100 Principles for Purposeful Living

negative emotions can attain the state which is called ‘the soul at peace.’ It is a conscious process. No one can reach this state automatically. To do this one has to become one’s guardian and one has to constantly purify oneself. Only in this way can a person become the soul at peace. 36. Eradication of Evil The Quran states that good deeds eradicate evil deeds. (11:114) This means that if you have done something evil, then do something good. This will remove the effect of evil. For example, if you have called someone evil, then do some good in return. If you have harmed someone, then do some good deed to compensate for it. If you have hurt someone, apologize to him. If you have shown arrogance to someone, bow down to him. If you have dealt with someone immorally, then deal with him morally. If you despise someone, then give him a place of honour. Such an attitude on your part will put an end to evil. 37. What is Sin? The Prophet of Islam said, “Sin is that which pinches your heart, and while doing it, you fear lest people become aware of it.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2553) This tradition explains that this sign of sin can easily be understood by anyone. Every man has a conscience. This conscience is so sensitive that it warns a person immediately in time of evil. If a person listens to the voice of his conscience, he will never transgress. In the same way, when someone does anything wrong, he does it in secret. He tries not to let anyone know. Whenever such thoughts come to him, he should understand that he is going to do something that he should not do. 38. The Rights of Neighbours