The Importance Of Loyalty

Loyalty is one of the highest virtues found among those who sincerely believe in Allah. The sincere faithfulness they demonstrate in the Way of Allah proves they are truly sincere. It requires a great deal of patience, and heart-felt devotion, for one to profess faith in Allah, to live without expecting some profit, to seek throughout his life to earn Allah's favor, to make use of everything he owns and loves to gain His pleasure, and to be patient in times of difficulty. The strength of will to proceed in the Way of Allah can only come to one through the love he feels towards Allah, and the strong sense of devotion and loyalty that this love incurs. Depending on how strong and sincere one's devotion and submission to Allah is, the greater he will be able to draw closer to Him, as the pleasure he derives in seeking to gain His favor increases. The source of this spiritual strength that believers possess is the trust and loyalty they feel towards Allah. For this reason, faithfulness and loyalty are among the essential characteristics that separate believers from others. When a believer spends his life conforming to the commands and prohibitions of Allah, he will, by His grace, receive the reward of His mercy and Paradise.

In times of difficulty and distress, the believers' faithfulness towards Allah and His messengers will be revealed, while the insincerity and faithlessness of disbelievers will be uncovered. In times of difficulty, believers will say, "This is what Allah and His Messenger promised us; Allah and His Messenger told us the truth." (Surat al-Ahzab, 22) and express their submission and devotion to Allah. In the Qur'an, with the verse, "[Believers are] those who are steadfast and put their trust in their Lord"  (Surat an-Nahl, 42) Allah praises this high morality that believers exhibit.

So, the bond of loyalty the believers feel makes itself known in the pleasure they derive and determination they exhibit when complying with the moral teachings of the Qur'an.

By his trust and submission to Allah in times of difficulty, our Prophet (saas) was an example to all Muslims; he told believers that they must be steadfast in their faithfulness to Allah at all times for He tests people with both good and evil as a trial:

"… When you ask for anything ask it from Allah, and if you seek help in Allah. Know that if the people were to unite to do you some benefit they could benefit you only with what Allah had recorded for you, and that if they were to unite to do you some injury they could injure you only with what Allah had recorded for you.."(Tirmidhi)

Another important benefit of faithfulness is the fact that it unites the believers together. This renders it difficult for the evil-intentioned, who want to stir up strife among the believers, to prevent them from performing good deeds, destroy their solidarity to one another, and other destructive ploys, from insinuating themselves into the community of believers. The sincere faithfulness and devotion that believers feel towards Allah and the prophets cannot be imitated; this is a sentiment that is shared only by believers. No matter how much they try to conceal that which is themselves, those who mingle with the believers, only to impugn their religion, cannot imitate a believer's submission to Allah; and, for this reason, they will never be able to achieve their aims. It is the strong sense of loyalty and submission to Allah that distinguishes devout believers from those with sickness in their hearts. This sense of loyalty also fosters a strong bond that will meld the believers together throughout their lives. By their profound loyalty to Allah, believers will be able to both recognize and protect themselves from the evil-intentioned who seek to cause them harm. As well, their love and trust in other believers will increase as they recognize each other's sincerity and determination in their cause. In this way, Allah will rid the believers of these evil-intentioned souls and confer upon them a profound faith with which to face any occasion.

Allah tells us in the Qur'an about the behavior of those who appear outwardly to be believers, but who reveal their lack of faith in Allah by abstaining from helping one another as they were required to:

	As for those who believe and do right actions, He will pay them their wages in full and will give them increase from His favor. As for those who show disdain and grow arrogant, He will punish them with a painful punishment. They will not find any protector or helper for themselves besides Allah.  (Surat an-Nisa', 173)

Because they have a strong feeling of submission to Allah, believers, even in very difficult situations, persistently formulate and act upon decisions in such a way as to earn His favor. As Allah says in the Qur'an, they know that under all circumstances it is best for them to remain faithful to Allah:

	More fitting for them would be obedience and honorable words. Once the matter is resolved upon, being true to Allah would be better for them.  (Surah Muhammad, 20-21)

In the above-quoted verses, Allah also informs us that a strong sense of loyalty arouses in an individual a conscientiousness that prevents him from procrastinating in conforming to what is right. If a person is strong in faith and submission to Allah, his inner sense of loyalty will keep him from being indecisive, and help him to resist giving in to the inclinations of his lower-self. So, armed with this loyalty and sense of submission, whatever the circumstances, he will easily overcome such urges.

Another important characteristic that faithfulness gives rise to in a believer is the love and trust they share between one another. These sentiments are formed through the sincere effort they put forth in the Way of Allah. A believer, who makes use of everything he has as a means to earn Allah's favor, and remains on the straight path, will receive the love of his fellow Muslim brothers, while being a good example for them. So, the faithfulness that believers exhibit at all times on the Way of Allah will increase the love, devotion and trust they feel towards one another.

Loyalty also endows a believer with a sense of determination in engaging in good deeds in the Way of Allah, and the fine moral qualities he exhibits to win His favor. Hypocrites, however, who harbor sickness in their hearts, cannot possess this determination in their worship and moral excellence because Satan has deceived them. They are likely to abandon a good deed as soon as the slightest difficulty arises, or if they have lost the energy to persist. Because their determination is weak, they cannot attain their goals. This is because they do not have the sense of loyalty or devotion in their hearts that ought to accompany what they are endeavoring. Therefore, they remain without the determination these qualities would have given rise to. But, because of the loyalty devoted believers feel towards Allah, they are able to exhibit this integrity throughout their lives, practicing the moral teachings of the Qur'an, ultimately winning His favor. In the Qur'an, Allah explains that what is best for believers is to seek to continually perform good deeds:

	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)

The loyalty of believers is reflected in their actions, and is the means by which their determination and submission to Allah gains fervor and strength. On the other hand, Allah brings to light the sickness in the hearts of hypocrites. In the Qur'an, Allah tells us that these individuals of weak faith, who are inclined to disbelief, will place obstacles in the way of believers and Allah's messengers, in the hope of harming them and making their task difficult for them. Therefore, Allah advises believers that, unless hypocrites walk in His Way, and openly show their sincere loyalty to Him and His messengers, they must not make friends with them.

	They would like you to disbelieve as they disbelieve so that you will all be the same. Do not take any of them as friends until they have migrated in the Way of Allah…  (Surat an-Nisa', 89)

The Key To Faithfulness: Love And Fear Of Allah

Love of Allah

One can be faithful to another person, and devote his entire life to his or her needs and desires, only if he feels a strong and sincere love for that person. Therefore, those whose bond of love is false can never experience the meaning of true faithfulness. It is important to notice here that, even if certain relationships are bound in love, those involved are far from understanding the true meaning of faithfulness and love that Allah describes in the Qur'an, because their bond is formed on criteria established by those ignorant of the morality of the Qur'an.

A person can experience real love and devotion only when be comes to believe and grasp the greatness of Allah. Basically, a person must feel sincere love and faithfulness towards our Lord Allah. Those who experience these deep feelings for Allah will also experience a deep sense of love for those who are also practicing the kind of morality that is pleasing to Him. Therefore, real love can be experienced only among those who fear Allah and feel a true love and respect towards Him. The way disbelievers understand love, however, is based instead on a number of humanly-devised values, and is far from experiencing the depth and integrity of that of believers.

Believers and disbelievers are poles apart in their understanding of faithfulness. As Allah says in the Qur'an, "They do not measure Allah with His true measure. Allah is All-Strong, Almighty." (Surat al-Hajj, 74) disbelievers cannot form a bond with Allah, because they cannot sufficiently understand His power and majesty, or the mercy He shows towards human beings. All those who fail to bind themselves to Him in love and faithfulness cannot be truly faithful towards others, nor can others be faithful to them. Therefore, in order for there to be a strong sense of faithfulness, there must be a strong sense of love towards Allah. And so, the only ones who can feel this strong love towards Allah are believers. In the Qur'an, Allah tells us about this characteristic of the believers:

	But those who believe have greater love for Allah…  (Surat al-Baqara, 165)

There are many reasons at work to allow believers to possess a strong sense of faithfulness and submission towards Allah. As Allah says in the verse, "Say: 'Praise be to Allah. He will show you His Signs and you will recognize them.' Your Lord is not unaware of what you do." (Surat an-Naml, 93), believers are those who recognize Allah's help, protection and mercy during the events that occur in their lives. As Allah explains in the Qur'an, in order to strengthen their hearts, and increase their love and devotion to Him, He has promised to show them that everything they experience within themselves, and in the outside world, is "truth." The above verse informs us that believers behave with the knowledge that everything that happens to them in the course of their lives occurs in accordance with the promise Allah has made to them. Their faith, love and consequent submission and faithfulness continually increase. They know that Allah is the constant friend and helper of believers, and that He answers all their prayers, and so do their best to win His favor with zeal and enthusiasm. No matter what happens to them, their devotion and faithfulness towards Him never diminish; in order to please Him, they are patient, and submit to Him in difficult times; He is their advocate and they take refuge in Him. This is one of the foremost proofs of the real strength of a believer's faithfulness. In the Qur'an, Allah tells us that believers have a strong sense of devotion and submission to Him:

	"…the poor of the emigrants who were driven from their homes and wealth desiring the favor and the pleasure of Allah and supporting Allah and His Messenger. Such people are the truly sincere."…  (Surat al-Hashr, 8)

Believers, who have a strong sense of love and faithfulness towards Allah, also show sincere love, respect and faithfulness to the messengers He has sent to be their guides. The source of this devotion is the love and faithfulness they feel towards Allah.

Explaining that love towards Allah will also give rise to sincere devotion and submission to Him, prophets called people to establish a sincere bond of love with Allah:

	Say, "If you love Allah, then follow me and Allah will love you and forgive you for your wrong actions. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful."  (Surah Al 'Imran, 31)

Because they have a sincere sense of love towards Allah and His messengers, believers are determined to live according to the moral teachings of the Qur'an, and take great pleasure in doing so.

Fear of Allah

Love towards Allah is a very important part of faithfulness, but it is not enough in itself. There must also be a sense of fear towards Him. Fear of Allah aids believers to be meticulous in obeying His commands and prohibitions, to avoid behavior that will not please Him, and to exercise "will-power" against the intimations of Satan and their lower-selves.

Human beings were created weak. Allah tells us this in the Qur'an:

	"Allah desires to make things lighter for you. Man was created weak." (Surat an-Nisa', 28)

The voice of our lower-selves and that of Satan continually urge us towards evil. Great determination or will-power is needed in order not to become entangled up in these satanic intimations. So, fear of Allah renders a person's sense of determination firm. In the Qur'an, Allah commands believers to fear Him:

	You who believe! Fear Allah and let each self look to what it has sent forward for Tomorrow. Have fear of Allah. Allah is aware of what you do.  (Surat al-Hashr, 18)

Fear of Allah urges an individual to try to live every moment of his life in a way that would please Allah, and to be awake to the desires of Satan and his own inner-self, and to be alert and prepared for the tricks and games that they play. This will vitiate the deceit of Satan and the inner voice of the lower-self that want to get him to do their unbounded will.

For this reason, Satan and the inner voice of the ego are particularly interested in removing the fear of Allah from people. They want to prevent them from fearing Allah by false intimations, such as that, "the most important thing is to have a pure heart". However, a person who has read the Qur'an is aware that these kinds of satanic intimations have no validity; he will easily see that their purpose is to deceive and lead people astray. In the Qur'an, Allah has commanded believers to fear Him. This command appears in many verses, for example:

	Fear Allah and know that Allah is fierce in retribution.  (Surat al-Baqara, 196)

	So fear Allah. And know that you will be gathered back to Him. (Surat al-Baqara, 203)

Fear of Allah allows a believer to be devoted to Him with a deep sense of faithfulness. Their desire to earn Allah's love and good pleasure, as best as they can, or otherwise the possibility of meeting His torment, makes the faithfulness of believers profound.

The Faithfulness Of Believers

Believers Are Faithful to Allah

Believers Spend of Their Wealth and Themselves to Win the Favor of Allah

In many verses of the Qur'an, it is commanded that an act of worship required of a believer is to spend in the Way of Allah. Spending in the Way of Allah, in the sense intended here, means to use all the blessings conferred by Allah in His Way so as to win His favor.

It is possible to understand the meaning of "spending" in the Way of Allah as a sign of the faithfulness that a believer feels towards Allah by comparing it to its perception by the faithless and hypocrites. For an insincere person, who has no certain faith, material wealth carries great importance. Such people would never consider spending of their valuable possessions towards something they did not really believe in. Because of their weak faith in Allah and the afterlife, it is not possible for them to feel loyalty toward Him and His messenger, nor to willingly contribute to the promotion of these truths. For that reason, when they are called upon to spend in the Way of Allah, they recoil and become miserly. In the Qur'an, Allah describes this kind of insincerity shown by those who are sick in their hearts:

	Here you are then: People who are called upon to spend in the way of Allah and then some of you are tight-fisted! Butwhoever is tight-fisted is only tight-fisted to himself. Allah is Rich and you are poor. If you turn away, He will replace you with a people other than yourselves and they will not be likeyou.  (Surah Muhammad, 38)

Another despicable form of behavior typical of these individuals, whose faith is corrupted, is that they try to prevent others from assisting the Muslims; they do this to harm the religion and to destroy the bond that exists between believers. In this regard, Allah says, "They are the people who say, 'Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allah, so that they may go away.' The treasuries of the heavens and earth belong to Allah. But the hypocrites do not understand this." (Surat al-Munafiqun, 7). Because the sense of loyalty they feel towards one another is based only on money and property, they expect the bond between believers to be the same. Therefore, they believe that the community of believers will eventually falter and disappear in times of financial difficulty. However, the unity among the believers is not based on material things. What keeps them united is their loyalty, their faith and their fear of Allah. For this reason, these hypocrites will never succeed in their designs.

This morality of people with hypocritical character shows that it is important for believers to use their possessions to gain the favor of Allah. Spending in the Way of Allah is an important act of worship that separates devout believers from hypocrites and those who reject Allah, and the fact that the latter use their wealth to obstruct the Way of Allah shows again the mindlessness of their behavior. In the Qur'an, Allah says that these people will regret that they have spent their resources for such evil end:

	Those who disbelieve spend their wealth barring access to the Way of Allah. They will spend it; then they will regret it; then they will be overthrown. Those who disbelieve will be gathered into Hell.  (Surat al-Anfal, 36)

These people are not aware of the meaning or the value of spending in the Way of Allah, or of the great gain it will bring them, both in this world and the next. They do not know that everything they have belongs to Allah and, for this reason, they refuse to spend anything of this in the Way of Allah. Even if they were to spend of something, their gesture would not be to gain the favor of Allah, but to make a show and to further their own advantage. Instead of feeling love and devotion towards Allah and His Prophet, they are inordinately devoted to the material objects that Allah has given them as a means to show their generosity. Their passion for wealth and possessions is so great that, when they are reminded that they should be generous, their reaction reveals their corrupted mentality. In the Qur'an, Allah describes how those who reject Him behave in this respect:

	And when they are told, "Spend from the provision Allah has given you," those who disbelieve say to those who believe, "Why should we feed someone whom, if He wished, Allah would feed Himself? You are clearly in error."  (Surah Ya Sin, 47)

This psychology of "material attainment" prevents the individual from spending what he has to further the Way of Allah, otherwise a very important act of worship. For, spending in the Way of Allah demonstrates the deep faithfulness and devotion that believers feel towards Allah. In the Qur'an, Allah speaks of the moral quality of certain believers, whose devotion to Him is so profound that they came back with tears streaming from their eyes when they were not able to find something they could offer to further His Way:

	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)

One who feels sincere love and faithfulness towards Allah will gladly and willingly offer what he possesses, or will possess, to promote His Way. What Allah describes in verse 35 of Surat al-Hajj is an important quality to be found in a believer:

	... whose hearts quake at the mention of Allah, and who are steadfast in the face of all that happens to them, those who establish prayer and give of what We have provided for them.  (Surat al-Hajj, 35)

Believers exploit every blessing Allah has given them to exercise a level of generosity that will win His favor, trying to the best of their ability to demonstrate their devotion and submission to Him.

Moreover, for believers, spending in the Way of Allah is not an act of worship limited by the demands of a particular instance. A person with limited means is as much responsible to complete this act of worship as a rich person with much in goods and possessions at his disposal. But, in the following verse, Allah explains that those who can find nothing to give will not be held responsible so long as they are "true to Allah and His Messenger," and remain sincerely devoted to Him and exhort others to be generous:

	Nothing is held against the weak and sick nor against those who find nothing to spend, provided they are true to Allah and His Messenger-there is no way open against good-doers, Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.  (Surat at-Tawba, 91)

No matter how trying a believer's circumstances may be, if he has something to offer he will gladly give it. No matter what his situation may be, he will willingly fulfill his obligation. For this reason, Allah refers to believers in a verse as, "those who give in times of both ease and hardship" (Surah Al 'Imran, 134). In another verse, Allah says that, no matter what conditions he finds himself in, a believer will show determination in the matter of giving, and will continually fulfill this obligation, either openly or in secret:

	Those who give away their wealth by night and day, secretly and openly, will have their reward with their Lord. They will feel no fear and will know no sorrow.  (Surat al-Baqara, 274)

The fact that believers regard these acts of worship as a way to "bring them nearer to Allah and to the prayers of the Messenger," is an indication of how sincere and submissive they are to Him. Believers use their possessions to do good deeds by which they will win Allah's favor; in doing so, their desire is to show Him gratitude and draw closer to Him. Therefore, spending in the Way of Allah is a demonstration of the strength of their faithfulness towards Allah; at the same time, it both strengthens their faith, and increases their submission as they draw nearer to Him. In verse 265 of Surat al-Baqara, Allah praises the moral character of those believers who offer their goods for the purpose of " "desiring the pleasure of Allah and firmness for themselves."  (Surat al-Baqara, 265)

Worldly possessions, which are deemed of excessive value by the disbelievers, and to which they are actually passionately devoted, are, for believers, blessings which they hope will bring them Allah's favor. Because they know that everything they own belongs to Allah, they have no qualms about performing this act of worship. They happily make use any of their blessings to win Allah's favor, and regard spending in the Way of Allah a way to draw closer to Him. Their devotion clearly shows their faithfulness towards Allah.

Believers Follow "Straight" on the Way of Allah

How people think, and the way they live, is determined by the goals they choose. Everyone has particular expectations of this life, and follows a way of living that will result in their fulfillment.

For example, a person who wants to fulfill his expectations of becoming the manager of a large firm, will have to enter university, and study in a field relative to the business, and gain all the knowledge and experience necessary to become that manager. Because he will remain in this field for the rest of his life, he will adopt the lifestyle that it will permit it. One who wants to become a university professor will have to work very hard, perhaps spending years abroad completing his education and, if necessary, will sacrifice his youth and particular interests. In short, people choose a lifestyle that corresponds to their goals, organizing their lives towards their future fulfillment.

Certainly, there is nothing wrong with a person setting goals in his life and career goals and working hard to achieve them. What is wrong is limiting one's expectations only to this life, and not making apt consideration of the afterlife. If a person's attainments are limited to this life, his life will be no different from that of those outlined above. One who lives without faith, nor knows anything of the life of the world to come, will strive only to attain the transient worldly goals he has set for himself.

This is one of the most pronounced differences between believers and disbelievers. Believers are well aware of the transience and mundane nature of this world, and could never become excessively attached to it. Of course, they benefit from the blessings of this life, but the goal of the believers ultimately is to serve Allah, earn His mercy and favor, and attain Paradise. For this reason, they devote their lives to good works that will win the favor of Allah, and to living according to the moral teachings of the Qur'an. Allah says in the Qur'an that He directs them on His straight Path because they are deeply devoted to Him:

	Whoever holds fast to Allah has been guided to a straight path.  (Surah Al 'Imran, 101)

Believers, who remain steadfast on the Path that Allah has shown throughout their lives, say, "… Allah's guidance, that is true guidance. We are commanded to submit as Muslims to the Lord of all the worlds" (Surat al-An'am, 71). Remaining steadfast on the Path of Allah means that a believer will never depart, at any time during his life, from that which Allah has shown him. Indeed, the strong sense of faithfulness and devotion to Allah of a person who dedicates himself to winning His favor and love, without any desire for earthly gain, will be very definite. In the Qur'an, Allah has provided examples of the superior moral character of believers, and declares that the good news of Paradise will be announced to them by angels:

	The angels descend on those who say, "Our Lord is Allah," and then go straight: "Do not fear and do not grieve but rejoice in the Garden you have been promised."  (Surah Fussilat, 30)

	Those who say, "Our Lord is Allah," and then go straight will feel no fear and will know no sorrow. (Surat al-Ahqaf, 13)

Believers put everything second to winning the favor of Allah, and so they-unless Allah wills otherwise-cannot depart from the right path, as the following verse reveals, "Allah has inscribed faith upon such people's hearts and will reinforce them with a Spirit from Him." (Surat al-Mujadala, 22) Believers do not make any compromises when on the Way that Allah has revealed to them and, in this regard, live their lives with a strong sense of faithfulness and submission, with a view to winning Allah's favor:

	Say: "My prayer and my rites, my living and my dying, are for Allah alone, the Lord of all the worlds." (Surat al-An'am, 162)

They are mindful of Allah in everything they do, and do everything with the intention of gaining His pleasure. Moreover, believers exercise great patience throughout the difficulties they experience, and constantly pray for His assistance. They attribute great value to the need to remain throughout their life on His Path, and to be able to do good deeds that will win Allah's favor. The strong sense of determination, as well as enthusiasm in their efforts on this Path, demonstrate the sincere faithfulness and submission they feel towards Him.

They Are Determined in Their Worship of Allah

Steadfastness is the determination to make every effort necessary to achieve a certain goal, without any regard for the difficulties that might result along the way. Essentially, steadfastness is an important moral quality that a believer must possess to win Allah's favor. In the following verse, Allah warns believers that they must show determination in performing acts of worship:

	He is Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything in between them, so worship Him and persevere in His worship. Do you know of any other with His Name? (Surah Maryam, 65)

In the Qur'an, Allah says that He has ordained all the commands and prohibitions, that sincere and devout believers must follow, and has revealed the faith and moral qualities according to which they must live in this world. Every believer knows he is responsible to Allah, and that he must win His approval. Therefore, he complies with every prescription and prohibition that Allah has revealed, in the attempt to attain the kind of moral perfection that will make him worthy of Paradise. Believers serve Allah as best as they can; their every thought and action is to win His favor.

In many verses of the Qur'an, Allah explains the kind of worship that believers must perform. Believers show no laxity in performing their acts of worship, and fulfill them with determination and willingly. In the Qur'an, Allah tells us about this determination:

	(They are men) not distracted by trade or commerce from the remembrance of Allah and the establishment of prayers and the payment of alms; fearing a day when all hearts and eyes will be in turmoil. (Surat an-Nur, 37)

As Allah says in verse 37 of Surat al-Hajj, "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.", believers know that what will make their acts of worship worthy in the sight of Allah are the intentions in their heart. For this reason, they are very careful to act with true sincerity.

Believers show this steadfastness in their worship in order to attain the high moral character that pleases Allah, and which He has described in the Qur'an. The struggle with their lower-selves to attain moral excellence also reveals their sense of determination in this regard.

In the test that is this earthly life, Allah has revealed two paths to human beings: the good and the evil. In order to retain good moral character throughout their lives, they must be careful not be diverted into the evil ways of their lower-selves. For example, in a situation that might incite anger, a believer restrains himself, and acts in a conciliatory fashion. When he meets an arrogant individual, he does not return arrogance for arrogance, but maintains a modest composure. In the Qur'an, our Lord says: "… People are prone to selfish greed..." (Surat an-Nisa', 128). He commands us to be cautious against the selfishness of our lower-selves, and to be steadfast in exhibiting good morals. One who pursues the kind of morality revealed by Allah is generous, and thinks of others before himself. He is composed under all situations and always speaks best of other people.

Believers feel a great sense of respect for the moral teachings of the Qur'an. Whether their lives are trying, filled with much anxiety, or prosperous and comfortable, they never compromise the moral teachings of the Qur'an. As Allah says in the Qur'an, "Those who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'We belong to Allah and to Him we will return,'" (Surat al-Baqara, 156), they never lose their sense of devotion and submission to Him. This way of practicing their faith gives believers strength of character, and, ultimately enhances their faith. In the Qur'an, Allah praises this superior moral character to be found in believers, as well as their faithfulness and submission to Him:

	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)

In the Qur'an, Allah praises the Prophet Ibrahim (as) for his submission to the religion, and reveals that He had made him His friend. He tells us that believers are those who are devoted to Him, and whose submission does not falter under any circumstance:

	(Believers are) those who, if We establish them firmly on the earth, will perform prayer and give the alms, and command what is right and forbid what is wrong. The end result of all affairs is with Allah.(Surat al-Hajj, 41)

Another characteristic of the believers, which shows forth their steadfastness in complying to the moral teachings of the Qur'an, is the effort they expend to win Allah's favor. They continually think of pleasing Him, performing good works to this end. They sincerely desire to be a servant whom Allah loves, and upon whom He showers His mercy. Throughout their lives, they make Allah their guardian, and worship Him, making the morality of the religion sincerely His. Believers are never lax in their efforts to strengthen their faith, demonstrating that their faithfulness to Allah has achieved for them true firmness.

They Make a Concerted Effort to Attain the Afterlife

In order to win Allah's favor, and attain Paradise, believers put forth great effort, this being a sign of their faithfulness towards Allah. In the Qur'an, our Lord says that believers are responsible to expend this great effort in order to win His favor and attain Paradise. They expend this effort in combating their lower-selves, to preserve their faith, to be among those most pleasing to Allah, and to tell others about the superior morality that Allah revealed in the Qur'an. This effort on the part of the believers is possible because of the willpower that derives from their submission to Allah. The zeal that Allah makes them feel in their hearts will be as strong as their faith in Him. In the Qur'an, Allah advises believers to put forth serious effort on His Way:

	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', 19)

So, believers exert effort, first of all, to bring their lower-selves into a condition that will please Allah. It is not possible for a disbeliever-as long as he does not embrace faith-to struggle with his lower-self, or make a concerted effort in this struggle. Many live their lives far removed from the moral teaching of the Qur'an, completely given to their desires and passions. And, because they can never relinquish these desires, they can never come near to living in a manner that is pleasing to Allah.

When we see the coercive influence their lower-selves exercise on disbelievers, we can understand the implications of the struggle believers themselves endure. While disbelievers are confounded by their lower-selves, believers have the strength and will to struggle successfully with their lower-selves, because of their faith in Allah, and their sincere devotion to Him. That an individual can expend the effort to act as Allah wills, and not according to his own passions and desires, is possible only because of this sincere devotion he feels towards our Lord.

As Allah says in verse 105 of Surat al-Ma'ida, believers are aware that one of the greatest responsibilities conferred upon them in this world is to restrain their lower-selves:

	"You who believe! You are only responsible for yourselves."(Surat al-Ma'ida, 105)

Throughout their lives, they struggle with these inclinations that continually urge them towards evil, and which try to prevent them from gaining Allah's favor. They are awake to the deceptions of their lower-self, and carefully avoid all actions that would be displeasing to Allah. Because their goal is to win Allah's favor, they always put their personal urges second to conforming to that which will please Him. In this regard, Allah says this in the Qur'an, "And among the people there are some who give up everything, desiring the good pleasure of Allah. Allah is Ever-Gentle with His servants."(Surat al-Baqara, 207) The sincere and devoted effort of believers put forth to curb their inner urges, and win Allah's favor, is a good example of their persistent faithfulness towards Him. They always succeed in their efforts; Allah supports them through His mercy, so that all they endeavor turns out for the best.

Along with this concerted effort believers put forth with regard to their inner-urges, they convey to others about the morality that Allah has been pleased to choose as a way of life for human beings; in so doing, they contribute greatly towards the eradication of conflict and corruption in the world.

Throughout history, non-believers have been hostile to the true religion, and opposed the believers and prophets. They have tried to degrade them in the eyes of others, by inhibiting their efforts and making certain false accusations. They have gone so far as to assault them physically, not refraining from violence. Believers tried to establish peace and order in the world, and to suppress the ideological and physical assault of non-believers. They have been subject to slander, and driven out of their cities. Yet, in spite of all such trials, they never abandoned the moral teaching of the Qur'an; they never feared criticism, and have not been adversely affected by the negative response of others.

Difficult times do not demoralize believers; on the contrary, they strengthen them, and make them still more determined. They are aware that, in order for peace, justice and order to reign on earth, there must be no confusion or corruption. Allah says in the Qur'an:

	Do not corrupt the earth after it has been put right. Call on Him fearfully and eagerly. Allah's mercy is close to the good-doers.(Surat al-A'raf, 56)

They know that this can come about only by practicing the moral teachings of the Qur'an, and so convey these truths to others.

Our prophet (saas) has pointed out in his Sayings the importance of good moral character, and invited believers to undertake sincere efforts towards its attainment:

"By One in whose hand there is my life: None shall enter Paradise except one who has got good conduct." (Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din)

Believers, who are aware of the recommendations communicated by Allah and our Prophet (saas), on how to live a moral life, stress the great importance of struggling against their own inner-urges, and conveying the moral teachings of the Qur'an to others. Their commitment to sacrificing their lives, and everything they have, becomes possible by embracing the teachings of the Qur'an, and feeling a deep sense of faithfulness and devotion towards Allah. In the Qur'an, Allah states that believers prove their faithfulness to Him by keeping their promises to Him:

	Among the believers there are men who have been true to the contract they made with Allah. Some of them have fulfilled their pact by death and some are still waiting to do so, not having changed in any way at all. So that Allah might recompense the truthful for their truth and punish the hypocrites, if He wills, or turn towards them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.(Surat al-Ahzab, 23-24)

Faithfulness towards the Prophets

They Believe that the Prophets Are Allah's Messengers

Throughout the ages, Allah, in His mercy, has sent prophets to communicate the religion to human beings, to reveal to them what they did not know, and to reform them and make them pure. What makes prophets different from other human beings is that Allah has given them a special mission, that is, He has chosen them. For this reason, believers regard prophets as honored individuals. Because they exercise sincere devotion to Allah, they also love and respect the prophets that Allah has sent to them as a mercy, as well as being deeply attached and faithful to them. They show profound respect and love towards the prophets in both word and deed.

Moreover, believers know that Allah has commanded them to have faith in and respect His messengers. Prophets are examples to those believers who proclaim Allah's religion. This responsibility entrusted upon them shows that their faith is superior. Because of this, believers obtain great benefit by remaining faithful to Allah's messenger (saas), and accepting his advice. In the Qur'an, Allah explains that those who obey His messengers will have a great reward in the world to come:

	Those who believe in Allah and His messengers-such people are the truly sincere-and the martyrs who are with their Lord will receive their wages and their light. But those who disbelieve and deny Our Signs, will be Companions of the Blazing Fire. (Surat al-Hadid, 19)

In another verse, Allah announces this good news to those who show faithfulness to our Prophet (saas) and follow his path:

	[Allah said, "Believers are] those who follow the Messenger, the Ummi, whom they find written down with them in the Torah and the Gospel, commanding them to do right and forbidding them to do wrong, making good things lawful for them and bad things forbidden for them, relieving them of their heavy loads and the chains which were around them. Those who believe in him and honor him and help him, and follow the Light that has been sent down with him, they are the ones who are successful."(Surat al-A'raf, 157)

Believers, who are faithful to Allah's Prophet (saas), and follow his path, will find great inner-peace and happiness in this world. This will add to their strength and increase their faith, and-if Allah wills-it will be a means by which they will obtain Allah's mercy of Paradise.

They Obey the Prophets

One of the most decisive indications of how faithful are believers towards the prophets is their recognizing they are Allah's messengers, and being completely obedient to them. In many parts of the Qur'an, Allah calls believers to obey the prophets. Throughout history, and in every society, prophets have called people to heed their words and obey Allah, and reminded them that adopting this morality is the only way to salvation in this world and in the world to come.

The obedience that believers show to Allah and His messengers is a product of the faithfulness they have towards Him. Allah declares that believers demonstrate their submission to Him in accepting the authority of His messengers:

	[Allah said, "Believers are] those who follow the Messenger, the Ummi, whom they find written down with them in the Torah and the Gospel, commanding them to do right and forbidding them to do wrong, making good things lawful for them and bad things forbidden for them, relieving them of their heavy loads and the chains which were around them. Those who believe in him and honor him and help him, and follow the Light that has been sent down with him, they are the ones who are successful."(Surat an-Nur, 51)

Therefore, such obedience is possible only through sincere faithfulness, and can only be found in the actions of believers. In many verses of the Qur'an, Allah speaks of the importance of obedience, and the wonderful things it will bring to believers. In verse 132 of Surah Al 'Imran, Allah says that believers will win His mercy through their obedience: "Obey Allah and the Messenger so that hopefully you will gain mercy" (Surah Al 'Imran, 132). For this reason, believers regard this matter as being of the greatest importance. As Allah says in Verse 32 of Surah Al 'Imran, they know it will earn them Allah's favor and are meticulous in their obedience:

	Say, "Obey Allah and the Messenger." Then if they turn away, Allah does not love the disbelievers.(Surah Al 'Imran, 32)

In the Qur'an, Allah refers to the determination exhibited by believers in their faithfulness and obedience towards His messengers:

	The believers are those who believe in Allah and His Messenger and who, when they are with him on a matter of common concern, do not leave until they have asked him for permission. Those people who ask you for permission are the ones who truly believe in Allah and His Messenger. If they ask your permission to attend to their own affairs, give permission to any of them you please; and ask Allah's forgiveness for them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat an-Nur, 62)

Allah tells us in this verse of the fact that believers cannot undertake an endeavor without the permission of His Messenger. This is one of the clearest indications of the sincere devotion and faithfulness they feel towards him. This submission on the part of the believers shows the importance they attach to the opinion of our Prophet (saas), and their unquestioning obedience to his rulings, whatever they may be. In another verse in the Qur'an, Allah advises believers to accept the invitations of our Prophet (saas) to things that will give them true life:

	You who believe! Respond to Allah and to the Messenger when He calls you to what will bring you to life! Know that Allah intervenes between a man and his heart and that you will be gathered to Him.(Surat al-Anfal, 24)

Obeying Allah's messengers is an important act of worship, that will bring great benefit to believers in this world and the next. As our Prophet (saas) declares in his Sayings, the two most important guides for Muslims are the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

"Verily, I have left amongst you the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Apostle which if you hold fast, you shall never go astray."(Prophet Muhammad's (saas) Last Sermon)

Today, obedience to our Prophet (saas) means following the example of his moral virtue and walking in his path.

They Are Faithful to the Qur'an

Throughout the ages, Allah has sent prophets and messengers to many peoples, and revealed books from His presence. He sent the Psalms to Prophet Dawud (as), the Torah to Prophet Musa (as), the Gospel to Isa (as) and, finally, the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad (saas). When those books which had been revealed before the Qur'an became corrupted, Allah revealed the Qur'an, and promised that He would preserve it unchanged. The Qur'an is the only book those who believe in Allah and His Prophet (saas) may take as their guide.

Believers comply with the teachings of the Qur'an, though they also believe in and honor the books revealed before it. Allah states in the Qur'an that these early books also bore witness to the truth:

	He has sent down the Book to you with truth, confirming what was there before it. And He sent down the Torah and the Gospel.(Surah Al 'Imran, 3)

In this regard, a believer accepts all the messengers that have been sent, and does not discriminate between one and another: "You who believe! Believe in Allah and His Messenger and in the Book He sent down to His Messenger, and the Books He sent down before…" (Surat an-Nisa', 136). But, believers know that the Qur'an is under the protection of Allah, and take only it as their guide. Allah declares that the Qur'an has never undergone any alteration, and that it will be protected until the Day of Judgment. In the Qur'an, our Lord says:

	It is We Who have sent down the Reminder and We Who will preserve it.(Surat al-Hijr, 9)

As the message from our Lord, the Qur'an holds great importance for believers. From it, believers learn of the religion that Allah has been pleased to choose for them, and the responsibilities it entails. The guide to wisdom a believer requires is the Qur'an. In every situation he encounters, throughout his life, he will direct his actions according to the commands and advice that Allah provides in the Qur'an. Allah reveals that the Qur'an is the one guide believers should follow:

	We have sent down the Book to you making all things clear and as guidance and mercy and good news for the Muslims. (Surat an-Nahl, 89)

	This is a communication to be transmitted to mankind so that they may be warned by it and so that they will know that He is One God and so that people of intelligence will pay heed.(Surah Ibrahim, 52)

It is only from the Qur'an that believers can learn the commands and the moral teachings that Allah ordained, and to discover details of the Day of Judgment and the Afterlife. As Allah states in the verse 54 of the Surat al-Kahf, "We have variegated throughout this Qur'an all kinds of examples for people," all the knowledge a believer needs throughout his life is to be found in the Qur'an. Therefore, believers always read the Qur'an, believe what Allah declared in its verses, and assess everything that happens to them according to it. Everything Allah stated in the Qur'an is "consummate wisdom" (Surat al-Qamar, 5) for believers… For this reason, believers "hold fast to" the Qur'an, and try to practice as best as they can all the precepts that Allah has revealed in it. In the Qur'an, Allah tells us of this strong devotion of the believers to the Qur'an:

	Those to whom We have given the Book, who recite it in the way it should be recited, such people believe in it. As for those who reject it, they are the losers.(Surat al-Baqara, 121)

	As for those who hold fast to the Book and perform prayer, We will not let the wage of the righteous be wasted(Surat al-A'raf, 170)

With regard to issues of righteousness and justice, the Qur'an is complete:

	The Words of your Lord are perfect in truthfulness and justice. No one can change His Words. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Surat al-An'am, 115)

For this reason, believers, who take the Qur'an as their guide, live every moment of their lives in the best and most fulfilling way.

Allah revealed the Qur'an to believers as the path of truth, as well as for advice and as a healing. Their devotion to it strengthens their faith and fear towards Him, and draws them closer to Him. Allah reveals this truth to us in the Qur'an:

	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)

They Are Faithful to their Nation and Its People

As with believers everywhere, the faithfulness and obedience of people of faith in certain parts of the world is due to their acceptance of the moral teachings that Allah has revealed in the Qur'an. But, the reason for their devotion to a state lies in their definition of a state.

In a society that shares life and common objectives, the state is an institution whose goal is to ensure order, security, prosperity and well-being, and uses those methods most just to attain that goal. From this definition of the role of the state it can be understood that the possibility for a state to achieve order and security; for it to enjoy unity and co-operation, with the peace and stability resulting from it, the state must possess certain powers and authorities. The state is the most important and most crucial of institutions for the existence of a people. Whether it is for collective defense, ensuring peace or for economic security, the role of the state is critical.

This is the reason why every group that wants to do harm to a country attacks first the state and its authority. Throughout history, separatist organizations and individuals who have felt dissatisfied with the existing authority in a particular state, have engaged in various activities designed to diminish or destroy its power.

These individuals and groups have disapproved of the intervention of the state and its operations in various spheres. But, when we examine their ideologies, we find that they all share a certain point in common: they want to destroy religion and the true morality it fosters. These opponents of the state work to destroy the unity of its structure, and to put in its place a system shaped by their own anti-religious ideology. And, because they have no religion, they resort to belligerence and violence in the attempt to attain their goals. Their goal is the destruction of the peace and order of the country. Surely, this condition poses a danger and a threat, not only to the state but also to its citizens. Therefore, in order to prevent the danger, to remove it and maintain peace in a country, every individual must be a part of the state, and respect it and obey it.

Outside of that though, there is another point we must consider seriously. Obedience to the state is dependent on the way it enforces morality. If a state regards profiteering, insubordination, conflict and other such forms of corruption in public life as legitimate, and rejects mutual respect, compassion, self-sacrifice, justice, tolerance and other such virtues, it is inconceivable that its members should feel any sense of belonging to that state. Therefore, the basis of this sense of belonging lies in proper morality. Those who practice the moral teachings of the Qur'an are aware of this truth. They know that devotion to Islamic values, and living according to the moral teaching of the Qur'an, will bring unity to both the state and its citizens; and they realize that, as a result of this, the country's standard of living will be enhanced.

With this truth in mind, believers are eager to tell others about the moral teachings of the Qur'an, and to invite them to implement them in their lives. The main source of this zeal is their awareness that their efforts are for the good of all.

There is another virtue the teachings of the Qur'an fosters among the believers, and human beings in general: obedience. The moral lessons of the Qur'an play a very important role in an Islamic society because it makes them obedient. The practice of this morality, and the communicating of it to others, play an important role in strengthening the state and establishing prosperity and well-being among its people. And, therefore, the communication of this morality exercises a profound impact on the existence of the state and the unity of its citizens. As such, a society composed of individuals living according to the moral teachings of the Qur'an, will both ensure unity and co-operation, through the practice of this morality, and foster an environment in which citizens will remain obedient to the state. People will be more compassionate, merciful, just and tolerant, while their collective unity and sense of cooperation will be strengthened. The dissemination of the moral teachings of the Qur'an, until every individual learns to follow its precepts, will eradicate the degradation that gives rise to anarchy, terrorism and immorality, and usher in peace, order and well-being. In many verses of the Qur'an, Allah describes the moral chaos and corruption that human beings create, of which He commands all people to beware:

	Eat and drink of Allah's provision and do not go about the earth corrupting it.(Surat al-Baqara, 60)

	Whenever he holds the upperhand, he goes about the earth corrupting it, destroying crops and animals. Allah does not love corruption.(Surat al-Baqara, 205)

	Give full measure and full weight. Do not diminish people's goods. Do not cause corruption in the land after it has been put right. That is better for you if you are believers. (Surat al-AÔraf , 85)

As can be seen, those individuals who are faithful, because they live according to the moral precepts of the Qur'an, would feel great respect and devotion to their state. The morality of the Qur'an is needed to create the foundation of the state, as well as to establish unity and co-operation; and believers who communicate the meaning of this morality to others, call them to comply their lives according to it, experience a great sense of honor and personal contentment.