The Essence of Islam – Volume II — Page 347
11. RIGHTEOUSNESS. In the Holy Qur'ān more emphasis has been laid on virtue and righteousness than on any other commandment. The reason for this is that righteousness bestows the strength to resist all vice and urges progress towards all good. Righteousness is in all circumstances a charm that guarantees security and is a citadel for safeguarding against all harm. . A righteous person can avoid many vain and harmful contentions that often lead other people to ruin. They sow the seed of dissension among the people through their hasty actions and suspicions and lay themselves open to objection. [Ayyam-uş-Şulḥ, Rūḥānī Khazā'in, vol. 14, p. 342]. Elements of Righteousness. There are many elements in righteousness. It is righteousness to avoid pride and self-esteem and to refrain from unlawful acquisition and ill manners. A person who displays courtesy and good manners converts his enemies into friends. [Malfūzāt, vol. I, p. 81]. Blessed is the one who adopts righteousness in a time of success and prosperity and most unfortunate is one who does not turn to righteousness after stumbling. [Malfūzāt, vol. I, p. 157]. The spiritual beauty of man is to walk along all the finer 347