One always finds two types of people in the world.
On the one hand, there are those who want
immediate reward for all that they do, with their
recompense exceeding the work they have put in.
Then there are those who are not out for any
material reward. The knowledge that they have
contributed in some way to a worthwhile cause is
sufficient reward for them. If they receive no
recompense for their efforts, it does not cause them
concern or arouse their anger. They play their part,
it does not adversely affect their personal
contribution, so engrossed are they in the cause for
which they are working.
Outwardly, both groups appear the same, but in
reality there is a world of difference between the
two. Besides their superficial similarity, the two
have nothing in common. The first group, one
might say, keep the markets of the world turning
over, while the second group turn over new pages
in human history. Such is the extent to which the
two differ.
It is the second group who make meaningful,
valuable contributions to the betterment of
humanity, for it is they who are able to join in a
common struggle, without which no worthwhile
work can be achieved in this world. Whenever a
number of people work together for a common
goal, it is inevitable that some should receive more
credit than others. Some are hailed for their
achievements, while others are denied all
recognition. This is true of all movements, whether
popular or prophetic in nature. There is only one
way for a common effort to prosper, and that is by
people forgetting about their rights, and
remembering only their responsibilities.
Unless there is a spirit of selfless struggle among
those participating in a common cause, it is not only
those who receive no recompense who will feel illtreated.
Even those who are rewarded for their
contribution will feel that they have not been done
justice. Seldom does the reward a person receives
for his efforts live up to his expectations. It is a case
of either being satisfied with nothing, or never
being satisfied at all.
Those who are destined to perform great deeds in
life are those who do not seek any reward for what
they have done; the very fact that they have done
something is sufficient reward for them. The
knowledge that they have played their part is
enough to make them content, even more so than
those who have been abundantly rewarded for their
efforts.
--Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
( Ref - The Moral Vision)
