Page 52 - The importance of conscience in the Qur'an

50 The Importance of Conscience in the Qur'an

conscience, a man should live his entire life for Allah. If you
want to lead your entire life in a way pleasing to Allah, it is
enough for you to observe the Qur'anic commands, follow the
example of the Prophet (SAW), and listen to your conscience
when faced with life's events. Your following the voice of your
conscience in every event you face, big or small, means your
following the good pleasure of Allah. Therefore, by listening to
the voice of the good within you, you please Allah in every act
you do.

Is everyone's conscience the same?
People who do not strive to please Allah may well
perform deeds that seem good to them. They can be
inherently considerate, kind people. However, if the good
deeds they do are not for the pleasure of Allah, they may not
find favour and credit with Allah. These people do goodness
not because they truly follow their conscience, but for the sake
of personal interests, such as the feeling of satisfaction derived
from the reputation of being a 'benevolent' person, or merely a
sentimental satisfaction.
In other words, the intention to submit to conscience is
more important than the action itself. If a man wants his whole
life to be for Allah, he has to act according to this intention. For
example, if he does a kind deed he should seek the good
pleasure of Allah rather than the favour and appreciation of
people, or a personal sense of satisfaction. This will help him to
think of Allah continuously, and turn to Him for all his needs.
In the Qur'an, Allah praises such people:

Be steadfast in the face of what they say and
remember Our slave Dawud, who possessed