Page 78 - The Nightmare of Disbelief

strictly adhere to religious values. Family relations will be bet-
ter, with children profoundly respecting their elders and par-
ents. The command of Allah, as stated in the Qur'an, also re-
quires such an attitude:

Your Lord has decreed that you should worship none but
Him, and that you should show kindness to your parents.
Whether one or both of them reach old age with you, do not
say "Ugh!" to them out of irritation and do not be harsh
with them, but speak to them with gentleness and generos-
ity. (Surat al-Isra': 23)
The Prophet (saas) also drew attention to this point by say-
ing, "He does not belong to us who does not show mercy to our young
ones and respect to our old ones, who does not recommend what is
reputable and prohibit what is disreputable." (At-Tirmidhi)
In another verse Allah advises believers thus:

Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him. Be
good to your parents and relatives and to orphans and the
very poor, and to neighbors who are related to you and
neighbors who are not related to you, and to companions
and travellers and your slaves. Allah does not love anyone
76 vain or boastful. (Surat an-Nisa': 36)
When the morals of religion prevail, people eagerly com-
pete with one another to improve themselves in conduct and in
their manner of speaking. Surely, only religion ensures such
morality:

Do you do not consider how Allah makes up a parable? A
good word may be compared to a good tree whose root is
firm and whose branches soar up into the sky. It yields its
fruit each season with its Lord's permission. Allah compos-
es parables for mankind so that they may be reminded.
(Surah Ibrahim: 24-25)

THE NIGHTMARE OF DISBELIEF