Page 83 - Passivity in Religion

The Characteristics of the Passive

Our Lord has revealed that wealth and children are a cause of
trial for human beings (Surat al-Anfal, 28). For this reason, believ-
ers know that Allah has granted all such blessings in this world as
a test, and they therefore behave accordingly. When Allah bestows
upon them a blessing, they are glad, give Him thanks, and try to
make use of the blessing as best as they can, as they seek to follow
His way. If Allah gives them material possessions, they find ways
in which they can make them of benefit for Islam. And, if Allah
grants them a child, they will do all they can to bring up the child
as a devout believer. In all these instances, they try to win the
favor of Allah, and act in the best interest of Islam. And if, for some
reason, that which things Allah has given them are taken away,
they react with humility, showing submission, knowing that there
is good in all Allah decrees.
But, those who are reluctant to practice the moral teachings of
the Qur'an behave quite differently with regard to the wealth and
the children that Allah has granted them. The strong desire they
feel for this wealth is reflected in the way they interpret that
which happens to them. They do not appreciate that which Allah
has given them in this world, as temporary adornment, and, as a
result, try jealously to protect what they believe to be theirs.
Ultimately, this possessiveness attains the level of avarice. It
never enters their mind that it is Allah Who has given them all
that they possess, while they resort to every device they can think
of to keep these things for themselves. In the Qur'an, Allah tells
us of their greed:
Here you are then: People who are called upon to spend in
the way of Allah and then some of you are tight-fisted! But
whoever is tight-fisted is only tight-fisted to himself. Allah
is Rich and you are poor... (Surah Muhammad, 38)
They are very careful in looking after what is theirs, but do not

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