ing loudly or listening to music loudly where he may make someone
uncomfortable, observes whether or not the person he wants to talk to
is free to listen to him at that moment, and doesn't hinder someone
who is in a hurry trying to do something, is an example of the thought-
fulness that we often encounter in daily life.
Another important indication of thoughtfulness is recognising the
precedence of others. In a conversation in which two people are talk-
ing on something about which they both know and one of them lets the
other speak and someone who lets someone else take the last bit of
food are examples of this. Apart from that, offering your seat on a bus
to someone who needs it, and letting someone go ahead of you at the
check-out after you have finished your shopping are ways in which
people can get close to each other and establish good relations. People
who are thoughtful towards others will establish sound relationships
based on love and respect. In addition, they will enjoy living with the
people in their neighbourhood and take pleasure in seeing them again.
On the other hand, in an environment where everyone is trying
to do things for others for the advantage and
profit they can get out of it, true friend-
ship cannot exist. Putting on
airs in conversation and arti-
ficial behaviour prevents
friendship from forming.
Empty chat and sarcasm
create a tense atmosphere
and no one would want to
be in such places where
there is no thought for Allah.
Harun Yahya
r
147
