In one representative verse God explains the full meaning of...

In one representative verse God explains the full meaning of positive piety and righteousness as follows: “It is not righteousness that you turn your faces (in prayer) towards East or West; but it is righteousness to believe in God and the Last day, and the Angels and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your wealth – in spite of your love for it – for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which you have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain and adversity and throughout all periods of panic.

Such are the people of truth, the God – minded”[^17] . In this verse there is a beautiful and clear description of the righteous believer. It gives an understandable indication that the effective faith should be embodied in meritorious services and behaviors, not in senseless ritual and customs, and that the practice provides faith with nourishment in return.

Hence, being a truly pious and righteous Muslim requires being a good citizen by supporting charitable institutions and social organizations solidly and loyally in all circumstances,…