True Justice and Peace — Page 20
20 when there are personal interests involved. This is true among the rich as well as the poor [parts of the] world. The most they can do is to try and do Ihsaan [doing of good to others] but not because the Ihsaan is part of their duty, which is why afterwards they remind the person about their favours upon them. We also gener- ally observe in the world, that out of compassion when one even thinks of offering someone more than their right, they stipulate various conditions. Nowadays this is commonly observed in the dealings and practices of the major governments. There are various conditions attached when help is offered to poorer countries. However, Islam teaches that such help after which ap- probation is sought or one is given injury, is not a virtu- ous deed. Thus, it states: اَل اْوُلِطْبُت ْمُكِتٰقَدَص ِّنَمْلاِب َو ىٰذَاْلا “…render not vain your alms by reproach and injury…” [13] Explaining this, the Promised Messiah as states that: “O ye who extend favours to others! Do not ruin your alms which ought to be on the basis of sincerity, by reproach and injury. ” [14] Thus, if the heart is devoid of sincerity and devotion then such alms and aid no longer become a charitable