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

CULTURE OF COMPASSION regarding someone, they must investigate the matter. One must never rely solely on the assumption. Whoever fails to verify a matter is undoubtedly blameworthy. In the sight of God, no excuse will be accepted for forming a negative opinion about someone without full knowledge. The person will be held accountable and asked—When you did not have a full understanding of the situation, how could you presume something negative about another person? PURPOSEFUL ACTION A Companion, Ka‘b ibn ‘Ujrah, narrated: A man once passed by the Prophet of Islam, and the companions noticed his strength and energy. They said, “O Messenger of God, if only this effort were in the path of God.” The Prophet replied:“If he is striving to support his young children, then he is in the path of God. If he is striving for his elderly parents, then he is in the path of God. If he is striving to earn a dignified livelihood, even that is in the path of God. But if his effort is to show off or boast, then his action is in the path of Satan.” (Al-Mu‘jam al-Awsat by al-Tabarani, Hadith No. 6835) This narration shows that “action in the path of God” is not defined by a particular form of activity—it depends on one’s intention and inner motivation. Whoever acts with a God-conscious intention, their action is in God’s path. But if someone acts with another motive, then their action belongs to the path they intended.