In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Quote
Allaah [The Most High] said:
قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ
ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ وَيَقُولُ أَيۡنَ شُرَڪَآءِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمۡ تُشَـٰٓقُّونَ فِيہِمۡۚ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمَ إِنَّ ٱلۡخِزۡىَ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ وَٱلسُّوٓءَ عَلَى ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ
Those before them indeed plotted, but Allah struck at the foundation of their building, and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them, and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them and will say: “Where are My (so called) ‘partners’ concerning whom you used to disagree and dispute (with the believers, by defying and disobeying Allah)?” Those who have been given the knowledge (about the Torment of Allah for the disbelievers) will say: “Verily! Disgrace this Day and misery are upon the disbelievers. [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 26-27]
[قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ – Those before them indeed plotted]: The Mufassiroon say that this refers to Namrood who built a tall tower in order to climb – as he claimed – the heavens and fight its inhabitants.
[فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ – but Allah struck at the foundation of their building, and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them]: The Mufassiroon say: Allaah sent a wind which flung the top of the tower to the sea and the rest was destroyed. [وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ – and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive]: Meaning, from where they thought they were safe. [ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ – Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace]: Meaning, disgraced with punishment. [1]
[قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ – Those before them indeed plotted]: Meaning plotted against their Messengers, employed various types of tricks in order to reject that which the messengers brought and established gigantic safeguards [by way of arguments, views etc] on their plots. [فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ – but Allah struck at the foundation of their building]– Meaning, an affair came to them from its basis and foundation [فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ – and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them] -Meaning, so what they built became a punishment for them. [وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ – and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive]: Meaning, that is because they thought that such a building will benefit and protect them from punishment, but their punishment occurred from that which they built and established.
This is one the best of parables regarding how Allaah nullifies the plots of his enemies, for indeed they pondered and reflected on that which the Messengers brought when they belied them, made up principles and rules for it based on falsehood, referred back to them to reject that which the Messengers came with, employed tricks to bring discomfort to the Messengers and inflict harm on them and those who followed them, but their plot became a source of evil against them, so their plan became their destruction, because their plot was evil as Allaah said: [ وَلَا يَحِيقُ الْمَكْرُ السَّيِّئُ إِلَّا بِأَهْلِهِ – But the evil plot encompasses only him who makes it]. [Soorah Faatir: Ayah: 43]
This is in this worldly life and the punishment in the afterlife would be more disgraceful, and due to this Allaah said: [ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ – Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them]. [2]
Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَأَنذِرِ ٱلنَّاسَ يَوۡمَ يَأۡتِيہِمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ فَيَقُولُ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ رَبَّنَآ أَخِّرۡنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ۬ قَرِيبٍ۬ نُّجِبۡ دَعۡوَتَكَ وَنَتَّبِعِ ٱلرُّسُلَۗ أَوَلَمۡ تَڪُونُوٓاْ أَقۡسَمۡتُم مِّن قَبۡلُ مَا لَڪُم مِّن زَوَالٍ۬
وَسَكَنتُمۡ فِى مَسَـٰڪِنِ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓاْ أَنفُسَهُمۡ وَتَبَيَّنَ لَڪُمۡ كَيۡفَ فَعَلۡنَا بِهِمۡ وَضَرَبۡنَا لَكُمُ ٱلۡأَمۡثَالَ
وَقَدۡ مَكَرُواْ مَڪۡرَهُمۡ وَعِندَ ٱللَّهِ مَڪۡرُهُمۡ وَإِن كَانَ مَڪۡرُهُمۡ لِتَزُولَ
مِنۡهُ ٱلۡجِبَالُ
And warn (O Muhammad) mankind of the Day when the torment will come unto them; then the wrong-doers will say: “Our Lord! Respite us for a little while, we will answer Your Call and follow the Messengers!” (It will be said): “Had you not sworn aforetime that you would not leave (the world for the Hereafter). And you dwelt in the dwellings of men who wronged themselves, and it was clear to you how We had dealt with them. And We put forth (many) parables for you.” Indeed, they planned their plot, and their plot was with Allah, though their plot was a great (one, still) it would never be able to remove the mountains. [Surah Ibraaheem. Aayaat 44-46]
[وَقَدۡ مَكَرُواْ مَڪۡرَهُمۡ – Indeed, they planned their plot, and their plot was with Allaah]: There are four statements of the scholars regarding the above: That it was Namrood when he debated with Ibraaheem about his Lord. That it was about Bakhtanasar. That it is about the nations of the past and their plotting which necessitates Shirk. That it is about those who plotted against the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] when they desired to kill him.
And regarding the statement: [وَعِندَ ٱللَّهِ مَڪۡرُهُمۡ – and their plot was with Allah]– meaning: Their plot is recorded so that Allaah will recompense them.
[وَإِن كَانَ مَڪۡرُهُمۡ لِتَزُولَ مِنۡهُ ٱلۡجِبَالُ – though their plot was a great (one, still) it would never be able to remove the mountains]. Az-Zujaaj said, “Even if they plot reached the severity where it could move a mountain, they will still not be able to bring the affair of Islaam to an end”. [3] Even if their plot were to reach a stage where it could move a mountain, Allaah will still aid the religion He has ordained. [4]
Al-Awfee [rahimahullaah] said reported from Ibn Abbaas [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] who said, “Their plot cannot move mountains”. Ibn Jareer [rahimahullaah] said, “This deed they commit is against themselves, such as associating partners to Allaah and disbelief in Him cannot bring any harm to the mountains nor anything, rather it will haunt them”. [5] The Aayaat of Allaah, His divine laws and His manifest miracles at the hands of the Messengers are like mountains in robustness and firmness. So the intent is to belittle their plot and that it cannot remove the Aayaat and Messenger ships. [6]
Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَإِذَآ أَذَقۡنَا ٱلنَّاسَ رَحۡمَةً۬ مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ ضَرَّآءَ مَسَّتۡہُمۡ إِذَا لَهُم مَّكۡرٌ۬ فِىٓ ءَايَاتِنَاۚ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ
أَسۡرَعُ مَكۡرًاۚ إِنَّ رُسُلَنَا يَكۡتُبُونَ مَا تَمۡكُرُونَ
And when We let mankind taste of mercy after some adversity has afflicted them, behold! They take to plotting against Our Ayat [proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.]! Say: “Allah is more Swift in planning!” Certainly, Our Messengers (angels) record all of that which you plot. [Soorah Yunus: Aayah 21]
[وَإِذَآ أَذَقۡنَا ٱلنَّاسَ رَحۡمَةً۬ مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ ضَرَّآءَ مَسَّتۡہُمۡ – And when We let mankind taste of mercy after some adversity has afflicted them] – such as health after illness, wealth after [a state of] poverty, safety after [a state of] fear, they forget the adversity that afflicted them and do not thank Allaah for the ease and mercy [they receive]; rather they continue in their transgression and plotting. And due to this reason Allaah [The Most High] said: [ۡ إِذَا لَهُم مَّكۡرٌ۬ فِىٓ ءَايَاتِنَا – behold! They take to plotting against Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)]– Meaning: They hasten towards falsehood in order to falsify the truth by way of it.
[قُلِ ٱللَّهُ أَسۡرَعُ مَكۡرًاۚ – Say: Allah is more Swift in planning]– Meaning: Evil plotting encompasses only those who make it. Their [evil] aims will be thrown back at them and they will not be safe from the consequences; rather the angels write down what they used to do and Allaah will call them to account, then Allaah will recompense them for it with a full recompense [i.e. as they deserve without any injustice, decrease or increase]. [Ref 7]
Allaah [The Exalted] said:
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
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. [Surah An-Naml. Aayaat 70-72] – Meaning, O Muhammad! Do not be grieve regarding the affair of these beliers and their lack of belief, for indeed if you knew the evil that is within them and that they are not worthy of any good, then neither would you despair nor grieve, neither would your heart be straitened nor would your soul worry about their plotting, for indeed the outcomes of their plotting will return to them. [وَيَمۡكُرُونَ وَيَمۡكُرُ ٱللَّهُۖ وَٱللَّهُ خَيۡرُ ٱلۡمَـٰڪِرِينَ – they were plotting and Allah too was planning, and Allah is the Best of the planners]. [Ref 8]
The Liars Are Always Exposed
Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: The fact that a statement regarding something is lies and falsehood is sometimes known based on the statement in and of itself, its contradictions, perplexity and the manifestation of those clear indications which shows that it is lies. Lies might be manifested based on what it is in reality, manifested based on what is apparent and what is being concealed. It is sometimes known based on the situation of the utterer of the lie, for indeed the one who is known for lying, wickedness and deception, his statements do not show anything else except a state of conformity with his deeds. He does not utter a statement or perform an action similar to that of a pious and truthful person – the one innocent of every evil, deception, lie and wicked behaviour; rather the heart, intention, statements and deeds of the truthful one have the same image; and the heart, statements, deeds and intentions of the liar have the same image. [Ref 9]
The Imaam [rahimahullaah] stated that one should beware of kadhib [lying], for indeed it corrupts one’s ability to illustrate information based on what it should be in reality. It corrupts one’s ability to illustrate information and his ability to teach the people. The liar portrays what is non-existent as something present and what is present as something non-existent. He portrays truth as something false and falsehood as something true; he portrays good as evil and evil as good, so this corrupts his conception and knowledge, which then becomes a punishment upon him. Then he portrays what is not true to the one deceived by him – the one who is inclined towards him- so he corrupts his conception and knowledge. The soul of the liar turns away from the existing reality -inclined towards what is non-existent and gives preference to falsehood.
And when his conception and knowledge is corrupted, which is the basis of every wilful chosen deed, his deeds become corrupt and marked by lies, so those deeds would emanate from him just as lies emanate from the tongue- he neither benefits from his tongue nor his deeds. This is why lying is the basis [or foundation] of immorality, just as the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “Indeed lies lead to immorality [or wickedness] and indeed immorality [or wickedness] leads to the fire. [Bukhaari 2606/2607]
Firstly lies emerges from the heart and then on the tongue, so it corrupts it; then it transfers to the limbs and corrupts its actions, just as it corrupts the statements of the tongue. Therefore, lying prevails over his statements, deeds and state of affairs; corruption becomes deeply rooted in him and its disease leads to destruction if Allaah does not grant him cure him with the medication of truthfulness, which uproots its (i.e. lying) from its original source.
This is why the basis [or foundation] of all the deeds of the hearts is based on truthfulness; and the basis of their opposites – such as showing off, self-amazement, pride, being glad [with ungratefulness to Allaah’s Favours], conceitedness, boastfulness, insolence, weakness, laziness, cowardice, disgrace and other than them- is lies. The origin of every righteous deed- whether carried out in private or public- is based on truthfulness. And the origin of every corrupt deed – whether carried out in private or public- is lies.
Allaah punishes the liar by preventing him from those affairs that will bring him well-being and benefit, and He rewards the truthful one by granting him the ability to attain the beneficial affairs related to the worldly life and afterlife. There is nothing similar to truthfulness with regards to the manner in which it bring about the affairs of wellbeing in this life and the next, and there is nothing similar to lying with regards to the manner in which it corrupts and harms one’s worldly affairs and the afterlife. [Allaah (The Most High) said]: [ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ – O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds) [9:119] [هَٰذَا يَوْمُ يَنْفَعُ الصَّادِقِينَ صِدْقُهُمْ ۚ- This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth. [5:119] [ فَإِذَا عَزَمَ الْأَمْرُ فَلَوْ صَدَقُوا اللَّهَ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُمْ – And when the matter (preparation for Jihad) is resolved on, then if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them. [47:21]
وَجَاءَ الْمُعَذِّرُونَ مِنَ الْأَعْرَابِ لِيُؤْذَنَ لَهُمْ وَقَعَدَ الَّذِينَ كَذَبُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ
سَيُصِيبُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
And those who made excuses from the Bedouins came (to you, O Prophet) asking your permission to exempt them (from the battle), and those who had lied to Allah and His Messenger sat at home (without asking the permission for it); a painful torment will seize those of them who disbelieve. [9:90] [Ref 10]
It used to be said that whoever perpetrates these three acts will be haunted by them:
[A] Rebellion against Allaah’s commandments. Allaah [The Most High] said:
[ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّمَا بَغْيُكُمْ عَلَىٰ أَنْفُسِكُمْ – O mankind! Your rebellion (disobedience to Allah) is only against your ownselves]. [Soorah Yoonus: Ayah: 23]
[B] Evil plotting. Allaah [The Most High] said:
[ وَلَا يَحِيقُ الْمَكْرُ السَّيِّئُ إِلَّا بِأَهْلِهِ – But the evil plot encompasses only him who makes it]. [Soorah Faatir: Ayah: 43]
[C] Breaking pledges. [Allaah [The Most High] said:
[فَمَنْ نَكَثَ فَإِنَّمَا يَنْكُثُ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ – Then whosoever breaks his pledge only breaks it to his own harm]. [Soorah Al-Fath: Ayah: 10] [11]
Analysing The Plots of The Disbelievers – A Fard Kifaayah
Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee (may Allaah preserve him) says:
So it is not permissible for the Ulamaa to remain heedless of their plans (i.e. the enemies of Islaam), their actions, their publications, their missionary activities and their various calls (to the Muslims). And also the various poisons they are infusing – which are in opposition to the Qur’aan and the Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and his Sunnah. And nor of what plans they have for (the destruction of) the beliefs and methodologies of Islaam. It is not permissible either, to remain heedless of their concentrated efforts to Christianize or secularize the Muslim youth. And along with that, the Muslim youth and the students are not able to oppose this plan and strategy. Rather it is necessary that the distinguished Ulamaa – those who are experienced and shrewd – it is for such people, in all the places to undertake this duty. So it is obligatory for some of the intelligent and ingenious people from the field of Aqeedah to be mobilised for opposing these plans. And likewise it is a must that the intelligent and distinguished from amongst the specialists in the Sunnah – that they be mobilised for the refutation of these and similarly the eminent and distinguished from amongst those in the fields of Orientalism for the refutation of the plans of the Orientalists.” (Ahl ul-Hadeeth, p.102)
He also says: “I myself believe that it is a benefit – rather it is of necessity – that we know what the enemies are planning for us, and that it is necessary for us to prepare (ourselves in strength) to destroy their plans. However, I do not exaggerate in this matter, rather my view is the view of our Ulamaa and they have all agreed upon this – that amongst the obligatory matters there are some that are Fard Ain and others that are Fard Kifaayah – and even if knowing the state of the enemies is harmful – it is still necessary for us to know it – but it is treated as Fard Kifaayah. When some attend to it, then the harm is removed from the rest” up until he said: “So I consider that there is no criticism for the Ulamaa and the students of knowledge who take great concern for preserving the Sharee’ah of Allaah – in terms of the Book, the Sunnah and its understanding – for this is one of the duties of the Kifaayah actions. And I believe that these people are more superior, noble, truthful and of more benefit to Islaam than those who are weak in their knowledge of the religion of Allaah or those who have no share in acquainting themselves with it.” [An excerpt from an article at www.salafipublications.com titled: The Salafis and Looking into the Affairs of the Ummah]
[1: An Excerpt from ‘Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer’ By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]
[2: An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]
[3]Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer. By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi]
[4: Fat-hul Qadeer. 3/160]
[5: Al-Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Tah’dheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer]
[6: Roohul Ma’aanee p362. Vol 8]
[Ref 7: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan of Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah)’. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 8: Tafseer As-Sadi]
[Ref 9: An Excerpt from As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah 2/469-470. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 10: Al-Fawaa’id’ pages 202-203. Paraphrased. Refer to Arabic text]
[11: Kitaab Uyoonul Akhbaar of Ibn Qutaybah (rahimahullaah) Vol 1: page: 149]
