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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