[18].Surah Al-Kahf [The Cave]: Ayat 7-8

 

Ayat 7. Verily! We have made that which is on earth as an adornment for it, in order that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds. [i.e.those who do good deeds in the most perfect manner, that means to do them (deeds) totally for Allah's sake and in accordance to the legal ways of the Prophet [SAWW](PBUH)].

Ayat 8. And verily! We shall make all that is on it (the earth) a bare dry soil (without any vegetation or trees, etc.).  

[Tafseer] This world's goods-worldly power, glory, wealth, position, and all that men scramble for-are but a fleeting show. The possession or want of them does not betoken a man's real value or position in the spiritual world, the world which is to endure. Yet they have their uses. They test a man's sterling quality. He who becomes their slave loses rank in the spiritual world. He who uses them if he gets them, and does not fall into despair if he does not get them, shows his true mettle and quality. His conduct proclaims him. The fairest sights on the earth will become as dust and waste when this earth vanishes, and the spiritual values are restored. 

Hazrat Abu Dharr and Mu'adh bin Jabal (May Allah be pleased with them) reported that: Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, "Fear Allah wherever you are, do good deeds after doing bad ones, the former will wipe out the latter, and behave decently towards people"  [At-Tirmidhi Hadith # 1987]

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah Al-Kahf Ayat 07. "We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds." Virtue obliterates vice means that virtue becomes an atonement for sin. But this applies to minor sins only because major ones will not be forgiven without sincere repentance. Similar is the case of encroachment on public rights which will not be forgiven without their compensation.