A Message for Our Time — Page 44
44 I slaamnl ter ior Publ evil. ’ Here, the Quran explains that true Muslims are people who promote goodness, stay away from evil and injustice and encour- age others to do good deeds as well. Only a person who has a sin- cere love for humankind and feels the anguish of God’s creation can be caring and sympathetic, in the way the Quran desires. Such profound love for humanity is only possible if your heart is pure and free from malice and selfishness. In chapter 2, verse 84 of the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty instructs Muslims to speak kindly at all times, to be considerate of the feelings of other people and to love and protect vulner- able members of society, such as orphan children or those living in poverty or destitution. Thereafter, in chapter 51, verse 20, the Holy Quran states that the hallmark of a true Muslim is that he should care for all of God’s creation and should comfort and sup- port those in need, whether they seek their help or not. Hence, it is not enough for a Muslim to wait until someone asks for help; rather, it is his duty to recognise the suffering of others and to make whatever sacrifices are required in order to help them over- come their challenges or troubles. Further, in chapter 90, verses 15–17, Muslims are instructed to feed the hungry, to show empathy and love to orphans, and to help anyone in need, especially those mired in poverty or who are defenceless and weak. Muslims are taught to be the ones who comfort and love those people who have been failed by society and to carry the weight of their burdens on their own shoulders. Muslims are duty-bound to help underprivileged people, so that they can stand upon their own two feet, live with dignity, and be freed from their desperate circumstances. In return, the Quran states Muslims will be rewarded with increased spirituality, which