Page 14 - Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings

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

the best of everything and expect to be treated with understanding and
kindness. When difficulties arise, they expect others to take risks for
them and support them at the cost of their own advantage. They al-
ways want to protect their own interests and comfort. When faced with
adversity, they renounce whatever they value for the sake of protecting
their interests and avoiding any harm to themselves. Allah describes
the extent of this selfish passion:

Truly humanity was created headstrong – desperate when bad
things happen, begrudging when good things come. (Surat al-
Ma'arij: 19-21)
People can overcome their lower self by understanding belief in
Allah and practicing the Qur'an's moral teachings. Those who grasp
the truths revealed in the Qur'an and understand the morality that
Allah has laid down for humanity are always able to sacrifice for oth-
ers. Allah says that those who master their lower self will attain salva-
tion in this world and the Hereafter: "The people who are protected
from the avarice of their own selves are successful" (Surat at-
Taghabun: 16).
Allah created the human conscience to help people avoid evil and
practice the morality that pleases Him. The conscience always warns
against evil and shows the way to goodness. The deep love for Allah
and strong fear and respect for Him that reside in the believers' heart
prevent them from being overcome by their lower self. They know that
the main reasons for their existence are to win Allah's favor and to con-
duct themselves in ways that earn His good pleasure. They know that
this earthly life is very short and that they have to work to attain suc-
cess in the Hereafter. They do not forget that all of this world's benefits
are transitory and that one day they will stand in Allah's Presence and
account for their life. They are aware that those who pursue their own

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