Noah's Ark: An Invitation to Faith — Page 51
NOAH'S ARK truthful to be a liar and thereby displease God. In this way all your good deeds will be wasted. Similarly, the Gospel instructs that you should not perform good deeds so that they should be seen by others. But, the Quran admonishes against concealing all your actions from others. Instead, when wisdom dictates, perform certain actions secretly when you 1 deem it better for your soul, and display certain actions when you believe they will benefit others in general. Thus, you will have two rewards, and as a result of your actions, those weaker people who find it difficult to muster the courage to commit good acts, might be inspired to follow your example. God himself has elaborated on the wisdom of this teaching in His Word by saying 12. That is to say, do good works both secretly and openly. This means that not only should one counsel others verbally but encourage by example as well. Mere words are not always adequate in every situation; one's practical example often has a greater impact on others. Similarly, the Gospel teaches its followers to supplicate in seclusion. But the Quran instructs you not to pray in seclusion on all occasions. At times you ought to openly pray before others, in the company of your brethren. For, if any of your entreaties are accepted, they might serve to increase the faith of the gathering at large and cause others to be inclined towards prayer. 12 Secretly and openly (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:275) [Publisher] 51