Page 87 - Sincerity Described in the Qur'an

85
Avoiding Attitudes Harming Sincerity

Not to be Deceived by the Temptations of One’s
Lower-soul

If one were to consider the matter honestly, he would see
that throughout his day he is constantly being confronted
with the incitements of his lower-self. These incitements of
the lower-self encourage him not to abandon his worldly
inclinations. For instance, Allah has indicated in one of His
verses that spending in charity out of what one loves is what
is best. Only in this way can a person become truly good:

You will not attain true goodness until you give of what
you love. Whatever you give away, Allah knows it.
(Surah Al ‘Imran: 92)
Though he may sacrifice everything he owns, one could
still be passionately attached to some of his belongings, thus,
be reluctant to give them up. Or, when he is to share his
belongings with a fellow Muslim, he may prefer himself to
his brother. He may keep his favorite belongings for himself
and leave only the remaining to his brother. However, his
conscience would nevertheless remind him that spending
out of what he loves is more worthy. However, such desire in
himself will prevent him from behaving in accordance to his
better moral judgement and acting sincerely.
However, true good is in offering one’s favorite
possessions immediately when he sees that another is in
need. If his possession had been so dear to him, then the
other person will enjoy and be pleased with it as equally.
Therefore, keeping one’s favorite things for oneself and
giving away to others only those less desireable shows that
one’s soul is not yet fully purified of selfishness. Hence, Allah
has called attention to the fact that this attitude should first