Al-Risala (English), May-June 1996

Remaining silent is, in itself, a good deed

1996 5-6 May-June 17 Remaining silent is, in itself, a good deed (12) “Keep silent unless you have something good to say,” said the Prophet

Result-oriented Action

1996 5-6 May-June 17 Result-oriented Action (255) In 1917 a suit was filed in Egypt’s religious court in Cairo against an Egyptian Muslim theologian who had stated that since the Qur’an did not describe Adam as an apostle or a prophet, it was Noah who should have the status of first prophet. This was an opinion which caused a great deal of agitation in certain circles. The complaint lodged in the court was that the theologian had denied an established religious reality and, therefore, separation should be effected between him and his wife and the penalty for apostasy be imposed on him. The court accepted the plaint and gave a judgement against the theologian. He was pronounced to be an apostate and divorced from his wife.

But subsequently the case came before the court of appeal, whereupon the previous judgement was declared void. However, the judge admonished the theologian by observing: “You have grossly disgraced us before the people! While the Europeans are occupied with things which are beneficial to them, you are busy in useless pursuits.”

Eighty years have passed since this incident, but Muslims the world over are still striving – with even great vigour – towards profitless ends. This is in the face of the Prophet’s dictum: “Besides the other qualities of Islam, one is man’s renunciation of disadvantageous activities.”

Wisdom and Islam both demand that action be invariably result-oriented. One must think only of what is beneficial; speak only of what is well-meaning; do only what will yield positive results; and strive only to bring about a better future.

(3.SS/9.95)