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

Therefore, a person should not act independently and disrupt the process of Nature. Instead, they should adopt a policy of waiting and co-operate with the process taking place in Nature. SHIFTING FROM TAKERS TO GIVERS The Quran says: “Many a small group, by God’s command, has prevailed against a large group.” (2:249). This is a principle for the world. It means that honour and success are not reserved only for those with more resources or greater numbers. Even a smaller group, with fewer resources, can achieve success and recognition, as long as it acts in accordance with this principle. So, what is this principle or law? According to the Quran, it is that whatever benefits others remains stable on Earth: whatever is of use to man remains behind.” (13:17) This is echoed in saying of the Prophet: “The upper hand is better than the lower hand” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No.1427), meaning that the hand that gives is better than the hand that takes. In simple terms, society is made up of two types of groups: giver groups and taker groups. It is a universal truth that a taker group will eventually find itself in a position of weakness and subjugation by others, while a giver group will attain a position of respect and leadership.