Talents and Morals


Talent is Allah’s blessing, which He bestowed on mankind; thus, each talent must be followed by giving thanks and good usage. Whoever Allah blesses with intelligence or bodily power or the power of acquiring knowledge or the talents of poetry or writing, or becomes a successful person in his studies or in the society through the talent bestowed on him by the Almighty Allah, must thank Him, as well as, help others.
Some people become arrogant and feel pride over others, when they saw that they are above others. Indeed, pride and arrogance shows a state of psychological deviation and immorality. When pride and arrogance overpowers a person who is above others, he will be morally deteriorating; he will only concentrate on the side of his superiority.
It is possible that the owner of a talent may be selfish, prevents others from benefiting from what he is bestowed with by the Almighty Allah. Indeed a sound person is he who develops the sense of sacrifice in his self, as well as, gives much time to others, and renders his help to them. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “The best of mankind is he who benefits them.”
Indeed, morality is the best talent and blessing. A person who is blessed with good morals is the possessor of the best talent, he is above others. Thus, the Almighty Allah praised His Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) for his superiority in morals. He said:
 

“And surely you have sublime morals.”
Holy Qur’an (68: 4)

 

A true Muslim who is blessed with a talent and superiority capability should glorify and thank Allah for what he blessed him with. He should continue to repeat the saying of the Almighty Allah:
 

“My Lord, grant me that I may give thanks for Your favour, which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do good which pleases You; and be good to me in respect of my offspring. Truly I turn to You.”
Holy Qur’an (46: 15)

 

This kind of giving thanks increases one’s humbleness toward Allah and seeking for the increase of the blessing. Indeed, by doing so, the blessing will continue and increase:
 

“If you are grateful, I will give you more.”
Holy Qur’an (14: 7)

 

And also he will feel inferior in front of the Almighty Allah, the Granter of bounties. It is because of this that the Almighty Allah addresses His Holy Prophet (s.a.w.), saying:
 

“And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” Holy Qur’an (20: 114)
 

A learned person, as well as, an intelligent person, whenever his knowledge or intelligence increases, his humbleness also increases:
 

“And of knowledge you are given but little.”
Holy Qur’an (17: 85)
 

Prophet Moses (a.s.) looks at what he possessed with the eye of humbleness, saying:
 

“My Lord, I stand in need of whatever good you may send to me.”
Holy Qur’an (28: 24)

As the disease of pride and arrogance can overpower some people, likewise, jealousy overpowers others when they see that his fellow being is superior over him.
Many times, such people will resort to retaliation over those who are above them. They conspire against them so as to blackmail them and downgrade their personality. This situation shows the state of deviation and disease of those people. As it also shows the weakness of their belief on the justice of Allah and His wisdom. Because, it is the Almighty Allah Who divides these talents among His servants with His justice and wisdom, and in a situation that will benefit the society and social life, and man will feel the sense of mutual cooperation.
It is possible that those who were blessed with such talents, especially army commanders and politicians, may become arrogant and tyrannical, that oppress the human race; as a result of their deviation and arrogance. The Holy Qur'an discusses the saying of Prophet Dawud (a.s.) when he saw Allah’s blessings bestowed upon him:
 

“That He may try me whether I am grateful or ungrateful.” Holy Qur’an (27: 40)
 

There are some people who are overpowered by pride due to the talent they possess, thereby they forgot its value and turn it into a calamity for himself and humanity; such as Hitler, Musilini, Hajjaj, Saddam and others, while there are some people who not only thank Allah for His blessings to them, but also, turn it to be a benefit both to themselves and their society; like doctors, physicians, farmers, engineers and etc.


 

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