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Verses 15-19 Surah Saba

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

لَقَدۡ كَانَ لِسَبَإٍ۬ فِى مَسۡكَنِهِمۡ ءَايَةٌ۬ ۖ جَنَّتَانِ عَن يَمِينٍ۬ وَشِمَالٍ۬ۖ كُلُواْ مِن رِّزۡقِ رَبِّكُمۡ وَٱشۡكُرُواْ لَهُۚ ۥ بَلۡدَةٌ۬ طَيِّبَةٌ۬ وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ۬
فَأَعۡرَضُواْ فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡہِمۡ سَيۡلَ ٱلۡعَرِمِ وَبَدَّلۡنَـٰهُم بِجَنَّتَيۡہِمۡ جَنَّتَيۡنِ ذَوَاتَىۡ أُڪُلٍ خَمۡطٍ۬ وَأَثۡلٍ۬ وَشَىۡءٍ۬ مِّن سِدۡرٍ۬ قَلِيلٍ۬
ذَٲلِكَ جَزَيۡنَـٰهُم بِمَا كَفَرُواْۖ وَهَلۡ نُجَـٰزِىٓ إِلَّا ٱلۡكَفُورَ
وَجَعَلۡنَا بَيۡنَہُمۡ وَبَيۡنَ ٱلۡقُرَى ٱلَّتِى بَـٰرَڪۡنَا فِيہَا قُرً۬ى ظَـٰهِرَةً۬ وَقَدَّرۡنَا فِيہَا ٱلسَّيۡرَۖ سِيرُواْ فِيہَا لَيَالِىَ وَأَيَّامًا ءَامِنِينَ
فَقَالُواْ رَبَّنَا بَـٰعِدۡ بَيۡنَ أَسۡفَارِنَا وَظَلَمُوٓاْ أَنفُسَہُمۡ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُمۡ أَحَادِيثَ وَمَزَّقۡنَـٰهُمۡ كُلَّ مُمَزَّقٍۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ۬ شَكُورٍ۬

Indeed there was for Saba’ a sign in their dwelling place, – two gardens on the right hand and on the left (and it was said to them) “Eat of the provision of your Lord, and be grateful to Him, a fair land and an Oft-Forgiving Lord. But they turned away (from the obedience of Allah), so We sent against them Sail Al-‘Arim (flood released from the dam), and We converted their two gardens into gardens producing bitter bad fruit, and tamarisks, and some few lote-trees. Like this We requited them because they were ungrateful disbelievers. And never do We requite in such a way except those who are ungrateful, (disbelievers). And We placed between them and the towns which We had blessed, towns easy to be seen, and We made the stages (of journey) between them easy (saying): “Travel in them safely both by night and day.” But they said: “Our Lord! Make the stages between our journey longer,” and they wronged themselves, so We made them as tales (in the land), and We dispersed them all, totally. Verily, in this are indeed signs for every steadfast grateful (person).

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Saba was a well-known tribe close to Yemen and their dwelling place was a township called Marib. One of the blessings Allah has bestowed upon the people – in general- and His kindness to them, and to the Arabs in particular, is that in the Qur’an, He narrated the news regarding those who were destroyed and punished, who lived close to the Arabs and they saw its Aathar [i.e. its signs, outcomes], and the people transmitted its news, so that it became easier to (affirm) its truthfulness and closer (to the hearts and minds) as an admonition.

Allah said:

لَقَدۡ كَانَ لِسَبَإٍ۬ فِى مَسۡكَنِهِمۡ ءَايَةٌ۬

Indeed there was for Saba’ a sign in their dwelling place.

Meaning: The place they lived.

[The word ‘Sign’ in this statement] are the blessings Allah bestowed and averted calamities from them, which necessitated that they worship Allah alone and thank Him. Then Allah [clarified and explained what] this sign was, saying:

جَنَّتَانِ عَن يَمِينٍ۬ وَشِمَالٍ۬

“two gardens on the right hand and on the left”..

They used to have a huge valley to which fell abundant rainfall. They built a robust dam that gathered the water -gathered abundant water over there, so they distributed it to their orchards situated on the right and left of the valley. The two big gardens brought forth for them Thimaar [fruits and other produce from trees, plants] sufficient for them, which (made them live in a) state of bliss and happiness. Thus, Allah commanded them to thank Him for bestowing upon them His blessings which He facilitated for them in numerous ways as follows:

The two gardens from which came most of their nourishments, Allah made their dwelling place good- its air was good, it had very little pollution and the land brought provision continuously. Allah promised them that if they are grateful to Him, He will forgive and show them mercy, thus, Allah said: [بَلۡدَةٌ۬ طَيِّبَةٌ۬ وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ۬ –  a fair land and an Oft-Forgiving Lord.]

Because Allah knew their need for trade and earnings in the blessed land- and what is apparent is that it was the surrounding towns of Sana as stated by more than one of the Salaf, and it was stated that the blessed land was Sham [Syria], Allah facilitated for them the means through which they got there with great ease, safely and without fear, and to the adjacent towns between them and that blessed land. They encountered no difficulty in carrying provisions and merchandise. Allah said: [وَجَعَلۡنَا بَيۡنَہُمۡ وَبَيۡنَ ٱلۡقُرَى ٱلَّتِى بَـٰرَڪۡنَا فِيہَا قُرً۬ى ظَـٰهِرَةً۬ وَقَدَّرۡنَا فِيہَا ٱلسَّيۡرَۖ – And We placed between them and the towns which We had blessed, towns easy to be seen, and We made the stages (of journey) between them easy.] – Meaning: Distances they were acquainted with and make (good plans for their journeys), so that they did not get lost on their way.

[سِيرُواْ فِيہَا لَيَالِىَ وَأَيَّامًا ءَامِنِينَ – Travel in them safely both by night and day.] – Meaning: With tranquillity during those nights and days, without fear.

This was one of Allah’s perfect blessings which He bestowed upon them by protecting them from fear. However, they turned away from the One Who bestowed those blessings upon them- turned away from worshipping Him alone, thankless for the blessings bestowed upon them and became unconcerned, until they asked and wished that the distance of their journeys between those towns should be made longer.

وَظَلَمُوٓاْ أَنفُسَہُمۡ

And they wronged themselves.

Meaning: Due to their disbelief in Allah and being ungrateful to Him for the blessings He bestowed on them, Allah punished them, took (the blessings) away and sent them Sail Al-Arim  [a wild flood] that destroyed their dam, gardens and orchards. Thus, those gardens that had amazing verdant plots and trees that bore fruits were substituted with trees that had no benefit. And because of this, Allah said: [وَبَدَّلۡنَـٰهُم بِجَنَّتَيۡہِمۡ جَنَّتَيۡنِ ذَوَاتَىۡ أُڪُلٍ خَمۡطٍ۬ وَأَثۡلٍ۬ وَشَىۡءٍ۬ مِّن سِدۡرٍ۬ قَلِيلٍ۬ – And We converted their two gardens into gardens producing bitter bad fruit, and tamarisks, and some few lote-trees.] – Meaning: Brought little food that was not enough to suffice them. All these trees are well known and was a just recompense for their evil deeds. (1)

 

The Dam of Ma’rib

The story of the dam is about the water that used to come to them from between two mountains, combined with water from rain falls and their valleys. Their kings built a huge- strong dam- and the water reached a high level between the two mountains. They planted trees and got the best fruits that could ever be harvested, plentiful and beautiful. A number of the Salaf, including Qatadah mentioned that a woman would walk beneath the trees, carrying a basket or vessel – such as is used to gather fruit – on her head, and that fruit would fall from the trees and fill the basket without any need for her to make the effort to pick the fruit, because they were plentiful and ripe.

This was the dam of Marib, (situated) on a land that was a distance of three days journey from San’a. Others said that there were no flies, mosquitos or fleas, or any kind of vermin on their land – the weather was good and the people were healthy, and Allah took care of them so they that they worship Him alone. Some – including Ibn Abbas, Wahb Bin Munabbih, Qatadah and Ad-Dahhak – said that when Allah wanted to punish them by sending the flood upon them,  he sent animals from the earth to the dam, large rats which made a hole in it. (2) Wahb Bin Munabbih said, “They found written in their scriptures that the dam would be destroyed because of these large rats. So they brought cats for a while, but when the decree came to pass, the rats overwhelmed the cats and went into the dam, making a hole in it, and it collapsed”. (3) Qatadah and others said, “The large rat is the desert rat. They gnawed at the bottom of the dam until it became weak, then the time of the floods came and the waters rushed through the bottom of the valley and destroyed everything in their path- buildings, trees etc!” (4)

Therefore, just as they substituted beautiful thankfulness with ugly ingratitude, those blessings were substituted with the things that have been mentioned. Allah said: [ذَٲلِكَ جَزَيۡنَـٰهُم بِمَا كَفَرُواْۖ وَهَلۡ نُجَـٰزِىٓ إِلَّا ٱلۡكَفُورَ – Like this We requited them because they were ungrateful disbelievers. And never do We requite in such a way except those who are ungrateful, (disbelievers).] -Meaning: We do not recompense with this punishment, except to those who disbelieve in Allah and are thankless for His blessings.

After what befell them, they scattered and split, even though aforetime they were together. Allah made them a story by which others spoke about them – stories people narrated at night, and people used to mention them in the parable, “They scattered like Saba”. Everyone used to speak about what happened to them. However, none learns a lesson regarding their affair, except those about whom Allah said: [إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ۬ شَكُورٍ۬ – Verily, in this are indeed signs for every steadfast grateful (person).]- Meaning: Those who are patient when facing hardship and extreme difficulties, who persevere for the Sake of Allah, grateful to Allah for His blessings, affirm and acknowledge such blessings, praise the One who bestowed it upon them and utilise them in obedience to Allah. When this type of person hears their story, their behaviour and what happened to them, he knows that the punishment was a recompense for their ungratefulness, and that whoever commits the likes of that which they did will be treated in the same way. And that being grateful to Allah for His blessings is a safeguard for those blessing and it repels punishment; and that Allah’s Messengers spoke the truth regarding what they informed the people and that recompense is true, as its examples are seen in this worldly abode. (5)

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

It [i.e. Saba] was an Arab tribe named after a grandfather of theirs – a man with many children. It has been reported in a hadith that his children were ten in number- six stayed in Yemen and four in Sham [Syria]. Then they spread in the earth and became numerous.

لَقَدۡ كَانَ لِسَبَإٍ۬ فِى مَسۡكَنِهِمۡ ءَايَةٌ۬

Indeed there was for Saba’ a sign in their dwelling place: [مَسۡكَنِ – Maskan- is where a person lives with tranquillity, such as houses, groves, orchards etc.] [ءَايَةٌ۬ – Ayah] is a sign that shows something. The sign [i.e. the one mentioned in this verse] demonstrates Allah’s All-Encompassing Power, His blessings and [Perfect] Wisdom.

[جَنَّتَانِ عَن يَمِينٍ۬ وَشِمَالٍ۬ – two gardens on the right hand and on the left.] – Meaning: Gardens filled with trees. And when situated on the right and the left, it possess a marvellous and attractive sight. They were a chain of gardens on the right and left.

[كُلُواْ مِن رِّزۡقِ رَبِّكُمۡ وَٱشۡكُرُواْ لَهُۚ – (and it was said to them) “Eat of the provision of your Lord, and be grateful to Him.] – Meaning: That which Allah has provided for you in the land of Saba.

Allah placed numerous good in these two gardens and benefiting from them was very easy.

[وَٱشۡكُرُواْ لَهُۚ- And thank Him (i.e. Allah).] – Meaning: This is what was sought from them, and thankfulness is connected to the heart, the tongue and the limbs- to acknowledge that those blessings are from Allah, praise Allah for them and perform acts of obedience with your limbs, until you fulfil the obligation of thankfulness in the manner sought from you.

Thank Allah for the blessings He has bestowed on you in the land of Saba. [بَلۡدَةٌ۬ طَيِّبَةٌ۬ – a fair land (i.e. Saba)]. This land had no predators, mosquitoes, flies, fleas, scorpions, snakes etc. A stranger would go past the land and the lice on his clothes would die due to the good air [or weather condition].

[وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ۬  – an Oft-Forgiving Lord.] – Meaning: Allah is the Forgiving Lord – the forgiver of sins. Allah granted them these two blessings: the blessing of a good dwelling place, and the blessing of forgiveness, safety from sins and its punishment in the afterlife; and the good land is a means of safety against evils in the worldly life.

This great Ayah shows Allah’s All-Encompassing Power and His Perfect Wisdom in relation to the story of Saba in general, that they were blessed in their dwelling places, orchards, castles and other than that. But when they turned away, the situation changed. In this is a lesson and a sign from many different angles – a sign that demonstrates Allah’s All-Encompassing Power to the one who disobeys Him, a lesson for one who obeys Him, and a sign that shows His [Perfect] Wisdom.

Contemplate this verse and you’ll find the different and various signs in it! It is a sign that shows Allah’s All-Encompassing Power because He created for them those mighty orchards, and then substituted it with something else that was not equal to them in anything. This shows the [Perfect] Wisdom of Allah when He bestowed that good upon them- when they were [obedient, submissive etc] to Him, and then took it away from them when they turned away – turned away from worshipping Him due to pride. This is a sign to take a lesson from by the people who disobey Allah, because in it is a warning that the cessation of Allah’s blessings is due to their sins. It is a sign for those who obey Allah when they take a lesson from it, that as long as they obey Allah, His blessings will be sent to them. Those gardens brought forth its food in abundance and many other ways, as Allah said to them: [كُلُواْ مِن رِّزۡقِ رَبِّكُمۡ – Eat of the provision of your Lord].

It is obligatory to be grateful to Allah because Allah said [وَٱشۡكُرُواْ لَهُۚ – and be grateful to Him.]

Sound intellect obligates gratitude just as it is obligated by the divine revelation. As for its obligation in the Shariah, the verses of the Qur’an commanding it are numerous. As for its obligation as [recognised] by sound intellect, this is because sound intellect necessitates that whoever does good for you, you should thank him. The one who is not thankful to Allah will not be thankful to the people – Meaning: everyone sees that it is wrong when a person does good to you, but you shun him and you do not thank him. All of us know that this is wrong and it is obligatory that you are thankful.

Also, this shows that the lands are divided into two- good and bad, because Allah said: [بَلۡدَةٌ۬ طَيِّبَةٌ۬ – a fair land]. And what type of good is in this land; is it the terrain [i.e. physical features], its air [or weather, climate] or its fruits? Answer: It includes all these three things. Allah said:

وَٱلۡبَلَدُ ٱلطَّيِّبُ يَخۡرُجُ نَبَاتُهُ ۥ بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِۦ‌ۖ وَٱلَّذِى خَبُثَ لَا يَخۡرُجُ إِلَّا نَكِدً۬ا‌ۚ ڪَذَٲلِكَ نُصَرِّفُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ لِقَوۡمٍ۬ يَشۡكُرُونَ

The vegetation of a good land comes forth (easily) by the Permission of its Lord, and that which is bad, brings forth nothing but a little with difficulty. Thus do We explain variously the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) for a people who give thanks. [Al-A’raaf. 58]

Affirmation of Allah’s Lordship and His forgiveness, which is found in the statement:

[وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ۬ – an Oft-Forgiving Lord].

فَأَعۡرَضُواْ فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡہِمۡ سَيۡلَ ٱلۡعَرِمِ وَبَدَّلۡنَـٰهُم بِجَنَّتَيۡہِمۡ جَنَّتَيۡنِ ذَوَاتَىۡ أُڪُلٍ خَمۡطٍ۬ وَأَثۡلٍ۬ وَشَىۡءٍ۬ مِّن سِدۡرٍ۬ قَلِيلٍ۬

But they turned away, so We sent against them Sail Al-‘Arim (flood released from the dam), and We converted their two gardens into gardens producing bitter bad fruit, and tamarisks, and some few lote-trees]. [Saba.  16]

[فَأَعۡرَضُواْ – But they turned away]- Meaning: They turned away and disbelieved.

فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡہِمۡ سَيۡلَ ٱلۡعَرِمِ

So We sent against them Sail Al-‘Arim (flood released from the dam)..

Meaning: Because they turned away, We sent them the flood. This flood drowned their gardens and wealth. This is Allah’s way in dealing with His creation [i.e. the disobedient ones amongst mankind and jinn], just as Allah said [in another verse]:

وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً۬ قَرۡيَةً۬ ڪَانَتۡ ءَامِنَةً۬ مُّطۡمَٮِٕنَّةً۬ يَأۡتِيهَا رِزۡقُهَا رَغَدً۬ا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ۬ فَڪَفَرَتۡ بِأَنۡعُمِ ٱللَّهِ فَأَذَٲقَهَا ٱللَّهُ لِبَاسَ ٱلۡجُوعِ وَٱلۡخَوۡفِ بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَصۡنَعُونَ

And Allah puts forward the example of a township (Makkah), that dwelt secure and well content; its provision coming to it in abundance from every place, but it (its people) denied the Favours of Allah (with ungratefulness). So Allah made it taste the extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad) which they (its people) used to do. [An-Nahl. 112]

وَبَدَّلۡنَـٰهُم بِجَنَّتَيۡہِمۡ جَنَّتَيۡنِ ذَوَاتَىۡ أُڪُلٍ خَمۡطٍ۬ وَأَثۡلٍ۬ وَشَىۡءٍ۬ مِّن سِدۡرٍ۬ قَلِيلٍ۬

And We converted their two gardens into gardens producing bitter bad fruit, and tamarisks, and some few lote-trees.

Meaning: The two previous gardens that had good fruits from which they ate and benefited through trade and other than that.

In summary: When these people turned away and were not thankful to Allah, He sent the flood, thus their wealth was drowned and buildings destroyed. Their two gardens were replaced with two other gardens that were neither equal nor could they be compared to that which they had before.

Benefits Derived From This Noble Verse:

A clarification of the situation of these people- that they replaced the blessings of Allah with disbelief, even though it was incumbent upon them to be thankful to Allah and obey Him after they were given those blessings, but they turned away.

Punishment against those who turn away [from obedience to Allah] is based on that which Allah’s Perfect Wisdom necessitates. And indeed Allah has stated in another verse: [فَكُلاًّ أَخَذۡنَا بِذَنۢبِهِ- So We punished each (of them) for his sins]. Punishment is always given in a manner that fits the deed [i.e. the crime]. Therefore, when these people became ungrateful and disbelieved due to those gardens [given to them], they were replaced with bad gardens.

An affirmation of the ‘Reason or Cause’ that can be derived from the verse: [فَأَعۡرَضُواْ فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا – But they turned away, so We sent against them (i.e. the flood released from the dam)]. Allah sent them [the flood] due to their turning away.

Sins are a reason for the cessation of blessings, because Allah said: [فَأَعۡرَضُواْ فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا – But they turned away, so We sent against them (i.e. the flood released from the dam)]. They were in a state of bliss prior to that, but when they turned away Allah sent them this destructive flood. This has many other testimonies in the Qur’an, and from them is the statement of Allah:

وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً۬ قَرۡيَةً۬ ڪَانَتۡ ءَامِنَةً۬ مُّطۡمَٮِٕنَّةً۬ يَأۡتِيهَا رِزۡقُهَا رَغَدً۬ا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ۬ فَڪَفَرَتۡ بِأَنۡعُمِ ٱللَّهِ فَأَذَٲقَهَا ٱللَّهُ لِبَاسَ ٱلۡجُوعِ وَٱلۡخَوۡفِ بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَصۡنَعُونَ

And Allah puts forward the example of a township (Makkah), that dwelt secure and well content; its provision coming to it in abundance from every place, but it (its people) denied the Favours of Allah (with ungratefulness). So Allah made it taste the extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad) which they (its people) used to do]. [An-Nahl. 112]

Allah said:

وَلَوۡ أَنَّ أَهۡلَ ٱلۡقُرَىٰٓ ءَامَنُواْ وَٱتَّقَوۡاْ لَفَتَحۡنَا عَلَيۡہِم بَرَكَـٰتٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَـٰكِن كَذَّبُواْ فَأَخَذۡنَـٰهُم بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَكۡسِبُونَ
أَفَأَمِنَ أَهۡلُ ٱلۡقُرَىٰٓ أَن يَأۡتِيَہُم بَأۡسُنَا بَيَـٰتً۬ا وَهُمۡ نَآٮِٕمُونَ
أَوَأَمِنَ أَهۡلُ ٱلۡقُرَىٰٓ أَن يَأۡتِيَهُم بَأۡسُنَا ضُحً۬ى وَهُمۡ يَلۡعَبُونَ
أَفَأَمِنُواْ مَڪۡرَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ فَلَا يَأۡمَنُ مَڪۡرَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلۡقَوۡمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ

And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwa (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn (polytheism and crimes, etc.). Did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our Punishment by night while they are asleep? Or, did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our Punishment in the forenoon while they play? Did they then feel secure against the Plan of Allah. None feels secure from the Plan of Allah except the people who are the losers. [Al-A’raaf. 96-99]

Rain is blessing and mercy, but it can be a source of vengeance and punishment, because Allah said: [سَيۡلَ ٱلۡعَرِمِ – Flood released from the dam]. Sail in origin is the gathering of rainwater until it begins to flow. Its origin is good, just as Allah said:

أَوَلَمۡ يَرَوۡاْ أَنَّا نَسُوقُ ٱلۡمَآءَ إِلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ ٱلۡجُرُزِ فَنُخۡرِجُ بِهِۦ زَرۡعً۬ا تَأۡڪُلُ مِنۡهُ أَنۡعَـٰمُهُمۡ وَأَنفُسُہُمۡ‌ۖ أَفَلَا يُبۡصِرُونَ

Have they not seen how We drive water (rain clouds) to the dry land without any vegetation, and therewith bring forth crops providing food for their cattle and themselves? Will they not then see?] [As-Sajdah. 27]

This [i.e. rainwater] is good, but sometimes it is a means of punishment.

A clarification of the misguidance of those people who when afflicted with the likes of these calamities, such as floods and its like, it does not have an effect on them and they would say, “This is something that occurs naturally [i.e. it has no connection to the decree of a Creator nor is it due to sins etc]”. Indeed, these floods that cause destruction are nothing else but punishment from Allaah by way of which those punished are put to trial and those upon their way are deterred.

A clarification of Allah’s All-Encompassing Power, because He sent them those floods which drowned their fruits and vegetation. And after [the destruction of those fruits and vegetation], bitter bad fruit, tamarisks and some few lote-trees grew [to replace them]. It was not lote-trees [i.e. in their abundance], rather it was few lote-trees, and their gigantic gardens were replaced with it.

The Perfect Wisdom of Allah in that He replaced those two gardens with another two gardens, because obedience to Allah is light [i.e. guidance], uprightness and success, and it is appropriately recompensed with Allah’s [Favours, Blessings etc]. Sinning is darkness [i.e. misguidance] and corruption, so it is appropriately connected to that bad replacement [i.e. the gigantic gardens that produced abundant good fruits were replaced with gardens that bore few fruits and were bitter].

ذَٲلِكَ جَزَيۡنَـٰهُم بِمَا كَفَرُواْۖ وَهَلۡ نُجَـٰزِىٓ إِلَّا ٱلۡكَفُورَ

Like this We requited them (i.e. the people of Saba) due to their disbelief. And never do We requite in such a way except those who are ungrateful, (disbelievers).

ذَٲلِكَ جَزَيۡنَـٰهُم بِمَا كَفَرُواْۖ

Like this We requited them due to their disbelief.

Meaning: Due to their disbelief, We recompense them with this recompense by drowning their wealth, destroyed their buildings and replaced their two gardens [i.e. the two gigantic, amazing and fruitful gardens] with two other gardens [i.e. the ones that produce bitter fruits].

وَهَلۡ نُجَـٰزِىٓ إِلَّا ٱلۡكَفُورَ

And never do We requite in such a way except those who are ungrateful, (disbelievers).

 

From The Benefits of This Verse:

Proof [to show that] Allah does not recompense anyone with punishment except due to his deeds, as Allah said: [بِمَا كَفَرُواْۖ  – Due to their disbelief]

An establishment of the Asbaab [Cause or Reason behind this punishment] because the Baa in this statement is Sababiyyah [i.e. the Baa attached to a word to show us the reason or cause behind something]

The difference between the words [يَجْزِى  -Yaj’zee and [يُجَازِى  – Yu’jaa’zee. In this verse Allah said: [وَهَلۡ نُجَـٰزِىٓ إِلَّا ٱلۡكَفُورَ- Like this We requited them due to their disbelief].

[نَجْزِى] refers to good recompense and [نُجَازِى] refers to punishment, and this is what some of the scholars say. So, when referring to good, we say [جَزَى ] and when referring to evil, we say [جَازَى ] (6)

[1] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

[2] at-Tabari 20/378-380

[3] at-Tabari 20/381

[4] at-Tabari 20/381

[5] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased

[6] An Excerpt from Tafseer Surah Saba. Pages 126-137 by Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin.

tree between green land during golden hour

The Beast

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Monotheism - Tawheed, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allah, The Most High, said:

بَلِ ٱدَّٲرَكَ عِلۡمُهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ‌ۚ بَلۡ هُمۡ فِى شَكٍّ۬ مِّنۡہَا‌ۖ بَلۡ هُم مِّنۡهَا عَمُونَ

وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ أَءِذَا كُنَّا تُرَٲبً۬ا وَءَابَآؤُنَآ أَٮِٕنَّا لَمُخۡرَجُونَ

لَقَدۡ وُعِدۡنَا هَـٰذَا نَحۡنُ وَءَابَآؤُنَا مِن قَبۡلُ إِنۡ هَـٰذَآ إِلَّآ أَسَـٰطِيرُ ٱلۡأَوَّلِينَ

قُلۡ سِيرُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَٱنظُرُواْ ڪَيۡفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ

وَلَا تَحۡزَنۡ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَلَا تَكُن فِى ضَيۡقٍ۬ مِّمَّا يَمۡكُرُونَ

وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡوَعۡدُ إِن كُنتُمۡ صَـٰدِقِينَ

قُلۡ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونَ رَدِفَ لَكُم بَعۡضُ ٱلَّذِى تَسۡتَعۡجِلُونَ

وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَذُو فَضۡلٍ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَڪۡثَرَهُمۡ لَا يَشۡكُرُونَ

وَإِنَّ رَبَّكَ لَيَعۡلَمُ مَا تُكِنُّ صُدُورُهُمۡ وَمَا يُعۡلِنُونَ

وَمَا مِنۡ غَآٮِٕبَةٍ۬ فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ إِلَّا فِى كِتَـٰبٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ

إِنَّ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ يَقُصُّ عَلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ أَڪۡثَرَ ٱلَّذِى هُمۡ فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَ

وَإِنَّهُ ۥ لَهُدً۬ى وَرَحۡمَةٌ۬ لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ

إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَقۡضِى بَيۡنَہُم بِحُكۡمِهِۦ‌ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ

فَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَى ٱلۡحَقِّ ٱلۡمُبِينِ إِنَّكَ لَا تُسۡمِعُ ٱلۡمَوۡتَىٰ وَلَا تُسۡمِعُ ٱلصُّمَّ ٱلدُّعَآءَ إِذَا وَلَّوۡاْ مُدۡبِرِينَ

وَمَآ أَنتَ بِہَـٰدِى ٱلۡعُمۡىِ عَن ضَلَـٰلَتِهِمۡ‌ۖ إِن تُسۡمِعُ إِلَّا مَن يُؤۡمِنُ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا فَهُم مُّسۡلِمُونَ وَإِذَا وَقَعَ ٱلۡقَوۡلُ عَلَيۡہِمۡ أَخۡرَجۡنَا لَهُمۡ دَآبَّةً۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ تُكَلِّمُهُمۡ أَنَّ ٱلنَّاسَ كَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا لَا يُوقِنُونَ

وَيَوۡمَ نَحۡشُرُ مِن ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ فَوۡجً۬ا مِّمَّن يُكَذِّبُ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا فَهُمۡ يُوزَعُونَ

حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءُو قَالَ أَڪَذَّبۡتُم بِـَٔايَـٰتِى وَلَمۡ تُحِيطُواْ بِہَا عِلۡمًا أَمَّاذَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ
وَوَقَعَ ٱلۡقَوۡلُ عَلَيۡہِم بِمَا ظَلَمُواْ فَهُمۡ لَا يَنطِقُونَ

أَلَمۡ يَرَوۡاْ أَنَّا جَعَلۡنَا ٱلَّيۡلَ لِيَسۡكُنُواْ فِيهِ وَٱلنَّهَارَ مُبۡصِرًا‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّقَوۡمٍ۬ يُؤۡمِنُونَ
وَيَوۡمَ يُنفَخُ فِى ٱلصُّورِ فَفَزِعَ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ إِلَّا مَن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ وَكُلٌّ أَتَوۡهُ دَٲخِرِينَ
وَتَرَى ٱلۡجِبَالَ تَحۡسَبُہَا جَامِدَةً۬ وَهِىَ تَمُرُّ مَرَّ ٱلسَّحَابِ‌ۚ صُنۡعَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَتۡقَنَ كُلَّ شَىۡءٍ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا تَفۡعَلُونَ
مَن جَآءَ بِٱلۡحَسَنَةِ فَلَهُ ۥ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّنۡہَا وَهُم مِّن فَزَعٍ۬ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ ءَامِنُونَ
وَمَن جَآءَ بِٱلسَّيِّئَةِ فَكُبَّتۡ وُجُوهُهُمۡ فِى ٱلنَّارِ هَلۡ تُجۡزَوۡنَ إِلَّا مَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ
إِنَّمَآ أُمِرۡتُ أَنۡ أَعۡبُدَ رَبَّ هَـٰذِهِ ٱلۡبَلۡدَةِ ٱلَّذِى حَرَّمَهَا وَلَهُ ۥ ڪُلُّ شَىۡءٍ۬‌ۖ وَأُمِرۡتُ أَنۡ أَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُسۡلِمِينَ
وَأَنۡ أَتۡلُوَاْ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ‌ۖ فَمَنِ ٱهۡتَدَىٰ فَإِنَّمَا يَہۡتَدِى لِنَفۡسِهِۦ‌ۖ وَمَن ضَلَّ فَقُلۡ إِنَّمَآ أَنَا۟ مِنَ ٱلۡمُنذِرِينَ
وَقُلِ ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ سَيُرِيكُمۡ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ فَتَعۡرِفُونَہَا‌ۚ وَمَا رَبُّكَ بِغَـٰفِلٍ عَمَّا تَعۡمَلُونَ

Nay, they have no knowledge of the Hereafter. Nay, they are in doubt about it. Nay, they are blind about it. And those who disbelieve say: “When we have become dust, we and our fathers, shall we really be brought forth (again)? “Indeed we were promised this, we and our forefathers before, Verily, these are nothing but tales of ancients.” Say to them (O Muhammad ) “Travel in the land and see how has been the end of the criminals (those who denied Allah’s Messengers and disobeyed Allah).” And grieve you not for them, nor be straitened (in distress) because of what they plot. And they (the disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) say: “When (will) this promise (be fulfilled), if you are truthful?” Say: “Perhaps that which you wish to hasten on, may be close behind you. “Verily, your Lord is full of Grace for mankind, yet most of them do not give thanks.” And verily, your Lord knows what their breasts conceal and what they reveal. And there is nothing hidden in the heaven and the earth, but is in a Clear Book (i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz). Verily, this Qur’an narrates to the Children of Israel most of that about which they differ. And truly, it (this Qur’an) is a guide and a mercy to the believers. Verily, your Lord will decide between them (various sects) by His Judgement. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing. So put your trust in Allah; surely, you (O Muhammad ) are on manifest truth. Verily, you cannot make the dead to hear (i.e. benefit them and similarly the disbelievers), nor can you make the deaf to hear the call, when they flee, turning their backs. Nor can you lead the blind out of their error, you can only make to hear those who believe in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), and who have submitted (themselves to Allah in Islam as Muslims).

وَإِذَا وَقَعَ ٱلۡقَوۡلُ عَلَيۡہِمۡ أَخۡرَجۡنَا لَهُمۡ دَآبَّةً۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ تُكَلِّمُهُمۡ أَنَّ ٱلنَّاسَ كَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا لَا يُوقِنُونَ

And when the Word (of torment) is fulfilled against them, We shall bring out from the earth a beast to them, which will speak to them because mankind believed not with certainty in Our Ayat (Verses of the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad).

And (remember) the Day when We shall gather out of every nation a troop of those who denied Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), and (then) they (all) shall be gathered (and driven to the place of reckoning), till, when they come (before their Lord at the place of reckoning), He will say: “Did you deny My Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) when you comprehended them not in knowledge, or what (else) was it that you used to do?” And the Word (of torment) will be fulfilled against them, because they have done wrong, and they will be unable to speak (in order to defend themselves). See they not that We have made the night for them to rest therein, and the day sight-giving? Verily, in this are Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) for the people who believe. And (remember) the Day on which the Trumpet will be blown and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth, will be terrified except him whom Allah will (exempt). And all shall come to Him humbled. And you will see the mountains and think them solid, but they shall pass away as the passing away of the clouds. The Work of Allah, Who perfected all things, verily! He is Well-Acquainted with what you do. Whoever brings a good deed (i.e. Belief in the Oneness of Allah along with every deed of righteousness), will have better than its worth, and they will be safe from the terror on that Day. And whoever brings an evil (deed) (i.e. Shirk polytheism, disbelief in the Oneness of Allah and every evil sinful deed), they will be cast down (prone) on their faces in the Fire. (And it will be said to them) “Are you being recompensed anything except what you used to do?” I (Muhammad ) have been commanded only to worship the Lord of this city (Makkah), Him Who has sanctified it and His is everything. And I am commanded to be from among the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam). And to recite the Qur’an, so whosoever receives guidance, receives it for the good of his ownself, and whosoever goes astray, say (to him): “I am only one of the warners.” And say [(O Muhammad ) to these polytheists and pagans etc.]: “All the praises and thanks be to Allah. He will show you His Ayat (signs, in yourselves, and in the universe or punishments, etc.), and you shall recognise them. And your Lord is not unaware of what you do.” [An-Naml. 66-93]

Regarding the statement:

وَإِذَا وَقَعَ ٱلۡقَوۡلُ عَلَيۡہِمۡ أَخۡرَجۡنَا لَهُمۡ دَآبَّةً۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ تُكَلِّمُهُمۡ أَنَّ ٱلنَّاسَ كَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا لَا يُوقِنُونَ

And when the Word (of torment) is fulfilled against them, We shall bring out from the earth a beast to them, which will speak to them because mankind believed not with certainty in Our Ayat (Verses of the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad).

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, commented:

Meaning, when the time arrives for the establishment of the warning, which Allah has determined its time:

أَخۡرَجۡنَا لَهُمۡ دَآبَّةً۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ

We shall bring out from the earth a beast to them], or one of the beasts of the earth, and not the heavens. This beast

تُكَلِّمُهُمۡ

Will speak to them.

Meaning, it will speak to the people that they did not believed with certainty in Our (i.e. Allah’s) signs, because of the weakness of people’s knowledge and certainty regarding Allah’s signs. So, Allaah make this beast to appear as one of His amazing signs to manifest to the people regarding that which they doubted. This beast is the well-known beast that will appear at the end of time, and it will be one of the (major) signs regarding the arrival of the Day of Judgement, as it has been mentioned in many Prophetic narrations. [Tafsir As-Sadi]

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, said that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, said:

“When three things appear, faith will not benefit one who has not previously believed or has derived no good from his faith: the rising of the sun in its place of setting, the Dajjal, and the beast of the earth”. [Sahih Muslim. Number 158]

 

Verses 65-73 Surah Ta Ha

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Fitnah, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allah, The Most High, said regarding the encounter between Musa, peace be upon him, and the magicians:

قَالُواْ يَـٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِمَّآ أَن تُلۡقِىَ وَإِمَّآ أَن نَّكُونَ أَوَّلَ مَنۡ أَلۡقَىٰ

 قَالَ بَلۡ أَلۡقُواْ‌ۖ فَإِذَا حِبَالُهُمۡ وَعِصِيُّهُمۡ يُخَيَّلُ إِلَيۡهِ مِن سِحۡرِهِمۡ أَنَّہَا تَسۡعَىٰ
فَأَوۡجَسَ فِى نَفۡسِهِۦ خِيفَةً۬ مُّوسَىٰ
قُلۡنَا لَا تَخَفۡ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡأَعۡلَىٰ
وَأَلۡقِ مَا فِى يَمِينِكَ تَلۡقَفۡ مَا صَنَعُوٓاْ‌ۖ إِنَّمَا صَنَعُواْ كَيۡدُ سَـٰحِرٍ۬‌ۖ وَلَا يُفۡلِحُ ٱلسَّاحِرُ حَيۡثُ أَتَىٰ
فَأُلۡقِىَ ٱلسَّحَرَةُ سُجَّدً۬ا قَالُوٓاْ ءَامَنَّا بِرَبِّ هَـٰرُونَ وَمُوسَىٰ
قَالَ ءَامَنتُمۡ لَهُ ۥ قَبۡلَ أَنۡ ءَاذَنَ لَكُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ لَكَبِيرُكُمُ ٱلَّذِى عَلَّمَكُمُ ٱلسِّحۡرَ‌ۖ فَلَأُقَطِّعَنَّ أَيۡدِيَكُمۡ وَأَرۡجُلَكُم مِّنۡ خِلَـٰفٍ۬ وَلَأُصَلِّبَنَّكُمۡ فِى جُذُوعِ ٱلنَّخۡلِ وَلَتَعۡلَمُنَّ أَيُّنَآ أَشَدُّ عَذَابً۬ا وَأَبۡقَىٰ
قَالُواْ لَن نُّؤۡثِرَكَ عَلَىٰ مَا جَآءَنَا مِنَ ٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنَا‌ۖ فَٱقۡضِ مَآ أَنتَ قَاضٍ‌ۖ إِنَّمَا تَقۡضِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَآ
إِنَّآ ءَامَنَّا بِرَبِّنَا لِيَغۡفِرَ لَنَا خَطَـٰيَـٰنَا وَمَآ أَكۡرَهۡتَنَا عَلَيۡهِ مِنَ ٱلسِّحۡرِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ خَيۡرٌ۬ وَأَبۡقَىٰٓ

They said: “O Musa! Either you throw first or we be the first to throw?” [Musa] said: “Nay, throw you (first)!” Then behold, their ropes and their sticks, by their magic, appeared to him as though they moved fast. So Musa conceived a fear in himself. We (Allah) said: “Fear not! Surely, you will have the upper hand. “And throw that which is in your right hand! It will swallow up that which they have made. That which they have made is only a magician’s trick, and the magician will never be successful, no matter whatever amount (of skill) he may attain.”

So the magicians fell down prostrate. They said: “We believe in the Lord of Harun and Musa.”

[Fir’aun (Pharaoh)] said: “Believe you in him [Musa (Moses)] before I give you permission? Verily! He is your chief who taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you on the trunks of date-palms, and you shall surely know which of us [I (Fir’aun – Pharaoh) or the Lord of Musa (Allah)] can give the severe and more lasting torment.”

They said: “We prefer you not over the clear signs that have come to us, and to Him (Allah) Who created us. So decree whatever you desire to decree, for you can only decree (regarding) this life of the world. “Verily! We have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our faults, and the magic to which you did compel us. And Allah is better as regards reward in comparison to your [Fir’aun’s] reward, and more lasting (as regards punishment in comparison to your punishment).” [Taa Haa. 65-73]

قَالُواْ لَن نُّؤۡثِرَكَ عَلَىٰ مَا جَآءَنَا مِنَ ٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنَا‌ۖ

They said: “We prefer you not over the clear signs that have come to us, and to Him (Allah) Who created us…

Meaning, we do not prefer you over what we have been promised of reward and the closeness to that which we have been shown clear signs, showing that Allah alone is the Lord and true deity to be worshipped- The Most Great, The Only Magnificent One – and every other thing that is worshipped besides Allah and considered as a lord is false. It is not possible that we will prefer you over the One who created and brought us into existence prior to our  state of non-existence; therefore:

فَٱقۡضِ مَآ أَنتَ قَاضٍ‌ۖ إِنَّمَا تَقۡضِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَآ

“decree whatever you desire to decree, for you can only decree (regarding) this life of the world”…

Meaning: do what you promise us, that you will cut off our hands and feet, and crucify us, because it will come to an end regardless of its severity in this worldly life and cannot harm us thereafter when compared to Allah’s punishment for the one who persist upon disbelief, for indeed the punishment will be great and continuous.

This seemed to be their reply to Fir’awn when he said to them:

وَلَتَعۡلَمُنَّ أَيُّنَآ أَشَدُّ عَذَابً۬ا وَأَبۡقَىٰ

“And you shall surely know which of us (I (Fir’aun) or the Lord of Musa (Allah) can give the severe and more lasting torment”.

The statement of the magicians shows that it is incumbent upon a sensible person to compare the enjoyment of this life with the enjoyment of the afterlife, and compare the punishment in this life to punishment in the afterlife.

Then Allah said that the magicians said:

إِنَّآ ءَامَنَّا بِرَبِّنَا لِيَغۡفِرَ لَنَا خَطَـٰيَـٰنَا ۗ

“Verily! We have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our faults”…

Meaning: so that Allah may forgive us our disbelief and sins, because Iman expiates disbelief, and repentance wipes away one’s previous sins.

وَمَآ أَكۡرَهۡتَنَا عَلَيۡهِ مِنَ ٱلسِّحۡرِ

“And the magic to which you did compel us”..

Meaning: forgive us the sin of sorcery through which we opposed the truth.

This shows that they did not have a choice in what they did, rather Firawn compelled them. And that which is apparent – and Allah knows best – is that when Musa, peace be upon him, admonished them saying:

وَيۡلَكُمۡ لَا تَفۡتَرُواْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ڪَذِبً۬ا فَيُسۡحِتَكُم بِعَذَابٍ۬‌ۖ وَقَدۡ خَابَ مَنِ ٱفۡتَرَىٰ

“Woe unto you! Invent not a lie against Allah, lest He should destroy you completely by a torment. And surely, he who invents a lie (against Allah) will fail miserably”, it did have an effect on them and this is why they debated (regarding whether Musa was upon truth or not), but Fir’awn compelled and forced them to commit their plot. This is why they said what Firawn said before they arrived:

إِنۡ هَـٰذَٲنِ لَسَـٰحِرَٲنِ يُرِيدَانِ أَن يُخۡرِجَاكُم مِّنۡ أَرۡضِكُم بِسِحۡرِهِمَا وَيَذۡهَبَا بِطَرِيقَتِكُمُ ٱلۡمُثۡلَى

Verily! These are two magicians (i.e. Musa and Harun). Their object is to drive you out from your land with magic, and overcome your chiefs and nobles.

So they did that which was made up and forced on them. And maybe what settled in their hearts regarding hatred of opposing the truth with falsehood is that which earned them Allah’s Mercy, Iman and the ability to repent.

وَٱللَّهُ خَيۡرٌ۬ وَأَبۡقَىٰٓ

“And Allah is better as regards reward in comparison to your [Fir’aun’s] reward, and more lasting”.

Meaning: better as reward than what you promised us of status and rank, more lasting in reward and generosity, as opposed to what you [Firawn] say that “And you shall surely know which of us [I (Fir’aun – Pharaoh) or the Lord of Musa (Allah)] can give the severe and more lasting torment]– Meaning, he [Firawn] meant that his punishment is more severe and lasting than Allaah’s punishment.

An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased

road between green grass field near mountains under blue and brown sky at golden hour

Verses 24-36 Surah Ta Ha

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allāh, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

After Allāh, The Most High, appointed Musa, peace be upon him, and showed him magnificent signs, he was sent to Fir’awn – the king of Misr. Allāh, The Most High, said to Musa:

ٱذۡهَبۡ إِلَىٰ فِرۡعَوۡنَ إِنَّهُ ۥ طَغَىٰ

Go to Fir’aun (Pharaoh)! Verily, he has transgressed all bounds.

Meaning: Fir’awn has rebelled and transgressed all the limits in disbelief and corruption. He has become haughty in the earth, overpowered the weak, claimed Ar-Rububiyyah [Lordship for himself] and al-Uluhiyyah [that he deserves to be worshipped]. This transgression of his was the cause of his destruction, but due to Allah’s Perfect Mercy, Wisdom and Justice, He does not punish anyone until after establishing the proof by sending Messengers.

Musa, peace be upon him, knew that he was going to shoulder a great responsibility because he was going to be sent to an obstinate and arrogant dictator, who had no opponent in Misr -amongst the people- to oppose him. He was by himself after killing someone [unintentionally]; but after Allah commanded him to go to Fir’awn, he obeyed Allah’s command, accepted it wholeheartedly, asked Allah for assistance and to facilitate him with the ability to (fulfil the task).  Allah said that Musa said:

رَبِّ ٱشۡرَحۡ لِى صَدۡرِى

O my Lord! My expand my heart.

Meaning: Grant me self-confidence and courage so that I can bear both verbal and physical harm, and so that I neither grieve nor become fed up due such harm, for indeed a person with an aggrieved heart is not fit to guide and invite the people to (Allah’s guidance).

وَيَسِّرۡ لِىٓ أَمۡرِى

And ease my task for me.

Meaning: Grant me ease in every affair I pursue and every path I intend to follow, whilst calling to your guidance; and lighten the difficulties in front of me. The caller is granted ease when he approaches all affairs in the appropriate manner; addresses every person based on what they should be addressed with, and calls them through a path that is easier for them to understand, which will enable them to accept his speech.

وَٱحۡلُلۡ عُقۡدَةً۬ مِّن لِّسَانِى

And make loose the knot (the defect) from my tongue, (i.e. remove the incorrectness from my speech) [That occurred as a result of a brand of fire which Musa (Moses) put in his mouth when he was an infant].

يَفۡقَهُواْ قَوۡلِى

That they understand my speech.

Musa used to suffer from a speech impediment and it was difficult to understand his speech as the Mufassiroon have stated, just as Allah says in another verse that Musa said:

وَأَخِى هَـٰرُونُ هُوَ أَفۡصَحُ مِنِّى لِسَانً۬ا

And my brother Haaroon (Aaron) he is more eloquent in speech than me.

He asked Allah to remove the speech impediment so that what he says can be understood and the people he speaks to can clearly grasp what is intended by his speech.

وَٱجۡعَل لِّى وَزِيرً۬ا مِّنۡ أَهۡلِى

And appoint for me a helper from my family,

هَـٰرُونَ أَخِى

Harun (Aaron), my brother,

 ٱشۡدُدۡ بِهِۦۤ أَزۡرِى

Increase my strength with him.

Meaning: to be my helper and my assistant in delivering the message to those whom you have sent me to deliver your message, as Allah said in another verse:

سَنَشُدُّ عَضُدَكَ بِأَخِيكَ وَنَجۡعَلُ لَكُمَا سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا

We will strengthen your arm through your brother, and give you both power.

وَأَشۡرِكۡهُ فِىٓ أَمۡرِى

And let him share my task.

Meaning: Grant him prophet-hood and make him a Messenger, just as you have made me a Prophet and a Messenger.

Then Allah informs us of the benefit Musa was seeking by asking for such favours, which is:

كَىۡ نُسَبِّحَكَ كَثِيرً۬ا

That we may glorify You much.

وَنَذۡكُرَكَ كَثِيرًا

And remember You much.

Musa knew that acts of worship and the religion revolves around remembrance of Allah, thus he asked Allah to make his brother a partner in that – aiding and helping one another in righteousness and piety; to remember Allah profusely by way of Tasbeeh [i.e. Subhanallah], Tahleel [i.e. laa ilaaha illal laah] and other types of worship.

إِنَّكَ كُنتَ بِنَا بَصِيرً۬ا

Verily! You are of us Ever a Well-Seer.

Meaning: You know our situation and weaknesses; what we can and cannot do, and our complete need of You in every affair. You see our affair more than us [i.e. you see everything and nothing escapes your sight] and you are more Merciful to us than we have for ourselves; therefore bestow upon us what we have asked You and respond to our supplication.

After he made these supplications and requests, Allah said to him:

قَدۡ أُوتِيتَ سُؤۡلَكَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰ

You are granted your request, O Musa (Moses).

Meaning: I will grant you everything you’ve asked. I will grant you courage, make your task easy and remove the speech impediment from your tongue, so that your speech is understood; and I will make your brother -Hurun – your helper. Allah said in another verse:

وَنَجۡعَلُ لَكُمَا سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا فَلَا يَصِلُونَ إِلَيۡكُمَا‌ۚ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَآ أَنتُمَا وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَكُمَا ٱلۡغَـٰلِبُونَ

And give you both power, so they shall not be able to harm you, with Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), you two as well as those who follow you will be the victors.

These requests made by Musa show his perfect knowledge and awareness of Allāh, his perfect discernment, perfect knowledge about affairs and perfect sincerity. This is because the caller to the path of Allah- the one who guides the people, especially if the one being invited to the path of Allah is from the obstinate and haughty ones, and transgressors- is need of a courageous heart and complete forbearance, in order to bear the harm he might come across. He is in need of clear speech, in order to be able to express himself to the one he intends and wishes to address. Rather, a person in such a situation needs clear eloquent speech in order to present the truth in a proficient manner, beautify it as much as he is able and make it appealing to the people.

On the other hand, he shows the ugliness of falsehood, so as to repel people from it. Besides this, the caller is in need of being granted ease in his task by approaching affairs in the proper manner – calling to the path of Allah with wisdom, fine admonition and arguing in the best way. He should deal with every person whilst taking into consideration the situation of each person he addresses.

This matter becomes more accomplished when the caller has helpers and assistants, who will help him to reach this goal because when many people speak, it will have an effect and that is why Musa made those requests. If you examine the situation of the prophets – those sent to the people- you will discover this affair, especially the seal and most virtuous amongst them, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him because he was at the highest peak in every perfect and good human characteristic. He had a courageous heart and was facilitated with the means of calling to Allah. His speech was eloquent – with fine expression and explanation- and he had companions who aided him to convey the truth, and (besides the Prophets and Messengers) none can ever excel those companions of Muhammad after their departure from this world. [1]

Imam Ibn Qayyim, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:

A man asked Imam Ash-Shaafi’ee, may Allāh have mercy upon him, saying: “What would be better that one is granted strength and the authority to establish the path of Allah and His Messengers without any hindrance from those who belie or oppose Allah and His Messengers, or face trials (at first)?” Ash- Shaafi’ee said to him, “One will not be given strength and the authority to follow the path of Allah without any hindrance from those who belie or oppose Allah and His Messengers until after facing trials; for indeed Allah tried Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Eesa and Muhammad; then after they exercised patience, they were granted authority and strength to establish the path of Allah without hindrance”. Therefore, one should never think that he will escape pain. This is a great principle, thus, it is obligated to a sane person to be acquainted with it. Everyone will face afflictions, for indeed a person is a social being who must live with people; the people have wants (or desires, wishes etc) and perceptions, and will seek to make him agree with them. If he disagrees with them, they harm and punish him; but if he agrees with them, sometimes they harm him and at other times he is harmed by others.

Allah said:

فَٱصۡبِرۡ إِنَّ وَعۡدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقٌّ۬‌ۖ وَلَا يَسۡتَخِفَّنَّكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُوقِنُونَ

And let not those who have no certainty of faith, discourage you from conveying Allah’s Message (which you are obliged to convey)]. [Surah Ar-Rum’ 60]

Unlike the person upon certainty, the person who has no certainty in faith (or lacks certainty) does not remain firm, rather he acts carelessly, whereas certainty is the firm Iman in the heart based on knowledge and action. It may be that a person has sound knowledge but does not exercise patience during calamities; rather he is swayed by emotion.

Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:

If you wish to see someone with insight but has no patience, you will see him; and if you wish to see someone who has patience but not insight, you will see him; but if you see a person who has insight as well as patience, he is the one that Allah mentions in the verse:

وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنۡہُمۡ أَٮِٕمَّةً۬ يَہۡدُونَ بِأَمۡرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُواْ‌ۖ وَڪَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ

And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)]. [As-Sajdah’ 24] [2]

Imam As-Sadi said about this verse (Ar-Rum 60): [فَٱصۡبِرۡ – So be patient]: Meaning, upon that which you have been commanded and in calling them to the (path of) Allah; even if you see them turning away that should not turn you away from the call.

إِنَّ وَعۡدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقٌّ۬‌ۖ

Indeed, the promise of Allah is true.

Meaning, there is no doubt about that. This is from that which aids a person to exercise patience because when a servant (of Allāh) know that his deeds will not be in vain and will find a full reward for it (in the afterlife), then what he faces of hardship will become minor, and it will become much easy for him to bear every difficulty.

وَلَا يَسۡتَخِفَّنَّكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُوقِنُونَ

And let not those who have no certainty of faith, discourage you.

Meaning, their Iman is weak and their certainty is little, so their forbearance becomes lacking as result and their patience is little.

So, beware – out of fear – of being discouraged by these people because unless you are not careful about their affair, they will discourage you and lead you to not being firm in holding fast to the commands and prohibitions, and the soul may assist them in this affair, seek to be similar and to be in agreement with them. [3]

We ask Allāh:

اللَّهمَّ إنِّي أسألُكَ الثَّباتَ في الأمرِ والعزيمةَ على الرُّشدِ

O Allah! I ask You for firmness in this matter and determination to adhere to the path of guidance. [4]

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalam al-Mannaan’. explanation of Verses 24-36 Surah Taha). Slightly paraphrased

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’id’ pages 293-300. slightly paraphrased

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalam al-Mannaan’.

[4] Declared Saheeh Li-Ghayrihee By Imaam Al-Albaanee in Takhreej Mishkaat Al-Masaabeeh 915

Verses 23-27 Ash-Shu’araa and Verse 52 Az-Zukhruf

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Be Focused When Conveying The Truth and Don’t Allow The Abusive and Sarcastic One to Distract!

Allah, The Most High, informed us in Surah Ash-Shu’araa about noble Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, and the cursed one Fir’awn:

 قَالَ فِرۡعَوۡنُ وَمَا رَبُّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said: “And what is the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)?]

 قَالَ رَبُّ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا بَيۡنَهُمَآ‌ۖ إِن كُنتُم مُّوقِنِينَ

Musa (Moses) said: “Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, if you seek to be convinced with certainty.

قَالَ لِمَنۡ حَوۡلَهُ ۥۤ أَلَا تَسۡتَمِعُونَ

Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said to those around: “Do you not hear (what he (Musa) says)?

قَالَ رَبُّكُمۡ وَرَبُّ ءَابَآٮِٕكُمُ ٱلۡأَوَّلِينَ

Musa (Moses) said: “Your Lord and the Lord of your ancient fathers!

قَالَ إِنَّ رَسُولَكُمُ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُرۡسِلَ إِلَيۡكُمۡ لَمَجۡنُونٌ۬

Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said: “Verily, your Messenger who has been sent to you is a madman!

Allah, The Most High, also informed us that Fir’awn said:

أَمۡ أَنَا۟ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّنۡ هَـٰذَا ٱلَّذِى هُوَ مَهِينٌ۬ وَلَا يَكَادُ يُبِينُ

Am I not better than this one [Musa (Moses)], who is Mahin (has no honour nor any respect, and is weak and despicable) and can scarcely express himself clearly? [Az-Zukhruf. 52]

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

May Allah, The Most High, disfigure Fir’awn, because indeed he intended Musa by this description, even though Musa is one whom Allah, The Most High, spoke to directly and one given high status by Allah, but Fir’awn thought that he is honoured and Musa is dishonoured and disgraced.

He also proclaimed that in addition to this, Musa cannot even speak clearly because he is not eloquent! However, Firawn’s insult against Musa that Musa cannot even express himself is not something blameworthy at all, because he was able to convey the message, even though he used to encounter some difficulty when speaking. [An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi]

One of the Strangest Contemporary Claims About Salafiyyah We Have Encountered

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Refutations, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

They say, “Al-Walaa Wal Baraa – Love and Hate For The Sake of Allah – Is a Concept of Modern Salafi Islam!

Response:

The Prophets and Messengers Did Not Give Loyalty to Anything or Anyone That Opposed The Revelation

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَإِذۡ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوۡمِهِۦۤ إِنَّنِى بَرَآءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تَعۡبُدُونَ
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنِى فَإِنَّهُ ۥ سَيَہۡدِينِ
وَجَعَلَهَا كَلِمَةَۢ بَاقِيَةً۬ فِى عَقِبِهِۦ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡجِعُونَ

And (remember) when Ibrahim said to his father and his people: “Verily, I am innocent of what you worship, except Him (i.e. I worship none but Allah Alone) Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me.” And he made it [i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone)] a Word lasting among his offspring (True Monotheism), that they may turn back (i.e. to repent to Allah or receive admonition). [Az-Zukhruf 26-28]

 

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

قَالُواْ يَـٰهُودُ مَا جِئۡتَنَا بِبَيِّنَةٍ۬ وَمَا نَحۡنُ بِتَارِكِىٓ ءَالِهَتِنَا عَن قَوۡلِكَ وَمَا نَحۡنُ لَكَ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ
إِن نَّقُولُ إِلَّا ٱعۡتَرَٮٰكَ بَعۡضُ ءَالِهَتِنَا بِسُوٓءٍ۬‌ۗ قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أُشۡہِدُ ٱللَّهَ وَٱشۡہَدُوٓاْ أَنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تُشۡرِكُونَ
مِن دُونِهِۦ‌ۖ فَكِيدُونِى جَمِيعً۬ا ثُمَّ لَا تُنظِرُونِ
إِنِّى تَوَكَّلۡتُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رَبِّى وَرَبِّكُم‌ۚ مَّا مِن دَآبَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ ءَاخِذُۢ بِنَاصِيَتِہَآ‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬
فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقَدۡ أَبۡلَغۡتُكُم مَّآ أُرۡسِلۡتُ بِهِۦۤ إِلَيۡكُمۡ‌ۚ وَيَسۡتَخۡلِفُ رَبِّى قَوۡمًا غَيۡرَكُمۡ وَلَا تَضُرُّونَهُ ۥ شَيۡـًٔا‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ حَفِيظٌ۬

They said: “O Hud! No evidence have you brought us, and we shall not leave our gods for your (mere) saying! And we are not believers in you. “All that we say is that some of our gods (false deities) have seized you with evil (madness).” He said: “I call Allah to witness and bear you witness that I am free from that which you ascribe as partners in worship, with Him (Allah). So plot against me, all of you, and give me no respite. “I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path (the truth). “So if you turn away, still I have conveyed the Message with which I was sent to you. My Lord will make another people succeed you, and you will not harm Him in the least. Surely, my Lord is Guardian over all things.” [Hud. 53-57]

 

Allah, The Most High, said:

قُلۡ أَىُّ شَىۡءٍ أَكۡبَرُ شَہَـٰدَةً۬‌ۖ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۖ شَہِيدُۢ بَيۡنِى وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ‌ۚ وَأُوحِىَ إِلَىَّ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ لِأُنذِرَكُم بِهِۦ وَمَنۢ بَلَغَ‌ۚ أَٮِٕنَّكُمۡ لَتَشۡہَدُونَ أَنَّ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ ءَالِهَةً أُخۡرَىٰ‌ۚ قُل لَّآ أَشۡہَدُ‌ۚ قُلۡ إِنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَـٰهٌ۬ وَٲحِدٌ۬ وَإِنَّنِى بَرِىٓءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تُشۡرِكُونَ

Say (O Muhammad ): “What thing is the most great in witness?” Say: “Allah (the Most Great!) is Witness between me and you; this Qur’an has been revealed to me that I may therewith warn you and whomsoever it may reach. Can you verily bear witness that besides Allah there are other aliha (gods)?” Say “I bear no (such) witness!” Say: “But in truth He (Allah) is the only one Ilah (God). And truly I am innocent of what you join in worship with Him.” [Al-An’am. 19]

Abu Umamah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

”Whoever loves for the sake of Allah, hates for the sake of Allah, gives for the sake of Allah, and withholds for the sake of Allah has perfected the faith”. [Sahih Sunan Abee Dawud 4681]

However, this pure love for goodness and aversion to anything that contradicts the revelation did not result in injustice; instead, they exemplified the highest standards of justice and good behaviour. A Muslim can assist a non-Muslim without any intention of supporting the non-Muslim’s religion or creed.

“Prophet Musa, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, helped the disbeliever who was from his nation against a person from the people of Firawn. Allah, The Most High, said:

وَدَخَلَ ٱلۡمَدِينَةَ عَلَىٰ حِينِ غَفۡلَةٍ۬ مِّنۡ أَهۡلِهَا فَوَجَدَ فِيہَا رَجُلَيۡنِ يَقۡتَتِلَانِ هَـٰذَا مِن شِيعَتِهِۦ وَهَـٰذَا مِنۡ عَدُوِّهِۦ‌ۖ فَٱسۡتَغَـٰثَهُ ٱلَّذِى مِن شِيعَتِهِۦ عَلَى ٱلَّذِى مِنۡ عَدُوِّهِۦ فَوَكَزَهُ ۥ مُوسَىٰ فَقَضَىٰ عَلَيۡهِ‌ۖ قَالَ هَـٰذَا مِنۡ عَمَلِ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ‌ۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ عَدُوٌّ۬ مُّضِلٌّ۬ مُّبِينٌ۬

And he entered the city at a time of unawareness of its people, and he found there two men fighting, – one of his party (his religion – from the Children of Israel), and the other of his foes. The man of his (own) party asked him for help against his foe, so Musa (Moses) struck him with his fist and killed him. He said: “This is of Shaitan‘s (Satan) doing, verily, he is a plain misleading enemy.” [Al-Qasas. 15] [Al-Walaa Wal Baraa. pages 1-14. Publisher Daar Al-Istiqaamah. 1st Edition 1427AH (2006)]

Read: https://abukhadeejah.com/having-alliance-with-the-non-muslims-is-of-two-types-misunderstanding-this-affair-leads-people-astray/

As for Salafiyyah, there is no such thing as a new or modern one. Read on this link by Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah preserve him.

 http://www.salafis.com/index.cfm

Verse 13 Surah Al-Mulk

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

 

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَأَسِرُّواْ قَوۡلَكُمۡ أَوِ ٱجۡهَرُواْ بِهِۦۤ‌ۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ عَلِيمُۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ

And whether you keep your talk secret or disclose it, verily, He is the All-Knower of what is in the breasts (of men). Should not He Who has created know? And He is the Most Kind and Courteous (to His slaves) All-Aware (of everything).

If you affirm that indeed Allah is your Creator and the Creator of your hearts and what they contain [or all that is conceal in the hearts], then how can [anything] be hidden from Him?!

بِذَاتِ الصُّدُورِ

What is in the breasts (of men);

includes what the breasts contain of beliefs, intents, love and hate.

An Excerpt from ‘Bada’i At-Tafseer Al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim’. 2/173

Neither were they governed nor guided by Netanyahu’s ideas

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Bani Isra’eel used to be ruled and guided by prophets. Whenever a prophet died, another would take over his place. There will be no prophet after me, but there will be Caliphs who will increase in number.” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! What do you order us (to do)?” He said, “Obey the one who will be given the pledge of allegiance first. Fulfil their (i.e. the Caliphs) rights, for Allah will ask them about (any shortcoming) in ruling those Allah has put under their guardianship.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 3455]

Imam Ibn Hajr, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Whenever corruption appeared amongst them, Allah sent a Prophet to rectify their affairs and put an end to that which they changed in the rulings of the Torah”.

An Excerpt From ‘Fat’hul Baaree Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhaari’. Vol 6. page 607. Publisher: Daarus Salaam. 1st Edition 1421AH (Year 2000)

Read: Who are Bani Israel in reality?

A Brief Discussion on the Attribution to the Offspring of Prophet Yaqub In Our Era

Visit: https://www.islammoses.com/im/

An Unmatched Authority That Would Have Completely Blinded and Corrupted The Boastful In Our Era

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Fitnah, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

An Unmatched Authority That Made the Grateful Humble and Would Have Completely Blinded and Corrupted The Boastful, Opinionated and Ungrateful in Our Era

Allah, The Most High, said:

قَالَ يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلْمَلَؤُا۟ أَيُّكُمْ يَأْتِينِى بِعَرْشِهَا قَبْلَ أَن يَأْتُونِى مُسْلِمِينَ

قَالَ عِفْرِيتٌ مِّنَ ٱلْجِنِّ أَنَا۠ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبْلَ أَن تَقُومَ مِن مَّقَامِكَ وَإِنِّى عَلَيْهِ لَقَوِىٌّ أَمِينٌ

قَالَ ٱلَّذِى عِندَهُۥ عِلْمٌ مِّنَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ أَنَا۠ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبْلَ أَن يَرْتَدَّ إِلَيْكَ طَرْفُكَ فَلَمَّا رَءَاهُ مُسْتَقِرًّا عِندَهُۥ قَالَ هَٰذَا مِن فَضْلِ رَبِّى لِيَبْلُوَنِىٓ ءَأَشْكُرُ أَمْ أَكْفُرُ وَمَن شَكَرَ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِهِۦ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ رَبِّى غَنِىٌّ كَرِيمٌ

He (Sulayman) said: “O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne (Bilqees’s throne) before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?” An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said: “I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work.” One (a person) with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: “I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!” then when [Sulaiman (Solomon)] saw it placed before him, he said: “This is by the Grace of my Lord to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his ownself, and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his ownself). Certainly! My Lord is Ghaniyun Kareem [(a)] [An Naml 38-40]

Brothers and sisters, lets reflect upon what noble Prophet Sulayman, peace be upon him, said when he saw Bilqees’s throne, may Allah have mercy upon her, was placed before him within the twinkling of an eye?

Allah said and he said:

هَـٰذَا مِن فَضۡلِ رَبِّى لِيَبۡلُوَنِىٓ ءَأَشۡكُرُ أَمۡ أَكۡفُرُ‌ۖ

This is by the Grace of my Lord to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful!

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Meaning, “to test me through it”. He was not beguiled by his kingdom, authority and power as is the habit of the ignorant kings; rather he knew that this was a test from his Lord, this, he was afraid of not being thankful for these blessings. Then he clarified that being grateful to Allah does not benefit Allah; rather its benefits return to the grateful one, this, he said:

وَمَن شَكَرَ فَإِنَّمَا يَشۡكُرُ لِنَفۡسِهِۦ‌ۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ رَبِّى غَنِىٌّ۬ كَرِيمٌ۬

“And whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his ownself). Certainly! My Lord is Ghani [Rich – Free of all wants], Kareem [Bountiful]”

Meaning, Allah is not in need of a person’s deeds, and He is generous, bestows abundant good to both a grateful person and an ungrateful person, except that being grateful for the blessings He bestows leads to more blessings and being ungrateful leads to its decrease. [An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi]

[(a)]: [Al-Ghani]: The Independent One Who is free of all need. The One Who has no need whatsoever of the creation. The One Who is free from anypoverty or need. The One in Whose Hand are the treasures of the heavens and the earth, and of this world and the hereafter. [Al-Kareem]: The Bountiful, The Generous One. Abundant in good. The One Who causes and makes easy every good. And Who bestows generously. The One so generous that He even bestows favors upon those who reject His favours, and use them as a means to disobey Him. [Source: The Names and Attributes of Allah by Shaikh Abu Talhah – Dawud Burbank (may Allah have mercy upon him and his wife)]

With Appreciation and Honesty – A Brief Exhortation to The Pragmatic Muslim Doctor

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Medical practice is one of the noblest professions, as it concerns the essence of human life. Its primary objective is to safeguard health, enhance physical well-being, and prevent the risk of illness (by the Will of Allah). The demand for medical care is great indeed, as individuals require it in various circumstances. Good health is essential for performing tasks and fulfilling obligations in this life, which underscores the very purpose of human existence. Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone)]. [51:56]

Therefore, the primary objective of medicine is to maintain health, enhance the physical condition of the body, and protect it from disease. One of the great merits of medicine is its role in preserving life, which is one of the five necessities that Islam safeguards, namely: religion, life, intellect, honour and wealth. Medicine serves to assist both individuals and society in averting harm. It is well known that the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated: “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” [Ibn Majah 2341]

It represents the fulfillment of the duty to co-operate in righteousness and piety from a different perspective. In this context, the doctor embodies Allah’s command:

وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ

Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety).. [5:2]

It represents the fulfilment of the Messenger’s statement found in the hadith of Usamah Bin Sharik, who said: A Bedouin said, “O Messenger of Allah! Should we seek medical treatment?” He replied: 

“Seek medical treatment, for Allah has not created any disease except that He has also created a remedy for it, except for one disease: old age”. [Abu Dawud Number 3855]

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, referred to old age as a disease – the weakness of old age; but not one of the diseases that are transient ailments due to the different physical features and changing atmospheres; but rather, old age is likened to disease because it brings harm and diseases that may be followed by death. [a]

The doctor should hope for the reward and (good) recompense from Allah, being sincere in their profession and not engage in the practice of medicine solely for the sake of recognition; rather, their commitment should be sincere, with a focus on seeking Allah’s reward. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Actions are (judged) by intentions and every person will have what he intended. So he whose migration was to Allah and His Messenger, his migration is to Allah and His Messenger. And he whose migration was for some worldly (gain) or for a woman to marry, then his migration is to that for which he migrated”. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

A doctor must fear Allah concerning the matters for which they are sought for advice, particularly those pertaining to the rights of individuals. This includes situations where a patient requests a medical certificate for illness, seeks documentation to verify their fitness for work, or inquires about specific medications. This also includes assessments regarding a woman’s health status to determine if she can safely use contraception to prevent pregnancy, or if her condition necessitates the removal of her ovaries. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The consultee is in a position of trust”. [Sahih Abu Dawud 5128]

The “Consultee” is the person whose opinion is sought concerning a matter of Maslahah, which pertains to issues that brings about benefit and prevent harm. This individual holds a position of trust regarding the inquiries made of him, and it is impermissible to mislead the the one seeking advice by withholding information that could bring about beneficial outcomes. [b]

This hadith is an evidence, showing that the consultee has to (advise) with the course of action and opinion -in relation to the consultation – that which he would do for himself. And it is not permissible that he directs his Muslim brother to something he would not be pleased with for himself. [c]

The Muslim doctor must refrain from using the patient as a subject for testing the efficacy of a medication, particularly if there is concern regarding significant adverse effects. Such experimentation would undermine the dignity that Allah has granted to the children of Adam. Allah said:

وَلَقَدۡ كَرَّمۡنَا بَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ وَحَمَلۡنَـٰهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡبَرِّ وَٱلۡبَحۡرِ وَرَزَقۡنَـٰهُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِ وَفَضَّلۡنَـٰهُمۡ عَلَىٰ ڪَثِيرٍ۬ مِّمَّنۡ خَلَقۡنَا تَفۡضِيلاً۬

And indeed We have honoured the Children of Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea, and have provided them with At-Taiyibat(lawful good things), and have preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked preference]. [Al-Is’raa 70]

This deed negates the command to safeguard the blood of a Muslim. The Prophet said: “A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfil his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of discomfort, Allah will bring him out of a discomfort from the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection”. [Al-Bukhari 2442]

If the Muslim doctor is confident that the potential harm from the medication is less than the harm resulting from the persistence of the illness, it is permissible to administer the medication, as it involves selecting the lesser of two harms. The doctor should consult with scholars concerning matters pertinent to their profession and to refrain from engaging in issues without a solid understanding of Shariah. Caution should be exercised regarding the irrationalities and misleading perspectives of Freud, as well as the theories of Darwin, to avoid being misled by their assertions. [d] The Prophet said:

“A slave (of Allah) may utter a word which pleases Allah, without giving it much importance, and because of that Allah will raise him to degrees (of reward); a slave (of Allah) may utter a word (carelessly) which displeases Allah, without thinking of its gravity, and because of that he will be thrown into the Hell-fire”. [Al-Bukhari 6478]

The Muslim doctor must exercise caution regarding the information disseminated in medical journals and textbooks, refraining from accepting all content without verifying its accuracy. Knowledge is fundamentally established through either reliable transmission or a well-founded perspective. It is essential to scrutinise the medical practices attributed to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to ensure the authenticity of their chains of transmission. Additionally, medical knowledge derived from opinions, such as those obtained through research and study, should be critically evaluated to determine their validity, potential flaws, or any moral implications. The doctor should not become a willing agent for those who oppose the tenets of Islam and seek to undermine the well-being of Muslims. Instead, he must recognise that all contemporary medical information requires thorough investigation and validation.

A doctor must recognise that their medical knowledge serves merely as a tool for healing. The outcomes and efficacy of that healing are finally in the hands of Allah, who determines whether to grant recovery and wellness. Allah stated that Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, said:

وَإِذَا مَرِضْتُ فَهُوَ يَشْفِينِ

And when I am ill, it is He (Allah) who cures me.

Therefore, Allah is the one who gives cure and not others. The doctor should make this known to the patient. They should be pleased with Allah’s Divine Will and Decree. Abdullah Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said:

“Once I was riding behind the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, so he said: ‘O young man! I shall teach you some words (of advice). Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask Allah (Alone). If you seek help, seek help from Allah (alone). Know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit with anything except that which Allah has already recorded for you. If they gather to harm you by something, they would not be able to harm you by anything except what Allah has already recorded against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried’’. [at-Tirmidhee 20516]

So neither should a doctor be beguiled by their medicine nor express objections to the power and position of their Lord (Allah). They should know that the affairs of the creation alternate based on Allah’s decrees.

 An Excerpt from Akhlaq at-Tabib Al-Muslim pages 4- 18

[a] Tuhfah Al-Ahwadhee 6/159

[b] Mirqaat Al-Mafaateeh Sharh Mishkaat Al-Masaabee 4/259

[c] Awnul Ahadis Samadi, Sharhu Al-Adab Al-Mufrad’ 1/283 By Al-Allamah Zayd Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him.

[d]http://www.aboutatheism.net/articles/juvtbpd-understanding-the-two-definitions-of-science-and-scientific-enquiry.cfm