Page 86 - Character Types of the Unbelievers

CHARACTER-TYPES OF THE UNBELIEVERS
As with many other characters of ignorance, that which most in-
fluences the character of the merchants in the society of ignorance is,
again, the values of materialism. Majority of these individuals tend
to be middle-income earners, and are of character types dedicated to

acquiring wealth no matter what because they live by the values of
ignorance and fail to abide by the Qur’an. That is because it is only
possible for them to earn respect and to gain a name for themselves if
they become wealthy. This is due to the fact that, in a society of igno-
rance, being wealthy is more highly valued than morality. When it
comes to money, it makes no difference how ignorant, or impolite a
person is. Material means may always open all sorts of means.

For this reason, the majority of merchants living by the criteria
set by the ignorance seek ways to earn money and their whole being
becomes consumed with the desire to make money.
Surely there is no harm in making effort to acquire financial
gains. However meanwhile, he should keep in mind that it is Allah
Who is the actual owner of wealth and possessions, that Allah ren-
ders whoever He wills well-off or poor, and that there is wisdom in
this. He should be contented with what Allah grants, and demand
wealth merely to earn Allah’s good pleasure and approval. Besides,

he should put his possessions, which are again Allah’s blessings, into
best use in the path of Allah. When this is not the case, a person may
develop a selfish and self-seeking character. For this reason, the char-
acter of merchant in the society of ignorance lacks any high ideals, or
any broader concerns for the lot of humanity. Their sole aim is to be-
come rich. They usually become overly opportunistic; and, the more
they can exploit others, the more clever they think they are.

As a result, as would be expected, many regard merchants as

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