The Spectrum of Human Actions According to the Quran

Second Foundation: The Quran Distinguishes Between Good, Better and Best

The Quran uses various expressions that indicate levels of value.

Among them is khayr, which can mean good or better, depending on the context.

... وَتَزَوَّدُوا فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ ٱلزَّادِ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ...

“...And take provisions, for indeed the best provision is taqwa...”

Excerpt from Surah al-Baqarah 2:197

Here, there is a comparison. Provisions are good. However, the most valuable provision is taqwa.

The same principle appears in Surah al-Baqarah 2:263, where Allah compares charity that is followed by harm with good speech and forgiveness.

... قَوْلٌ مَّعْرُوفٌ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن صَدَقَةٍ يَتْبَعُهَآ أَذًى

“Good speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by harm...”

Excerpt from Surah al-Baqarah 2:263

This verse shows that something which appears good can lose its value when it is tainted by bad manners. Charity is good. However, charity that causes pain to the recipient becomes lower in value. In certain situations, not giving but speaking kindly is higher than giving while humiliating.

This shows that a spectrum exists.

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