Introduction

Take the example of two people. Assume they have both been granted with sufficient opportunity here on earth to earn the pleasure of Allah, and that they had been informed about what is good and what is evil; that they fulfilled their religious duties and obligations until the time of death, and spent their lives seeming as devout Muslims; and that they succeeded in all areas, that is, had good jobs and families and became respected members of the society. If people were to be asked who was the most successful of the two, in response, you might receive answers such as,"the one who was more hardworking or tenatious or who strove most strenuously." However, if we were to consider these responses carefully, we would then recognize that these defininitions of "success" are based not according to the Qur'an, but according to worldly criteria.

According to the Qur'an, neither working hard, nor growing weary, nor achieving respect or love from others is regarded as criteria of superiority. Rather, it is their belief in Islam, their good deeds done in order to gain Allah's consent, and their goodwill, nurtured in the depths of their hearts, that are regarded as the criteria of superiority in Allah's presence. Allah states this fact in the Qur'an, in regards to sacrificial offerings, as follows:

Their flesh and blood does not reach Allah but your heedfulness does reach Him. In this way He has subjected them to you so that you might proclaim Allah's greatness for the way that He has guided you. Give good news to the good-doers. (Surat al-Hajj: 37)

As mentioned, the deed done by one slaughtering a beast for the sake of Allah is appreciated by Him depending on one's devotion, or fear of Him. The meat or blood of any beast slaughtered by man calling Allah's name could not be of any value in His presence if the deed were not performed for His sake. Here, the important factors are the goodwill and sincerity felt towards Allah while performing the deed or act of worship. Therefore, a man does not ascend in virtue in the sight of Allah only by his acts of charity, his worship, his attitude, and his kind words. Of course, all these are deeds that must be accomplished by Muslims during their life times, and for which one may hope to attain great rewards on the Judgment Day. But, the most essential factor to be guarded while fulfilling all such deeds is the extent of the nearness one feels towards Allah. What is important is not the quantity of deeds accomplished, but that one turns to Allah with purity and sincerity of heart.

Sincerity is "acting by complying to Allah's orders and without considering any personal benefits or any expectations in return." A sincere person turns to Allah with his heart and aims only at winning His consent by his every single deed, step, word and prayer. Thus, he strongly believes in Allah, attaining righteousness. According to the Qur'an:

... The noblest among you in Allah's sight is the one who best performs his duty. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (Surat al-Hujurat: 13)

In many verses of the Qur'an, attention is called to good deeds performed "only to gain Allah's consent." However, some people tend to undervalue this fact. They never reflect upon the purity of the intention in their hearts in taking on a job, offering a speech, helping people or making sacrifices; all the while believing their actions to be sufficient by assuming that "they are fulfilling their religious duties." However, in the Qur'an, Allah tells us about those who strove all their lives but to no avail. If such were the case, these would be confronted with the following situation on the Day of Judgment.

Some faces on that Day will be downcast, labouring, toiling endlessly.  (Surat al-Ghashiyya: 2-3)

Therefore, people will encounter one of two situations in the hereafter. Two people who had pursued similar jobs, expended similar effort, and worked with the same determination during their lives, could receive different treatment in the hereafter, because of the matter of their intentions. On the Day of Judgment, those who purified themselves will be awarded with the glad tidings of Paradise, whereas those who underestimated the value of sincerity while in this world will suffer the endless torments of Hell.

In this book, we will be referring to these two aspects of belief that render the deeds one does meaningful and worthy in Allah's sight, namely self-purification and sincerity. This book aims to warn those who fail to live their lives merely to gain Allah's consent that all their efforts could be in vain, and therefore to invite them to purify themselves before the Day of Judgment. In addition, we would also like to once again remind all believers that any thoughts, words or deeds that may diminish one's sincerity are of great consequence because of their possible consequences in the hereafter. Therefore, we would like to show all the way to guard their sincerity, by the light shed by the verses of the Qur'an.

What is a Righteous Person Like?

Holds fast to Allah and is sincere in his religion to Allah

Allah orders believers to live as those "who hold fast to Allah and are sincere in their religion to Allah" in the following verse:

Except those who repent and put things right and hold fast to Allah and dedicate their religion to Allah alone; they are with the believers. Allah will give the believers an immense reward.  (Surat an-Nisa': 146)

A man is purified if he holds fast to Allah, devotes his life to gain His consent with the knowledge that there is no other deity than Allah, and never gives up on his faith in Allah, whatever happens. Allah enjoins in the Qur'an as follows: "Whoever holds fast to Allah has been guided to a straight path."  (Surah Al 'Imran: 101)

"Being sincere in one's religion to Allah" means seeking to gain Allah's consent and satisfaction without expecting any other personal advantages or benefits. Allah also has emphasized the importance of this issue in another verse, and has revealed that the religion could only be lived in the following manner:

They were only ordered to worship Allah, making their religion sincerely His as people of pure natural belief, and to establish prayers and pay the welfare tax—that is the religion of the correct.  (Surat al-Bayyina: 5)

In his deeds and prayers, a true believer never strives to obtain the love, satisfaction, appreciation, interest and admiration of any person other than Allah. Any such longings are an indication that he has failed to turn to Allah with complete sincerity and purification. In fact, we frequently encounter people "doing good deeds or establishing prayers for purposes other than gaining Allah's consent." For instance, there are people who brag about helping the poor, or aim to acquire respect or advantages when practicing important religious duties such as the regular prayers (salat). In the Qur'an, people who establish prayers or do good to be seen are mentioned as follows:

Have you seen him who denies the religion? He is the one who harshly rebuffs the orphan and does not urge the feeding of the poor. So woe to those who pray, and are forgetful of their prayer, those who show off.  (Surat al-Ma'un: 1-6)

You who believe! Do not nullify your charity by demands for gratitude or insulting words, like him who spends his wealth, showing off to people and not believe in Allah and the Last Day...  (Surat al-Baqara: 264)

Anyone who desires to be seen is indeed looking to gain the assent of other people, rather than Allah. A true believer should meticulously avoid aiming to show off while lending a helping hand, assuming a pleasing attitude, praying or making a sacrifice. The only true aim of one who sincerely believes in Allah should be to obtain Allah's consent. The Qur'an also emphasizes how the prophets performed religious rites only for Allah's consent and never sought personal rewards or advantages. The following words spoken by the Prophet Hud (as) to his people confirms this truth:

My people! I do not ask you for any wage for it. My wage is the responsibility of Him Who brought me into being. So will you not use your intellect?  (Surah Hud: 51)

A believer never attempts to gain the consent of any being other than Allah. Hence, he knows for certain that Allah possesses all hearts, and that all people would submit if only He wishes so. Furthermore, no amount of worldly acclaim, praise or admiration gained in the world will secure anything in the hereafter. On the Day of Judgment, each man will stand alone in Allah's presence and be asked to account for each of his deeds. On that day, faith, piety, sincerity and submission will play the fundamental role. Likewise, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) reminded believers of the importance of sincerity, by saying "Allah accepts those deeds which were performed purely for His sake and which were meant to seek His pleasure."¹

Turns to Allah with Repentance and is Sincere in deed and intention to Him

Allah informs true believers about genuine faith as follows:

[Adhere to the correct religion], turning in repentance to Him. Heed Him and establish prayer. Do not be among the idolaters.  (Surat ar-Rum: 31)

Allah calls attention in another verse that the right way to follow is the way followed by prophets and morally upright people.

... but follow the Way of him who turns to Me. Then you will return to Me and I will inform you about the things you did.  (Surah Luqman: 15)

Turning to Allah with heartfelt devotion means loving Him so much that one cannot refrain from faith, devotion and fidelity under any circumstances, and fears Him with awe. It is to have faith in Him with such reverence that one anxiously fears Him and ardently avoids losing His consent. Anyone believing in Allah in such a manner is sure to attain self-purification. One who believes and is so devoted to Allah performs prayers and other deeds to earn His consent sincerely. In reward for this, which is the basis of self-purification, true believers are "those who have faith and do right actions and humble themselves before their Lord."  (Surah Hud: 23)

Allah instructed true believers to fulfill the orders and acts of worship prescribed in the Qur'an with total submission, sincerity and hearts purified for His sake. In a verse, it is related how Allah reminded Maryam (as) to submit to Him with heartfelt devotion: "O Maryam, worship your Lord devoutly: Prostrate yourself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down." (Surah Al 'Imran: 43)

This is also stated by the Prophet (saas), who said:

"Goodness and comfort are for him who worships his Lord in a perfect manner and serves his Master sincerely."²

Allah also revealed the good news that those obeying Him with heartfelt devotion and fulfilling His orders with submission will be rewarded doubly:

But those of you who are obedient to Allah and His Messenger and act rightly will be given their reward twice over; and We have prepared generous provision for them. (Surat al-Ahzab: 31)

The characteristics of true believers, as mentioned in the verse below, are best exemplified in the prophets sent by Allah to warn people: "The steadfast, the truthful, the obedient, the givers, and those who seek forgiveness before dawn." (Surah Al 'Imran: 17)

The Qur'an contains many verses that emphasize the fact that prophets are men who turned to Allah with sincere devotion, His purified servants. Some examples are as follows:

Ibrahim was a community in himself, exemplary, obedient to Allah, a man of pure natural belief. He was not one of the idolaters. (Surat an-Nahl: 120)

And remember Our servants Ibrahim, Ishaq and Ya'qub, men of true strength and inner sight. We purified their sincerity through sincere remembrance of the Abode.(Surah Sad: 45-46)

Ibrahim was forbearing, compassionate, penitent.  (Surah Hud: 75)

Mention Musa in the Book. He was truly sincere and was a Messenger and a Prophet.  (Surah Maryam: 51)

And Maryam, the daughter of 'Imran, who guarded her chastity—We breathed Our Spirit into her and she confirmed the Words of her Lord and His Book and was one of the obedient.  (Surat at-Tahrim: 12)

Believes in Allah by Showing Him a Great Respect

True believers who attained the level of self-purification defined in the Qur'an believe in Allah "by showing a deep respect." This means that they comprehend Allah's greatness and power; and thus, feel a deep love, a pure respect, and an awe-inspired fear towards Him. Those who devote themselves to Allah with such deep respect and fear never renounce the chance to gain His consent for the sake of any other worldly benefits or rewards. Sincerity is to know that no earthly benefits and rewards, big or small, could ever be more important than gaining Allah's consent and fulfilling His commands. In the Qur'an, this quality of those who are righteous is explained as follows: "... They do not sell Allah's Signs for a paltry price..."  (Surah Al 'Imran: 199)

In regards to Allah's orders and prohibitions, no matter what the circumstances are, the righteous, as defined in the Qur'an, never make compromises in their fulfilment of the requirements of the Qur'anic verses. The respectful fear and profound devotion felt deep within one's heart wholly refrains one from behaving in any way displeasing to Allah; and also encourages one to be greatly eager and enthusiastic to adopt a wholesome morality as consented by Allah. In the Qur'an, the respectful fear shown by sincere believers towards Allah is expressed as follows:

Those who join what Allah has commanded to be joined and are afraid of their Lord and fear an evil Reckoning.  (Surat ar-Ra'd: 21)

In other verses, true believers are described as having their respectful devotion towards Allah increased when they hear Allah's verses:

Say: "Believe in it or do not believe in it." Certainly, when it is recited to them, those who were given knowledge before it fall on their faces in prostration, saying, "Glory be to our Lord! The promise of our Lord is truly fulfilled!" Weeping, they fall to the ground in prostration, and it increases them in humility. (Surat al-Isra': 107-109)

The respectful devotion of the Prophet Zakariya (as) and his wife is described as an example for believers in the Qur'an as follows:

... They outdid one another in good actions, calling out to Us in yearning and in awe, and humbling themselves to Us. (Surat al-Anbiya': 90)

Another issue mentioned in the same verse is that the sincere believers compete with one with another in doing good deeds for Allah's consent. These people strive continuously—to the limit allowed by their power and wealth—to succeed in earning Allah's assent, mercy, compassion and Paradise.

Submits to Allah with Complete Devotion

Allah points out the importance of the quality of submission in believers in the following verse:

Say, "We believe in Allah and what has been sent down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim and Isma'il and Ishaq and Ya'qub and the Tribes, and what Musa and 'Isa were given, and what all the prophets were given by their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them. We are Muslims submitted to Him."  (Surat al-Baqara: 136)

True sincerity entails submission with complete surrender to Allah. However, this submission should be unconditional. One who consents to Allah's will, but is only thankful and submissive to Allah under certain circumstances, could not be regarded as in submission if he becomes rebellious and disobedient under a different set of circumstances. For instance, one who is engaged in good business relations, and earns a sufficient amount of money, could frequently utter that it is Allah Who permitted his circumstances, wealth and good fortune. However, when things take a turn for the worse, he suddenly becomes forgetful of his earlier submissiveness towards Allah. His character changes suddenly, and he begins to grumble continually that he is a good man, that he did not deserve what befell him, and that he could not for the life of him understand why things are not going well. He may even go beyond the bounds of what is acceptable and start to blame Allah by forgetting that Fate always works according to the best and most favorable manner. He may ask himself irreverant questions like "Why have things worked out this way?" "Why did these things happen to me?"

However, trusting in Allah, regardless of the good or bad that has happened to us, or the favorable or unfavorable appearances of events, is in fact that most valued in Allah's presence. Despite the outer appearances, one should be submissive by knowing that each and everything was created with goodness and wisdom:

"If you have received a wound, they have already received a similar wound. We deal out such days to people turn by turn, so that Allah will know those who believe and can gather martyrs from among you—Allah does not love wrongdoers."  (Surah Al 'Imran: 140)

Hence, all hardships and problems are to test humans. These are caused as specifically as trials, in order to determine who will stay firm and aim at self-purification and submission to Allah.

Those who believe sincerely never doubt the ultimate good of things that happen and always put their trust in Allah in complete submission. They realize that these are only for trial. Their faith is unconditional. On the contrary, it is a sound, strong and firm faith that surmounts all kinds of difficulties one may encounter. They submit themselves to Allah without seeking a worldly reward. In the Qur'an, this determined and decisive attitude of true believers for submission is emphasized as:

When his Lord said to him, "Become a Muslim!" he said, "I am a Muslim who has submitted to the Lord of all the worlds."  (Surat al-Baqara: 131)

In yet another verse, Allah relates that the noblest religion is the one adopted by those who surrender themselves to Allah and believe in Allah alone, and thus underlines the importance of unconditional submission:

Who could have a better religion than someone who submits himself completely to Allah and is a good-doer, and follows the religion of Ibrahim, a man of pure natural belief? Allah took Ibrahim as an intimate friend.  (Surat an-Nisa': 125)

The Prophet (saas)had this to say on the same point:

"... The luckiest person who will have my intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who said, 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah,' sincerely from the bottom of his heart."³

Turns Towards Allah not Merely During Troubled Times, but Every Moment of his Life

During their lifetimes, some people fail to ponder upon Allah, Who has created them and Who has bestowed worldly blessings upon them. As things harmoniously unfold in their lives, they tend to completely forget that they are actually weak creatures in need of Allah's compassion. Yet, Allah is the only power that can ensure these blessings and make things right.

However, the fact that these people act so carelessly is not based on their ignorance, but rather the truth that they are completely ungrateful and haughty towards Allah. The most telling evidence of this is that these people unfailingly turn to Allah and ask for His help as soon as they realize that they are in desperate straits or when facing affliction or hardship. These people, who previously insisted on denying Allah, immediately start to pray to Him as "His faithful and devoted servants."

Allah informs us of this truth as follows:

When harm touches people they call on their Lord, repenting to Him. But then, when He gives them a taste of mercy from Him, a group of them immediately associate others with their Lord to show ingratitude for what We have given them. "Enjoy yourselves—you will soon know."  (Surat ar-Rum: 33-34)

As should be apparent from these verses, these people turn their back on Allah until such time, not because they are unaware of Allah's power or they fail to understand that they are liable to worship Allah, but because they grow arrogant. Likewise, they forget how they took shelter in Allah and sincerely and desperately begged for His assistance, and return to their denial as soon as Allah removes the hardship and difficulty. In other words, they act sincerely when faced with problems and insincerely when the problems disappear. The Qur'an provides the following example of such people:

It is He Who conveys you on both land and sea so that when some of you are on a boat, running before a fair wind, rejoicing at it, and then a violent squall comes upon them and the waves come at them from every side and they realise there is no way of escape, they call on Allah, making their religion sincerely His: "If You rescue us from this, we will truly be among the thankful." But then, when He does rescue them, they become rebellious in the earth without any right to do so. Mankind, your rebelliousness is only against yourselves. There is the enjoyment of the life of this world and then you will return to Us and We will inform you about what you did.  (Surah Yunus: 22-23)

Clearly, these people, who could adopt a more sincere form of behavior if they so wished, promise that they will surely become true believers once Allah helps them. However, as soon as they obtain His help, they turn their face away from Him. Yet, Allah announces that this rebelliousness will be held against them, and warns them of the grievous doom.

As for the purified ones, who turn to Allah with an open heart, there is no difference in their behavior whether in times of of hardship or prosperity. As they are well aware of Allah's absolute power, they always live with a fear and awe of Him in their hearts. For this reason, they behave righteously throughout their lives, and serve Allah with a heartfelt and undivided devotion. Allah declares that people who act sincerely only when they are faced with hardships, and others who purify themselves and strive so all their lives, will in no way be equivalent in terms of the reward awaiting them in the hereafter. While true believers will be rewarded with Paradise, the rest will be punished with the Fire. The following verses correspond to this promise:

When harm touches man he calls upon his Lord, repenting to Him. Then when He grants him a blessing from Him, he forgets what he was calling for before and ascribes rivals to Allah, so as to misguide others from His Way. Say: "Enjoy your disbelief for a little while.You are among the Companions of the Fire." What of him who spends the night hours in prayer, prostrating and standing up, mindful of the hereafter, hoping for the mercy of his Lord? Say: "Are they the same—those who know and those who do not know?" It is only people of intelligence who pay heed.  (Surat az-Zumar: 8-9)

Is Never Reluctant to Serve and to Worship Allah

In the following verse, Allah makes light of those people who claim to be believers while failing to truly have faith:

Among the people there are some who say, "We believe in Allah and the Last Day," when they are not believers. They think they deceive Allah and those who believe. They deceive no one but themselves but they are not aware of it. (Surat al-Baqara: 8-9)

These are the people who have denial in their hearts, despite being counted among the true believers, and worshiping with them, and establishing relationships with them. One of their most defining characteristics, distinguishing them from those who have true faith in Allah, is that they are reluctant to serve and worship Him. True believers are sincere men and women who harbour a heartfelt faith in Allah, who turn to Him with sincerity and who worship Him with a great love and respect. In the subsequent verse, Allah describes the reward awaiting such behavior in the hereafter, and presents the example of the angels as a model for mankind:

The Messiah would never disdain to be a servant to Allah nor would the angels near to Him. If any do disdain to worship Him, and grow arrogant, He will in any case gather them all to Him. (Surat an-Nisa': 172)

As is announced in this verse, one of the distinguishing signs of sincerity and righteousness is to never be reluctant in serving and worshipping Allah. Likewise, the true believers are able to remain eager to worship Allah under all kinds of circumstances and conditions. For this reason, they never lose their enthusiasm, even if they are forced to sacrifice their lives or property, or to confront hardships and afflictions.

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) reminded believers of the importance of worshipping Allah with steadfastness and sincerity by saying: "... do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and worship Allah in the forenoon, and in the afternoon and during a part of the night, and always adopt a middle, moderate, regular course whereby you will reach your target (Paradise)." ⁴

The Qur'an features many examples of this superior morality expressing these sincere efforts made by true believers. For instance, there are those who repeatedly asked the Prophet (saas) for a mount to go to war and who failed to take part in it as they could not find one; also mentioned are those who returned after failing to find anything to spend. Although these people were certainly aware that they could face serious detriment in war such as being killed, maimed or injured, they willingly desired to take part, merely on account of their sincere faith and strong purity of self. The Qur'an portrays such people as:

Nor is anything held against those who, when they came to you for you to provide them with mounts and you said, "I cannot find anything on which to mount you," turned away with their eyes overflowing with tears, overcome by grief at having nothing to give.  (Surat at-Tawba: 92)

The Qur'an also features examples of those who under similar circumstances again were reluctant to serve and worship Allah, in order to make true believers realize the difference between such two kinds of people. The related verse states:

There are only grounds against those who ask you for permission to stay when they are rich. They were pleased to be among those who were left behind. Allah has sealed up their hearts so they do not know. They will make excuses to you when you return to them. Say: "Do not make excuses, we will not believe you. Allah has already informed us about you. Allah will see your actions, as will His Messenger. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the Unseen and the Visible, and He will inform you regarding what you did." (Surat at-Tawba: 93-94)

Men, who claimed with their tongues that they were worshipping Allah and that they were obeying the Prophet (saas), asked to be excused from the war, in complete contradistinction to true believers, even though they were well-advantaged in terms of property and wealth. These men, who refrained from participating in war in a time when Muslims were facing great hardships, showed shameless audacity towards Allah. Nowadays, the same circumstances could also apply for different cases of affliction or trouble. It should always be remembered that, in the verses of the Qur'an, our Lord revealed that the hearts of these people, who prefer to preserve their worldly goods rather than embarking on a job that could lead them to gain Allah's consent, and at a time when Muslims needed their assistance and support, are sealed.

Sincerely Desires to be Purified

One of the most important characteristics of any true and sincere believer is that he honestly desires and strives to be purified from all kinds of attitudes and moral defects forbidden in the Qur'an, in order to attain the level of morality pleasing to Allah. Humans are prone to make mistakes. Yet, Allah announces in the subsequent verse that He has inspired the human soul not only with the limits of sin and evil, but also of ways to avoid them.

And the self and What proportioned it and inspired it with depravity or with its sense of duty, he who purifies it has succeeded, he who covers it up has failed.  (Surat ash-Shams: 7-10)

Any true believer with the fear of Allah in his heart aims to be purified from the evil side of his soul. He strives to attain the level of the sublime morality defined in the Qur'an, by making proper use of his conscience and intelligence. Any serious effort made by someone, who sincerely desires to be cleansed, is an indication of his "true faith and purification."

Only one who has absolute faith in Allah and the hereafter would attempt to dissipate the evil side of his soul. Otherwise, he would prefer to deny the existence of his evil side and prevent it from becoming known to others. He would hope that no one would be aware of it. Though, Allah has the best knowledge concerning both the inside and the exterior of everyone. Allah is aware of the most secret of secrets. On the Day of Judgment, all the deeds done by each person will come to light. The sincere believers, who are aware of this fact, are recognized by their struggle against their inner-self (an-nafs). In the Qur'an, this feature of theirs is defined as follows:

Do not ever stand in it [such a mosque]. A mosque founded on performing one's duty from the first day has a greater right for you to stand in it. In it there are men who love to purify themselves. Allah loves those who purify themselves.  (Surat at-Tawba: 108)

Makes a Concerted Effort and "Ever-abiding" Good Works

In the following verse Allah announces that the ever-abiding good works are better in reward and expectation with Him:

Wealth and sons are the embellishment of the life of this world. But, in your Lord's sight, right actions which are lasting bring a better reward and are a better basis for hope.  (Surat al-Kahf: 46)

These acts also are important indicators of one's sincerity and purity. Some people are capable of performing good deeds, not because they are fearful of Allah, but they would like to gain worldly honor or admiration in the eyes of people. For instance, one may send his furniture or clothes to those left homeless and in need as a result of an earthquake. He may lend a helping-hand to his neighbors, or behave in a kind, compassionate and considerate manner. He may also be friendly, tender and understanding towards his employees. He may be respectful and tolerant of his elders. If necessary, he may be self-sacrificing, taking part in activities organized by aid institutions. These are certainly good deeds. However, what is really important is the constancy and patience shown while behaving in such ethical behavior. Throughout his life, any Muslim who has purified himself should lend a helping-hand to anyone in need, without regard for people's opinions of him. These efforts made only to gain Allah's consent also serve to prove the extent of their sincerity. However, if the said person fails to lead the remaining part of his life by complying with the above-mentioned morality, and to behave in a similar self-sacrificing and devout manner, then the purity he would have achieved while performing other deeds becomes vulnerable.

Likewise, there may be some people in ignorant societies who are capable of performing such good deeds even though they do not admit to believing in Allah. However, they do not perform these acts because of their fear of Him or in hope of the hereafter. They aim to gain some worldly rewards and benefits, whether large or small. For instance, they may have helped the earthquake survivors just to dispose of their unwanted items of furniture and clothing. Again, the respect he shows towards his elders may merely be the result of the influence of cultural traditions. Similarly, he may be treating his employees in a friendly manner in order to win them over to gain more prestige at work and thus a better income. He may be contributing his help to aid organizations to gain esteem and respect in society. In order to be able to assert for certain that these deeds derive out of the fear of Allah and the superior morality commanded by Allah, the said person would have to use the same effort in each and every moment of his life, and to continually behave in compliance with the Qur'an. The importance of calling on Allah "morning and evening," all day, "ever-abidingly" is emphasized as follows:

Restrain yourself patiently with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, desiring His countenance. Do not turn your eyes from them, desiring the attractions of this world. And do not obey someone whose heart We have made neglectful of Our remembrance and who follows his own whims and desires and whose life has transgressed all bounds.  (Surat al-Kahf: 28)

If one sincerely believes in the existence of Allah and of the hereafter, then he will in no way be capable of acting otherwise. Hence, such a person knows for certain that he will be accountable for each moment lived in this world, and will be worthy of eternal life in Paradise only if he leads a life complying with Allah's consent. Consequently, he hastens to do good deeds in order to gain Allah's consent with each of his acts, words and attitudes. By questioning "What more can I do?", "How should I behave in order to gain Allah's consent and mercy?", "Which of my manners do I have to correct in order to behave in a more ethical manner?" he strives hard. Likewise, it was announced in the Qur'an that the behavior of those striving, as they ought to strive, are worthy of a great reward. The verses maintain:

As for anyone who desires this fleeting existence, We hasten in it whatever We will to whoever We want. Then We will consign him to Hell where he will roast, reviled and driven out. But as for anyone who desires the hereafter, and strives for it with the striving it deserves, being a believer, the striving of such people will be gratefully acknowledged.  (Surat al-Isra': 18-19)

Aside from Acts of Worship, Continuously Strives to be Righteous

Allah highlights in many verses of the Qur'an that divine morality should be applied to every part of the life of a true believer. One must live as a Muslim, speak as a Muslim, and think as a Muslim, from the moment he opens his eyes in the morning to the moment he falls asleep at night. He should aim for purity and intend to always act sincerely and honestly towards Allah, and to make the best possible use of his will and conscience to this end.

However, some people struggle to limit religion to certain specific rites. They believe that one's spiritual life should be separated from their worldly one. Somehow, they find this idea logical and even sensible. They remember Allah and the hereafter only when they practice their prayers, fast, give alms to the poor, or perform pilgrimage (hajj). At other times, they become carried away by the confusion and complexity of the worldly affairs. Because they forget Allah and the reward that they will receive on the Day of Judgment, they become unconcerned about gaining Allah's consent and fail to strive to this end.

They do not consider that they are also expected to think religiously while walking on the street, eating their meals, working in the office, engaging in sports, conversing with others, pursuing a commercial transaction, watching television, talking of politics and listening to music, etc. As they assume that these are merely worldly matters, they tend to believe that their plans too should therefore be worldly. Yet, one could live perfectly in compliance with the morality of the Qur'an and attain sincerity while engaged in these matters. He can show an interest in his duties and be attentive while conversing with others, having his meals, engaging in sports, attending his school or work, doing the cleaning, watching television and listening to music. Yet, he must strive to obtain Allah's blessing while performing all these activities.

All manners that please Allah are explained clearly and in detail in many verses of the Qur'an. Many details concerning how to be just and fair in trading, not resorting to methods to obtain unjust earnings, to give full measure and full weight etc. are clarified in the Qur'an. When a person lives with the fear of Allah and acts in light of these verses, he is doing trade in compliance with Allah's consent and sincerity. Similarly, refraining from profane talk, not remaining silent while others disparage the Qur'an, and speaking truthfully and with wisdom are all components of this sublime morality mentioned in the Qur'an. Therefore, no one should form the wrong opinion that religion comprises only certain religious rites and that sincerity can only be attained by performing these rites. Due to the complexity of our worldly lives, people are liable to be engaged in many different matters. What is important is that one should always be with Allah in his heart, seek Allah's consent in his every action, never sacrifice the morality of the Qur'an, and guard his purity.

Is Even-tempered, Sincere and Reliable

One who consistently aims to act sincerely will often be found to be good-natured and genuine. Such a person, who only considers Allah's consent, and who does not seek any worldly rewards, could never be phoney, insincere or unnatural. He is well-mannered in behavior, appearance and speech. As he would not strive to gain influence over people, or be overly ambitious, he will be likeable, making others feel at ease with him. As he would aim only to obtain Allah's consent, he will be well aware that any feigned disposition aimed at gaining influence over people will damage his integrity. He will be comfortable and at peace in the knowledge that Allah is his only friend and guardian.

One who firmly guards his purity and sincerity, may hope that Allah will accept each of his deeds as pious and reward him with a bountiful recompense, both in this world and in the hereafter.

Footnotes

1. Hadith of Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i on the authority of Abu Umamah
2. Sahih Bukhari Hadith
3. Sahih Bukhari Hadith
4. Sahih Bukhari Hadith

Ploys Used by The Devil to Destroy
The Sincerity of True Believers

Until the Day of Judgment, Satan has sworn to lead mankind astray, in an effort to make them members of his party. As Allah declares when he said,"Satan has gained mastery over them, so he has made them forget the remembrance of Allah; they are the Satan's party; now surely the Satan's party are the losers" (Surat al-Mujadala: 19), Satan has succeeded in his desires with those who deny the existence of Allah. He has surrounded them from all sides, made them forget the remembrance of Allah, and acquired absolute mastery over them. Thus, these people became the party of Satan, as creatures calling others to denial, sin and evil, as does the devil.

However, the condition of those who sincerely believe in Allah is certainly different. Satan may directly influence those who deny Allah. However, as true believers firmly put their faith in Allah, Satan fails in influencing them. For instance, he could in no way prevent them from striving for Allah's sake. He cannot prevent them from fulfilling their religious duties, performing their prayers, doing good and being morally upright, reciting the name of Allah, and from sacrifing themselves to fight both with their belongings and their lives.

Well aware of this fact, the devil is compelled to search for even more devious methods to influence true believers. As he is not capable of directly hindering the good deeds done in Allah's sake, he tries to mix evil into the good intentions of true believers performing these deeds; to make them turn towards objectives other than Allah's consent, and to prevent them from turning towards Allah devoutly, by thus impinging their sincerity. In the Qur'an, Satan's determination to this end is emphasized by his very own words. The verses relating these words are as follows:

I will lead them astray and fill them with false hopes. I will command them and they will cut off cattle's ears. I will command them and they will change Allah's creation. Anyone who takes Satan as his protector in place of Allah has clearly lost everything. He makes promises to them and fills them with false hopes. But what Satan promises them is nothing but delusion. (Surat an-Nisa': 119-120)

He said, "By Your misguidance of me, I will lie in ambush for them on your straight path. Then I will come at them, from in front of them and behind them, from their right and from their left. You will not find most of them thankful."  (Surat al-A'raf: 16-17)

As indicated in these verses, Satan attempts to master true believers by "leading them astray and filling them with false hopes," by "laying in ambush for them on Allah's straight path," and by "coming at them, from in front of them and behind them, from their right and from their left."

He uses efforts to make them see right as wrong, good as evil, fine as ugly, and evil as good. He strives to hinder them from doing a good deed in Allah's sake by planting doubt and exciting vain desires in their hearts. He endeavors to lure true believers to pursue even that which contradicts the morality of the Qur'an by adorning it to make it attractive.

Satan's Party

If necessary, to accomplish the above-mentioned objectives, Satan depends for help on those who befriend him and deny Allah. He uses their mouths to speak his suggestions, and their words to express his plans. It is through such crafty tactics that he approaches true believers.

Certainly, Satan does not openly invite true believers to denial by merely uttering "Do not conform to the Qur'an, do not behave in compliance with Allah's consent or conform to me instead." On the contrary, he tries to deceive them with fraud, ruses and lies. He attempts to prevent them from being sincere and plants various vain desires in their hearts, and tries to make them seek the admiration of others instead of gaining Allah's consent.

For instance, he tries to add the desire to gain people's assent to the intentions of a believer who strives to do a good deed for the sake of Allah. He encourages him to praise his own virtues, and inflate his ego.

Yet, to take pride in one's self while performing a good deed will prevent him from attaining sincerity. If he truly chooses to perform a deed that is self-sacrificing, he should be doing it to gain Allah's consent. Therefore, there should be no need to make his deeds public. In any case, Allah sees and hears him. However, Satan presents this desire in a more seemingly innocent light, through such reasoning as "They will trust and love you more if they know how morally upright you are and how you conform to the Qur'an. Anyway, it is a perfectly legitimate desire." It is of course a legitimate desire, however, one would be behaving more in line with the Qur'an if he seeks this recognition from Allah and leaves the matter of his public perception in His hands. If he behaves differently, he will risk being overcome by the wrongdoings that are rejected by the Qur'an. Such behavior would amount to worshipping to be seen, to become important, and in taking pride in one's self. All such behavior is opposed to one's sincerity and purity, qualities that are only acquired while performing worship to merely gain Allah's consent.

Satan's Cunnings

Satan's plan to harm the sincerity of true believers, which will last until the Day of Judgment, dates back to the time of Adam (as). He approached Adam (as) with the same sly and deceitful strategies, and tried to make him perceive good as ugly and ugly as good. As announced in the Qur'an, Satan succeeded in persuading Adam (as) and his mate to not heed Allah's prohibition. Thus, he caused them to be driven out of Paradise. This event is explained in the verses of the Qur'an as follows:

We said, "Adam, live in the Garden, you and your wife, and eat freely from it wherever you will. But do not approach this tree and so become wrongdoers."  (Surat al-Baqara: 35)

But Satan whispered to him, saying, "Adam, shall I show you the way to the Tree of Everlasting Life and to a kingdom which will never fade away?"  (Surah Ta Ha: 120)

Then Satan whispered to them, disclosing to them their private parts that had been concealed from them. He said, "Your Lord has only forbidden you this tree lest you become angels or among those who live for ever." He swore to them, "I am one of those who give you good advice." So he enticed them to do it by means of trickery. Then when they tasted the tree, their private parts were disclosed to them and they started stitching together the leaves of the Garden in order to cover themselves. Their Lord called out to them, "Did I not forbid you this tree and say to you, "Satan is an outright enemy to you"?" (Surat al-A'raf: 20-22)

Satan did not openly tell Adam and his mate to defy Allah's orders. It is apparent that no true believer would comply with such a suggestion. Thus, he devised other persuasive arguments, and told them that they would become angels and live eternally if they ate the fruit of the forbidden tree. In order to make his lies still more persuasive, he dared even to swear by Allah. The Qur'an warns the true believers against this kind of cunning conceived by the devil:

Children of Adam! Do not let Satan tempt you into trouble as He expelled your parents from the Garden, stripping them of their covering and disclosing to them their private parts. He and his tribe see you from where you do not see them. We have made the satans friends of those who do not believe.  (Surat al-A'raf: 27)

Those who are guided by the Qur'an are prepared in advance against unfounded concerns, vain desires and deceitful ruses of the devil. As declared in the verse, "Those who believe fight in the Way of Allah. Those who disbelieve fight in the way of false gods. So fight the friends of Satan! Satan's scheming is always feeble."  (Surat an-Nisa': 76) , the strategy of the devil is weak and is comprised merely of hollow deceptions. True believers comprehend that this whispering voice is that of Satan and immediately seek refuge in Allah as related in the following verse,

If an evil impulse from Satan provokes you, seek refuge in Allah. He is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. As for those who do their duty, when they are bothered by visitors from Satan, they remember and immediately see clearly. (Surat al-A'raf: 200-201)

As soon as they find refuge in Allah, they become capable of interpreting the events in the light of the Qur'an. They acquire an understanding aiding them to distinguish right from the wrong. Therefore, the false imputations of the devil fail due to the powerful faith of true believers.

Likewise, as the Qur'an underlines in the following verse, Satan exercises no authority over true believers who put their trust and faith in Allah, and who take Allah as their only Guardian:

But as for My servants, you will not have any authority over them. Your Lord suffices as a guardian.  (Surat al-Isra': 65)

As mentioned in the Qur'an, Satan is influential over those guarded by him, and those who associate others as divinities beside Allah:

He has no authority over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. He only has authority over those who take him as a friend and associate others with Allah.  (Surat an-Nahl: 99-100)

It is stated that the devil could not affect the sincere and pure servants of Allah:

He said, "My Lord, because You misled me, I will make things on the earth seem good to them and I will mislead them all, every one of them, except Your servants among them who are sincere."  (Surat al-Hijr: 39-40)

For this reason, the sincere and righteous believers have no reason to fear the cunnings and deceitful traps set by the devil, as they know for certain that the devil holds no power over them. They only fear Allah. Those who fear Satan are the ones who befriend him, and those who have entered his fold. This reality is unfolded in the Qur'an as follows:

It was only Satan frightening you through his friends. But do not fear them—fear Me if you believe.  (Surah Al 'Imran: 175)

In the Qur'an, Allah announces that Satan will expend all efforts to plant vain desires and deviance in the hearts of all people, including the prophets. This is a special kind of trial created to distinguish between those who have a disease in their heart and those who are sincere believers. Those who have attained purity and those who have knowledge are in no way influenced by these vain desires of Satan. They are well aware that the devil holds no independent power, and is indeed created and fully controlled by Allah. The devil is powerless to lead believers astray, to hinder their sincerity or guide them to the wrong path, without the Will of Allah. When Satan tries to "place vain desires in their hearts," the Muslims' belief that the Qur'an is undoubtedly a true blessing from Allah is strengthened. This truth is revealed in a verse as follows:

We did not send any Messenger or any Prophet before you without Satan insinuating something into his recitation while he was reciting. But Allah revokes whatever Satan insinuates and then Allah confirms His Signs—Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise—so that He can make what Satan insinuates a trial for those with sickness in their hearts and for those whose hearts are hard—the wrongdoers are entrenched in hostility—and so that those who have been given knowledge will know it is the truth from their Lord and believe in it and their hearts will be humbled to Him. Allah guides those who believe to a straight path.  (Surat al-Hajj: 52-54)