Page 67 - The importance of conscience in the Qur'an

Why Don't People Follow Their Conscience in
Spite of Knowing the Truth? 65

of which Allah would not approve. However, a conscientious
person acts for his eternal benefit in the hereafter, rather than
the benefit of a few days, and behaves as Allah would approve.
It is important to understand that conscientious behaviour
must be carried out purely for the sake of Allah. If someone
does what he considers to be conscientious acts with the
expectation of compensation from people, he will be often
disappointed. On the contrary, a conscientious act performed
with the expectation of a reward from Allah, brings an absolute
gain to the person. In the Qur'an, this exemplary character of
a believer is described:

They give good, despite their love for it, to the
poor and orphans and captives: 'We feed you
only out of desire for the Face of Allah. We do
not want any repayment from you or any
thanks. Truly we fear from our Lord a
glowering, calamitous Day.' (Surat al-Insan: 8-
10)
Living Islam inevitably requires some sacrifices. Since such
sacrifices are not common in societies which have no fear of
Allah, constant misery and distress prevail. On the other hand,
those who follow their conscience by displaying strict
resoluteness with fear of Allah constitute extremely safe,
peaceful societies. Moreover, this is only the compensation
they get in this world. Allah gives the good tidings of eternal
beauties in the hereafter to those who make sacrifices despite
the passions in their selves:
So Allah has safeguarded them from the evil
of that Day and has made them meet with
radiance and pure joy, and will reward them
for their steadfastness with a Garden and with