Friday 16 September 2011

Friendship and Faith

In verse 9:67
the 'hypocrites' are described as
"one from from another": ba3Dhuhum min ba3Dh.
A few verses later (9:71),
the 'believers' are compared & described differently:
"awliyaa [helpers/friends] of one another"; ba3Dhuhum awliyaa'u ba3Dh.
This raises the question:
why the difference in wording?
If nothing else,
these verses release a hint about the nature of relationships
between true believers,
and relationships between those lacking in faith.
Whereas a person lacking faith in God
will tend to base his relationships on self-interest,
a person of faith
is expected to base his relationships on heart-to-heart friendship:
wishing & doing well for the other.
His friendship & concern ultimately acts of submission to God,
and thus constant,
remaining the same under all conditions.
Lasting; the mark of this faith.

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