Looking for your own advantage/your interest/your benefit

Everyone has the right to look for his advantage. And in a way, it can be said that everyone should look for his advantage. And obviously, that is what almost everyone is doing. However, one must not do so at all costs. There are certain things to consider before looking for one’s advantage. This advantage must not be sought by causing harm to a person. For example, it is advantageous for you to park your car in front of the garage of a person but this is inconveniencing that person. In a like manner, when we look for our advantage, we should assess whether it is really to our benefit. Something advantageous is something that is beneficial in Dunya and Aakhirah after death. Something advantageous can also be something which does not seem beneficial here but it will definitely be so in Aakhirah. For example, keeping good ties and being on good terms with people, close ones and parents especially, is beneficial in Dunya and has huge benefits in Aakhirah by Allah Ta’ala. Similarly, if you lose a little in order to reap a lot in Aakhirah, then this is an advantage that everyone must aspire for. For example, you close your shop a bit earlier in order to perform Salah in congregation in the Masjid. It is normal that your sales will drop a little but you will earn a lot in Aakhirah. Therefore, something that will cause harm in the life of Aakhirah, is not an advantage even if it seems very correct. It is like eating a slice of a very spicy pineapple that seems very tasty but can make you suffer forever.

[English version of "Guette ou l'avantage" – Al Jamiat – Vol.2 No.13]