A Letter to a Dear One — Page 85
Muhammad Zafrulla Khan 85 wrong. Even if this couple is married and is therefore proper in the eyes of the apparent law and jurisdiction, their relationship cannot be deemed commendable with regard to true morals, for it is not based on goodness of intention. Such a relationship would be corrupt in any case. A worldly decree or a judicial verdict only work on what is apparent. An action that stays within the limits of law is admissible in this respect. An action outside the limits of the law is not admissible and is censurable. However, these are inferior states of morals. As the fear and love of God concerns one’s intention and heart, its station is loftier. High morals can only be achieved by attaining piety. An appropriate action is just and admissible, however, if it is done with a good intention it becomes an action of high moral and will be an act of piety. The objective of faith is not just to shun crime, but also to avoid sin. Moreover, the aim is to try and be righteous with high morals. The main difference between law and religion is that law only keeps correction of actions in view; its application is on the actions that are apparent. More often than not, once the deed is done it entails in punishment. However, religion deems correction of morals as its object. Matters of the heart, intention and object govern it, so that the font of all action taken is ‘cleansed’ and whatever action stems from therein is virtuous. As a result of this actions are by design corrected and reformed. That is why in the matters of faith, thought and intention are considered both meritorious and censurable. It is deemed that a moral deed is based on its intention; reliance on mere occasion is not sufficient. Similarly, the actions that are based on a supreme intention are therefore highly meritorious. As a result, they affect the moral and spiritual development of one who carries them out. In the days of the Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) one of his Companions built a house near a mosque. He invited the Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) to the house as a matter of blessing. The Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) went to the house. He noticed a window and inquired what was the purpose of the window. The Companion said that that was there for air and light. The Holy Prophet said that air and light would have come through the window anyway, had the person made an intention to have the window placed there in order to hear the Adh ā n clearly, he would have earned a reward for that intention. The Promised Messiah (‘alaihissal ā m) said that one should try and