The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam — Page 69
refrain from exercising it when it is called for; or that you should fall short of exercising graciousness as between kindred on its proper occasion, or should extend it beyond its appropriate limit. This verse sets forth three gradations of doing good. 63 The first is the doing of good in return for good. This is the lowest gradation and even an average person can easily acquire this gradation that he should do good to those who do good to him. The second gradation is a little more difficult than the first, and that is to take the initiative in doing good out of pure benevolence. This is the middle grade. Most people act benevolently towards the poor, but there is a hidden deficiency in benevolence, that the person exercising benevolence is conscious of it and desires gratitude or prayer in return for his benevolence. If on any occasion the other person should turn against him, he considers him ungrateful. On occasion he reminds him of his benevolence or puts some heavy burden upon him. The benevolent ones have been admonished by God Almighty: لَا تُبْطِلُوا صَدَقَتِكُمْ بِالْمَنِ وَالْأَذَى 7 That is, O those who do good to others-good that should be based on sincerity-do not render it 77. Render not vain your alms by taunt or injury. (The Holy Quran, al-Baqarah 2:265)