Page 66 - Islam: The Religion of Ease

ISLAM: THE RELIGION OF EASE

Altruism is easy and selfishness is difficult

People in ignorant societies usually think of their own de-
sires and interests first. They always act with the thought that
"my well-being, pleasure, and comfort come first." Altruism
seems very difficult for such people. Egoistic behavior is inter-
preted as being bright and altruistic behavior is interpreted as
being naïve, whereas, for those who believe in Allah and do al-
truistic deeds in order to win Allah's approval, altruism is a
great prize and an extremely easy act of worship.
Allah tells us of the altruistic thoughts of believers:
They give food, despite their love for it, to the poor and or-
phans and captives: "We feed you for Allah's sake only.
We want neither repayment from you nor thanks. Truly,
We fear from our Lord a day of anguish and wae." So Allah
will safeguard them from the evil of that Day and make
their face shine with radiance and pure joy. (Surat al-
Insan: 8-11)
A believer knows that, in return for the altruistic deeds he has
done, he will win Allah's approval and the blessings of the
Hereafter where he will experience "radiance and pure joy," as
stated in the verse, and the things he has sacrificed will have no
importance. In this life, which is temporary, short, and full of de-
ficiencies, even a person's most loved possession will have no
value or beauty in comparison to Allah's satisfaction and the
Heaven which He will give as a reward. Believers, who have
faith in this, neither expect appreciation nor leave other people
feeling obliged for their kindness, no matter how great it may be.
Allah furthermore promises abundance and blessings in this
world too, and grants the altruist more than he has sacrificed.
Allah expresses this promise in the following verse:

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