material gain, and praises Allah for every blessing.
All favors in this world are a means by which Allah puts man to the test. In the Qur'an, Allah reveals this important fact in the words of Prophet Solomon (as):
He who possessed knowledge of the Book said, ‘I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.' And when he saw it standing firmly in his presence, he said, ‘This is part of my Lord's favor to test me to see if I will give thanks or show ingratitude. Whoever gives thanks only does so to his own gain. Whoever is ungrateful, my Lord is Rich Beyond Need, Generous.' (Surat an-Naml; 40)
It is understood from the words of Prophet Solomon (as) that the ability to give thanks to Allah is in itself a great favor granted by Him, for one cannot thank Allah unless He wills; and gratitude is inspired by Him. The prayer related to gratitude of Prophet Solomon (as) is related thus:
He [Solomon] smiled, laughing at its words, and said, ‘My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and keep me acting rightly, pleasing You, and admit me, by Your mercy, among Your servants who are righteous.' (Surat an-Naml; 19)
Being thankful, like having faith and doing good deeds, is by Allah's leave.
A person of conscience recognizes that all the blessings by which he is surrounded would not exist and that he could never attain them unless Allah willed. His body, intelligence, wisdom, feeling, health, strength—in fact, all the favors he thinks he possesses on his own are actually blessings granted by Him.
Giving thanks to Allah is not merely saying, "Al-hamdulillah" at certain times, as when one has completed a task, eats a fine supper, or survives an ordeal unhurt. Gratitude is a state one experiences deep in his heart because he can never account for all the favors he enjoys, even the obvious ones:
If you tried to number Allah's blessings, you could never count them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat an-Nahl; 18)
Heedless ingratitude is a serious trap devised by Satan. Indeed, it is a main ambition of his to hinder man from giving thanks. Allah relates the plot of Satan:
He said, ‘By Your misguidance of me, I will lie in ambush for them on your straight path. Then I will come at them, from in front of them and behind them, from their right and from their left. You will not find most of them thankful.' (Surat al-A'raf; 16-17)
As the Qur'an makes clear, the efforts of Satan concentrate around this goal: keeping man from giving thanks to Allah. And his plan has indeed proven successful on many:
... Allah shows favor to mankind but most of them are not thankful. (Surah Yunus; 60)
That satan expresses his explicit will to approach man from this angle reveals the importance of gratitude to Allah as an aspect of worship. No doubt, abandoning it is sinful in the Sight of Allah:
And when your Lord announced: ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you increase, but if you are ungrateful, My punishment is severe.' (Surah Ibrahim; 7)
ASKING ALLAH FOR FORGIVENESS
One Qur'anic verse states:
If Allah were to punish people for their wrong actions, not a single creature would be left upon the earth, but He defers them till a predetermined time. When their specified time arrives, they cannot delay it for a single hour nor can they bring it forward. (Surat an-Nahl; 61)
If Allah were to punish people during this life for their wrong actions, no being, without exception, would be left upon the Earth. Obviously, believers are included. Therefore, no believer can see himself as sinless and without error.
Knowingly or not, believers commit various sins throughout the course of their lives. The number of these sins or mistakes varies according to one's wisdom, consciousness and the profoundness of his faith. No one can see himself as sinless—for doing so is a mistake that opens the way to other sins. We learn from the Qur'an that such a claim of being without error was an attribute of Pharaoh's character.
As the faith of a Muslim becomes firmer and he grows wiser, he begins to better recognize his sins and mistakes. Attaining a better awareness of his situation and a deeper fear of Allah leads him to a more serious effort to correct himself and seek forgiveness for the sins he committed intentionally or unintentionally. This is the practice of a conscientious Muslim. As a matter of fact, asking for forgiveness is an obligation for the believers:
Ask your Lord for forgiveness and then repent to Him. He will let you enjoy a good life until a specified time, and will give His favor to all who merit it. But if you turn your backs, I fear for you the punishment of a Mighty Day. (Surah Hud; 3)
We may see that such obedience in asking Allah for forgiveness will be a means to His favors.
Throughout the Qur'an, there are references to prophets asking forgiveness for various reasons. Although they were protected from committing sin, they would ask for forgiveness when faced with a test or when they merely remembered Allah's punishment. Allah considers asking for forgiveness a praiseworthy practice of believers:
And they would seek forgiveness before the dawn. (Surat adh-Dhariyat; 18)
As you can see, it is not essential to commit a mistake in order to ask for forgiveness from Allah. Asking for forgiveness is, in a way, expressing one's weakness and insignificance in the shadow of Allah's infinite might and recognizing the fact that it is impossible to avoid sins without His help.
Unawareness of one's mistakes and sins—that is, a state of heedlessness and unconsciousness—prevents one from seeking forgiveness. As a consequence, one's heart hardens, and the person can ultimately become arrogant and deem himself perfect, thus attributing to himself a quality equal with Allah (Allah is Surely Beyond That).
HONORING TRUSTS AND CONTRACTS
What is meant by "trust" is not merely to keep something in one's safekeeping for a period of time. All obligations and duties are trusts. A person fails to honor his trust when he is careless in his duties.
A believer, as described in the Qur'an, is an honest, assured person who undertakes his responsibilities and does not pursue insignificant personal interests. That is why others can confidently rely on him to fulfill a responsibility or contract. In numerous verses, Allah praises this quality in Muslims:
Those who honor their trusts and their contracts. (Surat Al-Muminun; 8)
Those who honor their trusts and contracts. (Surat al-Ma‘arij; 32)
It is not devoutness to turn your faces to the East or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, the Angels, the Book and the Prophets, and who, despite their love for it, give away their wealth to their relatives and to orphans and the very poor, and to travelers and beggars and to set slaves free, and who perform prayer and give the alms; those who honor their contracts when they make them, and are steadfast in poverty and illness and in battle. Those are the people who are true. They are the people who guard against evil. (Surat al-Baqara; 177)
One should not assume a trust he is not able to fulfill. That is because failure to honor a promise or betraying a trust are responsibilities for which a believer will have to give an account in the Hereafter:
... Fulfill your contracts. Contracts will be asked about… (Surat al-Isra'; 34)
You who believe! Do not betray Allah and His Messenger, and do not knowingly betray your trusts. (Surat al-Anfal; 27)
On the other hand, an important point deserves mention here: A Muslim must not avoid responsibility using the excuse of possible failure, laziness or similar reasons, since he is also accountable for the avoidance of good works he is able to perform.
Accepting responsibility does not always depend on one's own decisions. In situations where a commandment of Allah is involved, the Muslim has no choice. While working for the cause of Allah, duties and tasks are allocated according to the talents of each individual. Any attempt to reject such responsibilities would not be legitimate. With strict obedience, sincere intention and prayer, a Muslim can accomplish a given task to perfection.
BEING STEADFAST DURING WORLDLY OCCUPATIONS
Muslims must be careful not to be carried away by daily routines to the point of forgetting the main purpose of their life, which is to worship Allah. This means they do their best to comply meticulously with His commandments. Unless a believer strives to keep his faith sincere and improve his relationship with Allah, he can eventually lose his sensitivity to faith-related issues and fail to exercise wisdom.
For some, prosperity proves to be a test more difficult than hardship. In hard times, people find it easier to keep their minds occupied with the remembrance of Allah, since it is then that they feel the need for Allah in their hearts. But it is important to maintain this spiritual bond alive even after the crisis is over.
Anyone who has undergone difficulties and ordeals for the cause of Allah must keep up the remembrance of Him and his zeal based on faith and never forget his main purpose in life. Failing to remember Allah hardens one's heart, disables his consciousness, and makes one unable to benefit from the lessons of life. Apart from Allah's will, he progresses along a path of no return. After having forgotten the Hereafter, his benumbed heart then turns its attention solely to the life of this world, and he finds immediate gratifications more attractive than making efforts for the cause of Allah. Allah tells His Messenger (saas) to warn against such a danger:
Say: ‘If your fathers or your sons or your brothers or your wives or your tribe, or any wealth you have acquired, or any business you fear may slump, or any house which pleases you, are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His Way, then wait until Allah brings about His command. Allah does not guide people who are deviators.' (Surat at-Tawba; 24)
A Muslim must always remain alert against attachment to this world. Even if he does not go to such extremes, a believer may sometimes fall into error and abandon a course of action that was pleasing to Allah; he may improperly give in to his ego and desire some worldly pleasures. Continuation of such acts may lead to disbelief and hypocrisy.
The condition of the ones who lose their consciousness and prefer worldly earnings to Allah's Prophet (saas) is an example of such bad manners:
But when they see a chance of trade or entertainment they scatter off to it and leave you standing there. Say: ‘What is with Allah is better than trade or entertainment. Allah is the Best of Providers.' (Surat Al-Jumu‘a; 11)
Faithful believers who always fear Allah, the Day of Judgment and hell are not taken in by the deceptions of this world.
Not distracted by trade or commerce from the remembrance of Allah and the establishment of regular prayer and the payment of alms; fearing a day when all hearts and eyes will be in turmoil. (Surat al-Nur; 37)
(Surat an-Nur; 15)
LISTENING ATTENTIVELY WHEN THE QUR'AN IS RECITED
When the Qur'an is recited, listen to it and be quiet so that hopefully you will gain mercy. (Surat al-A‘raf; 204)
As the verse makes clear, listening carefully to recitation of the Qur'an is not only a praiseworthy act but an obligatory act of worship. In the second part of the verse, Allah states that this is a way to attain His mercy.
The Qur'an is the divine word of Allah. Hence, the respect shown to Allah must be displayed to His word as well. Being silent and listening is the first step. Whether one reads the Qur'an in Arabic, English or any other language, it must be with the same respect. In an environment where everyone is occupied, it is necessary to inform people of this ruling.
Some consider it sufficient to hear the Qur'an on the radio in an environment where everyone is occupied and inattentive. However, because the Qur'an is the sublime word of Allah, it must be received with attention and respect. Moreover, one should contemplate the verses and take heed from them.
SEEKING REFUGE FROM SATAN WITH ALLAH WHEN THE QUR'AN IS RECITED
Allah has tested man by giving Satan the ability to suggest negative thoughts to him. The influence of his suggestions varies according to the depth of one's faith. Satan has the most power to influence unbelievers, while he is deprived of authority over God-fearing believers.
He said, ‘My Lord, because You misled me, I will make things on the earth seem good to them and I will mislead them all, every one of them, except Your slaves among them who are sincere.' (Surat al-Hijr; 39-40)
Despite the fact that Satan cannot make true believers swerve from the right path, he may still strive to cause them harm, distract them or make them forget. No doubt, those people who act under the influence of Satan disturb believers through their speech and attitudes, numbing their minds and hindering them from engaging in good deeds.
One of the aims of Satan is to prevent a Muslim from reading Allah's words with attention and understanding or putting them into practice in the course of a day. Because Allah guides believers to right conduct through the Qur'an, Satan's unique aim is to divert them from it. For this reason, he wishes that they fail to properly understand its content and tries to distance them from the Qur'an.
When they are faced with the strategies of Satan, Allah commands believers to take refuge with Him:
Whenever you recite the Qur'an, seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan" (Surat an-Nahl; 98)
Those who have faith in Allah and put their trust in Him will be secure from the evil insinuations of Satan:
He [Satan] has no authority over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. (Surat an-Nahl; 99)
AVOIDANCE OF JEALOUSY AND SELFISH GREED
For believers, faith entails exemplary behavior. But this does not mean that they have come to the end of their testing because, like everyone else, Muslims also have a lower self.
Allah reveals in the Qur'an that, in keeping with the purpose of the environment of testing, He inspires people to avoid the wicked tendencies of the ego. Jealousy and greed are characteristics of the baser self:
. . . But people are prone to selfish greed. If you do good and guard against evil, Allah is aware of what you do. (Surat an-Nisa'; 128)
Jealousy is a reprehensible feeling arising from envy, inferiority or bitterness that he does not possess a thing which others have, he cannot achieve success, he does not receive the appreciation and praise like others. Man is prone to this feeling, and any blessing (either material or spiritual) that Allah grants to some of His servants may make it surface:
Or do they in fact envy other people for the bounty Allah has granted them? We gave the family of Ibrahim the Book and Wisdom, and We gave them an immense kingdom." (Surat an-Nisa'; 54)
As an essential part of the test they face in this world, believers constantly struggle against this vice and try to purify themselves of it. When confronted with events that may cause feelings of jealousy, a Muslim should display the proper attitude and behavior instructed in the Qur'an, that is, to know that everything belongs to Allah alone, that everything occurs by His will, that Allah chooses whom He wills, that He grants whatever He wills, and that the decision rests with Him alone. Allah creates everything with a good and divine purpose. Each blessing is given merely to test man in this world, and the real abode is that of the Hereafter. That is why believers always act in fear of Allah.
Jealousy, pride and arrogance result in deeming one's self an equal to Allah (Allah is Surely Beyond That) Thus, they are classical attributes of Satan, whose revolt against Allah was due to his arrogance and envy of Prophet Adam (as).
This attribute is evident in the attitudes of unbelievers and hypocrites who follow in Satan's footsteps. The jealousy that unbelievers feel becomes so severe that, in time, it penetrates all their opinions and actions, so they become representatives of Satan. Allah advises believers to seek refuge in Him when faced with the evil of those who envy:
Say: ‘I seek refuge with the Lord of Daybreak. . .' (Surat al-Falaq; 1)
‘And from the evil of an envier when he envies.' (Surat al-Falaq; 5)
RETURNING A GREETING
Greeting is an expression of good wishes. At the gates of Paradise, believers will be greeted with the greeting of peace.
It is obligatory for a believer to return a greeting with a better greeting or at least a similar one:
When you are greeted with a greeting, return the greeting or improve on it. Allah takes account of everything. (Surat an-Nisa'; 86)
According to the mentality of ignorant people, not returning a greeting or pretending not to hear it are considered a mark of superiority. Underlying such conduct are wicked attitudes. In Islam, such an attitude is detested. Returning a greeting is a command of Allah for all believers.
GREETING WHEN ONE ENTERS A HOUSE
In the Qur'an, Allah describes a concept of faith that entails constant remembrance of Allah at every moment. Remembering Allah and the Hereafter only when one encounters an extraordinary event, while remaining thoughtless during the mundane course of life, is contrary to Qur'anic teachings. Again, with many examples from the prophets, the Qur'an says that they were leaders who turned to Allah and always had the Hereafter in mind.
Remembering Allah and the Hereafter in important and unusual events, but being in heedlessness and committing error in the events of ordinary day-to-day life is totally contrary to the spirit of the Qur'an. Every moment a believer lives and every situation he experiences are opportunities to draw him nearer to Allah, add to his moral excellence, and increase his rewards in the Hereafter. In the Qur'an, Allah gives many directions that guide believers to the realization of these virtues. One of them is to greet the members of a household when entering a home:
. . . And when you enter houses greet one another with a greeting from Allah, blessed and good. In this way, Allah makes the Signs clear to you so that hopefully you will use your intellect. (Surat an-Nur; 61)
If one ponders over the meaning expressed in the verse, he would comply with the obligation that Allah ordered. By so doing, one mentions a name of Allah, as-Salam ("The Source of Peace"). Muslims frequently convey their good will to one another and thus consolidate their love and unity. Moreover, in this way they remember Allah together, and greeting is an expression of trust and security among believers.
GETTING PERMISSION BEFORE ENTERING THE HOUSES OF OTHERS
Allah has ordained measures that will ensure material and spiritual well-being. He also communicated through the Qur'an the means to prevent disturbing situations. For example, whatever one's intentions may be, entering another's dwelling without permission is prohibited:
You believers! Do not enter houses other than your own until you have asked permission and greeted their inhabitants. That is better for you, so that hopefully you will pay heed. (Surat an-Nur; 27)
Even when wrongdoing is out of the question, behaving otherwise causes doubt and may be perceived as a threat to the security and privacy of the household.
(Surat an-Nur; 15)
NOT SPENDING TO SHOW OFF
Another attitude displeasing to Allah is to turn what was meant to be an act of worship into showing off. Spending for the purpose of earning praise or other worldly benefits is an attitude peculiar to unbelievers, as described in the Qur'an:
. . . And [We have prepared a humiliating punishment] also for those who spend their wealth to show off to people, not believing in Allah and the Last Day. Anyone who has made Satan his comrade, what an evil comrade he is! (Surat an-Nisa'; 37-38)
While spending for the cause of Allah, a believer should pay attention not to expect other than earning the acceptance of Allah. He must not be vulnerable to Satan's suggestions like "They should never say that I did not contribute," or "They should see I have great fear of Allah," or "They should respect and love me more," and "They should provide me status and rank" and thereby turn his good deed into idolatry or shirk, which would endanger his life in the Hereafter.
AVOIDING IDLE TALK
Idle or empty talk contains no remembrance of Allah, nor is it aimed at His approval. In other words, it is the type that is of no benefit to one's eternal life in the Hereafter. Although worthless talking inevitably brings trouble to the soul, ignorant people spend much of their time in it. It is among the strategies of Satan to hinder man from remembering Allah, from seeing the countless signs and miracles of Allah surrounding him, and from reflecting upon the purpose of life. Thus, precious time is lost that should be spent engaging in good deeds for the Hereafter.
Satan always tempts people toward worthless talk and suggests the most pertinent subjects according to their social class, level of intelligence and interests. For example, the subjects that keep common people busy are sports, recipes, the problems of child raising, and so forth. Exchange rates, the stock exchange and other subjects related to commerce and economy occupy the minds of people involved in business. Another sector of society who call themselves intellectuals and who want to show themselves off as cultured indulge in prolonged dialogues, thinking that they have solved great difficulties, but which generally bring no benefit to society.
One frequently sees examples of this in open forums held on television. Participants discuss a particular issue for hours, only to be recognized for their knowledge and to impress others. They ingratiate themselves with those in higher positions to have their viewpoints endorsed. Personal complexes and ambitions ultimately cause one to fail when offering solutions because he cannot view the matter objectively. There are people who take such forums as an opportunity to attack religion and reveal their aversion to truth. Allah describes these attitudes in the Qur'an:
But there are some people who trade in distracting tales to misguide people from Allah's Way knowing nothing about it and to make a mockery of it. Such people will have a humiliating punishment. (Surah Luqman; 6)
While indulging in worthless talk is a characteristic of unbelievers, avoidance of it is a quality of believers:
[Believers are] those who do not bear false witness and who, when they pass by worthless talk, pass by with dignity. (Surat al-Furqan; 72)
When they hear worthless talk they turn away from it and say, ‘We have our actions and you have your actions. Peace be upon you. We do not desire the company of the ignorant.' (Surat al-Qasas; 55)
As is his usual practice, Satan attempts to introduce this un-Islamic habit into the lives of believers. Toward this end, he employs seemingly legitimate excuses and seeks moments when believers are not attentive. Therefore, one must always be vigilant and not let himself be dragged into such conversations. On the contrary, he should intervene and remind the people involved in such pastimes to remember Allah. A believer must always avoid ignorance, unbecoming manners and blameworthy speech. The absence in Paradise of any offensive speech is described among its blessings:
Gardens of Eden which the All-Merciful has promised to His slaves in the Unseen. His promise is always kept. They will not hear any prattling there—nothing but ‘Peace.' They will receive their provision there morning and night. (Surah Maryam; 61-62)
AVOIDING PURPOSELESS DEEDS
Apart from refraining from worthless talk, believers should not engage in purposeless and futile deeds that bring no rewards in the Hereafter. Engaging in purposeless deeds is the characteristc of the unbelievers as described in this verse:
Leave them to eat and enjoy themselves. Let false hope divert them. They will soon know. (Surat al-Hijr; 3)
All kinds of action that is not for earning the good pleasure of Allah would fit in this category. Even an obligatory act of worship could be futile if a person does it for any purpose other than earning the good pleasure of Allah—for example, because it has become a habit, because it is a way to avoid another more difficult deed, or because it is something everyone around him does. (Allah knows the truth.)
Besides the obligatory acts of worship that a Muslim performs at particular times in the course of the day, he should also spend the rest of his time in acts that will benefit Islam for attaining the good pleasure of Allah and he should strive to improve himself in order to obtain the best results.
The priority and urgency of the work is also very important for the believers. Scheduled routine work may be a waste of time and energy when there are more urgent duties waiting to be done at that moment. A believer must not consider it sufficient not to indulge himself in the useless pastimes that occupy the unbelievers. Rather, he must always have pure intention and not prefer a deed that is less likely to deserve Allah's approval over a more important one. (See "12. Continuation of Good Deeds and Worship.")
BEING HUMBLE IN ONE'S PRAYERS
A number of acts of worship are required from Muslims at certain times. Yet one must take care not to turn them into rituals that are performed mindlessly. On the contrary, awareness that worship is done purely to attain Allah's acceptance and approval inspires zeal and excitement in a believer. Regular prayer is one of these acts. In the Qur'an, Allah states that true believers are humble in their prayers:
It is the believers who are successful. [Believers are] those who are humble in their prayer. (Surat al-Muminun; 1-2)
Humility is recognition of Allah's grandeur and perfection with "fear and respect of Allah." This is the state of mind that a believer must ideally experience during prayers.
No matter what the duration and difficulty of a prayer may be, it is of little worth in the Sight of Allah when done without sincerity, contemplation and conscientiousness. One may hope for acceptance when his act of worship draws him closer to Allah, inspires fear and love of Him, improves his understanding and character, and hinders him from evil.
A believer who has a true understanding of the life in this world and who seeks life in the Hereafter, sees every act as a way for attaining approval of Allah. He does not miss the opportunities for good deeds and try to show utmost attention to these.
(Surat an-Nur; 15)
DONATING WHAT ONE LOVES
Giving from one's wealth with a sincere heart in order to earn the good pleasure of Allah is a mark of faith. Believers who spend generously are praised and given good tidings in many verses. Allah mentions a subtle aspect of spending—that by the giving away of what one loves, he will attain righteousness:
You will not attain true goodness until you give of what you love. Whatever you give away, Allah knows it. (Surah Al ‘Imran; 92)
The importance attached to something is linked to how much one sacrifices in order to attain it. Reluctance to give up particular things means that those things are thought to be dearer. Since nothing is more precious than the approval and mercy of Allah, a true believer can give away anything he owns in an instant. A contrary attitude would mean that worldly things are dearer than the good pleasure of Allah, so he would not attain the state of righteousness mentioned in the Qur'an.
It may be that a person donates much, renders important services for the cause of religion, and performs his acts of worship regularly. He may also have religious knowledge. Yet, his failure to let go of something he loves and contribute it for the cause of Allah when necessary shows weakness of faith and failure to grasp the essence of religion. Because this would mean that he prefers that thing to the good pleasure of Allah. In this sense this would put all his good deeds at risk, even if he thinks what he had done is good.
A Muslim should love Allah above all else and love created things only because they are manifestations of Allah's creative artistry or because Allah loves them too. In Allah's sight, this is the only legitimate way of love. This perception will allow a person to part with anything he loves at any time. Because his love is primarily for Allah, he loses nothing. For Allah pervades and embraces everything. He is closer to him than his jugular vein. In fact, he attains greater love and blessing because he has acted in compliance with Allah's will. He does not regret what he gave; on the contrary, he feels pleased. This is the attitude of a true Muslim.
But if a person loves something or someone as autonomous and independent of Allah, he ascribes it as an associate to Allah (Allah is Surely Beyond That) and becomes an idolater. If he must possess something but, at the same time, does so in accordance with Allah's commands, Allah may will to purify him from the "association" he fell into through his ignorant desires. Finally he will attain goodness and enjoy Allah's mercy.
NOT GIVING WHAT IS DISLIKED
As with all other acts of worship, it is important to keep the purpose of giving or spending in mind. Giving is a spiritual purification for believers. And giving something loved becomes most praiseworthy in the Sight of Allah when one does it to earn His approval. In this way, a believer will have proven that he will not exchange anything in this world to please Allah and obtain His mercy and that he will make every sacrifice to attain this joy. With this attitude, a believer is bound to please Allah. Allah is above all things. He commands the following:
You who believe! Give away some of the good things you have earned and some of what the earth produces for you. Do not have recourse to bad things when you give, things you would only take with your eyes tight shut! Know that Allah is Rich Beyond Need, Praiseworthy. (Surat al-Baqara; 267)
As stated in this verse, Allah forbids believers from giving away only the things they dislike or want to be rid of and expects them to give out of what they would use themselves.
By appearing to be generous, a person will gain nothing in Allah's sight. Therefore, a believer will be careful to avoid this error which is contrary to what is revealed in the above verse and goes against the general spirit of the Qur'an.
AVOIDING STINGINESS AND HOARDING POSSESSIONS
Societies distant from Qur'anic values have a flawed understanding about giving and spending. In order to ease their consciences, they give away an insignificant portion of their possessions, while keeping most for themselves. Their act of giving makes them feel satisfied that they have fulfilled a religious obligation. Allah alludes to this, saying:
Have you seen him who turns away and gives little, and that grudgingly? (Surat an-Najm; 33-34)
The worshipful act of giving revealed by Allah in the Qur'an is completely different. According to the Qur'an, giving is measured as that which is left after one's needs have been met. This is a command from Allah and the duty of everyone to perform:
. . . They will ask you what they should give away. Say, ‘Whatever is surplus to your needs.' In this way Allah makes the Signs clear to you, so that hopefully you will reflect. (Surat al-Baqara; 219)
Anyone who hoards his surplus while others are in need displeases Allah, endangering his eternal life in the Hereafter. Such a person is actually disobeying a commandment of Allah, and by being stingy, he unjustly claims ownership of what actually belongs to Allah. In fact, Allah gives him possessions to test him. In the Qur'an, Allah describes this attitude as one particular to unbelievers:
As for those who are tight-fisted and direct others to be tight-fisted, and hide the bounty Allah has given them, We have prepared a humiliating punishment for those who disbelieve. (Surat an-Nisa'; 37)
The end of those who hoard and do not give what is due to Allah and His needy servants is related as follows:
You who believe! Many of the rabbis and monks devour people's property under false pretences and bar people from access to the Way of Allah. As for those who hoard up gold and silver and do not spend it in the Way of Allah, give them the news of a painful punishment on the Day it is heated up in the fire of Hell and their foreheads, sides and backs are branded with it: ‘This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you were hoarding!' (Surat at-Tawba; 34-35)
Who has amassed wealth and hoarded it!
He thinks his wealth will make him live for ever.
No indeed! He will be flung into the Shatterer.
And what will convey to you what the Shatterer is?
The kindled Fire of Allah.
(Surat al-Humaza; 2-6)
A believer can never be like the people described in these verses, amass wealth and be stingy. Yet he needs to beware of this attitude. He may have spent the majority of his earnings, but if he does not make a habit of sharing his possessions, he may tend to the mentality described above. The major causes for amassing possessions are fear of future poverty, attachment of more importance to this world than the Hereafter, and a lack of sufficient trust in Allah, which results from weakness of faith. As it is seen, there may be very important weaknesses behind such an act, and this would show his lack of sincerity and submission to Allah. A sincere believer should fear a great loss in this world and the Hereafter and meticulously realize this command of Allah.
AVOIDING WASTE
Failure to appreciate the blessings of Allah, spending inconsiderately or squandering is waste, against which Allah warns:
Give your relatives their due, and the very poor and travelers but do not squander what you have. Squanderers are brothers to the Satans, and Satan was ungrateful to his Lord. (Surat al-Isra'; 26-27)
Indifference to the multitude of blessings provided by Allah shows a lack of gratitude to Him. As stated in the Qur'an, ungratefulness is an attribute of Satan; therefore, those who are ungrateful to Allah by wasting provisions become "brothers of the devils" or followers of Satan. While blessings should logically increase one's gratitude to Allah, wasting them shows ingratitude, an attitude that may deprive one of His mercy and blessings in the Hereafter.
Paradise is a place of glory adorned with the infinite and perfect blessings of Allah. However, it is unlikely that a person who remains insensitive to a multitude of blessings in this world can adequately appreciate the blessings of Paradise and praise Allah. To deserve Paradise, a person must first appreciate what Allah has given him while still in this world.
Although one may avoid major wastefulness, carelessness with small things, their misuse, harm or failure to preserve them are considered ingratitude as well. A believer must be especially meticulous in such matters for fear of being ungrateful or failing in respect to Allah.
Allah wants His servants to benefit from His blessings in the best manner, although they should avoid waste:
Children of Adam! Wear fine clothing in every mosque and eat and drink but do not be profligate. He does not love the profligate. (Surat al-A‘raf; 31)
(Surat an-Nur; 15)
CONTINUATION OF GOOD DEEDS AND WORSHIP
"Spare time" is an alien concept to the believer who abides by the principles of the Qur'an. The fact that his obligatory acts of worship do not consume much time does not mean that he engages in trivialities during the rest of the day, according to his whims and desires.
Allah has commissioned believers to spend their lives struggling with both their own selves and intellectually with the unbelievers. In so doing, they engage in endless tasks that are geared to earning Allah's good pleasure. Therefore, accomplishment is not reason to take a break but marks the beginning of further activity. Allah ordered:
So when you have finished, work on, and make your Lord your goal! (Surat al-Inshirah; 7-8 )
In compliance with the verses, once a Muslim completes a task, he should immediately start a serious effort toward another. The only exception would be taking rest in order to regain strength to struggle again for the cause of Allah. Benefit from the blessings granted by Allah within legitimate limits causes a believer to be thankful to Him and to feel more energetic.
There is no similarity between the intellectual struggle of a Muslim to spread the Qur'an's moral teachings and that of an unbeliever's difficulties, hardship, sadness and despair that he refers to as "struggle in life." The exhaustion and anguish an unbeliever experiences in this world is but a slight preview of never-ending grief in the Hereafter. In contrast, the efforts of a believer who loves Allah above everything else with great loyalty and zeal will bring him great spiritual joy similar to that in Paradise. Meanwhile, his efforts will earn great and infinite rewards in the Hereafter, Allah willing.
NOT DIVULGING INFORMATION OF A DISQUIETING OR REASSURING NATURE
In an Islamic society, Allah instructs the conveyance of all kinds of information concerning Muslims directly or indirectly about a possible harm or benefit to the authority who is in the best position to interpret it:
When news of any matter reaches them they spread it about, whether it is of a reassuring or disquieting nature. If they had only referred it to the Messenger and those in command among them, those among them able to discern the truth about it would have had proper knowledge of it. If it were not for Allah's favor to you and His mercy, all but a very few of you would have followed Satan. (Surat an-Nisa'; 83)
There are many drawbacks to spreading information among people. First, the information in question may not reach the proper authority; or if it does, after passing through several channels, it will most probably become corrupted. It may delay a matter that needs urgent attention, causing harm to the interests of Islam or Muslims. Second, the spread of information better kept confidential allows unbelievers and hypocrites to become aware of it. Using this information, they can cause harm to Muslims or render a precaution ineffective.
Therefore, it is obligatory to immediately inform those in authority who are most capable of making the best interpretations, formulating pertinent decisions and insuring necessary precautions.
A believer possesses wisdom and awareness that will enable him to recognize information of reassuring or disquieting nature and then communicate it promptly to the appropriate authorities. Increase in the number of wise believers who possess this understanding will affect the spread of Qur'anic teachings.
SUSPECTING OF INFORMATION BROUGHT BY A DEVIATOR
A deviator has gone astray from the path of Allah and chosen a life based on rebellion against Qur'an. One cannot expect a rebel against Allah's religion to observe the limits of justice, righteousness, honesty or reliability, for such people have no fear of Allah, envy believers, are eager to cause them to deviate, and take pleasure from bringing harm to them or making them unhappy. This being the case, the accuracy of information reported by such people should be thoroughly scrutinized. As Allah reveals in the Qur'an:
You who believe! If a deviator brings you a report, scrutinize it carefully in case you attack people in ignorance and so come to greatly regret what you have done. (Surat al-Hujurat; 6)
Making a decision without investigating the accuracy of information according to the commands inscribed in the Qur'an would be ignorant behavior. In another verse, Allah states:
Do not pursue what you have no knowledge of. Hearing, sight and hearts will all be questioned. (Surat al-Isra'; 36)
LACK OF AFFECTION FOR THOSE WHO OPPOSE ALLAH'S WORDS
All the value judgments of believers are based on the standards of the Qur'an. Love is one of these. A believer loves only what Allah loves and dislikes what He dislikes. This is a definitive and certain measure that Allah states in the Qur'an and also is the natural inclination of any sincere believer. The love he feels for Allah and the believers is dependant upon his faith. The intensity of the love that Allah has towards believers increases according to the measure of their faith. A true believer cannot feel affection for enemies of his religion.
Allah explains in the following verse:
You will not find people who believe in Allah and the Last Day having love for anyone who opposes Allah and His Messenger, though they be their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their clan. Allah has inscribed faith upon such people's hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit from Him. (Surat al-Mujadala; 22)
Some who have recently embraced Islam and not yet become acquainted with the values of the Qur'an may still have an erroneous understanding of love and friendship. A flawed attitude generally stems from insufficient knowledge of Islam and therefore, a failure to wholeheartedly embrace the Islamic outlook. But Allah addresses believers as follows:
You who believe! Do not take My enemy and your enemy as friends, showing love for them when they have rejected the truth that has come to you, driving out the Messenger and yourselves simply because you believe in Allah your Lord. If you go out to strive in My Way and seeking My pleasure, keeping secret the love you have for them, I know best what you conceal and what you make known. Any of you who do that have strayed from the right way." (Surat Al-Mumtahana; 1)
One who retains his former understanding of love and adopts values incompatible with the Qur'an despite this explicit warning will "stray from the soundness of the way." If he should try to conceal this state of mind and associates with Muslims because of personal interests, his wrong intention will be revealed by Allah sooner or later. In a verse Allah reveals as follows:
Or did you suppose that you would be left without Allah knowing those of you who have strived and who have not taken anyone as their intimate friends besides Allah and His Messenger and the believers? Allah is aware of what you do. (Surat at-Tawba; 16)
NOT FEARING CENSURE BY OPPONENTS
In every age, true believers have been criticized by the society in which they live since they serve Allah alone, observe His limits and strive to earn His good pleasure rather than that of the people. Unbelievers are antagonistic toward them because they are critical of their deviant lifestyles and philosophies and adhere to the ideal Allah describes in the Qur'an. The reaction of a disbelieving society has often been in the form of assaults or persecution by the ruling elite on believers, while the general population condemned them.
When faced with criticism and persecution, believers who enjoy firm faith and trust in Allah never stray from the principles of their religion. For this reason Allah's help and support is always with them, and they gain victory over the unbelievers.
A believer may not always be subjected to physical attacks. Yet, his meticulousness in obeying the law of Allah and determination to expose the unjust ideological systems of disbelief often make him a target of criticism and condemnation. But upon observing the strong character of believers who have firm trust in Allah and are not discouraged in the face of criticism, unbelievers soon realize their efforts are doomed to failure. Those who fear the blame of Allah alone are not shaken by censure. On the contrary, believers implant a deep anxiety in the hearts of their critics. This kind of condemnation motivates believers even more.
To fear the blame of people amounts to ascribing associates to Allah, since He enjoins fear of Him alone. Anyone failing to stand firm for his religion harms only himself. And Allah will replace such people with better ones:
You who believe! If any of you renounce your religion, Allah will bring forward a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble to the believers, fierce to the unbelievers, who strive in the Way of Allah and do not fear the blame of any censurer. That is the unbounded favor of Allah which He gives to whoever He wills. Allah is Boundless, All-Knowing. (Surat al-Ma'ida; 54)
HUMBLENESS BEFORE ALLAH
Perfection is an attribute particular to Allah alone. Even the prophets who had profound faith and whose moral excellence is praised in the Qur'an were not above human error. Believers are advised to avoid these kinds of errors. Throughout the Qur'an, Allah commands the prophets and all believers to seek His forgiveness because intentionally or not, people commit sins. This is a clear sign that man is weak, vulnerable, and in need of Allah, even while observing the limits set by Him.
The responsibility of a believer is to repent once he recognizes his mistakes and sins, seek forgiveness and be careful not to repeat them again. But this is not to make yourselves appear sinless and without error or to prove your innocence; such an attitude is not pleasing to Allah:
To whoever avoids the major wrong actions and indecencies—except for minor lapses—truly your Lord is vast in forgiveness. He has most knowledge of you when He first produced you from the earth, and when you were embryos in your mothers' wombs. So do not claim purity for yourselves. He knows best those who guard against evil. (Surat an-Najm; 32)
The reason a person pretends righteousness is his desire for distinction or eminence. However, such a person actually degrades himself both in Allah's Sight and in the eyes of believers. In one sense, even if it is not overt, his claims to being superior, it is discomforting to the heart of a sincere Muslim. He thinks he has deceived believers and attained value and worth in their sight; but he does not realize that he is pitiful and managed with patient tolerance. Shortly afterwards, he really starts to believe that he is perfect and day by day, his behavior becomes more humiliating.
He may even begin to believe he is infallible, and when seeing himself sinless, a person does not feel the need to ask for forgiveness from Allah. He becomes arrogant and thus virtually moulds himself into an idol. This is his certain downfall.
A sincere believer, on the other hand, is aware of his errors and continuously asks for forgiveness from Allah. He constantly hopes for Allah's mercy and approval. Therefore, Allah conceals his faults, forgives his sins, purifies his soul, and makes him a superior person.
Do you not see those who claim to be purified? No, Allah purifies whoever He wills. They will not be wronged by so much as the smallest speck. (Surat an-Nisa'; 49)
(Surat an-Nur; 15)
HUMILITY AND MODESTY
Bragging over one's accomplishments or taking credit for what he has not done is common behavior for many members of society. Yet, the fact remains that it is blameworthy in the sight of Allah:
Those who exult in what they have done and love to be praised for what they have not done should not suppose that they have escaped the punishment. They will have a painful punishment. (Surah Al‘Imran; 188)
Perverted attitudes such as pride for an accomplishment that was actually realized by Allah's will underlies such behavior, in spite of the fact that whenever a deed is done, it is Allah, the All-Mighty, Who has willed it and carried it out. No individual has any independent power of his own. Everything happens by Allah's permission and will. Consequently, this kind of conceit reveals a person's incapability to appreciate Allah with just assessment, and further, it means considering oneself an equal to Allah (Allah is Surely Beyond That). In the Qur'an it is stated that ascribing partners to Allah is the greatest sin and, unless one repents from it, he will not be forgiven.
RESPECT FOR OTHERS
For the purpose of promoting themselves or attaining a superior position, some people employ wicked methods such as ridiculing and humiliating others, or insulting them with derogatory nicknames.
Allah forbids such behaviors that stem from the morality of ignorance:
You who believe! People should not ridicule others who may be better than themselves; nor should any women ridicule other women who may be better than themselves. And do not find fault with one another or insult each other with derogatory nicknames. How evil it is to have a name for evil conduct after coming to faith! Those people who do not turn from it are wrongdoers. (Surat al-Hujurat; 11)
In compliance with this command, believers respect one another as persons endowed with the teachings of Allah. Allah reflects many of His sublime attributes in a sincere believer, and he is someone whom Allah praises in the Qur'an and grants blessings in the Hereafter. Believers should be aware of the attributes Allah mentions in the Qur'an, and thus practice moral conduct toward one another.
Allah disparaged name-calling, saying, "How evil it is to have a name for evil conduct after coming to faith"! Unless one repents from this sin and corrects his behavior, he remains a wrongdoer. Ridicule can consist of insulting someone with humiliating names or mimicking him through body language. The fearsome end awaiting those who scorn and mock others makes clear that it should be avoided by everyone:
The evil actions they did assailed them. They were engulfed by what they mocked. (Surat an-Nahl; 34)
This verse goes on to say that the end of such a person shows more clearly that derision is something that believers should avoid by all means:
No indeed! He will be flung into the Shatterer. And what will convey to you what the Shatterer is? The kindled Fire of Allah reaching right into the heart. It is sealed in above them in towering columns. (Surat an-Humaza; 4-9)
A believer must also be careful not to belittle someone while pointing out to him a mistake. When one has detected the fault of another, it is utterly wrong to assume himself wiser or superior. It may well be that, in the Sight of Allah, the other is the superior one, while the person who belittles him in fact reveals his own imprudence in violating a clear commandment of Allah. By disobeying the command of the Qur'an, it is clear that a derisive person is not acting wisely; on the contrary, his conscience is closed. If such a person does not give up his attitude and continues being disdainful, he will turn into an insatiable individual as another verse of the Qur'an says.
SUPPORTING BELIEVERS AND NOT QUARRELING
In the Qur'an, Allah reminds believers to be unified and provide support to one another. The status of Muslims on Earth and in the Sight of Allah is not like that of other people. The conscientious and noble life they lead makes them valuable and beloved in Allah's Sight. Allah reveals that the number of these noble and respectable servants is few. He declares that the majority of people will not believe, and most of those who do believe will not harbor true faith—that is, without associating anything with Allah.
Hence, true Muslims are always in the minority, and even a single one is of great importance for other believers. In the Qur'an, Allah defines a believer as the "protector" of another believer.
Hence, Allah commands believers of every age to support one another like well-built walls. Appreciating the value of other believers, providing full support to them in the face of difficulties, and establishing a strong unity are responsibilities of the believers Allah mentions in the Qur'an. In compliance, believers support and help one another under all circumstances and employ all their material and spiritual resources for the advance of fellow Muslims.
In one verse Allah gives an example:
Allah loves those who fight in His Way in ranks like well-built walls. (Surat as-Saff; 4)
Besides spiritual unity, the verse refers to strong unity that is not separable and observable from outside. The Qur'an does not include the idea of watching and supporting other Muslims from a distance. That is, believers always remain with other believers, performing acts of worship, rendering services and struggling against disbelief on any intellectual grounds.
Strong unity and solidarity is required to advance the message of Allah, protect the rights and interests of other Muslims, and to struggle intellectually against the mentality of ignorant societies. It is also the key to properly upholding the commandments of Allah and earning His good pleasure. Thus, believers must avoid all attitudes and behaviors likely to weaken unity, solidarity and brotherhood among themselves. Quarrelling is particularly to be avoided, as it is explicitly forbidden in the Qur'an:
Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not quarrel among yourselves lest you lose heart and your momentum disappear. And be steadfast. Allah is with the steadfast. (Surat al-Anfal; 46)
Unity among Muslims is an essential attribute that influences their stand against unbelievers, as learned from the verse above. Quarrelling and disputing is inspired only by Satan and leads to no real solution. Therefore, a believer who, in an instant of forgetfulness, becomes involved in a quarrel should remember this verse, cease and repent for his error. Awareness that it displeases Allah will make believers alert to circumstances likely to produce quarrels and prevent them. It is against the ethic of the Qur'an to fight with believers and thereby weaken their courage and strength while unbelievers and hypocrites unite to cause them harm.
In every instance, it is Allah through His Messenger (saas) Who guides Muslims to the straight path. Whatever the issue, only truth is acceptable to Allah. No Muslim can have an understanding or way of thinking about a matter that differs from that of other Muslims. For that reason, animosity does not occur among the true believers; Discord and dispute is attributed in the Qur'an to unbelievers. The Qur'an commands believers to bring issues over which they disagree to Allah and His Messenger (saas) to be resolved in the best way. To believers, quarrelling and disputing are not legitimate methods to solve a problem and are contrary to Qur'anic conduct.
In another verse, Allah states that Satan tries hard to sow the seeds of conflict among believers, and that the way to defeat him is to say what is best:
Say to My slaves that they should only say the best. Satan wants to stir up trouble between them. Satan is an outright enemy to man. (Surat al-Isra'; 53)
AVOIDING SUSPICION, GOSSIPING AND SPYING
You who believe! Avoid most suspicion. Indeed some suspicion is a crime. And do not spy and do not backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat his brother's dead flesh? No, you would hate it. And have fear of Allah. Allah is Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (Surat al-Hujurat; 12)
In the verse above, Allah mentions three errors that a Muslim must strictly avoid: suspicion, gossiping and backbiting. In fact, these are behaviors related to one another, since a person who talks spitefully or backbites on someone harbors suspicion about him.
What is common to these practices is that they are all harmful to believers and weaken their solidarity and unity and lessen love, compassion and mercy. The description of backbiting in the verse makes clear the extent of damage such acts cause, although some people often deem them insignificant. And in another verse, Allah gives a serious warning against those who criticize others behind their backs. The verse contains this command:
Woe to every faultfinding backbiter. (Surat Al-Humaza; 1)
No indeed! He will be flung into the Shatterer. And what will convey to you what the Shatterer is? The kindled Fire of Allah. (Surat Al-Humaza; 4-6)
From the continuation of the verse, we can see that there is a certain threat of Hell for those who adopt this kind of behavior. When this threat is taken seriously, it becomes obvious that this morality has no place in the Qur'an and believers must beware of it.
Satan may promote suspicion and backbiting (resulting from rage, jealousy and intolerance) through the rationale that bringing out one's feelings is in the interest of his religion. However, Allah has forbidden such conduct.
The same is true of suspicion. Backbiting and spying are more observable in comparison to suspicion or negative assumption, so believers who witness those acts have more opportunity to warn the offender. But suspicion is felt in the heart and can be detected only by the person himself. If one fails to be alert against it, he may find himself harboring evil thoughts. A believer is held responsible not only for his deeds but for attitudes, feelings and thoughts if left uncontrolled.
Throughout this book, we shall see that believers are also responsible for other feelings such as resentment, envy, fear, love and similar concepts. Whatever is on a believer's mind and what he feels must remain within the limits that Allah has set in the Qur'an. A person who controls his negative feelings and thoughts is, no doubt, on the right path.
CONTROLLING RAGE
In the Qur'an, the control of anger is described as exemplary behavior since it hinders harmful reactions likely caused by it.
Those who give in times of both ease and hardship, those who control their rage and pardon other people—Allah loves the good-doers. (Surah Al ‘Imran; 134)
Although rage may surface as an instant reaction in particular situations, a believer should comply with the description in this verse by controlling it. That is because rage clouds one's mind and hinders sound reasoning. In such a case, a person runs the risk of transgressing the limits of Allah, since the emotional judgments he makes under the influence of anger will usually be rash and incompatible with Qur'anic ethics.
A believer must immediately strive to overcome resentment he feels pertaining to personal matters, especially toward other believers, and try to replace it with compassion and mercy. If a person's anger is based on unjust grounds, then he has no right to be furious in the first place. He must accept his mistake, apologize and make up for his misbehavior. But even if he was in the right, he must still control anger, and in compliance with the verse, it is better to forgive.
What has been related so far concerns the mundane situations believers are likely to encounter. Apart from these there is a group of people who become angry at the least provocation. They actually fail to grasp some basic faith-related issues, such as putting one's trust in Allah or recognizing the fact that all people are under His control. This weakness of faith manifests itself in the form of anger. In order to cope, they first need to get to the root of the problem and establish faith on solid grounds.