Ahmadiyyat or The True Islam — Page 282
282 that this disparity is a part of the Divine scheme of things, and should not give rise to envy or jealousy. The Holy Quran says: 'Do not covet that in which God has made some of you excel others. ' 136 That is to say, this apparent inequality which God permits is not without its use and is indispensable for the proper working of the universe. If those who work harder than others or bring a superior intellect or higher business capacity to bear on the conduct of their affairs are to be deprived of their just reward all competition and striving after higher achievement would cease and the purpose of the creation of the universe would be frustrated. Islam, therefore, acknowledges the claim of those who have earned greater rewards than others through superior intellect or greater diligence, but it also re- minds them of their duty to help their less fortunate brethren to come forward and participate in the bless- ings which God has bestowed on them. They are told that in the wealth which they have earned the poor also have a share, and that the latter should not be deprived of it. It should be enough compensation and happiness for the rich to provide for their poorer brethren who, in a sense, are equally entitled with them to the good things of life, and thus to manifest the Divine attribute of Providence. The Holy Quran says, 'Give to the poor out 136 Al-Nis a ’, 4:33.