SPIRIT OF ISLAM MAY 2O18

15 Spirit of Islam Issue 65 May 2018 BEING USEFUL TO SOCIETY Receiving in Giving I N the chapter Al-Ra’d (The Thunder), the Quran narrates a parable illustrating the law of nature, that only those who prove to be ‘giver’ members of society will be able to establish themselves in life. The following is the translation of the verse: He sends downs water from the sky that fills riverbeds to overflowing, each according to its measure. The torrent carries along swelling foam, akin to what rises from smelted ore from which man makes ornaments and tools. God thus depicts truth and falsehood. The scum is cast away, but whatever is of use to man remains behind. God thus speaks in parables. (13: 17) In our world, material events symbolize moral realities. What is required of man, is being demonstrated by the rest of the world at the material level as in the two events of nature which have been described in the above verse of the Quran. One symbol used is that of rainfall, with its water flowing into the rivers and streams. At that time a great deal of foam surfaces on it. Another symbol is that of precious minerals being heated in order to purify them, their impurities appearing in the shape of scum which, being useless for man is discarded. The main point which emerges is that the water and minerals which are useful to man remain intact and the foam and scum is discarded. These are material events through which nature shows symbolically what principles it has laid down for the success or failure of life. One principle is that, in this world, only those who prove useful to others will find a place in society. The individual who has lost his capacity to benefit others has no respectable place in this world. The same is true of communities and groups. Let us discuss further about what one should refrain from doing in society and what one should consciously do when living in society. Self-Control : Self-control is integral to social ethics. If you are alone on an island, there is no need for any control as the absence of others, Only those who prove useful to others will find a place in society. The individual who has lost his capacity to benefit others has no respectable place in this world.