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attain the highest grade in Paradise.”

On the other hand, pride is so greatly repugnant to Allah (Subhaanahu Wata’aalaa) that the sacred Prophet (Peace be upon him) has warned us, again and again, against it in such strong words:

“Whoever has pride in his heart even of the weight of an atom shall be cast head-long into the Hell of Allah (Subhaanahu Wata’aalaa).”

“Whoever has pride in his heart even of the weight of a mustard seed, shall not enter Paradise.”

“Beware of pride! Pride was the sin which first of all ruined the Devil.”

May Allah (Subhaanahu Wata’aalaa) save us all from the Satanic evil of pride, and endow our hearts and minds with meekness and humility which He admires so much and which is the symbol of His slaves.

It needs, however, be remembered that it is demanded of us to practice meekness and humility in our personal matters and not in matters where truth of faith is involved. When it comes to faith or truth we must be bold and outspoken and give the fullest proof of courage and firmness of this is the will of Allah (Subhaanahu Wata’aalaa) for such occasions.

The way of a Muslim, in sum, is that while he is meek and humble is his own individual sphere of existence, he is firm like a rock and allows neither fear nor weakness to come near him where faith or truth or justice is at stake.

Courage and fortitude

There occur periods of hardship and adversity in the lives of men. Sometimes there is want, sometimes there is disease, and sometimes our enemies harass us. And, so forth. For such situations the teaching of Islam is that we should bear them with courage and fortitude, remain firm and stout of heart and do not waver from our principles in-spite of thousands trials and calamities that may assail us. For such men there is the assurance of the Quran that they are the Beloved of Allah (Subhaanahu Wata’aalaa):

“For Allah (Subhaanahu Wata’aalaa) loves those who are patient and persevering”

“Allah (Subhaanahu Wata’aalaa), surely, is with those who patiently persevere.”

“And to be firm and patient in pain (or suffering) and adversity and through all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah (Subhaanahu Wata’aalaa)-fearing.”

And the Prophet (Peace be upon him) says:

“No boon conferred on man more precious than that of patience.”

“Patience is one-half of faith.”

Contrarily, impatience, chicken-heartedness and cowardice are the most lamentable of evils against which the Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to beg Allah (Subhaanahu Wata’aalaa) for refuge in his prayers.

Sincerity

Sincerity is the life and soul of entire moral edifice of Islam, nay, of Islam itself. By sincerity we mean that all our deeds and actions should solely be for the sake of Allah (Subhaanahu Wata’aalaa) and prompted by no other urge than to earn His approbation. Apart from it, there must be no other desire, motive or intention