Page 22 - Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings

Ghazzali (1058-
1111) shows us
that human life has
no value that can
compare with winning
Allah's favor and mercy
and attaining Paradise,
and that those who
choose to win His approval will be
deemed worthy of reward:
Let's assume that someone has a very
valuable and exquisite jewel. If he sells it for
a low price when he could have sold it for a
high price, would not this behavior be a
loss to that individual and a grievous error?
At the same time, would not this behavior indicate a defi-
ciency of labor, a weakness of vision, and a shortage of reason?

Thus, in comparison with millions and even the whole world and its
contents, the praise and things of this world that a servant will receive
from other people, if not contented with the mercy, reward, praise, and
merit that he will receive from the Lord of the worlds, are as next to
nothing. Therefore, is it not a clear error to lose these valuable offerings
from Allah the Almighty in return for these worthless things of this
world?
If these worthless worldly things are absolutely necessary to you, turn
again toward the Hereafter and you will see that the world will follow
after you. Seek only the approval of the Lord, the almighty Presence,
Lord of the two worlds.

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