Page 71 - The importance of conscience in the Qur'an

Why Don't People Follow Their Conscience in
Spite of Knowing the Truth? 69

No doubt, as we have stated before, striving for Allah's
way with the striving it deserves, is only possible by following
the conscience. In the understanding of the ignorant, it is
enough to display an 'average' character in accordance with the
general trend in society. Many people think that they are
sufficiently devout so long as they do not commit such crimes
as murder, rape or theft. They do not think that there are
hundreds of good actions and rites of worship that they
postpone or disregard completely. Although it is forbidden,
they gossip, they do not keep regular prayers, they do not try
to improve their moral conduct and they do not thank their
Lord for the favours He has bestowed upon them. They act
unjustly when it suits their purposes, and lie to cover up their
guilt. Their seeing themselves self-sufficient and not fearing the
account in the hereafter is a sign of their ignorance and short-
sightedness.
The prophets and the believers exemplified in the Qur'an
provide the best examples of the highest levels of
conscientiousness. Prophet Yusuf, for instance, prayed to Allah
to 'take him as a Muslim at his death and join him to the
righteous' (Surah Yusuf: 101). Even though he was Allah's
chosen prophet, he referred to the hereafter with fear and
hope. Ignorant people talk as if they are sure that they will go
to paradise. If they continue to grow in blind arrogance, they
are in danger of meeting an awful doom:
…lest anyone should say, 'Alas for me for
neglecting what Allah was due, and being one
of the scoffers!' or lest they should say, 'If only
Allah had guided me, I would have had taqwa,
or lest he should say, when he sees the
punishment, 'If only I could have another