Lose in Order to Gain

Lose in Order to Gain

1986 1 January 8 Lose in Order to Gain (270) The Prophet has been reported as saying that the noblest charity is that of imparting knowledge to one’s brethren.

What is charity? It is the extension of goodwill and love towards one’s fellow creatures. This feeling can find expression in the form of gifts of money, or simply in the giving of good advice. There are many forms in which it can be expressed. One of its outward manifestations takes the form of the gifting of knowledge.

Knowledge, that is, the realization of truth, is undoubtedly the greatest thing in the universe and this is why the charity of imparting knowledge is said to be the greatest of charities. It is the most sublime of passions to be moved to do good to others, to convey to others the light of truth that one has received from God.

It is only those who are sympathetic and considerate to others who can convey this knowledge to them. They must feel the pain of others in their hearts and sacrifice their own interests for the interests of others. They must understand others before their message can be understood. They must divest themselves completely of any such egoistic element as would hinder the creation of a receptive ambience. This is the only way to elicit a positive response from those to whom the message is conveyed.

The charity of imparting knowledge must often be made at the cost of a great sacrifice. It becomes possible only when man is willing to lose for the sake of others’ gain. When man is not willing to lose, he misses the opportunity of giving to others.

Rectifying others and being ready to be rectified oneself

1986 1 January 8 Rectifying others and being ready to be rectified oneself (121) When Abu Bakr was elected to be the first Caliph of Islam he addressed the people. “I have been put in charge of your affairs,” he said, “though I am no better than you. I will consider the weakest of you as the strongest, as long as I have not ensured that he receives his rightful due. And the strongest that he receives his rightful due. And the strongest among you will to me be the weakest, as long as I have no ensured that he pays what he owes. People, I am just like anyone of you. If you see that I am pursuing a proper course, then follow me; and if you see me err, then set me straight.”