Islam As It Is
Islamic Society
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incentive in this case. But when one treats a
powerful person well, it is partly in the hopes that
one will receive something in return. Similarly if
one takes a humanitarian stance when popular
passions have been aroused, one’s motivation is
determined to a great extent by the anticipation of
the fame and prestige which will ensue.
The case is very different when a human being—
alone and powerless—stands before one and
appeals for help. Here there is no inducement to be
helpful, and if one bears some grudge against this
powerless supplicant, the urge to help is
considerably diminished. Anyone who comes to the
aid of such a person, therefore, shows himself to be
a selfless and forgiving human being. He is acting
thus solely for the sake of God, for in this instance,
apart from the Almighty’s pleasure, there is nothing
further to be gained.
It is one who shows kindness to others, purely for
the sake of God, who is the dearest of all God’s
servants. When he soothes the pain of one of God’s
servants-doing so only for the sake of God—at that
very moment he finds God Himself.
