Page 30 - Zeal and Enthusiasm in the Qur'an

Zeal and Enthusiasm Described in the Qur’an

fender is the mark of moral perfection. That is because the person
refuses to obey the wishes of his baser self and displays noble pa-
tience only to earn the good pleasure of Allah. As the following
verse states:
"And whoever is patient and forgives – indeed, that is of the
matters [requiring] determination." 25

The difference with zealous people is recognized from their un-
daunted and unyielding choice of the best manner. No matter what
the circumstance, they show determination to do what most
pleases Allah. In return Allah gives them glad tidings that He will
guide them to salvation:

"By it [i.e., the Qur’an] Allah guides those who pursue His
pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from
darkness into the light, by His permission, and guides them
to a straight path." 26

Preference of the religion’s interests to their own
As mentioned earlier, the majority of people in ignorant soci-
eties try to derive benefit from the society they live in through their
personal relations and even from their closest friends. In case a
conflict of interests arises, they never hesitate to put their own in-
terests first and, in the blink of an eye can readily sacrifice people

they hold dear. That is because they prefer themselves to anything
and everyone.
However, the situation is different for believers. They do not set
primarily individual goals and thus do not concentrate only on per-
sonal interests but consider the interests of other believers and of
Islam. Indeed, when the interests of believers and Islam are ob-
served, their own interests are likewise observed. They are not

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