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.

God’s favor is not for a season; it is for a lifetime. He says: “Your god is the One God; there is no god except Him, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful”. (Qur’an; 2:163) But how do we obtain God’s favor? Qur’an tells us that when we obey His commands and make efforts in God’s way that is how we find favor in God’s sight. When we do our part, God will do His part. He says: “O, you who believe, if you support God, He will support you, and make your foothold firm”. (Qur’an, 47:7)

 If you believe God for something, maybe a turnaround in a relationship, career or your health, stand firm that God’s Word is true. When you put Him first place in your life (not like “those who serve God on edge, so when good comes to him, he is content with it; and if an ordeal comes to him, he then turns on his face” (Qur’an; 22:11)), when you follow His commands, He promises to pour out His favor on you. He says: “obey God and the Apostle so that you granted His mercy”. (Qur’an; 3:132)

 When those thoughts try to tell you, “It is not going to happen. It is too good to be true.” Turn it around and say, “My lord, I want to thank You for Your favor on my life, on my children, on my career, on my future. I am Your servant, and I know it is not temporary. It is not seasonal. It does not come and go. Thank you, God, for a lifetime of favor!” Yes, know that “all this is from God's favor upon you and His mercy. And God is Compassionate, Merciful”. (Qur’an; 24:20)

Be Humble

 A critical spirit will follow you everywhere you go and you cannot get away from it. You can leave one job angry, upset and bitter and go around saying, “They did not treat me right.” “My boss does not know what he is doing.” “Nobody can do anything right.” However, if you do not deal with the root issue, you will have the same problem at the next job or in your next relationship. You will still think everybody is against you. It is because the problem is inward and not outward.

 When I come to the end of my days and stand before God, and He says, “What did you do with the time that I entrusted you with? How did you use the gifts that I gave you?” I would hate to have to say, “God, I spent my life criticizing others, knocking people down and trying to make them look bad, placing the blame on others and stirring everything up.”

 Today, you can make the switch. You can work on cleaning your own windows. You can wipe away the judgment, criticism, and fault finding, which may be the things that have held you back for years. Love believes the best in others. It always sees the good. And when there is blame or a fault to be found, instead of looking outward, first look inward.

 Be like joseph. He said: “And I do not make myself free of blame, for the soul is inclined to sin, except what my Lord has mercy on. My Lord is Forgiving, Merciful”. (Qur’an; 12:53) Do not be afraid to look inward and humble yourself before God. After all, when we are humble, we give God the opportunity to promote and bless us. Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: “Humble yourselves before God therefore God will exalt you in due time above others”.  Know that God’s strong hand is on you; and if you look inside and be humble, He will promote you at the right time.

Noble Words

 Author: Abolfazl Sabouri