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.