Islam The Voice of Human Nature
3. ISLAM IS THE VOICE OF HUMAN NATURE
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guard against adopting a negative attitude –
for this is sheer weakness! – and must continue
to devote his energies in a positive manner to
worthy objectives. Nothing, in fact, should stop
him, or even slow him down in his progress
towards the Hereafter.
All of this demands enormous fortitude, and,
without it, no one can travel along the path of
Islam. The annual month-long period of fasting
builds up the strength of character which is
essential, if devout Muslims are to tread the
path of righteousness for the rest of the year,
avoiding impatience, cruelty and all such evil
acts, and making no attempt to meddle with
divine commandments. While in its outward
form, fasting means abstinence from food and
drink for a given period, in essence, it is
training for a whole life of self-denial,
inculcating patience, fortitude and forbearance.
ZAKAT
Zakat
is the fourth ‘pillar’ of Islam.
Zakat
means
setting apart for God every year a certain portion of
one’s saving and wealth (generally 2.5 percent) and
