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

CULTURE OF COMPASSION It means treating someone well even if they treat you poorly; responding calmly even when provoked; standing firm on truth and justice even if it seems to harm your interests; maintaining principles even when abandoning them appears profitable. These are the people who will be given a limitless reward in the Hereafter, because they chose religious integrity at the cost of personal comfort—through patience. SPIRITUAL PARTICIPATION Once, during the period of the Prophet (9 AH), there was a long and difficult journey to Tabuk. During this expedition, some individuals were unable to join due to valid reasons. The Quran says: “But no blame shall attach to the weak, the sick, and those who have no means to spend, provided they are sincere to God and His Messenger. There is no reason to reproach those who do good deeds; God is most forgiving and merciful.” (9:91) According to Ibn Ishaq, these were seven men from the Ansar (Helpers). A narration in Tafsir Ibn Kathir records that the Prophet of Islam said: “You left behind in Madinah people who shared in every reward you earned—whether it was spending, crossing valleys, or gaining victories over the enemy.” His companions asked, “Even though they remained in Madinah?” He replied, “Yes. They were held back by a valid excuse.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Vol. 4, p. 336)