“By the night when it covers everything and by the day when it brightens up in glory. And by Him, who created the male and the female, surely your efforts are diverse. So, he who gives and is pious and accepts what is good, We shall prepare for him the way to ease; But whoever is miserly and heedless and rejects what is good, We shall prepare for him the way to hardship” (Al-Layl: 1-10).
Our wonderful world is full of contrast; the darkness of the night and the brightness of the day, the competitive urge of men and the loving motherly instinct of women. Then there is the variety in human endeavours. People are different from one another, they differ in their works, and all have their specific goals. This richness of diversity in human beings is the proof of Divine Unity and the brotherhood of man. After introducing the concept of diversity in the creation and mankind the Quran explains the path to success and the path to failure by mentioning the three characteristics of successful people, these are:
1. Generosity: This is to give to others without them asking for it, to provide support, service and provisions to the needy. The generous give these out of love and kindness. Parents are generous to their children as they feed, clothe and care for them.
2. God Consciousness (Taqwa): This means to fear God and be aware of the Lord’s presence all the time and in all places. This God consciousness is expressed through prayer, charity and works of goodness.
3. Openness: This means accepting all that is good and beautiful. This is about recognising the good ideas and concepts such as good habits and practices etc. read more