Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 254
254 moderation in food and drink (7:32), and to shun all vanity (23:4). They should be neither stingy, holding back their wealth and substance from being shared by others, nor extravagant, indulging themselves and the members of their families without regard for others who also have a right to share in their wealth (25:68; 51:20). Simple ways of life, dispensing with artificial ceremonial, render social intercourse easy and agreeable. Islam lays great stress on cleanliness of body, clothing, dwellings, public places, and the like (74:5 ⎯ 6). Frequent ablutions and baths are prescribed. It is recognised that there must be diversity of all kinds in a healthy society, and that it is not only futile but harmful to covet that in which others excel. Each must exercise his or her own capacities and talents and strive to promote both individual and common good. All asking of favours should be from God alone (4:33). Begging is prohibited except in case of extreme need. Various aspects of good manners are insisted upon. “The true servants of the Gracious One are those who walk in the earth with dignity, and when they are addressed rudely they say: ‘Peace’” (25:64). “Turn not thy face away from people in pride, nor walk in the earth haughtily; surely, Allah loves not any arrogant boaster. Moderate thy pace when