Islam_in_Focus_text

lam. These Islamic morals are unique i n their nature under
all circumstances. They are introduced by God not simply to
be admired occasionally but to be enforced and effective.
They are meant to help the individual to develop his person-
ality and cultivate his character in the most wholesome man-
ner, to strengthen his bonds and consolidate his association
with God, the Source of all goodness. Never were the Islam-
ic morals designed to intimidate the individual and make
him passive or indifferent. One example will illustrate the
point. If a Muslim is wronged or oppressed, he has the free
choice either to resist and retaliate in an equal measure or to
forgive and entrust God with the results of his deed. He
knows that he is authorized to take either action, and he
equally knows that it is better for him to forgive. So when he
forgives, he does so with his own free choice for the Love of
God. Similarly, when he retaliates he is not violating the
Law or acting unjustly; he is defending his rights, an attitude
which is a sacred duty in itself, and is helping the rightful
authorities to establish order and justice. If Islam were to de-
mand absolute forgiveness as some other creeds do in theo-
ry, many undisciplined people would be tempted to do
wrong and exceed all limits. Likewise, if Islam were to de-
mand only retaliation, as some other creeds ruthlessly teach,
there would be not room for mercy and patience nor for spir-