Page 34 - Passivity in Religion

PASSIVITY IN RELIGION

deavor, that would, by Allah's will, be rewarded in the Hereafter.
But, the attributes sought by those who fail to seek Allah's con-
sent, and for which they feel proud, will bring no benefit, either
in this world or the one beyond. As the verse also maintains, for
a believer, "the best provision is doing your duty" (Surat al-
Baqara, 197). In another verse, Allah informs us that the sole cri-
terion is fear of Allah, and the esteem gained in this world is
worthless in Allah's sight:
… The noblest among you in Allah's sight is the one of
you who best performs his duty. Allah is All-Knowing,
All-Aware. (Surat al-Hujurat, 13)
Believers' respect and love for another person develops in
proportion to the other's faith in Allah and heedfulness of Him,
for they abide by the Qur'an's morality. They never consider the
criteria of ignorance. Only those who do not take the Qur'an as a
guide can be influenced by the advocates of passivity, for it is
only they who are prone to follow their example and imitate
them. Their common attribute is their belief in the implausibility
of a life characterized by fear of Allah, sincerity and love for
Allah. Of a certainty, such disbelief will only mislead them into a
grievous torment.

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