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

develop the urge to teach their oppressors a lesson or take vengeance. Instead, they quietly left the place where they were being wronged. Rather than confront people, they turned their attention toward God. Their act of migration is referred to in the Quran as sabr (patience). It is then stated that these are the people who place their trust in God. The mention of trust in God (tawakkul) alongside patience is extremely significant. The truth is that no one can remain firm on the path of patience unless they possess the quality of reliance on God. Someone who becomes aggressive in the face of adversity proves by their behaviour that they only believed in their own self. They had no awareness of the greater power of God. Had they truly understood God’s authority and His promises, they would have chosen patience—because they would be confident that by being patient, they are bringing a greater force to stand against their oppressor. That force belongs to the Master of the universe, from whose grasp no one can escape. GOOD CHARACTER There is a narration in which the Prophet of Islam said: “I have been sent to perfect good character.” (Muwatta of Malik, Hadith No. 1885) It is reported that when the captured men and women of the Tayy tribe—those who had fought against Madinah or