Page 36 - Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings

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

Another measure is not expecting any benefits in return other than
Allah's good pleasure in performing self-sacrificial acts and not making the re-
cipient feel obligated. Some people do a favor for someone else and then
take every opportunity to mention it so that the recipient will feel ob-
ligated and so that they can claim a favor in the future, if necessary.
Some seek to collect appreciation from those around them, hoping that
they will say how generous and kind-hearted they are. However, the pur-
pose of sincere self-sacrifice is not to gain any material or emotional re-
turn, but to win Allah's approval: "The metaphor of those who spend
their wealth, desiring the pleasure of Allah and firmness for them-
selves, is that of a garden on a hillside. When heavy rain falls on it, it
doubles its produce; and if heavy rain does not fall, there is dew.
Allah sees what you do" (Surat al-Baqara: 265). In addition: "Those
who give their wealth to purify themselves – not to repay someone
else for a favor done – desiring only the Face of their Lord Most High.
They will certainly be satisfied" (Surat al-Layl: 18-21). Allah tells us
not to belittle others and make them feel obligated, and mentions a re-
ward for those who follow these words:
Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do
not follow what they have spent by demands for gratitude or
insulting words will have their reward with their Lord. They
will feel no fear and will know no sorrow. (Surat al-Baqara:
262)

Allah also tells us that believers, because of their moral superior-
ity, often keep quiet about what they have given:
[People of intelligence] are steadfast in seeking the Face of
their Lord; perform prayer and give from the provision We
have given them, secretly and openly; and stave off evil with

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