Page 87 - The importance of conscience in the Qur'an
P. 87

THE ABODE OF THOSE WHO DO
                       NOT FOLLOW THEIR

                             CONSCIENCE









                           e have stated that there is a conviction prevalent
                           in society that following the conscience will
             W harm one's interests. Those who believe this
             think that by not following their conscience, they can satisfy
             their wishes and desires, guard their interests, and thus profit.
             This is one of their biggest misconceptions, as they in fact lose
             both the world and the hereafter because of this perverted
             belief.
                 Conscience is under the command of Allah and is totally
             out of man's control. Whatever decision a person may make,
             his conscience never leaves him and always tells him the truth.
             Hearing the truth on the one hand, and not following it on the
             other, causes a great 'twinge of conscience'. This 'twinge of
             conscience' is not like any other form of distress. It is a distress
             Allah has given people in return for what they have done and
             also as an opportunity to correct their mistakes. In the Qur'an,
             Allah mentions the three men who suffered because they did
             not follow their conscience. Their worldly concerns prevented
             them from accompanying the Muslims on a campaign. They
             deeply regretted their negligence, could hardly endure the
   82   83   84   85   86   87   88   89   90   91   92