Answer to the "What do you expect from me after I embrace the Qur'an's morality?" Deceit

Although this may appear to be an impromptu question, in reality the members of societies ignorant of religion always direct it toward those believers who communicate the message.

No doubt, the Prophets are the leaders of those who communicate Allah's religion and have such a high degree of moral excellence that they are most sincere toward Allah. Despite their exemplary character, however, the Qur'an relates that their people greeted them with suspicion and sought to relate their sincere efforts to their personal interests. Without a doubt, the reason behind their suspicion is that these people were devoid of understanding and could not appreciate the superior wisdom and morals of these blessed believers. The Prophets have always faced this groundless slander while performing their duty that Allah has given them 'to call people to religion'. Attention is drawn to this slander in many verses of the Qur'an.

In response to these accusations, all Prophets have given the following answer:

	If you turn your backs, I have not asked you for any wage. My wage is the responsibility of Allah alone. I am commanded to be one of the Muslims. (Surah Yunus, 72) I do not ask you for any wage for it. My wage is the responsibility of no one but the Lord of all the worlds. (Surat ash-Shu'ara', 127)

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also faced such situations, for this is the law and test of Allah. When he was accused of inconceivable and groundless claims such as abusing the religion to gain personal benefit, material wealth, status, and political power, Allah told him to give the following answer:

	Say: "I do not ask you for any wage for it—only that anyone who wants to should make his way towards his Lord." (Surat al-Furqan, 57) "I do not ask you for any wage for this—except for you to love your near of kin." (Surat ash-Shu'ara', 23)

Yet we need to remember that communicating the message is not the Prophets' duty alone. Summoning people to the right path, enjoining good and forbidding evil, calling people to Islam and the Qur'an are incumbent upon all Muslims, although it is sometimes perceived by the public as the responsibility of only Prophets and Messengers. Communicating Allah's message is an act of worship, such as performing one's prayers or fasting. As such, it is considered one of the believers' basic attributes:

	The male and female believers are friends of one another. They command what is right and forbid what is wrong, establish prayer and pay alms, and obey Allah and His Messenger. They are the people on whom Allah will have mercy. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. (Surat at-Tawba, 71)

The main intention behind calling people to Islam is to fulfill Allah's command and to save them from a woeful punishment (if Allah permits). Sincere Muslims surely do not need anyone's money, wealth, beauty, or status. Islam is Allah's true religion, and it is Allah Who best protects it. The Qur'an states that Allah will exalt His religion over others in the following verse:

	It is He Who sent His Messenger with guidance and the Religion of Truth to exalt it over every other religion, even though the pagans detest it. (Qur'aSurat at-Tawba, 33)

It is inconceivable that any believer would ask for a reward or a benefit in return for doing what Allah has told him or her to do. After all, Allah severely condemns those who seek to abuse religion for their own interests:

	They have sold Allah's Signs for a paltry price, and they have barred access to His Way. What they have done is truly evil. (Surat at-Tawba, 9)

As is the case with all other acts of worship, believers convey His message only to earn Allah's good pleasure. Muslims never condescend to simple material benefits. The Qur'an proclaims this attribute in the following words:

	They do not sell Allah's Signs for a paltry price. Such people will have their reward with their Lord. (Surah Al 'Imran, 199)

Allah informs us that adherence to these sincere people is essential:

	Follow those who do not ask you for any wage and who have received guidance. (Surah Ya Sin, 21)