Page 46 - The Courage of the Faithful

HOW IS COURAGE ACHIEVED?

C ourage is a quality which is greatly admired and praised

in the community. People want to be regarded as brave by

those around them, because those who are considere d
courageous always attract much respect and admiration. But, while
many try very hard to seem brave, they are unable to show re a l
courage. However, there are reasons why they are unable to be as
courageous as they would like to be.
As it is necessary to have true faith in order to be merciful, gen-
tle, and compassionate, faith is also necessary to be brave. Although,
this does not mean that a non-believer cannot be brave. There will
be times at which he will be courageous. However, one who ascribes

partners to Allah, who imputes power to other entities, and is not
a w a re that everything is under Allah's control, will certainly be
faced with situation in which he will be unable to be courageous.
This is the proof that he does not possess the genuine courage that
derives from faith in Allah, the sole source of power.
Belief is a prerequisite for genuine courage. Belief is the knowl-
edge that everything is under Allah's control, and that nothing can

take place without His willing it, and includes submission to Him
and fear of Him alone.
One who possesses such belief devotes himself to Allah, and as

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