Page 52 - Commonly Disregarded Qur'anic Rulings

50 COMMONLY DISREGARDED QURANIC RULINGS

when you were embryos in your mothers’ wombs.
So do not claim purity for yourselves. He knows best
those who guard against evil. (Surat an-Najm; 32)

The reason a person pretends to be righteous is his desire
for distinction or eminence. However, such a person actually
degrades himself both in Allah’s Sight and in the eyes of believ-
ers. In one sense, even if it is not overt, his claims to being
superior are an invention of his own making, and this is dis-
comforting to the heart of a sincere Muslim. He foolishly
thinks he has deceived believers and attained value and worth
in their sight, but he does not realize that he is pitiful and
being treated with indulgent patience. Shortly afterwards, he
really starts to believe that he is perfect, and day by day his
behavior becomes more humiliating.
He may even begin to believe he is infallible, and if he
regards himself as sinless, a person does not feel the need to
ask for forgiveness from Allah. He becomes arrogant and thus
virtually molds himself into an idol (Allah is surely beyond
that). This is his certain downfall.
A sincere believer, on the other hand, is aware of his

errors and continuously asks for forgiveness from Allah. He
constantly hopes for Allah's mercy and approval. Therefore,
Allah conceals his faults, forgives his sins, purifies his soul, and
makes him a superior person.
Do you not see those who claim to be purified? No,
Allah purifies whoever He wills. They will not be
wronged by so much as the smallest speck. (Surat
an-Nisa’; 49)