Page 190 - Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings
P. 190
Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings
selves in the face of every kind of hardship: "Allah loves those who
fight in His way in ranks like well-built walls" (Surat as-Saff: 4). If
they do not obey this command, there will be great disorder in the
world: "Those who do not believe are the friends and protectors of
each other. If you do not act in this way, there will be turmoil in the
land and great corruption" (Surat al-Anfal: 73). This kind of help in-
volves relieving the misery of those who are oppressed and treated
with cruelty, as well as of destitute women, abandoned children, and
anyone who needs help. Establishing the Qur'an's morality among all
people will create universal peace and contentment, and will be the
source of a great reward in Allah's Sight for those believers who were
instrumental in achieving this worthy goal.
In the Qur'an, Allah tells us: "Race each other to forgiveness from
your Lord and to a Garden, whose breadth is like that of heaven and
Earth combined…" (Surat al-Hadid: 21). Those who may hope for His
mercy and for Paradise are those who have engaged in sincere self-sac-
rifice throughout their lives, sincerely sought Allah's approval, and
have done their best in this endeavor. They know the Qur'an's moral
teachings and what their conscience demands of them. Furthermore,
they are aware that anyone who disregards these truths will endure in-
consolable sorrow in the Hereafter.
One day, those who waste their lives pursuing selfish passions
will enter the Hereafter. At that moment, they will want to return to
this world and undertake acts of self-sacrifice for Allah's sake. They
thought that avoiding self-sacrifice was to their advantage; but at that
time, they will want to pawn everything that they had amassed to es-
cape the pains of Hell:
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