Zeal and Enthusiasm Described in the Qur'an: Seeking the Kinds of Deeds that Most Please Allah

Through the Qur’an’s verses Allah has communicated to people the kind of morals and way of living with which He is pleased. It is only believers who comply with Allah’s command in the best way. Even when they have knowledge of it, most people neglect the lifestyle with which Allah is pleased because they lack the goal of pleasing Him. On the other hand, believers try to abide by every verse in the Qur’an attentively and not make concessions in this matter. Even when they meet a situation contrary to their worldly inclinations, they do not show the slightest intimidation; rather, they fulfill the most difficult tasks with great zeal throughout their lives.

Allah commands people to say "that which is best" to one another. Saying a kind word is an act that earns Allah’s approval. However, saying "that which is best" is what earns the most of Allah’s approval and increases His reward because Allah informs us that it is a most acceptable deed.

Similarly, Allah states in the Qur’an that a misdeed may be countered with one equivalent to it. However, He also draws attention to the fact that forgiving and displaying an exemplary attitude to improve the morality of the offender is better: "And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation – his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers." As we are informed in the verse, repaying an evil act with one equivalent to it is a manner that conforms to Allah’s law. However, forgiving is the manner that is more acceptable and leads a person to earn the most of Allah’s pleasure. In a situation where one is able to exact his right, managing to control rage and forgiving an offender is the mark of moral perfection. That is because the person refuses to obey the wishes of his baser self and displays noble patience only to earn the good pleasure of Allah. As the following verse states: "And whoever is patient and forgives – indeed, that is of the matters [requiring] determination."

The difference with zealous people is recognized from their undaunted and unyielding choice of the best manner. No matter what the circumstance, they show determination to do what most pleases Allah. In return Allah gives them glad tidings that He will guide them to salvation: "By it [i.e., the Qur’an] Allah guides those who pursue His pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from darkness into the light, by His permission, and guides them to a straight path."