Page 76 - The Mercy of Believers

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THE MERCY OF BELIEVERS

Sometimes, the intention is to humiliate, ridicule or of-
fend people. These names often express other's errors or
weaknesses. Hence, every time someone is called by his
nickname, he is ridiculed and thereby offended.
Believers, however, never use a name that would cause
resentment to others because of Allah's commandment:

You who believe! People should not ridicule others
who may be better than themselves; nor should any
women ridicule other women who may be better
than themselves. And do not find fault with one an-
other or insult each other with derogatory nick-
names. How evil it is to have a name for evil conduct
after coming to belief! Those people who do not turn
from it are wrongdoers. (Surat al-Hujurat: 11)
In compliance with Allah's command, believers are
frank enough to express one another's faults and thereby
purify them of these flaws. Since they openly and sin-
cerely express their opinion, they never feel the need to
imply something.
This is, at the same time, a clear manifestation of the
compassion believers feel for one another. They never
adopt even the slightest attitude that would cause un-
easiness or distress to others. Through these values, they
become role models for those who do not adhere to the
values of the Qur'an.

Feeding the Needy out of the Inheritance

As is stressed throughout this book, Allah urges peo-
ple to be compassionate towards the needy and not to ig-
nore the needs of the poor. He draws attention to the fact