Rafed English

Good Advice

We have conveyed the Word to them so that, hopefully, they will pay heed. (Qur'an, 28:51) 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. (Qur'an, 39:9)

Torah Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. (Proverbs, 23:12) Bible Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. (Hebrews, 13:17) Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James, 1:22) Righteousness

People usually understand righteousness in different ways: giving some money to the poor, helping an old person cross the road, or not lying. Clearly these are all good deeds, but on their own they cannot define righteousness. God reveals the true meaning of righteousness, as follows: It is not righteousness to turn your faces to the East or to the West. Rather, those with true devoutness are those who believe in God and the Last Day, the Angels, the Book and the Prophets; and who, despite their love for it, give away their wealth to their relatives and orphans and the very poor; to travelers and beggars, and to set slaves free; and who perform prayer and give the alms; those who honor their contracts when they make them and who are steadfast in poverty and illness and in battle. Those are the people who are true. They are the people who guard against evil. (Qur'an, 2:177)

Those who are steadfast in seeking the face of their Lord, perform prayer, and give from the provision We have given them, secretly and openly, and stave off evil with good. It is they who will have the Ultimate Abode. (Qur'an, 13:22)

Believers refrain from injustice, never compromise when it comes to honesty, protect the poor, are polite and respectful to all people, and are gentle and friendly. They do good and call on others to emulate them. The Torah defines righteousness, as follows: He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects gain from extortion and keeps his hand from accepting bribes... (Isaiah, 33:15) Suppose there is a righteous man who does what is just and right. He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not oppress anyone, but returns what he took in pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery, but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked. He does not lend at usury or take excessive interest. He withholds his hand from doing wrong, and judges fairly between man and man. He follows My decrees and faithfully keeps My laws. That man is righteous. (Ezekiel, 18:5-9) The Bible reveals that people can find happiness in both worlds only if they believe and do good:

[Jesus said:] "There is only One Who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied: "Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself." "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" Jesus answered: "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor. … Then come, follow me." (Matthew, 19:17-21)

Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. (Luke, 6:30-33)

Adapted from: "A Call for Unity" by: "Harun Yahya"

Share this article

Comments 0

Your comment

Comment description

Latest Post

Most Reviews

MOST READ