Religion & Belief (Alor Pothay) > Ramadan and Fasting

A few Verses each day

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ymislam:
Sura Baquarah contd. (Day 7)

Verse 2.8 talked about those who say they believe in Allah, yet are arrogant, ungrateful and do not support what is just – these people are defined as ‘hypocrites’ by Allah, i.e. they are not true to the words they say. Allah continues with the characteristics that identify such people.

2.9 “Fain{1} would they deceive Allah and those who believe but they only deceive themselves and realize (it) not!”
Such people happily feel that they are smarter than those who are humble, grateful and show piety to Allah. Do such people really believe that Allah will not understand? Do they think their claim to belief will be left untested?
“Do men think that they will be left alone on saying "We believe" and that they will not be tested?” [29.2]

Allah summarises His overall test plan for all mankind below:
“To thee (Prophet Muhammad pbuh), We sent the Qur’an in truth confirming the scriptures that came before it and guarding it (the Qur’an) in safety; so judge{2} between them by what Allah hath Revealed and follow not their vain{3} desires diverging from the truth that hath come to thee. To each (peoples) among you (mankind) have We prescribed a Law and an clear way{4}. If Allah had so willed He would have made you a single people{5} but (His plan is) to test you in what He has given{6} you: so strive as in a race{7} in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah{8}; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute (with each other).” [5.48]

Despite being fully aware of the Creator, many people who claim to be ‘religious’ still are not humble and grateful and do not do as believers do [49.15]. Yet, if simple questions are asked of these people, the reply is uniform … Allah:
“Say: "Who is it in whose hands is the governance of all things who protects (all) but is not protected (by any)? (Say) if ye know." They will say "(It belongs) to Allah." Say: "Then how are you deluded?"” [23.88 – 23.89]

Allah calls this a double standard or hypocrisy a disease:

2.10 “In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease and grievous is the penalty they (incur) because they are false (to themselves)”
Once Allah has completed His cycle of tests on an individual who is false to his own or her own words, in this case a ‘hypocrite’, He shuts the possibility of future improvement by way of punishment! This is withdrawal of further opportunity to believe similar to the case of declared disbelievers (Verse 2.7). The following Verse asks a very logical question:
“To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and on earth and to Him is duty due always: then will you fear other{9} than Allah?” [16.52]

The word ‘false’ has other implications – in addition to being false to the concept of ‘belief’, one goes against one’s own innate hunger for peace and satisfaction:
“Those who believe (are those) whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.” [13.28]

If one feels that it is wealth, etc. that gives satisfaction, Allah categorically points out:
“That it is He Who gives wealth and satisfaction;” [53.48]

Some of us make mental or verbal promises, i.e. make a covenant{10} with Allah:
“Amongst them are men who make{11} a covenant with Allah that if He bestowed on them of His bounty they would give (largely) in charity and be truly amongst those who are righteous.” [9.75]

“But when He did bestow of His bounty they became covetous{12} and turn back (from their covenant) averse (from its fulfillment).”[9.76]

“So He hath put as a consequence hypocrisy into their hearts (to last) till the Day whereon they shall meet Him: because they broke their covenant with Allah and because they lied (again and again).”[9.77]

Verses 9.75 – 9.77 above clearly talk about people who classify themselves as having faith, e.g. they pray to Allah and call themselves ‘Muslims’! Those who make mental or verbal promises during prayers in return for favors, yet become ungrateful and arrogant after the favor is granted. Therefore, simply classifying oneself as a ‘Muslim’ is not automatic ‘faith’! One has to very seriously evaluate his/her state of faith or ‘Iman’. It is only by developing a proper understanding of faith through contemplating on the Qur’an and practicing accordingly would one gain success in faith.

Imagine a situation where one has applied for a job. The person prays to Allah to grant him/her the job. The person then arranges a bribe to be paid to a board member. Thinking that this may not also work, the person arranges for a political party person to put in a good word. Do the thought processes of such a person demonstrate that the person believes that Allah is exclusively the Giver of everything? In Bangla, the expression that describes the thoughts in this situation would be, “jodi ekta leigga jai!” Allah clearly answers the question in our heads:
“(The answer will be:) "This is because when Allah was invoked as the only (object of worship) you did reject Faith but when partners were joined to Him you believed! The command is (only) with Allah Most High Most Great!"” [40.12]

Also, if any find this unacceptable, Allah says:
“Verily We have propounded for men in this Qur'an every kind of Parable: but if thou bring to them any Sign the Unbelievers are sure to say, "You do nothing but talk vanities" Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who understand not.”
[30.58 – 30.59]
               
------------------------------------
{Notes}:
{1} Fain: happily or gladly (Encarta Dictionary)
{2} Judge: decide what is just and what is wrong.
{3} Vain desires: desires arising from arrogance, conceit and pride (Encarta Dictionary)
{4} Clear way: straight forward, easy to follow path – ‘clear way’ is used in place of ‘Open Way’ translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali.
{5} Single people: i.e. people without differences.
{6} Given: Allah has given us everything; our beings, physique, beauty, status, wealth, health, children, qualities, skills, success, failure, food, or absence of any of these things.
{7} Race: synonyms of race are given as contest, competition, sprint, etc. It is the differences between people that allow us to exercise our virtues.
{8} Allah: Allah has originated all you have and constantly supports you. Just as in a company one looks to please the ‘boss’ as it is the boss who hands out the paycheck, in a similar manner we should look to please Allah as He is the Creator, Giver and Sustainer. The test is whether we worship the things given by Allah or Allah Himself.
{9} Other: many fear poverty, fear loss of status among peers, fear not being ‘in’ with the crowd, etc., if they are humble and demonstrate their gratitude by being pious.
{10} Covenant: synonyms given are agreement, contract, treaty, pledge, etc., i.e. we hastily make mental or verbal promises to Allah in return for certain favors like getting us out of trouble or a promotion, etc.
{11} Make: the researcher has used ‘make’ in the present continuous tense instead of ‘made’ in the past tense, to complete the sense in English. Once Allah has completed His Part of the agreement, it is just that we follow through with our promises.
{12} Covetous: greedy

shibli:
THE SUPERIOR CHARACTER TRAITS OF A BELIEVER

1. He or she should be vigilant against the wiles of Shaytan
2. should have understanding, tolerance and forgiveness
3. should have steadfastness
4. should utter good words
5. should have thoughtfulness
6. should have hospitality
7. should have mutual peace and respect
8. should avoid anger and dispute
9. should avoid suspicion and gossip
10.should avoid sarcasm
11. should have self-sacrifice
12. should act fairly
13. should have honesty

ymislam:
Sura Baquarah contd. (Day 8)

The preceding Verses 2.9 and 2.10 talk about people who claim belief in Allah, yet who feel that they are wiser than those who are humble{1}, grateful to Allah and do good work. They may feel or even say, “Bhalo manusher toe aei prithibitay jaiga nai”. Some such people look for ‘clever’ ways to make a living. If any one comments on their ways of making money, Allah characterizes the response of such people in the next Verse:

2.11 “When it is said to them: "Make not mischief on the earth" they say: "Why, we only want to make peace!"”
To help us understand, Allah gives examples of ‘mischief on earth{2}’ from those who received Revelation before us.
“And We gave (clear) warning to the Children of Israel in the Book that twice would they do mischief on the earth and be elated with mighty arrogance” [17.4]

The fact that one wants to resort to evil ways to earn a living is an expression of disbelief in the blessings and provision of the Creator. Allah reminds us of the demonstrations of His Blessings and provision to the Children of Israel and instruction not to do ‘mischief on earth’:
“And remember Moses prayed for water for his people; We said: "Strike the rock with thy staff." Then gushed forth from there twelve springs. Each group knew its own place for water. So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by Allah and do no evil nor mischief on the earth.” [2.60]

One of the ways of promoting ‘mischief on earth’ is given in the Verse below:
“…They learned from them the means to sow discord{3} between man and wife…” [2.102]

Verse 2.102 refers to the time of Solomon regarding learning magic from the evil ones [35.6] among the “Jinn{4}”. It also tells us that the Jinn taught “how to sow discord between man and wife”. This is one example of how to, in the name of peace, create mischief on earth, i.e. provide catalysts for people to sin. An example therefore would be people who promote, in the name of entertainment, display of women in seductive poses in glossy magazines, advertisements, television, movies and on the Internet. What effect does such display have on our youngsters and, in particular, on marriages in our society? Do any other current day examples of people or groups creating a source for strife in the name of peace come to mind?

2.12 “Of a surety they (themselves) are the ones who make mischief but they realize (it) not.”
Such people make apparent profits out of doing ‘mischief’ and have a false sense of power; however, Allah makes clear…
“The House of the Hereafter We shall give to those who intend not high-handedness nor mischief on earth: and the End is (best) for the righteous.”
[28.83]
Allah asks about how justice should be implemented?
“Shall We treat those who believe and work deeds of righteousness the same as those who do mischief on earth? Shall We treat those who guard against evil the same as those who turn aside from what is right?” [38.28]

Hypocrites suffer from delusions of grandeur and feel that they are one-up on those who are humble, grateful to Allah and do good deeds.

2.13 “When it is said to them: "Believe as the others believe" they say: "Shall we believe as the fools believe?" Nay of a surety they are the fools but they do not know.”
Hypocrites believe people who are humble and content with their lot to be fools! They feel that it is money that will ensure satisfaction and safety from all ills. Allah explains their underlying motivation:
   â€œYou will indeed find them of all people most greedy of life even more than the idolaters; each one of them wishes he could be given a life of a thousand years;...” [2.96]

Hypocrites’ greed exceeds that of an idolater! As a mark of belief, it is obligatory for a believer to put complete trust in Revealed Verses, if not then:
“They will further say (on the Day of Judgment): "Had we but listened or used our intelligence we should not (now) be among the Companions of the Blazing Fire!"”
      [67.10]
Hypocrites claim that they also believe, giving ‘lip service’ to believers, however, Allah reveals their inner thoughts and secret counsels:

2.14 “When they meet those who believe they say: "We believe" but when they are alone{5} with their evil ones they say: "We are really with you we (were) only jesting."”
Allah warns us as to the trial of the ‘evil ones’. Just as Allah tested the belief of Adam and Eve, Allah tests us each of us to see whether we understand who Allah is.
“O you Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you in the same manner as he got your parents out of the garden stripping them of their raiment to expose their shame: for he and his tribe watch you from a position where ye cannot see them: We made the evil ones friends (only) to those without faith.” [7.27]

The evil ones including Satan among the Jinn are only there to test mankind’s belief in the Omnipotence and Knowledge of the Creator! With invitations of the ‘evil ones’ those without faith would move further away from the purpose for which they were created!
“"Did I not enjoin on you O ye children of Adam that ye should not worship
Satan; for that he was to you an enemy avowed?” [36.60]

“So, by thy Lord, without doubt We shall gather them together and (also) the Evil Ones (with them); then shall We bring them forth on their knees round about Hell.” [19.68]

2.15 “Allah will throw back their mockery on them and give them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander like blind ones (to and fro).”
The expression “give them rope” in the Encarta Dictionary is given as to give somebody enough rope to hang himself or herself, i.e. to give somebody enough freedom to make mistakes or irrevocably reveal his or her shortcomings. Allah explains this:
“Say: "If any men go astray (Allah) Most Gracious extends (the rope) to them. Until when they see the warning of Allah (being fulfilled) either in punishment or in (the approach of) the Hour they will at length realize who is worst in position and (who) weakest in forces!” [19.75]

The current world is a test of free-will Allah gives us opportunities and rope to do as we please. Hypocrites are deluded and feel that they are on the right path, when in actual fact they are wandering in darkness.
               
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{Notes}:
{1} Humble: by definition, a humble person understands who is the Sole Giver and who is it that only receives, i.e. that human beings are totally dependent on the Creator for everything and that thereby there is nothing to be arrogant about.
{2} Make mischief: do something that acts as a source of harm or trouble to others, e.g. activities that may lead others to harm themselves/others or carry out sinful activities.
{3} Discord: disagreement, conflict, friction, dispute, argument, etc. (Encarta Dictionary)
{4} Jinn: Allah tells us that He created the Jinn from ‘fire free of smoke’ [55.15]
{5} Alone: alone with their thoughts influenced by the ‘evil ones’.

ymislam:
Sura Baquarah contd (Day 9)

The preceding Verses 2.11 to 2.15 talk about people who feel that humble and grateful persons are fools. Many such people feel that they are self-made and do activities that incite others to sin, yet they claim to be spreading peace! Allah tells us that these people only fool themselves and that He has given them ‘rope’ to prove the ultimate punishment in store for them. These people, who feel that they are above Guidance (which of course, is only for fools), only fool themselves. Allah tells us what these people have accomplished in the next Verse:

2.16 “These are they who have bartered Guidance{1} for error: but their traffic{2} is profitless and they have lost true direction.”
Whatever achievements such people have will not be of any benefit to them…
“Do they not travel through the earth and see what was the end of those (who lived) before them? They were more numerous than them and superior in strength and in the traces{3} (they have left) in the land: yet all that they accomplished was of no profit to them.” [40.82]

They are blinded by the splendor of their apparent achievements, without acknowledging who created them and who has given them the ability and the success in their endeavors.
“It is We who have placed you with authority on earth and provided you therein with means for the fulfillment of your life: small are the thanks that ye give!”
[7.10]
To help us understand, Allah gives an analogy of how such people are blinded by their achievements.

2.17 “Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him Allah took away their (own) light{4} and left them in utter darkness so they could not see.”
Achievements may lead to self-praise and pride, so much so that we are blinded by our own arrogance. Did we create our own abilities and successes – or did the Creator give us abilities and create situations so that we can flourish? Who gives us success?
“And He gives you of all that you ask for. But if you count the favors of Allah never would you be able to number them: verily man is given up to injustice and ingratitude.” [14.34]

The Qur’an and history are replete with stories of arrogant people and the end they met:
“Do they not travel through the land so that their hearts (and mind) may thus learn wisdom and their ears may thus learn to hear? Truly it is not their eyes that are blind but their hearts which are in their breasts.” [22.46]

2.18 “Deaf, dumb and blind they will not return (to the path).”
In the Verse quoted below, Allah gives an analogy of those whose ‘hearts’ are deaf, dumb and blind. How many of us say our prayers mechanically and feel that we have done our duty? When we attend Friday prayers, to how many of us is this an automatic response to the call/cry of a ‘Moazzen’? How many go to the mosque with other purposes in mind, e.g. to show off cars, discuss achievements, have a chance meet with a big shot, etc? How many go there to bare their souls, thank the Creator and seek forgiveness?
“The parable of those who reject faith is as if one were to shout like a goat-herd to things that listen to nothing but calls and cries; deaf dumb and blind they are void of wisdom. O you who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is Him you worship.”[2.171 – 2.172]

“And the places of worship are for Allah (alone): so invoke not anyone along with Allah” [72.18]

2.19 “Or (another similitude) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky; in it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning: They press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap the while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith!”
The Creator supports and sustains all regardless of whether or not they believe that all blessings are from Allah. The rain-laden cloud is a simile of a person puffed up with pride and arrogance riding high. The arrogant person likes the good that has been given to him, but does not want to know, hear or evaluate the bad or warnings of death – while it is the same Creator who gives good, bad and warnings of death.

Allah has created everything – the cloud, the contained rain, zones of darkness, thunder and lighting. This points to man, the reasons for his arrogance, various experiences, warnings and tests. All experiences are given so that man understands the truth of the Creator and is grateful. Who holds up the clouds [24.43, 30.48]? The warnings and signs of Allah are not heeded by those who feel that they are self-made and give themselves credit for all that they have – acknowledging the Creator would diminish their self-image! They therefore do not want to know!

2.20 “The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (helps) them they walk therein and when the darkness grows on them they stand still. And if Allah willed He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; for Allah hath power over all things.”
These people do not realize that they constantly need the Creator even to see what they are doing! They use faculties and resources given by Allah to do what pleases them. When Allah removes any resources, these people either despair or do nothing. They do not evaluate the power of their Creator. If Allah wanted, He could totally remove His Mercy – will they not understand?
“It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when ye knew nothing; and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affections: that ye may give thanks (to Allah).” [16.78]

Summary: The Originator and Sustainer of everything and every moment has succinctly categorized the natures of His creation in Verses 2.2 to 2.20. The three categories given apply to all intelligent beings that have freewill. Of these, Verses 2.6 – 2.7 cover the declared disbelievers. The remaining Verses cover those who say they believe in a Creator and a Day of Judgment. As the Qur’an is addressed primarily to those who claim belief in Allah, among these are those who do actually believe, Verses 2.2 – 2.5 and those who do not, in actual fact, believe – the hypocrites (Verses 2.8 – 2.20). The hypocrites are actually disbelievers! As the credit for sustaining every moment belongs to Allah, an arrogant person therefore cannot be a believer. Anyone who wishes to be sincere about his/her belief needs to seriously classify his or her own status as a ‘believer’ by comparing these Verses to their individual characteristics.
               
----------------------------
{Notes}:
{1} Guidance: they feel that they are above the Creator’s Guidance as they have found ‘clever’ ways to make money to live a good comfortable permanent life?
{2} Traffic: The Encarta Dictionary gives synonyms of traffic as to-ing, fro-ing, commerce, trade, business, dealings, transactions and negotiations.
{3} Traces: signs of the work that they did.
{4} Light: Human beings need ‘light’ to see.

shibli:
"A believer is frank and decent, whereas a wrongdoer is deceitful and blameworthy." Sahih Al Bukhari

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