Hawzah News Agency-The Qur’an is the principle source of every Muslim’s faith and practice, but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creatures and provides guidelines for a just society, proper human conduct and equitable economic principles. For next 100 days we are presenting some short articles on ethical issues that have been written based on the verses of Qur’an.
The caterpillar starts out as possibly one of the most unattractive insects. It is very plain, nothing special about it. But God destined the caterpillar to go through a transformation. It goes from being one of the most ordinary creatures to one of the most beautiful. It no longer has to crawl on the ground — it is transformed into a beautiful butterfly.
We came to this world to transform, to make ourselves. In order to achieve this goal we must worship and serve God almighty. He says: “I did not create the Jinn and the humans except to serve Me. I need no provisions from them, nor do I need them to give food. God is the Provider, the Possessor of all power, the Supreme.” (Qur’an; 51:56) The Lord wants to promote us. But if we clung to the earth and followed our base desires, then we would be “like the cattle, or even more astray”. (Qur’an; 7:179) God almighty says: “We could have elevated him with it, but he stuck to the earth and he followed his desire”. (Qur’an; 7:176)
Know that as you meditate on the Word, as you pray, worship, and surrender every area of your life to God, He is doing a work in you. He is transforming you from the inside out. Trust Him and stay in the process knowing that He has great things in store for your future. So surrender every part of your being to God and keep your heart and mind stayed on Him.
Be Virtuous and Beneficial
I wonder what our world would be like if each of us would find somebody to be good to every day. What would our city be like? What would our offices be like? What would our schools be like if we made it a priority to brighten somebody else’s day? Almighty God says: “Be virtuous and do good to people. Indeed God loves the virtuous and good doers”. (Qur’an; 2:15) That means we need to be on the lookout. We need to be proactive. We need to have the mindset of, “Who can I bless today?” “For whom can I do a favor?” You cannot just sit back and wait for the need to come to you. You have to go after it. Imam Husain (peace be upon him) said: “If People wish you and need you it is the God's blessings, so do not get tired of it”.
Sometimes it is easy for us to get so caught up in our own little world that we are focused only on ourselves. “I have got my plans. Do not get me off my schedule.” “I would love to help you out with some work around your house, but I am sorry, this is football season. I just do not have the time.” However, we were not created to live selfishly. We were created to make a difference in the lives of others. An author said, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone that cannot pay you back.” Qur’an tells us about Jesus that he said: “God has made me blessed, wherever I may be”. (Qur’an; 19:31) Imam sadiq (peace be upon him) said that it means He made me beneficial.
Friends, all around us are hurting people who need our love and encouragement. Do not miss the miracle of the moment. Do not be too busy, or insensitive to the needs of those around you. Be willing to be inconvenienced. Be sensitive and pay attention to those around you, your friends, your coworkers and your relatives. Listen to what they are saying. We should not miss opportunities to do good whenever situations come across our paths to bless people.
Noble Words
Author: Abolfazl Sabouri