Page 64 - The Mercy of Believers

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THE MERCY OF BELIEVERS

Treating People Kindly

We did not create the heavens and earth and every-
thing between them, except with truth. The Hour is
certainly coming, so overlook (any human faults)
with gracious forgiveness. (Surat al-Hijr: 85)
Allah enjoins believers to "overlook any human faults
with gracious forgiveness". The Prophet, may Allah bless
him and grant him peace, also encouraged believers to-
wards this attribute of good character by saying, "Every
act of kindness is a charity" (Bukhari). This is an under-
standing of morality stemming from a believer's fear of
Allah and his loyalty to Him. For this reason, a believer
never swerves from code of conduct and, in order to earn
Allah's approval, he treats people kindly throughout his
life.
Whether the person dealt with is well-off or poor,
young or old, a man or a woman does not alter a be-
liever's morality. Not expecting any worldly reward in re-
turn for his attitude, a believer does not assess people by
such yardsticks. Indeed, Allah sets the criteria for this in
the following verse:
Worship Allah and do not associate anything with
Him. Be good to your parents and relatives and to or-
phans and the very poor, and to neighbours who are
related to you and neighbours who are not related to
you, and to companions and travellers and your
slaves. Allah does not love anyone vain or boastful.
(Surat an-Nisa': 36)
By Quranic standards, a Muslim is held responsible