Page 31 - Quick Grasp of Faith 2

give good news to the steadfast: Those who, when
disaster strikes them, say, "We belong to Allah and to
Him we will return." Those are the people who will
have blessings and mercy from their Lord; they are
the ones who are guided. (Surat al-Baqara: 155-157)

23. What are the advantages of consultation
among believers?

Allah relates in the Qur'an that believers "respond to
their Lord and establish prayer, and manage their affairs
by mutual consultation..." (Surat ash-Shura: 38). Such con-
sultation has both physical and spiritual benefits. Before all
else, consulting another person and asking for his or her
opinion is a sign of that person's modesty, which Allah ap-
proves. Besides this, a number of people working in unison
are more likely to arrive at wise decisions than one acting
alone. One party may consider a point that another might
not have, eliminating any gaps, so that a much more produc-
tive and effective result ensues. The consequent success at-
tained in the affair belongs to a number of people, and not
only to a single person. This protects the soul from boasting
of the success or claiming it as his own.

24. What is the reason for the narration of
stories mentioned in the Qur'an?

There is instruction in their stories for people of in-
telligence. This is not a narration which has been in-
vented but confirmation of all that came before, a
clarification of everything, and a guidance and a
mercy for people who believe. (Surah Yusuf: 111)

31
HARUN YAHYA