ISLAMIC SOCIETY

Islamic Society ~ 157 ~ which is due to another, nor to trample on another’s rights. A Muslim should bear in mind that however great his sacrifices in the path of God have been, these will have value in the eyes of God only if he can go to meet his Lord without having denied others their rights, or refused their legitimate demands, for, even if he gives his very life in God’s cause, this will not save him in the life after death, if he has been deficient in these respects. When the Prophet once exhorted people, to give alms, one of his listeners asked: “What if one has nothing to give?” To this the Prophet replied: “Then speak to people kindly, for that is also a form of charity.” “And what if one has no kind words to offer?” the man asked. The Prophet then said: “Then avoid inflicting evil on others. “What this implies is that the best person in an Islamic society is the one who does most good to others. He is one who gives to others from that which he has been given by God. He benefits others in both word and action. The least that one can do in this respect is to avoid inflicting harm on others. If one is not able to give, at least one should not take away. If one cannot help another; one should at least not make