A Path to Man’s Growth
Undoubtedly, all human beings are seeking perfection and salvation but they may have different ideas as to what accounts for perfection and salvation.
Some people see perfection in gaining wealth and materialistic achievements, like the people of Moses (AS), who said: “Would that we were given that which Korah has received. He has certainly received a great share.” (Verse 79 of Surah Al-Qasas)
Some like the hypocrites consider their salvation to be in friendship with unbelievers: “Those who take unbelievers for guides instead of believers, are they seeking might with them? Surely, the Might altogether belongs to Allah.” (Verse 139 of Surah An-Nisa)
There are some who think perfection is in materialistic sciences: “… they rejoiced in such knowledge as they had.” (Verse 83 of Surah Ghafir)
Others believe their honor is in wealth and large crowd: “To his friend he exclaimed, ‘I have more wealth and greater man-power than you.’” (Verse 34 of Surah Al-Kahf)
And there are some who consider their salvation can be achieved via oppression and injustice, such as pharaoh who said: “… those who gain the upper hand today shall indeed prosper.” (Verse 64 of Surah Taha)
But in Islam’s view, the best and most sublime path to salvation is Tazkiyah (purifying one’s self): “Those who purify their souls will certainly have everlasting happiness.” (Verse 9 of Surah Ash-Shams)
That is the reason why God has sent messengers and religious leaders: “God granted a great favor to the believers by sending a Messenger from their own people to recite to them God's revelations, to purify them of moral defects, to teach them the Book, and to give them wisdom. Before this they had lived in manifest error.” (Verse 164 of Surah Al Imran)
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) also said: ““I was only sent to perfect moral character.”
There are many verses in the Quran that point to moral dignity. Following are some of them:
1- “God does not forbid you to deal kindly and justly with those who have not fought against you about the religion or expelled you from your homes. God does not love the unjust people.” (Verse 8 of Surah Al-Mumtahinah)
2- “Believers, do not say bad words against the idols lest they (pagans) in their hostility and ignorance say such words against God.” (Verse 108 of Surah Al-Ana’am)
3- “… you shall speak to men good words.” (Verse 83 of Surah Al-Baqarah)
4- “And do not dispute with the People of the Book.” (Verse 46 of Surah Al-Ankabut)
5- “Have forgiveness, preach the truth, and keep away from the ignorant ones.” (Verse 199 of Surah Al-A’araf)
6- “And accompany them in this life with kindness.” (Verse 15 of Surah Luqman)
7- “Do not drive away those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking only His Face.” (Verse 52 of Surah Al-Ana’am)
8- “Answer a greeting in kinder words than those said to you in the greeting or at least as kind.” (Verse 86 of Surah An-Nisa)
9- “Repel evil with that which is better.” (Verse 96 of Surah Al-Muminun)
10- “Do not put in our hearts any spite towards those who believe.” (Verse 10 of Surah Al-Hashr)
So these moral teachings and commandments and similar ones are aimed at helping humans purify their souls and move on the path of perfection and servitude to God.
