Page 201 - Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman
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measure others with these values and, according to their material
wealth, decide whether to respect, like, and admire them or not.
In reality, Allah gives all of these things as gifts for the people to
use. But the qualities that bring distinction and worth in His Presence as
well as here on Earth, such as honor, chastity, and integrity, are very dif-
ferent. These qualities, along with the Muslims' fear and respect of Allah,
give purpose and value to their life and win them other people's sincere
respect and love. Even the richest, most beautiful or powerful person
cannot have the same degree of superiority and exalted nature as a
chaste, honorable, and virtuous person. A person of such qualities has a
natural radiance, beauty, and depth of soul.
Allah reveals that He honors those who make a genuine effort to
live by the Qur'an's morality and fear and respect Him, as is His due: "If
you avoid the serious wrong actions you have been forbidden, We will