The Truth About Salvation — Page 9
9 emanate from the grace and mercy of the employer. But why is this grace and mercy afforded to one labourer and not to others? Because through his hard work and effort the labourer drew it upon himself. This grace and mercy was not the outcome of his work, as his entitled wage came to him through his daily remuneration. Instead, he caused it to happen through his own efforts. Islam upholds a similar ideal, meaning to say that salvation is the result of God’s grace which is drawn in by good deeds. And all aspects of the world adhere to the principle that though A might not be the result of B, it is certainly caused by it. Let us take another example. The salaries paid by the government to members of its armed forces are a recompense for their endeavours in the field of battle. But those soldiers who display exceptional valour while fighting are honoured with a variety of other rewards. When soldiers are recruited, they are expected to fight for their country even at the cost of their lives, so why then do governments grant further rewards? Because they are pleased with a particular service they have rendered. In this sense, a government’s reward should not be considered compensation for a soldier’s endeavours, but their efforts result in the reward granted.