THE WORD OF GOD

while, but soon you will come to know. Have we sent down to them any authority which speaks in favour of what they associate with Him? (30: 33-35) Under ordinary circumstances man finds himself possessed of certain powers. Therefore, he assumes an air of arrogance. But, when critical conditions make him feel his helplessness, the veils are removed from his mind. At that time he is cut down to size, and realizing his helplessness, he starts calling upon God for help. This is the psychological proof of the Oneness of God. In this way, the reality is mirrored in the personal experience of the individual. But man is so foolish that, as soon as the circumstances become favourable, he reverts to his neglectfulness and arrogance. When we give mankind a taste of our blessing, they rejoice therein: but if they encounter tribulation because of their own actions—they fall into despair. Do they not see that God gives abundantly to whoever He pleases, and sparingly to whoever He pleases? In that truly there are signs for those who believe. So give the near relative, the needy, and the wayfarer their due—that is best for those who seek God’s pleasure: such men are the ones who will surely prosper. Whatever you lend out in usury to gain in value through other people’s wealth will not increase in God’s eyes, but whatever you give in alms in your desire for God’s pleasure will be multiplied. (30: 36-39) A believer considers that both difficulties and ease come from God. Therefore, he turns towards God in good times and in bad. When in comfortable circumstances, he thanks God, and in adverse circumstances, he exercises patience. As opposed to this, one who denies the truth solely relies upon himself. So, when in easy circumstances, he is boastful. When his energies fail him, he is desperate, because he feels that he has reached the final limit. This is nature’s indication that the former type of mentality is the truly virtuous one, while the latter is improper and unworthy. One sign of a believer is that he spends his wealth for the pleasure of God. So, he shares his wealth with other needy persons who may or may not be his relatives. He spends his wealth to reap the benefits of the Hereafter and not to earn profits in this world like a usurer. o