Page 38 - The Solution To Secret Sorrows

THE SOLUTION TO SECRET SORROWS

he "volunteers" for the easiest tasks and dumps the most difficult on
others. In situations that require effort or self-sacrifice, he acts
slowly and is always one step behind. In conversation, he regards
pushing himself forward as a talent, rather than behaving with hu-
mility.
The truth is, behaving in this way to obtain miniscule advan-
tages pushes anyone who claims to be a believer and knows about
the morality of the Qur'an into great hypocrisy. Insincerity always
causes substantial uneasiness. A person who continually pursues
his own interests must undertake massive efforts to deceive others
around him. He lives with the fear that this ongoing secret
hypocrisy will be discovered.
Sincere Muslims never experience such fears. We are told in the
Qur'an that if need be, sincere Muslims put their lives and their
goods in jeopardy to earn Allah's approval, act with no expectation
of any return and put the needs of other Muslims ahead of their
own:
Those who were already settled in the abode [Madina], and
in faith, before they came, love those who have migrated to
them and do not find in their hearts any need for what they
have been given and prefer them to themselves even if they
themselves are needy. It is the people who are safeguarded
from the avarice of their own selves who are successful.
(Surat al-Hashr: 9)
They [the believers] give food, despite their love for it, to
the poor and orphans and captives. "We feed you only out
of desire for the Face of Allah. We do not want any repay-
ment from you or any thanks. Truly We fear from our Lord
a glowering, calamitous Day." So Allah has safeguarded
them from the evil of that Day and has made them meet

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