Page 128 - The Nightmare of Disbelief

Nobody respects another because he simply feels so. An
employee knows he has to show respect to his boss because he
will otherwise be dismissed. A student has to respect his
teacher at school, otherwise he might fail his class. Similarly, a
woman feels the urge to treat her husband well, fearing that he
may stop providing for her. Yet it is quite evident that the re-
spect shown in all these examples is interest-oriented.
In a life-style dominated by Qur'anic morality, however,
you never witness such situations. Naturally, everyone re-
spects a believer who strives to earn Allah's approval and who
goes in fear of Him. To be held in high esteem, he does not need
to be a celebrity or well-to-do. Just having faith, fearing Allah
and seeking His approval are enough for people to have re-
spect and love for him.

We mentioned in previous chapters the type of morality
and spirit people possess in disbelieving societies. Now think
about a society consisting of such people. Can this be the type
of society where love and respect prevail? Of course not. A per-
son having no love for Allah, the One Who creates him and
grants him every favor, naturally can never love His servants
either. The sole solution to this is surely a society where people
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live by the principles of religion.

The Horror of Drinking and Gambling Ends

One of the things which strikes one most in this gloomy
picture of a society where religious values are not observed is
the fact that drinking and gambling have become a way of life
for the majority. Not living by the principles of Islam, its mem-
bers do not know what is meant by patience, or hope, or
putting trust in Allah. That is why they primarily seek relief in
gambling or drinking whenever they face an ordeal.

THE NIGHTMARE OF DISBELIEF