Islamic Character and Doomsday

ISLAMIC CHARACTER

An Islamic character is a Divine character. It is to treat others with the same generosity and charity as God shows to man. The Quran has set the pattern in this matter by stating that:

“If you are merciful, forgiving and magnanimous then God is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (64:14)

That is to say that if a relationship with someone turns, or some difference of opinion occurs, one should adopt a posture similar to God’s. He forgives people their mistakes and does not deprive them of His mercies because of their errors; one should act in like manner. If something is said which hurts one’s feelings or one is treated in a disconcerting manner, the transgressor should not be turned against for this reason alone; rather one should over-look his mistakes and treat him as if nothing had happened.



To put in a word, magnanimity is what marks an Islamic character. Generally one treats others according to what they have said or done with regard to one. A Muslim should transcend such considerations in his treatment of others. His reactions should be molded by God’s commandments.



Maintaining the highest standard of Islamic character entails helpfulness and benevolence towards others. If one cannot actually be of use to others, then one must at least avoid harming them, and must spare them any suffering on account of ill judged words and action. Islamic character ceases to exist on any plane lower than this.


DOOMSDAY



People eat, drink and make merry in this world. They establish themselves in comfortable homes. They seek to win promotion in life. They believe or reject matters at will. They are free to do and say what they like. They strive to excel in whatever department of life they choose.



Man has been deluded by his worldly position. He thinks that what he owns in this world will always be his. He forgets that he is being put to the test by means of all the power, which he wields in this ephemeral world. Nothing that he has will last. Everything will be taken away from him. He will be stripped of even the most basic of the worldly amenities he used to enjoy. He will be brought before the Lord of the Universe to be judged.



All disparity between men will disappear on the Day of Judgment. Fear of God will seal everybody’s tongue. Injustice will benefit no one; truth will be inescapable. Man will stand alone, answerable for his actions.

We must foresee the coming of that day before its arrival. Those who fail to see it coming before it is upon them will have to pay dearly for their shortsightedness. They will have to endure the punishment of hell fire.