Page 130 - Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings

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

Of course, his superior morality was an example to all Muslims.
Even in the most difficult situations, he first considered what was good
for Islam and his community's well-being, security, and contentment.

In this regard, he showed his superior understanding of self-sacrifice.
On the battlefield and in times of hunger, need, and sickness, our
Prophet (saas) displayed great care for his followers and treated them
with mercy and compassion.
The Companions, following the Prophet Muhammad's (saas) su-
perior understanding of self-sacrifice, showed an excellent moral char-
acter both personally and materially. Their unity and solidarity, which
rested on a spirit of self-sacrifice, gave them great strength and, by
Allah's mercy, enabled them to defeat the unbelievers and the hyp-
ocrites. Even though they were small in numbers, they gradually in-
creased until Islam spread throughout Arabia.
Above all, our Prophet (saas) sacrificed greatly in regard to his
personal desires by giving up what he wanted for the benefit of his
community, both in this world and Hereafter. He continually gave of
himself in order to educate those who were new to the Qur'an's moral-

ity. They are informed in several verses :
The desert Arabs say: "We believe." Say: "You do not believe.
Say rather: 'We have become Muslim,' for belief has not yet en-
tered into your hearts. If you obey Allah and His messenger, He
will not undervalue your actions in any way. Allah is Ever-
Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Surat al-Hujurat: 14)
The desert Arabs are more obdurate in unbelief and hypocrisy
and are more likely not to know the limits that Allah has sent

down to His messenger. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (Surat
at-Tawba: 97)

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