THE RELIGION OF HUMANITY: Islam’s Ethical and Spiritual Outlook

true human beings. This is the path of those who have strayed from the right course. At such moments, there is only one right and truthful approach for a person—to entrust the entire matter to the Lord of the universe. They should treat the hardship as a test of patience, not of impatience, as a temporary phase, not a permanent condition. Those who possess a godly character and have found the path of truth, when faced with a calamity, naturally say: “We belong to God, and to Him we shall return.” They pray, “O God, reward us in our hardship, and bring forth what is best for us after it.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 918) Anyone who says these words in the face of personal or communal hardship will quickly find renewed strength. After the shock, they will rise again. After experiencing despair, they will soon find hope again. Such individuals, by letting go of the past, are able to move forward and find new opportunities. Even in times of deprivation, they discover new sources of strength and success. Where it may seem like the story ends, they find a new chapter through which they can begin again. EARNINGS FROM HARD WORK The Quran says that God said to His Messengers: “Messengers, eat what is wholesome.” (23:51) Pure sustenance leads to a pure soul. This is why Islam places great emphasis on earning and consuming lawful and pure provisions.