SPIRIT OF ISLAM APRIL 2O18

9 Spirit of Islam Issue 64 April 2018 DOING ONE’S DUTY Duty Before Right A JOURNALIST who had worked for many newspapers shared his experiences which have precious lessons for others. One of his experiences was about a problem which arose about the Friday prayer. It was between him and his manager. He went to his manager and explained to him that he wished to attend the Friday prayer, and that he would work extra hours to compensate for the lost time. His manager gave him permission without a second thought. The journalist proved true to his word. Every Friday he went for his prayer and compensated for it by doing extra hours of work. The arrangement worked well, and then came the time for Ramazan. A few days before Ramazan started, the manager himself came to his cabin and said, “Ramazan is about to start and I know you keep your fast. You should adjust your working hours in such a way that you are not subjected to any inconvenience. You have full freedom to come and go as you like. The normal office hours are not applicable to you during the month of Ramazan.” Just as saying our prayers is a duty, doing our job earnestly is also a duty. If those who want to have some special privilege realize this fact and perform both the duties with devotion, it will earn them rich dividends. On the one hand, it will enrich their spiritual awakening, bringing them close to God. While on the other, it will create in them such social qualities as will endear them to all those with whom they associate. o Gentleness By gentleness one can win people's hearts. Harshness only drives people further away. God's blessings come to the one who behaves gently instead of harshly. Just as saying our prayers is a duty, doing our job earnestly is also a duty.