Civilisation at the Cross Roads — Page 11
those -with whom we seek· to enter into agreements, covenants and practical deal!ngs, of our utter sincerity ·of purpose. . We must avoid all equivocation. "Oh ye who believe, do your duty to God and say the straightforward word; He will bless your works with benefiC'ence and will eliminate the consequen<'es of your defaults". :xxX: 71-72) All engagements, trusts and covenants must be fully and faithfully «;!arried out in the letter RS well as in the spirit. rhc Quran, while enumerating the. characteristics of those who would make a success of their lives says: "And those who are watchful of their trusts and their covenants". (XXIH : U) Patience and steadfastness must inspire both our policies and our conduct. This is a hard discipline, but is made euy for thnse who have the certainty of faith in God and the ultimate return to Rim. "Seek help with patience and prayer; this indeed is hard save for the humble in spirit, who know for certain that they will meet their Lord, and that to Him they· will return". (XXIV:6-7) But all this, while helping to set up a society strong in beneficence, would not necessarily secure it against opposition, persecution and the kind of situation which has come to be known as "cold war". In fact, history shows that every attempt to set up such a society and to conduct it on these principles has always met with. . opposition and persecution. Even then the remedy is steadfastness and righteous living •. . You shall surely be tried in your possessions and in your persons and you shall surely hear many hurtful things from those who were given the Book before you and from those who set up associates with God; but if you show fortitude and act righteously, that indeed is a matter of high resolve. " (III: 187) For good is not only beneficent in itself, it is a positive 11