Page 48 - Self-Sacrifice in the Qur'an's Moral Teachings

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

milieu in an attempt to solve all people's problems. They do this so that
they might be examples of good moral character: "… make us a good
example for those who guard against evil" (Surat al-Furqan: 74).
Sincere believers may be required to perform many acts of self-
sacrifice to fulfill this responsibility. Such individuals place their own
problems and needs second to solving the problems of others. They
will mobilize all of their resources to do this, even to the point of suf-
fering themselves. They will be patient, determined, and undaunted by
the magnitude of the problems they encounter.
Allah tells us about the prophets' and sincere believers' great ef-
forts to establish religious morality, and stresses the importance of hav-
ing a good moral character in the Qur’an. Although they faced many
difficulties while trying to fulfill this task, they spread their moral mes-
sage with zeal, self-sacrifice, and complete sincerity, because their only

purpose was to be rewarded with Allah's approval. Allah inform us of
the prophets' many sincere acts, all of which are examples to humanity.
For example, the Prophet Noah (as) preached the importance of having
a good moral character only to win Allah's approval:
... their brother Noah asked them: "Will you not guard against
evil?" [Noah said:] "I am a faithful Messenger to you. I do not
ask you for any wage for it. My wage is the responsibility of no
one but the Lord of all the worlds." (Surat ash-Shu'ara': 106-109)
[Noah said:] "My people, I do not ask you for any wealth for it.
My wage is the responsibility of Allah alone. I will not chase
away those who believe. They are surely going to meet their
Lord. However, I consider you to be an ignorant [of true belief]
people." (Surah Hud: 29)
Allah tells us that the number of people who follow the prophets'
advice is generally very small: "Those are the signs of the Book. And

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