The Essence of Islam – Volume III — Page 27
Natural, Moral and Spiritual States of Man 27 good. This is the lowest level and even an average person can attain it by doing good to those who do him good. . The second level is relatively more difficult to attain. It consists of taking the initiative in doing good to someone ex gratia, when he is not entitled to it. This moral quality is of an intermediate grade. Most people are benevolent towards the poor, but there is a hidden deficiency in such benevolence. The person who acts benevolently is conscious of it and at least desires either gratitude or prayer in return. If on any occasion the beneficiary should turn against him, the benefactor dubs him ungrateful. Sometimes, he puts too heavy a price on the beneficiary on account of his benevolence or reminds him of his kindness. . God Almighty warns the benevolent as follows: لا تُبْطِلُوا صَدَقَتِكُمْ بِالمَن والاذى 18. That is: 'O benevolent ones! Render not vain your charitable acts, which should be based on sincerity, by reminding the recipients of your generosity and hurting their feelings. '. The term Şadaqah [charity] is derived from Șidq [sincerity], and thus if the heart is devoid of sincerity and integrity, charity ceases to be charity and becomes ostentation. . . . . The third level of doing good, according to God Almighty, implies that at this stage, the good action is done spontaneously and without consciousness of doing good or expecting gratitude in return. Instead, the good action is done under the upsurge of spontaneous emotion, quite like to the next of kin, for instance, a mother does good 18. Al-Baqarah, 2:265 [Publisher]