—to do so.

Yet do not allow this realization to make you curt with people, neglect acts of kindness toward them, or refuse to bear any hurt they may cause. Rather, treat them well for Allah’s sake, not because you hope for anything from them. Just as you do not fear them, do not pin your hopes on them. Fear Allah concerning people, and never fear people concerning Allah. Place your hope in Allah regarding people, and never place your hope in people regarding Allah. Strive to be among those whom Allah describes:

"But the most God-conscious will be spared it—he who gives of his wealth to purify himself, seeking no favor in return from anyone, but only the Face of his Lord, the Most High" (Al-Layl 17–20),

and of whom He also says, "We feed you only for Allah’s sake; we desire from you neither recompense nor thanks" (Al-Insan 9).

Seventh aspect: The majority of people pursue their own interests through you, even if that harms you, for a person in need is blind—he sees nothing but the satisfaction of his need.

Eighth aspect: Should harm befall you—fear, hunger, illness—people can ward it off only with Allah’s permission, and they will usually not attempt to relieve it unless they have some purpose of their own in doing so.