Listen to the Voice of God

Our conscience is our guide. By following the voice of our conscience, we will never stoop to evil. Ignoring our conscience is like ignoring the voice of God.

According to a tradition narrated by Nawwas ibn Sam’aan, a companion of the Prophet once asked the Prophet what was good and what was bad. The Prophet observed that goodness is good behaviour and sin is what stabs your heart, and you do not want people to learn of it. (Sahih Muslim 2553)

The feeling of virtue or goodness is within a person’s heart. And while dealing with other human beings, it manifests itself in the form of good behaviour. Virtue or good behaviour in its essence is an inner reality and good behaviour becoming evident in daily life is its external proof.

When there is goodness in a person’s heart when he meets others, his happiness and contentment will show on his face. When he speaks, his words will reflect his feeling of well-wishing. His moral behaviour will be evident in all situations, whether or not others have treated him well. Furthermore, his good behaviour will be genuine and not something artificial.

What is evil or bad behaviour? The criterion is to be found within a person’s heart and conscience. When anyone thinks of anything bad or indulges in any illicit acts, the voice of conscience immediately alerts him to his wrongdoing. In silent language his conscience keeps telling him that this is wrong and you must stop doing it. If a person follows the voice of his conscience, he will never stoop to evil.

By means of this voice of conscience, God wants everyone to discipline himself. Overlooking the voice of conscience is like ignoring the voice of God.