Page 100 - Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings

Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings

to stay as far away as possible from difficulties and inconveniences.
But Allah tells us that these people are the losers. By dwelling on their
worldly concerns and personal problems, they neglect their responsi-
bility and, later on, will realize that they have occupied themselves
with vain concerns and then be overwhelmed by sorrow:
Leave them to eat and enjoy themselves. Let false hope divert
them. They will soon know. (Surat al-Hijr: 3)

The kind of morality that will bring salvation in this world and the
Hereafter requires people to sacrifice their personal interests and pos-
sessions, as well as to live the kind of moral life pleasing to Allah in
times of hardship, sickness, and difficulty. But those who know this
and, nevertheless, yield to the suggestions of their lower self and pur-
sue their own interests and well-being will be called to account.
Of course it is irrational to jeopardize one's eternal life by not
being steadfast in the face of a minor hardship and by being unwill-
ing to sacrifice. People who fully realize this truth and know that
Allah always supports those who are faithful to the Qur'an's moral
precepts must willingly sacrifice their interests and shoulder
their responsibilities.

98