Page 32 - Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings

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

Allah tells us in another verse that the Companions knew that all
of these things drew them close to Allah and were important opportu-
nities to attain Paradise: "Nor will they give away any amount,
whether large or small, nor will they cross any valley without it
being written down for them so that Allah can recompense them for
the best of what they did" (Surat at-Tawba: 121). Since it was an act of
worship performed to win Allah's approval, believers knew the joy of
returning wounded from a battle and the excitement of joining an-
other. At a time when the hypocrites, those who have diseased hearts,
hold back in fear of being wounded, sincere believers are prepared to
sacrifice everything for His cause:

Say: "What do you expect to befall us, except for one of the two
best things? But what we expect to happen to you is for Allah to
punish you either directly from Himself or through our hands.
So wait. We are waiting with you." (Surat at-Tawba: 52)
They realize that every difficulty they encounter is a mercy from
Allah, and so do not pursue this world but try to win His approval and
success in the Hereafter. In the Qur’an Allah describes the tears of
those who are eager to sacrifice themselves but cannot find a horse to
ride into battle with our Prophet (saas) or help other Muslims:
… nor is anything held against those who, when they asked
you to provide them with mounts and you said: "I cannot find
anything on which to mount you," turned away with their eyes
overflowing with tears, overcome by grief at having nothing to
give. (Surat at-Tawba: 92)
All believers have experienced such things, for Allah says that He
will test each person with regard to his/her possessions, life, friends
and relatives, business, status, and respect. Satan stirs up in each per-
son's heart a strong love of this world, a passionate ambition for pos-

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