Page 108 - Sincerity Described in the Qur'an

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SINCERITY DESCRIBED IN THE QUR’AN

The belief that authority and position implies superiority
is a deception quite common in ignorant societies. Any true
believer who grasps the meaning of faith should in no way
incline to the insinuations of his lower-self. He should
instead seek superiority through sincerity. Hence, one who
purifies his soul of these desires will gain authority of a sort
far above the worldly variety. He will be bestowed upon with
true honor and respect. Mankind are reminded of this truth
in the following verse of the Qur’an:

If you avoid the serious wrong actions you have been
forbidden, We will erase your bad actions from you and
admit you by a Gate of Honor. (Surat an-Nisa’: 31)
To deserve such a place of honor, the believer should
grasp the following truth:
If anyone wants power, all power belongs to Allah. All
good words rise to Him and He raises up all virtuous
deeds… (Surah Fatir: 10)

Allah is the sole Possessor of honor. The only way to
acquire honor, is to sincerely perform good deeds.
In his works, Bediuzzaman Said Nursi also called special
attention to this matter. He highlighted the insignificance of
worldly authority, such as status and reputation, when
compared to the honored place to be gained in the hereafter.
He quoted Allah’s verse that says, "nor sell My Signs for a
small price," and stated the following:
"We are in utter need of instilling sincerity in ourselves. Otherwise
what we have achieved so far in our sacred service will in part be
lost, and will not persist; and we shall be held responsible. We shall
manifest the severe threat contained in the Divine prohibition ‘Nor
sell my signs for a small price’ (Surat al-Baqara: 41) and