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hkhan

UNITED KINGDOM

Topic initiated on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 7:38 AM

Ignoring ignorants-a common guidance in all Faiths

As one would expect, all faiths call towards goodness and try to give solution to problems. One of the common problems amongst humans is ego and the desire to give 'tit for tat' . We have some reflection on it vide infra and would be nice to have more input from other religions:'However, a close perusal of interpersonal relations and behavioural studies shows that humans, collectively as well as individually, are bound to unexpectedly face unbecoming attitudes from their relations, friends and other fellows. The reason being that every person has a different temperament, and it is a fact that the habit of losing temper can never be obliterated no matter how hard we try though its extent and intensity can be kept to the minimal. Thus, it is useless to think that we will ever be able to obviate completely the possibility of losing temper. However, it is very desirable that we learn how to hold back when we happen to be fuming with rage. The soothing reality that should help us hold our temper and forgive the offender is that whatever agony that we have to suffer is sure to bring us reward in the Hereafter. The Holy Prophet (sws) is reported to have said:

No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn but Allah expiates some of his sins for that. (Bukhari: No, 5210)

In another Hadith, the Prophet (sws) is reported to have said that brave is indeed the person who holds back when is offended. The Prophet Jesus (sws) has explicated the same trait in the sublime words that follow:

But whosoever shall slap you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. And whosoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him twain. (Mathew, 5:39-41)

He then explained that it is only befitting for a believer to forgive his offenders than to avenge his sufferings:

But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. (Mathew, 5:44)

The reason he (sws) offers for treating your enemies well is very thought provoking: “if you love those who love you back, then there is nothing outstanding within your persona. It is only when they hate you that you pray for them and always wish good for them.”

For if you love them which love you, what reward have you? Do not even the publicans the same? And if you salute your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Mathew, 5:46-8)

So when you feel depressed that you have not responded to the ill-manners of some other person, you should convince yourself that holding back and forgiving others are indeed the virtues that great Prophets of Allah have exhorted us to imbibe and practice. In addition, always keep in mind that these virtues will bring you everlasting reward in the Hereafter. I know this is a hard task. One is bound to err many times before one learns how to behave properly. But I assure you that every step, that you take to get over with this ailment, will bring you closer to Allah; and He will definitely help you stand upright. It only demands determination and commitment from your side to adhere to the virtues of forgiveness and excuse.

adapted from monthly Renaissance Aug 07.Queries.
www.monthly-renaissance.com

Rakhtal

PAKISTAN

Posted - Sunday, August 26, 2007 - 12:43 PM