CONCLUSION

We live only a short time in this world. Where we will abide for the longest period of time is in the Hereafter. In order to be a believer who deserves eternal life in Paradise, it is necessary to behave in this world in such a way so as to earn the good pleasure of Allah. What Allah demands of us is that we devote ourselves to Him, and adopt the superior morality which He has commanded. The courage shown by the faithful on the path of Allah is a trait of this superior morality. The prophets and those who followed them were important examples in this regard for those Muslims who come after them.

The type of courage that is in accordance with the teachings of the Qur'an can provide us with much in both material and spiritual gain. First of all, when one shows determination according to what Allah desires, his conscience will be at ease. And, because his conscience is easy, he enjoys tranquility of spirit.

Believers who show courage in conveying the message of the superior morality which Allah has commanded to people, are those with profound faith, who carry out His instructions without fear of reprisal, or of the devious tactics and slander of the unbelievers.

They are examples for everyone. Unbelievers become overwhelmed by the drive, zeal and determination which the faithful display, and they can observe them only with a wonder tinged with envy. Effectively, the determination and courage of the faithful are such as to set an example to all who are on the face of the Earth.

Courage ensures even greater devotion in earning Allah's good pleasure and propagating the morality of the Qur'an. In spite of all the hindrances effected by the unbelievers, the believer becomes still more determined in carrying out the duty imparted upon him by Allah of informing others about the faith, and continues to relate the morality of the Qur'an with great fervor.

In spite of oppression and other obstacles, it is the duty of every Muslim to live according to the superior morality of Islam. Otherwise, as Allah advises us in the following verse, "What reason could you have for not fighting in the Way of Allah-for those men, women and children who are oppressed and say, "Our Lord, take us out of this city whose inhabitants are wrongdoers! Give us a protector from You! Give us a helper from You!" (Surat An-Nisa', 75), they will not be fulfilling His instructions. In fact, every believer with a conscience has enough faith and spiritual strength both for himself and to come to the aid of others. In a world where people are treated with cruelty, killed unjustly, and basically subjected to torment in this world, it is inappropriate for any believer to pursue his own selfish interests or to ignore the plight of such people.

Under such circumstances, every Muslim of conscience should develop his courage, and if there are points at which his courage is deficient, he should determine what these are and improve it with fear of Allah, because, "the life of this world, compared to the Hereafter, is only fleeting enjoyment." (Surat ar- Ra'd, 26).

In this world, which passes in the blink of an eye, not to act bravely, and not to show the determination which Allah demands, would be a failure for which people will undoubtedly feel great regret in the Hereafter.