STORIES IN THE HOLY QURAN

[Shamim Ansary]

THE stories in the Qur'an consist of the state of previous nations, past prophets, and the events that took place while the Qur'an was being revealed. The Qur'an relates many incidents of the past, mentions different lands and ruins.

Types of Stories in the Qur'an:

a) The Qur'an relates the stories of previous prophets and messengers. Allah mentions stories of the miracles with which these prophets were sent, their da'wah to their people, the resistance of their opponents, the stages of da'wah and its evolution, the reward of the believers, and the fate of the disbelievers. These includes the accounts of Prophets Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), 'Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

b) The Qur'an contains stories about what happened to previous nations, and some pious individuals who were not prophets such as Jallut (Goliath), Talut, Dwellers of the Cave, Dhul Qarnayn, Maryam (Mary),
Aasiya (Pharaoh's wife), and the people who were burnt in the pit (as-habul ukhdud).

c) Stories related to incidents which took place in the life of Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam like his Night Journey to Jerusalem (al-Isra') and Ascension to the heavens (al-Mi'raj), the migration to Madinah, the Battles of Badr, Uhud, Hunayn, and others.

[Shamim Ansary]

Goals of the Qur'anic Stories:

1) Giving exhortation and warning by providing examples and lessons: Allah has narrated in the Noble Qur'an the stories of the past nations and the severe punishments that were sent upon them, and their excruciating doom. Also, how they were destroyed, and what their recompense was for belying their prophets because of their arrogance and resistance to the Truth. This is followed by reminders of the Power of Allah to uproot the lying transgressors. These stories in the Qur'an became lessons for those who came after them. In another verse, Allah says: "These are some of the news of the (population of) towns which We relate unto you (O Muhammad); of them, some are standing, and some have already been reaped. We wronged them not but they wronged themselves. So their gods, other than Allah, whom they invoked, profited them naught when there came the Command of your Lord, nor did they add ought to their lot but destruction. Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the population of towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His punishment is painful and severe," (Hud, 11:100-102).

2) Explaining that the mission of all the prophets was one: All of them called their people towards the Tawheed of Allah, asking them to single Him out in all their acts of worship without associating any partners with Him. There are numerous examples of this in the Qur'an like surahs Al-Anbiya', Maryam, and Al-A'raf. He says: "Before your time We never sent any Messenger without having revealed to him that none has the right to the worshipped but I, so worship Me (alone)," (Al-Anbiya', 21:25). "And to the people of 'Ad, We sent their brother Hud. He said: 'O my people, worship Allah Alone, you have no deity other than Him. Will you not, then, fear Him?'" (Al-A'raf, 7:65).

3) Consoling the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and strengthening his heart to perform da'wah: Allah gave him patience over the harm that was inflicted upon him from his people. Allah clarifies that He gives victory to His Messengers and protects them from His punishment. Along with this, the Qur'an makes the believers firm and strengthens them by giving them assurance that Allah will make them victorious, no matter what. "And all that We relate to you (O Muhammad) of the news of the Messengers is in order that We may make strong and firm your heart
hereby. And in this, (chapter of the Qur'an) has come to you the truth, as well as an admonition and a reminder for the believers," (Hud, 11:20). Allah also says: "Therefore, be patient (O Muhammad) as did the Messengers endowed with firmness of heart, bore themselves with patience. And be in no haste about them (the disbelievers)," (Al-Ahqaf, 46:35).

4) Showing the truthfulness of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam in his da'wah and that he is a prophet who receives revelation from Allah. Allah points towards this fact after ending the story by cautioning that all this information that he receives could not possibly have been obtained from elsewhere as he did not visit the Jewish rabbis or Christian monks to learn the accounts of previous nations and their prophets from the Torah and the Gospels: "This account of something which was beyond the reach of your perception We now reveal unto you: for you were not with them when they drew lots as to which of them should be Mary's guardian, and you were not with them when they contended about it with one another," (Al-i-'Imran, 3:114). Another verse says: "This account of something that was beyond the reach of your perception We now reveal unto you, (O Prophet): for you were not with Joseph's brothers when they arranged their plan together, and also, while they were plotting," (Yusuf, 12:102).

5) The Prophet's arguing with the People of the Book with clear proofs and guidance which they had kept hidden and his challenging them with what was in their books before they were distorted and changed. Allah says: "All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel made unlawful for himself before the Torah was revealed. Say (O
Muhammad). "Bring here the Torah and recite it, if you are truthful," (Al-i-'Imran), 3:93).

[Shamim Ansary]

The Qur'anic manner of presenting stories is a very special one:

1) Repetition:

The surah repeats a single account several times, like that of Musa (Moses) and Fir'awn (Pharaoh); Nuh (Noah); and Adam's creation. This is done to connect and reconcile the subject with the details. This might also be to bring out the miraculous nature of the Qur'an and its eloquence. Knowledge of Arabic is required to fully appreciate this aspect of the Qur'an. All the stories come in a setting which differs from one place to another, according to the demands of the situation. This repetition has several important wisdoms:

a) To explain the importance and significance of the subject which the story deals with in order to firmly settle their lessons in the souls, e.g. the account of Moses and Pharaoh revolves around the clash between truth and falsehood, light and darkness, the allies of the most Merciful and the allies of the Devil.

b) To bring out and establish the miraculous nature of the Qur'an, as well as its peak of eloquence by bringing forth the same meaning in different ways and styles, such that the repetition does not seem repetitious! It requires a sound grasp of the Arabic language to fully understand this point. Consequently, all translations fail to convey the miraculous nature and the eloquence of the Qur'an.

c) The stories are narrated for a specific purpose. Some relevant details are mentioned at one place while some others are added or subtracted at other places. An example of this can be seen in the stories of the prophets in surah Hud which are repeated again in surah Al-Qamar, but with a new and different style and manner such that the reader might think that the stories and the events were not known to him before!

2) Summarising the Relevant Events of the Story to Achieve Its Aim:

One finds that the Qur'an neither presents the stories as narrative history nor brings the chronological orders of events because it is far from the objective the Qur'an is trying to achieve. An example of this is the story of the Dwellers of the Cave (As-habul Kahf) which the Qur'an narrates to us in surah Al-Kahf. It is about a group of young men whom Allah guided to faith and who escaped from their enemies because they might have forced them to revert to disbelief. The Qur'an does not mention their names, how many they were, or what was their nation or tribe.

3) The Qur'an Puts Forth the True Story as It Occurred:

The stories in the Qur'an are not based upon imagination, rather they are the actual state of affairs in which the people lived. It is a revelation from the All-Knowledgeable, the All-Wise. Allah does not mention something unless it occurred exactly as He states it in the Qur'an. The stories in the Qur'an are drawn from actual historical events and put in an eloquent, beautiful style with the most appropriate choice of Arabic words.

4) Insertion of Advice an Warnings in the Stories of the Qur'an:
 
It is an apparent fact that the Qur'an does not amalgamate all the subjects, rather it calls for reflection. It inserts lessons from which to take heed and this is the object of the whole discussion. This is done in order to fill the hearts with the fear of Allah and to have His consciousness when one reads the Qur'an and contemplates about it. "Pharaoh said: 'Who then, O Moses, is the Lord of you two?'Moses said: 'Our Lord is He who gave to each thing its form and nature, then guided it aright.'(Pharaoh said): 'What about the generations of old?'(Moses) said: "The knowledge thereof is with my Lord in a Record. My Lord is neither unaware nor he forgets! Who has made earth for you like a bed (spreadout); and has opened roads for you therein; and has sent down water (rain) from the sky. And We have brought forth with it various kinds of vegetation. Eat and pasture your cattle; Truly, in this are proofs and signs for men of understanding. Thereof (of earth) We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again," (Ta-Ha, 20:49-54).

There is a transition from the story of Moses and Pharaoh to the reminder of the greatness of Allah and the manifestations of His being the only deity and proofs of His existence. Furthermore, the pronoun changes from addressing Moses and Pharaoh to a general one to all of humanity.


By Kamil Mufti

[Shamim Ansary]

Building the Ark

Prophet Nooh (Noah) may Allaah exalt his mention chose a place outside the city, far from the sea. He collected wood and tools and began working day and night to build the ark. The people's mockery continued: "O Nooh! Does carpentry appeal to you more than prophethood? Why are you building an ark so far from the sea? Are you going to drag it to the water or is the wind going to carry it for you?" Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention replied: "You will come to know who will be put to shame and suffer."

Allaah, the Almighty, Says (what means): "And He [Nooh] constructed the ship, and whenever an assembly of the people passed by him, they ridiculed him. He said: 'If you ridicule us, then we will ridicule you just as you ridicule. And you are going to know who will get a punishment that will disgrace him [on earth] and upon whom will descend an enduring punishment [in the Hereafter].'" [Quran: 11:38-39]

The ship was constructed, and Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention sat, awaiting Allaah's command. Allaah revealed to him that when water miraculously gushed forth from the oven at Nooh's house, that would be the sign of the start of the flood, and the sign for Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention to act.

The Flood

The terrible day arrived when the oven at Nooh's house, overflowed. Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention hurried to open the ark and summon the believers. He also took with him a pair, male and female, of every type of animal, bird and insect. Seeing him taking these creatures to the ark, the people laughed loudly: "Nooh must have gone out of his head! What is he going to do with the animals?" Almighty Allaah narrates in the Quran (what means): "[So it was], until when Our command came and the oven overflowed, We said: 'Load upon it [i.e., the Ark] of each [creature] two mates and your family, except those about whom the word [i.e., decree] has preceded, and [include] whoever has believed.' But none had believed with him, except a few." [Quran: 11:40]

Nooh's wife was not a believer, so she did not join him; neither did one of Nooh's sons, who was secretly a disbeliever but had feigned faith in front of Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention. Likewise most of the people were disbelievers and therefore did not go on board.

A Description of the Flood

Water rose from the cracks in the earth; there was not a crack from which water did not rise. Rain poured from the sky in quantities never seen before on earth. Water continued pouring from the sky and rising from the cracks; hour after hour the level rose. The high waves flooded the land. The interior of the earth moved in a strange way, and the ocean floors lifted suddenly, flooding the dry land. The earth, for the first time was submerged.

The Quran records this story in these verses (which mean): "And [Nooh] said: 'Embark therein; in the Name of Allaah is its course and its anchorage. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.' And it sailed with them through waves like mountains, and Nooh called to his son who was apart [from them]: 'O my son! Come aboard with us and be not with the disbelievers.' [But] he said: 'I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water.' [Nooh] said: 'There is no protector today from the decree of Allaah, except for whom He gives mercy.' And the waves came between them, and he was among the drowned." [Quran: 11:41-43]

The Flood Ends

Allaah Almighty Says in the Quran (what means): "And it was said: 'O Earth! Swallow up your water, and O sky! Withhold your rain.' And the water subsided, and the matter was accomplished, and it [i.e., the ship] came to rest on the [mountain of] Joodiyy. And it was said: 'Away with the wrongdoing people'. And Nooh called to his Lord and said: 'My Lord! Indeed my son is of my family; and indeed, Your promise is true; and You are the most just of judges!' He [Allaah] said: 'O Nooh! Indeed he is not of your family; indeed, he is [one whose] work was other than righteous, so ask Me not for that about which you have no knowledge. Indeed, I advise you, lest you be among the ignorant.' [Nooh] said: 'My Lord! I seek refuge in You from asking that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have Mercy upon me, I will be among the losers.' It was said: 'O Nooh! Disembark in security from Us and blessings upon you and upon nations [descending] from those with you. But other nations [of them] We will grant enjoyment; then there will touch them from Us a painful punishment.'" [Quran: 11:44-48]

With the issue of the divine command, calm returned to the earth, the water retreated, and the dry land shone once again in the rays of the sun. The flood had cleansed the earth of the disbelievers and polytheists.

Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention released the birds and the beasts which scattered over the earth. After that, the believers disembarked. Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention put his forehead to the ground in prostration. The survivors kindled a fire and sat around it. Lighting a fire had been prohibited on board so as not to ignite the ship's wood and burn it up. None of them had eaten hot food during the entire period of the flood. Following the disembarkation, there was a day of fasting in thanks to Allaah.

Nooh's Death

The Quran draws the curtain on the story of Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention. We do not know how his affairs with his people continued. All we know or can ascertain is that on his deathbed he requested his son to worship Allaah alone, and then passed away.

'Abdullaah Ibn 'Amr Ibn Al-'Aas may Allaah be pleased with him narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "When the death of the Messenger of Allaah Nooh approached, he admonished his sons: 'Indeed I give you far-reaching advice, commanding you to do two things, and warning you against two others: I beseech you to believe that there is no deity except Allaah, and that if the seven heavens and the seven earths were put on one side of a scale and the words 'There is no deity but Allaah' were put on the other, the latter would outweigh the former. I warn you against associating partners with Allaah in worship and against pride.'" [Al-Bukhaari]

Source: Sheikh Muhammad Gemeiah's translation of 'Stories of the Prophets', by Imaam Ibn Katheer

[Shamim Ansary]

The story of Prophet Nooh -II

The disbelievers remain ignorant

Prophet Nooh (Noah) may Allaah exalt his mention firmly continued his efforts in calling his people to the way of Allaah Almighty. The rulers were tired of Nooh's arguments. Allaah, the Exalted, related their attitude in the following verses (which mean): "They said: 'O Nooh! You have disputed [i.e., opposed] us and been frequent in dispute of us. So bring us what you threaten us with, if you should be of the truthful.' He said: 'Allaah will only bring it to you if He wills, and you will not cause [Him] failure. And my advice will not benefit you – although I wished to advise you – if Allaah should intend to put you in error. He is your Lord, and to Him you will be returned.'" [Quran: 11:32-34]
The battle continued; the arguments between the disbelievers and Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention became prolonged. When all the refutations of the disbelievers collapsed and they had no more to say, they began to be offensive and insulted Allaah's prophet as in the verse (which means): "Said the eminent among his people: 'Indeed, we see you in clear error.'" [Quran: 7:60]
Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention responded in the manner of the prophets; he said (what means): "…'O my people! There is not error in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds. I convey to you the messages of my Lord and advise you; and I know from Allaah what you do not know.'" [7: 61-62]
Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention continued appealing to his people to believe in Allaah hour after hour, day after day and year after year. He admonished his people and called them to Allaah day and night, in secret and openly. He gave them examples, explained Allaah's signs and illustrated Allaah's ability in the formation of His creatures. But whenever he called them to Allaah, they ran away from him. Whenever he urged them to ask Allaah to forgive them, they put their fingers in their ears and became too proud to listen to the truth.
Allaah, the Almighty, relates what Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention faced, Saying (what means): "Indeed, We sent Nooh to his people, [saying]: 'Warn your people before there comes to them a painful punishment.' He said: 'O my people! Indeed I am to you a clear warner, [Saying]: 'Worship Allaah, fear Him and obey me. He [i.e. Allaah] will forgive you of your sins and delay you for a specified term. Indeed, the time [set by] Allaah, when it comes, will not be delayed, if you only knew.'' He said: 'My Lord! Indeed I invited my people [to truth] night and day. But my invitation increased them not except in flight [i.e. aversion]. And indeed, every time I invited them that You may forgive them, they put their fingers in their ears, covered themselves with their garments [in refusal], persisted, and were arrogant with [great] arrogance. Then I invited them publicly. Then I announced to them and [also] confided to them secretly. And said: 'Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers. And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers. What is [the matter] with you that you do not attribute to Allaah [due] grandeur, while He has created you in stages? Do you not consider how Allaah has created seven heavens in layers, and made the moon therein a [reflected] light and made the sun a burning lamp? And Allaah has caused you to grow from the earth a [progressive] growth. Then He will return you into it and extract you [another] extraction. And Allaah has made for you the earth an expanse. That you may follow therein roads of passage.'' Nooh said: 'My Lord! Indeed they have disobeyed me and followed him whose wealth and children will not increase him except in loss. And they conspired an immense conspiracy, and said: ‘Never leave your gods and never leave Wadd or Suwaa’ or Yaghooth and Ya’ooq and Nasr [i.e., the names of their idols]' And already they have misled many. And, [my Lord], do not increase the wrongdoers except in error.' Because of their sins they were drowned and put into the Fire, and they found not for themselves besides Allaah [any] helpers." [Quran: 71:1-25]
Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention continued to call his people to believe in Allaah for nine hundred and fifty years. Allaah, the Almighty, Says (what means): "And We certainly sent Nooh to his people, and he remained among them a thousand years minus fifty years…" [Quran: 29:14]
Insistence on disbelief
It happened that every passing generation admonished the succeeding one not to believe Nooh and to wage war against him. The father would teach his child about the matter that was between himself and Nooh and counsel him to reject his call when he reached adulthood. Their inclination rejected believing and following the truth.
Nooh saw that the number of believers was not increasing, while that of the disbelievers was. He was sad for his people, but he never reached the point of despair.
There came a day when Allaah revealed to Nooh that no others would believe. Allaah inspired him not to grieve for them, at which point Nooh prayed that the disbelievers be destroyed, saying (which means): "…'My Lord! Do not leave upon the earth from among the disbelievers an inhabitant. Indeed, if you leave them, they will mislead Your servants and not beget except [every] wicked one and [confirmed] disbeliever.'" [Quran: 71:26-27]
Allaah accepted the prayer of Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention . The case was closed, and He passed His judgment on the disbelievers in the form of a flood. Allaah the Exalted ordered His worshipper, Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention to build an ark with His knowledge and instructions and with the help of angels. Almighty Allaah commanded (what means): "And construct the ship under Our Eyes and Our inspiration and do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are [to be] drowned." [Quran: 11:37]

[Shamim Ansary]

Monotheism

Prophet Nooh (Noah) may Allaah exalt his mention was one of the prominent Prophets whom Allaah Almighty sent to guide people to His Path - that of Monotheism. Ibn 'Abbaas may Allaah be pleased with him narrated that Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "The period between Aadam and Nooh was ten centuries." [Al-Bukhaari]

Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention was therefore born some one thousand years after Aadam's creation, or after he left the Garden of Eden. For many generations, the people of Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention had been worshipping statues that they called gods. They believed that these gods would bring them good, protect them from evil and provide all their needs. They gave their idols names such as Wadd, Suwaa', Yaghooth, Ya'ooq, and Nasr.

Allaah Almighty revealed in the Noble Quran (what means): "And [the idolaters] said: 'Never leave your gods and never leave Wadd, nor Suwaa' or Yaghooth and Ya'ooq and Nasr [i.e., the names of their idols]." [Quran: 71:23] Originally, these were the names of good people who had lived among them. After their deaths, statues of them were erected to keep their memories alive. After some time, however, people began to worship these statues. Later generations did not even know why they had been erected; they only knew their parents had prayed to them. That is how idol worshipping developed. Since they had no understanding of Allaah Almighty who would punish them for their evil deeds, they became cruel and immoral.

Ibn 'Abbaas may Allaah be pleased with him explained: "Following the death of those righteous men, Satan inspired their people to erect statues in the places where they used to sit. They did this, but these statues were not worshiped until the coming generations deviated from the right way of life. Then they worshipped them as their idols."

In his description of this story, Imaam Ibn Jareer may Allaah have mercy upon him narrated: "There were righteous people who lived in the period between Aadam and Nooh, may Allaah exalt their mention, and who had followers who held them as models. After their death, their friends who used to emulate them said: 'If we make statues of them, it will be more pleasing to us in our worship and will remind us of them.' So they built statues of them and, after they had died and others came after them, Iblees (Satan) crept into their minds saying: 'Your forefathers used to worship them, and through that worship they got rain.' So they worshipped them."

Imaam Ibn Abu Haatim may Allaah have mercy upon him related the following story: "Wadd was a righteous man who was loved by his people. When he died, they withdrew to his grave in the land of Babylonia and were overwhelmed by sadness. When Iblees saw their sorrow caused by his death, he disguised himself in the form of a man saying: 'I have seen your sorrow because of this man's death; can I make a statue like him which could be put in your meeting place to make you remember him?' They said: 'Yes.' So he made the statue like him. They put it in their meeting place in order to be reminded of him. When Iblees saw their interest in remembering him, he said: 'Can I build a statue of him in the home of each one of you so that he would be in everyone's house and you could thereby remember him?' They agreed. Their children learned about and saw what they were doing. They also learned about their remembrance of him instead of Allaah. So the first to be worshipped instead of Allaah was Wadd, the idol which they named thus."

The essence of this point is that every idol from those earlier mentioned was worshipped by a certain group of people. It was mentioned that people made pictures and, as the ages passed, they made these pictures into statues, so that their forms could be fully recognised; afterwards they were worshipped instead of Allaah.

It was narrated that Umm Salamah and Umm Habeebah may Allaah be pleased with them who were two of the wives of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) informed him sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) about the church named 'Maria' that they had seen in the land of Abyssinia. They described its beauty and the pictures therein. He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Those are the people who build places of worship on the grave of every dead man who was righteous and then make therein those pictures. Those are the worst of creation in the sight of Allaah." [Al-Bukhaari]

Worshipping anything other than Allaah is a tragedy that results not only in the loss of freedom; its serious effect reaches man's mind and destroys it as well. Almighty Allaah created man and his mind with its purpose set on achieving knowledge, the most important of which is that Allaah alone is the Creator and all the rest are worshippers (slaves). Therefore, disbelief in Allaah, or polytheism, results in the loss of freedom, the destruction of the mind, and the absence of a noble target in life. By worshipping anything other than Allaah, man becomes enslaved to Satan, who is himself a creature, and becomes harnessed to his own baser qualities.

Into that environment, Allaah sent Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention with His message to his people. Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention was the only intellectual not caught in the whirlpool of man's destruction which was caused by polytheism.

Allaah, out of His Mercy, sent His messenger Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention to guide his people. Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention was an excellent speaker and a very patient man. He pointed out to his people the mysteries of life and the wonders of the universe. He pointed out how the night is regularly followed by the day and that the balance between these opposites was designed by Allaah Almighty for our good. The night gives coolness and rest while the day gives warmth and awakens activity. The sun encourages growth, keeping all plants and animals alive, while the moon and stars assist in the reckoning of time, direction and seasons. He pointed out that the ownership of the heavens and the earth belongs only to the Divine Creator.

Therefore, he explained to this people, there cannot have been more than one deity. He clarified to them how the devil had deceived them for so long and that the time had come for this deceit to stop. Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention spoke to them of Allaah's glorification of man, how He had created him and provided him with sustenance and the blessings of the mind. He told them that idol-worshipping was a suffocating injustice to the mind. He warned them not to worship anyone but Allaah and described the terrible punishment Allaah would mete out if they continued in their evil ways.

The people listened to him in silence. His words were a shock to their stagnating minds as it is a shock to a person who is asleep under a wall which is about to fall and who is vigorously awakened. This person may be alarmed and may even become angry, although the aim was only to save him.

The people of Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention were divided into two groups after his warning. His words touched the hearts of the weak, the poor, and the miserable, and soothed their wounds with its mercy. As for the rich, the strong, the mighty and the rulers, they looked upon the warning with cold distrust. They believed they would be better off if things stayed as they were. Therefore, they started their war of words against Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention.

First they accused Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention of being a mere  human, just like themselves, as the verse states (what means): "So the eminent among those who disbelieved from his people said: 'We do not see you but as a man like ourselves'…." [Quran: 11:27]

He, however, had never said anything other than that. He asserted that, indeed, he was only a human being; Allaah had sent a human messenger because the earth was inhabited by humans. If it had been inhabited by angels, Allaah would have sent an angelic messenger.

The contest between the polytheists and Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention continued. The rulers had thought at first that Nooh's call would soon fade on its own. When they found that his call attracted the poor, the helpless and common labourers, they started to verbally attack and taunt him: 'You are only followed by the poor, the meek and the worthless.'

Allaah the Almighty tells us in the Quran (what means): "And We had certainly sent Nooh to his people, [saying]: 'Indeed, I am to you a clear warner. That you not worship except Allaah. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a painful day.' So the eminent among those who disbelieved from his people said: 'We do not see you but as a man like ourselves, and we do not see you followed except by those who are the lowest of us [and] at first suggestion. And we do not see in you over us any merit; rather, we think you are a liar.'" [Quran: 11:25-27]

Thus, the conflict between Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention and the heads of his people intensified. The disbelievers tried to bargain: "Listen Nooh! If you want us to believe in you, then dismiss your believers. They are meek and poor, while we are elite and rich; no faith can include us both." Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention listened to the heathens of his community and realised they were obstinate. However, he was gentle in his response. He explained to his people that he could not dismiss the believers as they were not his guests but Allaah's.

Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention appealed to them saying (what means): "O my people! I ask not of you for it any wealth. My reward is not but from Allaah. And I am not one to drive away those who have believed. Indeed, they will meet their Lord, but I see that you are a people behaving ignorantly. And O my people! Who would protect me from Allaah if I drove them away? Then will you not be reminded? And I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of Allaah or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel, nor do I say of those upon whom your eyes look down that Allaah will never grant them any good. Allaah is most knowing of what is within their souls. Indeed, I would then be among the wrongdoers [i.e., the unjust].'" [Quran: 11:29-31]

Nooh may Allaah exalt his mention refuted the arguments of the disbelievers with the noble knowledge of the prophets. It is the logic of intellect that rids itself of personal pride and interests.

[Shamim Ansary]

Ibraaheem Smashes the Idols

When Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention recognised that his father and people would not give up worshipping their idols, he left his father’s house and abandoned his people and what they worshiped. He may Allaah exalt his mention decided to do something about their state of disbelief, but did not reveal it.

He may Allaah exalt his mention knew that there was to be a great celebration on the far bank of the river which would be attended by all the people. Ibraaheem may Allaah be pleased with him waited until the city was empty, and then came out cautiously, directing his steps towards the temple. The streets leading to it were empty and the temple itself was deserted, for the priests had also gone to the festival outside the city.

Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention went there carrying a sharp axe. He looked at the stone and wooden statues of the gods and at the food laid in front of them as offerings. He may Allaah exalt his mention approached one of the statues and asked: "The food in front of you is getting cold; why don’t you eat?" The statue was silent and rigid. Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention asked the other statues around him (what means): "…'Do you not eat?'" [Quran: 37:91]

He was mocking them, for he knew they would not eat. He once again asked (what means): "'What is [wrong] with you that you do not speak?'" [Quran: 37:92]

He may Allaah exalt his mention then raised his axe and began smashing the false gods worshiped by the people. He may Allaah exalt his mention destroyed them all, except one, around whose neck he hung the axe. After this, his irritation subsided and he felt at peace. He may Allaah exalt his mention then left the temple, having fulfilled his vow to show his people a practical proof of their foolishness in worshiping something other than Allaah.

When the people returned, they were shocked to see their gods smashed to pieces, lying scattered all over the temple. They began to guess who had done that to their idols, and Ibraaheem’s name came to their minds.

Allaah the Almighty Says (what means): "They said: 'Who has done this to our gods? Indeed, he is of the wrongdoers.' They said: 'We heard a young man mention them who is called Ibraaheem.' They said: 'Then bring him before the eyes of the people that they may testify.' They said: 'Have you done this to our gods, O Ibraaheem?’ He said: 'Rather, this – the largest of them – did it, so ask them, if they should [be able to] speak.' So they returned to [blaming] themselves and said [to each other]: 'Indeed, you are the wrongdoers.' Then they reversed themselves, [saying to Ibraaheem]: 'You have already known that these do not speak!' He said: 'Then do you worship instead of Allaah that which does not benefit you at all or harm you? Uff [i.e., an exclamation of disgust] to you and to what you worship instead of Allaah. Then will you not use reason?'" [Quran: 21:59-67]

Ibraaheem is flung into a Huge Fire

Furious, they demanded that Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention be arrested and tried. Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention did not resist. This was precisely what he had been aiming for, so that he could show them up in public for their foolish beliefs.

At the trial they asked him if he was responsible for breaking the idols. Smiling, he may Allaah exalt his mention told them to ask the biggest idol, which was still whole, saying that he must be the culprit! They replied that he knew well that the idol could not speak or move, which gave Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention the opportunity to prove the foolishness of worshiping these lifeless objects.

They then realised the senselessness of their beliefs; however, their arrogance would not allow them to admit their foolishness. All they could do was use their power of authority, as tyrants usually do, to punish Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention. They kept him in chains and plotted their revenge.

They dug a deep pit, filled it with firewood and ignited it. Then they brought a catapult with which to cast Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention into the fire. Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention was put on the catapult, his hands and feet tied. The fire was ready with its flames reaching the sky. The people stood away from the pit because of the great heat. Then the chief priest gave his order to cast Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention into the fire.

The angel Jibreel may Allaah exalt his mention then came close to Ibraaheem’s head and asked him: "O Ibraaheem, do you wish for anything?" Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention replied: "Nothing from you." This was not an arrogant reply, rather, he said this due to knowing with full certainty that Allaah would help him, and that he was therefore seeking only His help.

The catapult was shot, and Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention was cast into the fire, but his descent into the blaze was as a descent on steps in a cool garden. The flames were still there, but they did not burn, for Allaah the Almighty had issued His command (which means): "…'O fire! Be coolness and safety upon Ibraaheem.'" [Quran: 21:69]

The fire submitted to the will of Allaah, becoming cool and safe for Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention. It only burned his bonds, and he sat in the midst of the fire as if he were sitting in a garden. He may Allaah exalt his mention glorified and praised Allaah the Almighty, with a heart that contained only his love for Allaah. There was not any vacant space therein for fear, awe, or worry. It was replete with love.

The crowd, the chiefs, and the priests sat watching the fire from a distance. It was burning their faces and nearly suffocating them. It continued burning for such a long time that the disbelievers thought it would never be extinguished.

When it did burn out, they were greatly amazed to find Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention emerging from the pit untouched by the fire. Their faces were black from the smoke, but his was radiant with light by the Grace of Allaah. The raging fire had become cool for Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention and had only charred the ropes which held him. He may Allaah exalt his mention walked out of the fire as if he were walking out of a garden. Cries of astonishment were heard from the heathens. Allaah Says (what means): "And they intended for him a plan [i.e., harm], but We made them the greatest losers." [Quran: 21:70]

This miracle shamed the tyrants, but it did not cool the flame of anger in their hearts. However, after this event many of the people followed Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention although some kept their belief a secret for fear of harm or death at the hands of the rulers. Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention had established a definite reasoning against the idolaters. Nothing was left for him except to reason against the people who proclaimed themselves gods.

Ibraaheem Debates with the Tyrant King

When the king, Namrooth, heard of Ibraaheem’s safe exit from the fire, he was infuriated. He feared that the status of godhead he had proclaimed for himself was now challenged by an ordinary human being. He summoned Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention to his palace and held a dialogue with him, which Allaah the Almighty recounts with (what means): "Have you not considered the one who argued with Ibraaheem about his Lord [merely] because Allaah had given him kingship? When Ibraaheem said: 'My Lord is the one who gives life and causes death,' he said: 'I give life and cause death.' Ibraaheem said: 'Indeed, Allaah brings up the sun from the east, so bring it up from the west.' So the disbeliever was overwhelmed [by astonishment], and Allaah does not guide the wrongdoing people." [Quran: 2:258]

Ibraaheem’s fame spread throughout the entire kingdom. People talked about how he had been saved from the blazing fire and how he had debated with the king and left him speechless. In the meantime, Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention continued calling people to believe in Allaah, exerting a great effort to guide his people to the right path.

He may Allaah exalt his mention tried every means to convince them. However, in spite of his love and care for his people, they felt angry and deserted him. Only one woman and one man of his people shared his belief in Allaah. The woman’s name was Saarah, may Allaah exalt her mention, who was to become his wife, and the man's name was Luut may Allaah exalt his mention who was to become a prophet.

Ibraaheem Leaves for Palestine, then Egypt

When Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention realised that no one else was going to believe in his call, he decided to emigrate. He may Allaah exalt his mention left his people and travelled with his wife and Luut (Lot), may Allaah exalt their mention, to a city called Ur, then to another called Haaraan, and then to Palestine. Allaah Almighty tells us (what means): "So Luut believed him. [Ibraaheem] said: 'Indeed, I will emigrate to [the service of] my Lord. Indeed, He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.'" [Quran: 29:26]

After Palestine, Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention travelled to Egypt, calling people to believe in Allaah wherever he would be, judging fairly between people, and guiding them to truth and righteousness.

Ibraaheem’s wife Saarah, may Allaah exalt her mention, was unable to have children. She had been given an Egyptian woman, Haajar, may Allaah exalt her mention, as a servant. Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention had aged, and his hair had become grey after many years spent calling people to Allaah. Saarah, may Allaah exalt her mention, thought that her husband and her were lonely because she could not have a child. Therefore, she offered him her servant Haajar, may Allaah exalt her mention, in marriage. Haajar, may Allaah exalt her mention, gave birth to her first son Ismaa'eel may Allaah exalt his mention when Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention was an old man.

Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention lived on earth worshiping Allaah and calling people to monotheism, but he was journeying to Allaah, knowing that his days on earth were limited and that they would be followed by death, and finally, Resurrection. The knowledge of life after death filled Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention with peace, love, and certitude.

[Shamim Ansary]

Ibraaheem Smashes the Idols 2

Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention was born in Iraq. His father, whose name was Aazar, would carve idols from wood and sell them to the idol worshippers. Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention led his life in continuous struggle to comprehensively establish Islam. He is mentioned with praiseworthy titles in the Quran which help us to understand his distinguished character.

Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention was endowed with knowledge of Allaah from a very young age. He rejected the practice of idol worship and urged his father to worship Allaah, the one and only God. He argued with his father to abandon his idolatry and worship Allaah alone, but the latter became enraged and displayed haughtiness and arrogance. When Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention further argued with his father that the idols did not have the ability to harm or benefit, his father told his son to leave his house or be stoned to death.  Ibraaheem replied with (what means): “…'Peace [i.e., safety] will be upon you. I will ask forgiveness for you of my Lord. Indeed, He is ever gracious to me. And I will leave you…” [Quran: 19:47-48]

Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention addressed the issue of worshipping kings and rulers such as Namrooth, king of Ur in Chaldea (Babylon) who alleged being a god. This tyrannous king claimed the ability of giving life and causing death to human beings. Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention refuted this allegation by a decisive sentence when he asked the king to cause the sun to rise from the west. The king Namrooth realised his disability to accomplish such a task, and therefore his allegation of being a god was refuted.

He may Allaah exalt his mention continued his struggle against idolatry and followed every possible way to prove the Tawheed (Oneness of Allaah) by offering evidence and logical arguments. He asked his people (what means): "…'What do you worship?' They said: 'We worship idols [as did our fathers] and remain to them devoted.' He [Ibraaheem] said: 'Do they hear you when you supplicate? Or do they benefit you, or do they harm?'" [Quran: 26:70-73]

He may Allaah exalt his mention reminded them that there was only One God, the Lord of all creation, who controlled life, death and resurrection. He may Allaah exalt his mention urged his own father to desist from worshipping idols and said that he had learned from his own experience that Allaah alone was worthy of worship.

He may Allaah exalt his mention was shown by Allaah the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth, so that he might be convinced of the faith in his Creator; The Quran narrates (what means): "So when the night covered him [with darkness], he [Ibraaheem] saw a star. He said: 'This is my lord.' But when it set, he said: 'Unless my Lord guides me, I will surely be among the people gone astray.' And when he saw the sun rising, he said (what means): "'This is my lord; this is greater.' But when it set, he said, 'O my people! Indeed I am free from what you associate with Allaah. Indeed, I have turned my face [i.e., self] toward He who created the heavens and the earth, and I am not of those who associate others [in worship] with Allaah.'" [Quran: 6:76-79]

The people jeered at him, remonstrated with him, and even stoned him; they tried to frighten him into believing that their idols would destroy him and his God would not be able to save him.

But Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention responded with (what means): "…'do you argue with me concerning Allaah while He has guided me? And I fear not what you associate with Him [and will not be harmed] unless my Lord should will something'…" [Quran: 6:80-81]

After he had no hope of their response, he crept in stealth to their idols and smashed them all, except for the largest one. When the people knew that Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention had been the doer, they prepared a huge fire wherein he was thrown. But he emerged safe from the fire by the Grace of Allaah.

After this, Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention left his people for Palestine, accompanied by his wife, Saarah, and his nephew, Loot, may Allaah exalt their mention. When they passed by the territory of a tyrant king, someone told that tyrant that a stranger had come accompanied by a very charming lady. The king ordered that the lady be brought to him.  When the lady (Saarah) was brought to him, he tried to take hold of her but, by a miracle of Allaah, his hand became rigid. He then gave Saarah, may Allaah exalt her mention, a maidservant by the name of Haajar, may Allaah exalt her mention.

As Ibraaheem and Saarah, may Allaah exalt their mention, had reached old age with no children, Saarah, may Allaah exalt her mention, offered her servant Haajar, may Allaah exalt her mention, to her husband as a wife in order that he could have a child from her, as this was the wish of Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention.

From Haajar, may Allaah exalt her mention, Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention was given a son named Ismaa'eel, despite being eighty-six years of age. Allaah the Glorious and Mighty then commanded Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention to take his wife and beloved son to a barren place (Makkah) and to leave them there, alone, where no food, water, or human life was to be seen. The wife, may Allaah exalt her mention, heartily accepted this command, as it was Allaah’s will.  It was only occasionally that Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention did visit his bitterly suffering wife and son. On one such visit, Allaah commanded him to offer his son as a sacrifice, which was the most difficult test for his faith.

The son obeyed his father’s accomplishment of Allaah’s will. Just as Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention was about to slaughter Ismaa'eel may Allaah exalt his mention Allaah ransomed him for a ram.  Allaah revealed to Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention that this was a trial for him in which he succeeded.

Ibraaheem and his son, Ismaa'eel, may Allaah exalt their mention, then built the Sacred House of Allaah, the Ka’bah, in Makkah (see Quran: 14:35–41]). Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention established the rites of Hajj as enjoined by Allaah (see [Quran: 22:26-30]). He taught people Tawheed (see [Quran: 60:4]), Allaah’s Attributes (see [Quran 26:77-84]), belief in the Day of Resurrection (see [Quran 2:260])…. etc.

As a concluding statement, it is worth noting that this story of Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention teaches us, among many other things, that it is the relationship between a Muslim and his Lord and brother Muslims that should be given precedence over blood relationships.

[Shamim Ansary]

The story of Prophet Aadam - I

Allaah Almighty revealed in the Quran (what means): "And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels: 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.' They said: 'Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?' He [Allaah] said:  'Indeed, I know that which you do not know.' And He taught Aadam the names - all of them. Then He showed them to the angels and said: 'Inform Me of the names of these, if you are truthful.' They said: 'Exalted are You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Indeed, it is You who is the Knowing, the Wise.' He said: 'O Aadam! Inform them of their names.' And when he had informed them of their names, He said: 'Did I not tell you that I know the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you have concealed.' And [mention] when We said to the angels: 'Prostrate before Aadam'; so they prostrated, except for Iblees [Satan]. He refused and was arrogant and became of the disbelievers. And We said: 'O Aadam! Dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.' But Satan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that [condition] in which they had been. And We said: 'Go down, [all of you], as enemies to one another, and you will have upon the earth a place of settlement and provision for a time.' Then Aadam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful. We said: 'Go down from it, all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs - those will be companions of Fire; they will abide therein eternally.'" [Quran 2:30-39]

Almighty Allaah also revealed (what means): "And We have certainly created you, [O mankind], and given you [human] form. Then We said to the angels: 'Prostrate to Aadam'; so they prostrated, except for Iblees. He was not of those who prostrated. [Allaah] said: 'What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?' [Satan] said: 'I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay [i.e. earth].' [Allaah] said: 'Descend from it [i.e. Paradise], for it is not for you to be arrogant therein. So get out; indeed, you are of the debased.' [Satan] said: 'Reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected.' [Allaah] said: 'Indeed, you are of those reprieved.' [Satan] said: 'Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them [i.e. mankind] on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].' [Allaah] said: 'Get out of it [i.e. Paradise], reproached and expelled, Whoever follows you among them - I will surely fill Hell with you, all together.' And: 'O Aadam! Dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat from wherever you will but do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.' But Satan whispered to them to make apparent to them that which was concealed from them of their private parts. He said: 'Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you become angels or become of the immortal.' And he swore [by Allaah] to them: 'Indeed, I am to you from among the sincere advisors.' So he made them fall, through deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten together over themselves from the leaves of Paradise. And their Lord called to them: 'Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?' They said: 'Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.' [Allaah] said:  'Descend, being to one another enemies. And for you on the earth is a place of settlement and enjoyment [i.e. provision] for a time.' He said: 'Therein you will live, and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought forth.'” [Quran 7:11-25]

When Allaah the Almighty created Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention He addressed His angels and told them to prostrate before him. The purpose behind that was not to ask their opinion or take their advice, for He is above that. Allaah the Exalted told them that He was going to create a vicegerent on the earth who would have offspring. That is why the angels said to Allaah the Almighty (what means): "…Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood…" [Quran: 2:30]

According to the prominent Muslim scholar Qataadah may Allaah have mercy upon him it was said that the angels were informed about the creation of Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention and his progeny by the jinn who lived before Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention. Abdullaah bin 'Umar may Allaah be pleased with him said that the jinn had existed for many years before Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention and had shed one another's blood. Therefore, Allaah sent on them an army of angels that drove them out to the depths of the seas. Ibn Abu Haatim may Allaah be pleased with him narrated that the angels were informed by Allaah that man would cause wickedness and shed blood on earth.

Whether or not these traditions are correct, the angels did understand that Allaah would create a vicegerent on earth. Allaah the Almighty announced that He was going to create a human being out of clay, that He would mould him and blow His spirit into him and that the angels should then prostrate before him.

Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Allaah created Aadam from a handful of dust taken from different lands, so the children of Aadam have been created according to the composition of the land. Therefore from mankind we have white, red, black and yellow; we have good and evil, ease and sorrow, and what comes in between them." [Al-Bukhaari]

So Allaah shaped Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention into a human being; but he remained a figure of clay for forty years. The angels went past him. They were seized with fear by what they saw, and Iblees felt the most fear. He would pass by the figure of Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention buffeting it, which would make a sound like pottery. Allaah Says (what means): "He created man [Aadam] from clay like [that of] pottery." [Quran: 55:14]

When the time drew near to breathe the spirit into Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention as Allaah decreed, He commanded the angels (what means): "When I breathe My spirit into him, prostrate before him." [Quran 15:29] Allaah breathed His spirit into Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention and when it reached his head, Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention sneezed. The angels said to him: "Say: 'All praise belongs to Allaah.'" Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention repeated: "All praise belongs to Allaah." Allaah said to him: "Your Lord has granted you mercy." When the spirit reached his eyes, Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention looked at the fruits of Paradise. When it reached his abdomen, he may Allaah exalt his mention craved for food. He jumped hurriedly before the spirit could reach his legs, so that he could eat from the fruits of Paradise.

Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention opened his eyes and saw all the angels prostrating before him except one being, who was standing at a distance. Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention did not know what kind of creature it was that did not prostrate before him, nor did he know its name. Iblees was standing with the angels so as to be included in the command given to them, but he was not one of them - he was a jinn. What is clear is that this prostration was to show respect and did not mean that the angels were worshipping Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention. Prostrating in worship is done only for Allaah.

Iblees believed that he was more honourable than Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention. Therefore, he abstained from prostrating, even though Allaah had commanded him to do so, just as He had commanded the angels.

Iblees tried in vain to justify his refusal; he said (what means): "…'Should I prostrate to one You created from clay? Do you see this one who You have honoured above me? If you delay me [i.e., my death] until the Day of Resurrection, I will surely destroy [i.e., lead astray] his descendants, except for a few.'" [Quran: 17:61-62]

Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention was following what was happening around him and had feelings of love, awe, and astonishment - deep love of Allaah, who had created and glorified him and who had made His angels prostrate before him; awe of the Creator's wrath when He excluded Iblees from His mercy. Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention was surprised by this creature, Iblees, who abhorred him without even knowing him and who imagined himself better than him without having proved that he was worthier. What a strange creature Iblees was, and how strange was his excuse for not prostrating!

[Shamim Ansary]

Adam Dwells in Paradise

Allaah commanded Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention to dwell in Paradise Saying (what means): "…‘O Aadam! Dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.'" [Quran: 2:35]

The location of this Paradise is unknown to us. The Quran did not mention it, and the Quranic commentators have five different opinions on this. Some said that it was the Paradise of our refuge, and that its place was heaven. Others rejected that statement because if it was the Paradise of refuge, Iblees (Satan) would have been forbidden admission, and disobedience in it would have been forbidden as well. Still others said that it was another paradise that was created by Allaah for Aadam and Hawwaa` (Eve), may Allaah exalt their mention. A fourth group said it was a paradise on the earth located in a high place. Another group of commentators have stated that one should not speculate about this.

We agree with this last opinion, as the lesson we learn from its location is immaterial compared to the lesson we learn from the events that took place there.

Aadam and Hawwaa`, may Allaah exalt their mention, were admitted to Paradise and there they lived the dream of all human beings. Allaah permitted them to approach and enjoy everything except one tree; He Says (what means): "…‘Do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.'" [Quran 2:35]

Aadam and Hawwaa’, may Allaah exalt their mention, understood that they were forbidden to eat the fruit of that tree. Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention was, however, a human being, and man tends to forget. His heart changes and his will weakens. Satan summoned all the envy within him and took advantage of Aadam's humanity to exploit him. He started to whisper to him day after day, coaxing him, as this verse states (which means): "…‘Shall I direct you to the tree of eternity and possession that will not deteriorate?’" [Quran 20:120] He said to them (what means): "'Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you become angels or become of the immortal.' And he swore [by Allaah] to them: 'Indeed, I am to you from among the sincere advisors.'" [Quran: 7:20-21]

Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention asked himself: "What will happen if I eat from this tree? It might truly be the tree of eternity." His dream was to live for ever in the pure innocence of Paradise.

Years went by, and Aadam and Hawwaa’, may Allaah exalt their mention, were preoccupied with thoughts of that tree. Then, one day, they decided to eat of its fruit. They forgot that Allaah had warned them not to approach it and that Satan was their sworn enemy. Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention stretched out his hand, picked one of the fruits, and offered it to Hawwaa’, may Allaah exalt her mention. They both ate of the forbidden tree.

Allaah Almighty tells us (what means): "So he [Satan] made them fall…" [Quran: 7:22] Allaah also says what means: "…And Aadam disobeyed his Lord and erred." [Quran: 20:121]

At that moment, their eyes were opened to the fact that they were naked, and so they took the leaves of a fig tree to cover themselves. Wahb bin Munabbih may Allaah have mercy upon him who was a Muslim scholar from the second generation, said that their clothing was made of light on the private parts of both of them.

Allaah the Almighty Says (what means): "O Children of Aadam! Let not Satan tempt you as he removed your parents [Aadam and Hawwaa’] from Paradise stripping them of their clothing to show them their private parts. Indeed, he sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them. Indeed, We have made the devils allies to those who do not believe." [Quran: 7:27]

Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention had hardly finished eating when he felt his heart contract, and he was filled with pain, sadness and shame. The surrounding atmosphere and his mood had changed. He discovered that he and his wife were naked, so they both started cutting tree leaves with which to cover themselves. Allaah the Almighty then addressed them (with what means): "…'Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?' They said: 'Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.' [Allaah] said: 'Descend, being to one another [Aadam, Hawwaa’, and Satan] enemies. And for you on the earth is a place of settlement and enjoyment [i.e., provision] for a time.' He said: 'Therein you will live, and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought forth.'" [Quran: 7:22-25]

Imaam Ibn 'Asaakir may Allaah have mercy upon him who was a prominent Muslim scholar, narrated that Allaah commanded two angels to remove Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention from His holy proximity. So Jibreel (Gabriel) may Allaah exalt his mention stripped him of the crown on his head, and Meekaa'eel (Michael) took the diadem from his forehead. Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention thought that his punishment had been hastened and bowed down crying: "Forgiveness! Forgiveness!" Allaah Said: "Are you running away from Me?" Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention replied: "No, my Lord, but I am shy of You."

[Shamim Ansary]

The story of Prophet Aadam - III

On earth, Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention had to face conflict and struggle. No sooner had one ended than another began. He also had to toil to sustain himself. He had to protect himself with clothes and weapons and protect his wife and children from wild beasts. Above all, he had to struggle with the spirit of evil. Iblees (Satan), the cause of his expulsion from Paradise continued to beguile him and his children in order to have them thrown into the eternal Hellfire. The battle between good and evil is continuous, but those who follow Allaah's guidance should fear nothing while those who disobey Allaah and follow Iblees will be damned along with him.  

Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention grasped all of this and with the knowledge of this challenge began his life on the earth. The only relief for his grief was that as master of the earth he had to make it yield to him. He was the one who had to perpetuate, cultivate, construct and populate the earth. He had to procreate and raise the children necessary to change and improve the world.

The pinnacle of earthly bliss was reached when Aadam and Hawaa', may Allaah exalt their mention, witnessed the birth of their first set of twins. Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention was a devoted father and Hawaa', may Allaah exalt her mention, a contented mother. The twins were Qaabeel (Cain) and his sister. Later, Hawaa', may Allaah exalt her mention, gave birth to a second set of twins, Haabeel (Abel) and his sister. The family enjoyed the bounties and fruits of the earth provided by their Lord. The children grew up to be strong and healthy young adults. Qaabeel tilled the land while Haabeel raised cattle.

The time arrived when the two young men desired life partners. This was part of Allaah’s plan for mankind, to multiply and form nations with different cultures and colours. Allaah revealed to Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention that he should marry each son to the twin sister of the other. Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention instructed his children according to Allaah's command, but Qaabeel was displeased with the partner chosen for him, for Haabeel's twin sister was not as beautiful as his own.

It appears that since the beginning of time, physical beauty has been a factor in the attraction between man and woman. This attraction caused Qaabeel to envy his brother Haabeel. He rebelled against Allaah's command by refusing to accept his father's advice.

Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention was in a dilemma. He wanted peace and harmony in his family, so he invoked Allaah for help. Allaah commanded that each son offer a sacrifice, and he whose offering was accepted would have right on his side. Haabeel offered his best camel while Qaabeel offered his worst grain. His sacrifice was not accepted by Allaah because of his disobedience to his father and the insincerity in his offering.

This enraged Qaabeel even further. Realising that his hopes of marrying his own beautiful sister were fading, he threatened his brother. "I will kill you! I refuse to see you happy while I remain unhappy!" he said.

Haabeel, feeling sorry for his brother, replied: "It would be more proper for you, my brother, to search for the cause of your unhappiness and then walk in the way of peace. Allaah accepts deeds only from those who serve and fear Him, not from those who reject His commands."

Haabeel was intelligent, obedient, and always ready to obey the will of Allaah. This contrasted sharply with his brother who was arrogant, selfish and disobedient to his Lord. Haabeel did not fear his brother's threats, but he did not want his brother to be hurt. Allaah had blessed Haabeel with purity and compassion.

Hoping to dispel the hatred seething in his brother, Haabeel said: "My brother, you are deviating from the right path and are sinful in your decisions. It is better that you repent to Allaah and forget about your foolish threat. But if you do not, then I will leave the matter in the hands of Allaah. You alone will bear the consequence of your sin, for the Fire is the reward of the wrong-doers."

This brotherly plea did nothing to lessen the hatred in Qaabeel's heart, nor did he show fear of Allaah's punishment. Even familial considerations were cast aside. Qaabeel struck his brother with a stone killing him instantly. This was the first death and the first criminal act committed by man on earth.

When Haabeel had not appeared for some time, Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention began to search for him but found no trace of his beloved son. He asked Qaabeel about Haabeel's whereabouts. Qaabeel insolently replied that he was neither his brother's keeper nor his protector. From these words his father understood that Haabeel was dead and Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention was filled with grief.

Meanwhile, Qaabeel did not know what to do with his brother's corpse. He carried it on his back wandering from place to place trying to hide it. His anger had now subsided and his conscience was saddled with guilt. He was tiring under the burden of the corpse which had started to have a stench. As a mercy, and to show that dignity could be retained even in death, Allaah sent two ravens that began fighting, causing the death of one. The victorious bird used its beak and claws to dig a hole in the ground, rolled its victim into it and covered it with sand.

Witnessing this, Qaabeel was overcome with shame and remorse. "Woe unto me!" he exclaimed. "I was unable to do what this raven has done, that is to hide my brother's corpse." Qaabeel then buried his brother. This was also the first burial of man.

Allaah, the Almighty, revealed (what means): "And recite to them the story of Aadam’s two sons, in truth, when they both offered a sacrifice [to Allaah], and it was accepted from one of them but was not accepted from the other. Said [the latter]: 'I will surely kill you.' Said [the former]: 'Indeed, Allaah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him]. If you should raise your hand against me to kill me - I shall not raise my hand against you to kill you. Indeed, I fear Allaah, Lord of the worlds. Indeed, I want you to obtain [thereby] my sin and your sin so you will be among the companions of the Fire. And that is the recompense of wrongdoers.' And his soul permitted to him the murder of his brother, so he killed him and became among the losers. Then Allaah sent a crow searching [i.e. scratching] in the ground to show him how to hide the disgrace of his brother. He said: 'O woe to me! Have I failed to be like this crow and hide the disgrace [i.e. body] of my brother?' And he became of the regretful." [Quran 5:27-31]

Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention was utterly grief-stricken by the loss of his two sons. One was dead; the other was won over by the devil. Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention prayed for his son and turned to mundane matters, for he had to toil for his sustenance. At the same time he was a Prophet advising his children and grandchildren, telling them about Allaah and calling them to believe in Him. He told them about Iblees and warned them by recounting his own experience with the devil and how the devil had tempted Qaabeel to kill his brother.

Years and years passed, Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention grew old and his children spread all over the earth. Imaam Muhammad Ibn Is-Haaq may Allaah have mercy upon him related that when Aadam's death drew near, he appointed his son Sheeth (Seth) to be his successor and taught him the hours of the day and night along with their appropriate acts of worship.

Ubayy Ibn Ka'b may Allaah be pleased with him said: "When Aadam's death was near, he said to his children: 'O my children! Indeed I feel an appetite for the fruits of Paradise.' So they went away searching for what Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention had requested. They met with the angels, who had with them his shroud and what he was to be embalmed with. They said to them: 'O Children of Aadam! What are you searching for? What do you want? Where are you going?' They replied: 'Our father is sick and has an appetite for the fruits of Paradise.' The angels said to them: 'Go back, for your father is going to meet his end soon.' So they returned with the angels and when Hawaa', may Allaah exalt her mention, saw them, she recognised them. She tried to hide herself behind Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention. He said to her. 'Leave me alone. I came before you; do not go between me and the angels of my Lord.' So they took his soul, embalmed and wrapped him, dug the grave and laid him in it. They prayed for him and put him in his grave, saying: 'O Children of Aadam! This is your tradition at the time of death.'"

Before his death, Aadam may Allaah exalt his mention reassured his children that Allaah would not leave man alone on the earth, but would send His prophets to guide them. The prophets would have different names, traits and miracles, but they would be united in one thing - the call to worship Allaah Alone.

[Shamim Ansary]

[Shamim Ansary]