Page 42 - The importance of conscience in the Qur'an

40 The Importance of Conscience in the Qur'an

person comments with reference not to the world, but to the
hereafter. For example, if he has a very wealthy friend, he
instantly thinks that his friend too will die one day and give
account in the hereafter. He particularly avoids making
speeches that might make his friend attached to this world. He
encourages him to be generous, and reminds him of paradise
and hell. He prays for his good and peace both in the world and
the hereafter, and that Allah will cause them to meet in a happy
hereafter. A conscientious man displays his love for his friend
by making efforts for his hereafter and by forbidding him the
wrong and enjoining the right.
At first sight, someone who acts upon his conscience and
always seeks Allah's good pleasure may seem to be no different
to others. He too goes to work or school, does shopping, and
enjoys himself. He, however, seeks Allah's pleasure in
everything he does. In a verse Allah states:
…There are men, who proclaim His glory
morning and evening, not distracted by trade
or commerce from the remembrance of Allah
and the establishment of regular prayers and
the payment of regular charity; fearing a day
when all hearts and eyes will be in turmoil.
(Surat an-Nur: 37)

One may wonder how it is possible to seek Allah's good
pleasure in the common, everyday actions one does, and how
it is possible to remember Allah at every moment. Firstly, it
must be stated that for someone who follows his conscience,
the rites of worship and Allah's commands are above
everything else. He never forgets that Allah is always watching
him. In the trade he engages in, he does not become concerned
with his benefits in the world, but his benefits in the hereafter.