Page 50 - Quick Grasp of Faith 3

ment belongs to Allah alone.
People become pious by avoiding sins, forbidden acts, or
behavior that does not comply with the Qur’an’s morals.
Whoever is firmer in living according to good morals, makes
more effort to help religion, and is more devoted to adhering
to the religion’s commands increases his or her piety.
Pious believers also can be identified by their wisdom.
Their decisions are right, they find much easier and quicker
solutions to problems, and their speech is much wiser and
more impressive. They can perceive aspects of events that
remain unnoticed by others, and have a much keener aware-
ness. They do not do things to put themselves forward, but
display a sincere manner. They do not seek the adulation
and praise of other people, but only Allah’s good pleasure.
Regardless of the situation, they always observe the limits
set by Allah. People who possess all of these features may be
expected to have a high degree of righteousness. However,
one still cannot form a definite opinion concerning another’s
degree of piety or level of faith in relationship to other peo-
ple, for all such evaluations are only superficial, being based
upon what is seen from the outside. Peoples’ true faith, de-
votion, sincerity, and nearness to Allah is known only by
Allah.

45. Can one person bear another’s burden and
be punished for him or her in the Hereafter?

The Qur’an states that such a situation is not possible, for
every person is responsible for his or her actions and will be
judged in Allah’s presence. This is so because Allah has
given each person a conscience that distinguishes between
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