Page 156 - Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings

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

Allah, when the inheritance of the heavens and Earth belongs to
Him? Those of you who gave and fought before the victory are not
the same as those who gave and fought afterwards. They are higher
in rank. But to each of them Allah has promised the best. Allah is

aware of what you do" (Surat al-Hadid: 10).
Allah also informs the important role of piety and pure intention:
"Their flesh and blood do not reach Allah, but your heedfulness does
reach Him. In this way, He has subjected them to you so that you
might proclaim Allah's greatness for the way that He has guided you.
Give good news to the good-doers" (Surat al-Hajj: 37). Someone with
many possessions can find many occasions for sacrificial giving, while
someone with more restricted means may have more limited opportu-
nities. But if their intentions are pure, the latter group's sacrificial giv-
ing will also be well-rewarded, for one's reward in the Hereafter
depends upon one's sincerity.
When we look at the Companions' deeds, we must realize that
their sincerity was more important than what or how much they gave.
All of them strove with whatever they had:
Each person faces a particular direction, so race each other to the

good. Wherever you are, Allah will bring you all together.
Truly, Allah has power over all things. (Surat al-Baqara: 148)
At a time when the unbelievers forced the Muslims to endure the
constant threat of starvation, thirst, cold, sickness, oppression, and tor-
ture, they donated their vineyards and gardens, wells, houses and
food, and material possessions. Talha ibn Ubaydullah, mentioned
above, was a prime example of this attitude. At a time when Muslims
were in greatest need, he bought a well and offered it to them:

So that the Muslims would not suffer thirst during the battle of Dhil

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