Page 96 - Character Types of the Unbelievers

CHARACTER-TYPES OF THE UNBELIEVERS

view to the glory of my Lord until the Sun disappeared behind
its veil.” (Surah Sâd, 32)
Moreover, one who appreciates the blessings that Allah has con-
ferred upon him will have the breadth of insight to enable him to ac-
knowledge the good in the others around him. Therefore, such a person,
even if he were to be the wealthiest person in the world, and have every-
thing served to him on a silver platter, and even if he had never experi-
enced any difficulties or troubles in his life, he will nonetheless be

sympathetic and considerate, exercising a good conscience. He knows
the emotional and material needs of those who are poor and troubled.
He shows a deep sense of compassion and respect. He knows what
friendship is. Because, he is a believer and, no matter how prosperous he
may be, he will never act carelessly or against his better conscience. A be-
liever is always looking toward what is good and just, and searches for
ways to win Allah’s favor. For this reason, prosperity does not lead him

into moral depravity.
Such people are truly racing towards good things, and they are
the first to reach them. (Surat al-Muminun, 61)

The Character-type of the “Nouveau Riche”
Those called “nouveau riche” in a society of ignorance are usually

people in the middle income bracket, who have become suddenly rich,
either as the result of an inheritance or some other fortuitous cause.
Among them are those who are divorced from religion, and who want to
appear superior in the eyes of others; nor do they give thanks to Allah for
the blessings they have received. When speaking they continually make
reference to how rich they are, how they spend money without keeping
track of it, what they have bought and where they have been on vacation.

If they buy clothing, it will be from a designer label. They will have their
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