Page 22 - Zeal and Enthusiasm in the Qur'an

Zeal and Enthusiasm Described in the Qur’an

to those who have faith and do good deeds encourages them fur-
ther and adds to their commitment.
A believer reveals himself also through the care he takes over
his religious observances and performing them with joy and zeal;
he enthusiastically performs the prayer 5 times a day, ablutions
and fasting commanded by Allah throughout the course of his life.

Narrated Ibn 'Umar (ra):
The Prophet (saas) said, “The religion of Islam is based on five fun-
damental principles: attesting that there exists no deity but Allah,
that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger, praying, fast-
ing and pilgrimage.” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
A believer’s concept of zeal is completely different from that of
a society of ignorance. Compared to the temporary enthusiasms

of disbelievers, believers’ zeal is a never-ending exuberance nour-
ished by faith in Allah. He has given believers glad tidings of the re-
sult of continuous zeal in the Qur’an:
"And give good tidings to the believers that they will have
from Allah great bounty." 10

There are those among believers who are
foremost in good deeds.

Not every person’s faith and devotion to Allah is the same.
Allah has stated that in respect to their faith, believers are of vari-
ous degrees:
"Then We caused to inherit the Book those We have cho-
sen of Our servants; and among them is he who wrongs
himself [i.e., sins], and among them is he who is moderate,
and among them is he who is foremost in good deeds by
permission of Allah. That is what is the great bounty." 11

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