ISLAMIC SOCIETY

Islamic Society ~ 160 ~ incentive in this case. But when one treats a powerful person well, it is partly in the hopes that one will receive something in return. Similarly if one takes a humanitarian stance when popular passions have been aroused, one’s motivation is determined to a great extent by the anticipation of the fame and prestige which will ensue. The case is very different when a human being— alone and powerless—stands before one and appeals for help. Here there is no inducement to be helpful, and if one bears some grudge against this powerless supplicant, the urge to help is considerably diminished. Anyone who comes to the aid of such a person, therefore, shows himself to be a selfless and forgiving human being. He is acting thus solely for the sake of God, for in this instance, apart from the Almighty’s pleasure, there is nothing further to be gained. It is one who shows kindness to others, purely for the sake of God, who is the dearest of all God’s servants. When he soothes the pain of one of God’s servants-doing so only for the sake of God—at that very moment he finds God Himself.