100 Principles for Purposeful Living

purpose. He should know how to differentiate between useless and beneficial work. One should engage primarily in beneficial work. Useless work is that which is done just for the sake of fun or to pass time. The fact is that engaging in temporary entertainment is a luxury that no purposeful person can afford to indulge in. 26. The Principle of Beneficence The Quran states that the system of this world is based on the principle of profitability. (The Quran, 13:17) That is, the person who benefits others will receive benefit from others. According to this principle, whenever a person experiences deprivation, he should admit that it has happened because he could not prove himself beneficial to others. He had deprived others, so others also deprived him. If he gives to others, he will surely get from others in return. The principle of profitability is related to one’s whole life. It relates to familial as well as societal matters. According to this principle, the method of complaint and protest has no meaning. Every complaint and protest in this world is practically against one's shortcomings. A man should not waste time complaining and protesting but rather he should try to rectify his shortcomings at the earliest opportunity. A man should make himself useful to others. That is the solution to his problem. 27. Success in Silence The Prophet of Islam said, “He who remains silent will be saved.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 6481) This statement shows that just like speaking, silence can also be a worthwhile task. Just as taking action is a task, so is taking no action. Just