An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
3. Worship
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THE CORRUPTING INFLUENCE OF POWER
The Prophet once sent Miqdad ibn Aswad off on a
mission. When he returned a few days later, the
Prophet asked him how things had gone. “People
kept on putting me on a pedestal, to the point
where I began to think of myself as superior to
them,” replied Miqdad. “That is the way with
leadership. You can either take it or leave it.” said
the Prophet. “By the one who has sent you with the
truth,” replied Miqdad, “I will never again accept
leadership – not even of two people.”
(AL-BAZZAR)
THOSE WHO DO NOT FEAR GOD CANNOT
UNDERSTAND THE STATE OF MIND OF
THOSE WHO DO
The expedition of Tabuk was conducted under
extremely difficult conditions. Abdullah ibn Abbas
tells of how the Prophet exhorted the Muslims to
make contributions towards it, and people started
giving what they could. It was Abdul Rahman ibn
Auf, with his donation of 200 ounces of silver, who
made the largest contribution. When the Prophet
