Page 110 - Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings

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

passion for its baubles. They feel some closeness to religious morality
and to believers, but consider this world, their relatives, work, busi-
ness, possessions, and respect to be more important than attaining
Allah's approval. They may not openly express this, but their way of
life and obsession with this world show the truth:

Say: "If your fathers or sons, brothers or wives, tribe, or any
wealth you have acquired or any business you fear may slump,
or any house that pleases you are dearer to you than Allah and
His messenger and striving in His way, then wait until He
brings about His command. Allah does not guide people who
are deviators." (Surat at-Tawba: 24)
Those Arabs who remained behind will say to you: "Our wealth
and families kept us occupied, so ask forgiveness for us." They say
with their tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: "Who can con-
trol Allah for you in any way, whether He wants harm for you or
wants benefit for you?" Allah is aware of what you do. (Surat al-
Fath: 11)
These individuals also put their own interests above winning
Allah's favor, for the fundamental insincerity of their belief causes
them to believe that pursuing their own worldly interests is the most
important thing in life. When they have to deal with a situation, they
politely feign interest and utter a few stock phrases. In reality, how-
ever, they intend to do nothing about it.
Some people who lived in our Prophet's (saas) time had the same
kind of moral understanding:
When a sura is sent down saying: "Believe in Allah and strive to-
gether with His messenger," those among them with wealth will
ask you to excuse them, saying: "Let us remain with those who

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