Religion & Belief (Alor Pothay) > Ramadan and Fasting

A few Verses each day

<< < (5/10) > >>

ymislam:
Sura Baquarah contd (Day 10)

Verses 2.2 to 2.20 divide mankind by nature of belief – those who believe and those who don’t. Among those who do not believe, there are two categories – the majority being those who say that they believe, but in fact are hypocrites. It is imperative that we understand these categories, as it would be quite illogical to say “I believe in the Creator 50% or the Creator’s Wisdom 50%!” or “I believe in Him when I need Him” as a matter of convenience – either we have a Creator or we don’t!

The next Verse is a commandment for mankind’s benefit:

2.21 “O you people! Adore{1} your Guardian-Lord who created you and those who came before you that you may have the chance to learn righteousness.”
Why should we adore our Creator? Elsewhere in the Qur’an, Allah says:
“It is Allah Who has made for you the earth as a resting place and the sky as a canopy and has given you shapes{2} and made your shapes beautiful and has provided for you Sustenance of things pure and good such is Allah your Lord. So Glory to Allah the Lord of the Worlds!” [40.64]

“He is the living (One): There is no god but He: Call upon Him giving Him sincere devotion. Praise (credit) belongs to Allah Lord of the Worlds (exclusively)!”
[40.65]
The earth is our learning ground – our stay here is temporary [6.98]. We have been given the opportunity to learn and find out and do what is proper and ‘just’ – if we do not learn and also do what is just we will have wasted our time on earth. After the Day of Judgment, from Hell [35.36] many will cry out:
“Therein will they cry aloud: "Our Lord! Bring us out: we shall work righteousness and not the (deeds) we used to do!" Did We not give you long enough life so that you would receive admonition? And (moreover) a warner{3} came to you. So taste you (the fruit of your deeds): for the wrongdoers there is no helper."”
[35.37]
Allah continues to tell us who He is in the next Verse:

2.22 “Who has made the earth your couch{4} and the heaven your canopy{5}; and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals{6} unto Allah when ye know (the truth).”
Who are ‘rivals’ and how does man set up these rivals? What truth do we inherently know? Allah explains:
“When some trouble touches man he cries{7} unto his Lord turning to Him in repentance{8}: but when He bestows a favor upon him as from Himself (man) doth forget{9} what he cried and prayed for before and he does set up rivals unto Allah thus misleading{10} others from Allah's Path. Say "Enjoy thy blasphemy for a little while: verily thou art (one) of the Companions of the Fire!"”
[39.8]
In our day-to-day lives, how many times does ‘trouble’ touch us? The gravity of trouble varies from small things that cause us tension or stress to life threatening situations. Trouble can be relationships problems, exams, illness, competition, problems leading to success or failure, fear of poverty, not having children, etc. As human beings, what do we do in these situations and whom do we initially approach?

Allah tells us in Verse 39.8 that we pray or cry directly{11} to the Creator.  Verse 41.51 tells us that some of us go into prolonged prayer{12} when in trouble! This indicates that we know who{13} helps us out of trouble – we know the truth and we do pray directly to the Creator. Allah asks:
“…Who (is it that) listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him and who (is it that) relieves its{14} suffering and makes you (mankind) inheritors{15} of the earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Little it is that ye heed!”
[27.62]
Is it right and just that we thank Allah directly when the wish or prayer is granted or the trouble relieved? What do we actually do when the Creator helps us out of the trouble? Among others we thank or credit are: our own intellect [41.50, 45.23], the means used, our luck, our ‘lucky charms’, religious leaders, ‘pirs’, ancestors, imagined deities, prophets, etc. Instead of thanking Allah, any that we credit or thank are rivals to the One who actually deserves our thanks!

The day-to-day troubles that we encounter are our moment-by-moment tests to check whether we actually believe!
“Be sure We shall test{16} you with something of fear and hunger some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil) but give glad tidings to those who patiently{17} persevere” [2.155]

“Do men think that they will be left alone on saying "We believe{18}" and that they will not be tested?” [29.2]

If we pray directly to the Creator asking for something, we effectively create a ‘contract’ where to keep our side of the bargain we need to thank Him! If instead of thanking Him we credit others we ‘blaspheme’ – we commit the worst possible sin! At this point, those who disbelieve would look for excuses. One excuse would be to doubt the origin or the translation of the Words of the Qur’an.
               
----------------------------------------
{Notes}:
{1} Adore: synonyms of adore are given as worship, honor, admire, venerate, be keen on, adulate, etc.
{2} Shapes: Allah has honored each of us by making each of us unique and giving us an individual personality – this indicates the amount of importance and love He has placed on each individual.
{3} Warner: A ‘warner’ can be the Creator’s books or a person who explains the Creator’s message to you.
{4} Couch: sofa, divan, settee, etc.
{5} Canopy: Awning, cover, shelter, roof, covering, etc.
{6} Rival: Someone equal, competitor, a match, counterpart, peer, opponent, etc (Encarta Dictionary) – in this case, it will be someone or something that we give equal or greater priority than the Creator.
{7} Cries: human beings inherently know that it is the Creator that will help them out of trouble.
{8} Repentance: to entice a favour out of the Creator, human beings often ask for forgiveness and/or make promises of becoming righteous or/and doing good.
{9} Forget: once the favour is granted, i.e. the trouble is relieved; human beings demonstrate their disbelief by crediting themselves or others, for getting out of trouble.
{10} Misleading: crediting others involves announcing/accepting or declaring that other beings/things have the same power to relieve – the Power that we called upon when we initially got into trouble, e.g. “if you go to that doctor, you are sure to have a baby; we got one as well”
{11} Directly: regardless of religious affiliation, human beings pray directly to the Creator when in trouble.
{12} Prayer: for example, Muslims seek the Creator via their prayer ‘salah’.
{13} Who: we inherently know who has the power and who is the only Being that can help relieve the trouble that we are in. See Verse 6.106.
{14} Its: the soul’s suffering.
{15} Inheritors: receive land, wealth, characteristics or qualities as a result of it being passed down.
{16} Tests: each test presents an opportunity to demonstrate our belief in the Creator and thereby be righteous.
{17} Patiently: i.e. those who do not lose faith and keep up their prayers to the Creator.
{18} Believe: the people described in Verses 2.8 to 2.20 claim that they ‘believe’ in the Creator!

shibli:
Dear Sir

The number of people who are arrogant, so called self made, ungrateful to Allah, 'Blind, Deaf and Dumb' as The Qur'an says has been increasing in an increasing way over the years, i observe. Yes you are right. We say we believe but do we really believe? Allah says in the glorious Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning) that will you believe some part of the book then and some not?  For example, i have found some of my believer colleagues enjoying feast in the hidden room in the time of fasting during this Ramadan.

I have personally observed that people, who have studied arts such as literature, drama, politics, language, philosophy, fine arts, mass communication, business, history etc, are more likely not to believe in GOD or believe partly.  On the other hand, people who have studied Medical Science, Physics, Chemistry, Theology, Engineering, Neurology, Quantum Science and other science subjects are found to be believers. Why so?

People who study subjects related to human beings & society find that some religions are created by human beings themselves. They worship false gods. But we muslims don't worship such false gods.

Very few people think deeply, study theology and try to find out the truth. It's our duty to remove the misconceptions of the people regarding Islam.

Please keep writing....Zazakallah. May Allah accept all your efforts, ameen

ymislam:
Dear Shibli,

Yes, since I am myself an engineer by study and profession, I look at life from the engineering point of view - how has Allah made all this? I marvel each day at the blessings given. Things we take for granted, e.g. creation of water and the feeling of freshness having taken a shower. If we as engineers made robots would we think of creating a system where the robot could clean itself, more so feel fresh after cleaning itself?

Was it necessary for Allah to give a feeling of freshness? To do so, can you imagine the number of nerve endings leading to the brain that He has created to give us this feeling? In addition, how many of us enjoy showers on a hot summers day? Is it difficult to work out why we call Allah, Raheem?

Literature people, language people read books by Bernard Shaw, etc. who have all tried to prove in eloquent language the non-existence of the Creator. If the Creator exists, they unfortunately become 'created' beings. Eloquent language also has to be created and given as a potential. Our credit is then only in the desire to use such language and not in the creation. We are then no longer 'gods' as we would have others imagine.

Contrary to this understanding, the humblest of us all - Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the most famous of us all, in all books of mankind.

Does this make sense?

-Yousuf

shibli:
Yes you are right, sir. Scientists are Not eliminating God, they are eliminating models of Gods, false gods that many people worship.

Islam is the most misunderstood religion in the world because hundreds of books are being written against it everyday.

A religion should be judged not by its followers, but by its scriptures.

They say, 'There is nothing but our existence in the world. We die and we live and nothing destroys us except for time.' They have no knowledge of that. They are only conjecturing(guessing). (Surat al-Jathiyah: 23-24)

Bernard Shaw said, "if Muhammad (pbuh) were alive today, he would succeed in solving all those problems which threaten to destroy human civilization in our times."

We all should study philosophy, theology n spirituality to understand that belief goes with logic

ymislam:
Sura Baquarah contd. (Day 11)

Verses 2.21 and 2.22 tell us that when in trouble we know and realize Who [7.172] is the only One that can help us out of trouble. When out of trouble or when success is achieved we credit ourselves or others, instead of thanking/crediting the Creator who gave us relief/success. Denying credit to the One who deserves credit is disbelief [40.12]! At this point, those who find this logic unacceptable would look for excuses. One excuse would be to doubt the origin of the Verses.

2.23 “And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant then produce a Surah like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah if your (doubts) are true.”
Allah replies to possible excuses one may look for:
“Or do they say "He forged it"? Say: "Bring then a Surah like unto it and call anyone you can besides Allah if it be you speak the truth!"” [10.38]

Can there be anyone else other than our Creator to send ‘Revelations’? It is the Creator who has told mankind how to achieve salvation/success, through His prophets and books in the various ages. The books are addressed to those who are apprehensive of the Day when they will have to stand in front of their Creator and be accountable for the life and blessings that the Creator has given.

Allah has given a challenge to those who doubt these words. This is not an empty challenge! Neither is it to be taken lightly! Even feeling that this does not apply to oneself is doubt or disbelief! If in doubt, follow through and check out any suspicions! This is a very serious matter – a matter that will decide your fate on the Day of Judgment!

2.24 “But if you cannot and of a surety you cannot{1} then fear the fire whose fuel is Men and Stones{2} which is prepared for those who reject Faith.”
If you do not follow the commandment given in Verse 2.21 after the clear explanations given, you have sealed your own fate by using your own free will! All that is left is for you to be told what will happen to you after the Day of Judgment! These words themselves will stand witness that you were clearly instructed and given a chance to follow – but you rejected Allah’s words!

Allah asks:
“Did you then think that We had created you in jest{3} and that you would not be brought back to Us (for account)?” [23.115]

“We created not the heavens the earth and all between them but for just{4} ends. And the Hour is surely coming (when this will be manifest)...” [15.85]

The Creator has given man free will. Can free will be meaningful without responsibility and accountability? For those who take heed and acknowledge these words, Allah says:

2.25 “But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness{5} that their portion is Gardens beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits there from they say: "Why this is what we were fed with before" for they are given things in similitude{6}; and they have therein companions (pure and holy); and they abide therein (for ever).”
By worshipping Allah we are not doing Him a favour! He does not need our worship! By worshipping Him, we are simply being grateful for all that He has given us – the favour is on us and we are simply doing what is right and just by thanking Him!
“And Moses said: "If you show ingratitude you and all on earth together (it makes no difference to Allah) yet is Allah Free of all wants, Worthy of all praise.” [14.8]

By acknowledging and thanking Him, we fulfill the purpose of our creation – we become righteous! Allah does [6.132 – 6.135] want to give each of us the “Gardens beneath which rivers flow” – but it is right or just that the righteous get this – those who command what is right and just and do what is right and just.

2.26 “Allah disdains not to use the similitude of things lowest as well as highest{7}. Those who believe know that it is (the) truth from their Lord; but those who reject Faith say: "What means Allah by this similitude?" By it He causes{8} many to stray and many He leads into the right path but He causes not to stray except those who forsake (the path).”
To help human beings understand, Allah uses similes – He gives us similar examples. On earth we also have a taste of good things – we will have similar things after the Day of Judgment in our permanent life. Those who do not believe will continue to doubt examples given by Allah and will thus move further away from the path of faith. Allah defines evil:
“To those who believe not in the Hereafter applies the similitude of evil: to Allah applies the highest similitude: for He is the Exalted in Power Full of Wisdom.”
[16.60]
Allah explains by a simile what He means by ‘cause to stray’:
   â€œRelate to them the story of the man to whom We sent our Signs{9} but he passed them by: so Satan followed him up and he went astray. If it had been Our will We should have elevated him with our Signs; but he inclined to the earth and followed his own vain desires.  His similitude is that of a dog: if you attack him he lolls out his tongue or if you leave him alone he (still) lolls out his tongue. That is the similitude of those who reject our signs; so relate the story; perchance they may reflect.” [7.175 – 7.176]

Allah has given us intelligence to work out who has originated what – Who is the Provider and who is the receiver? Who is the One with Wisdom and who is the one created to learn? If we understand the above Verses and exclusively credit Allah without being arrogant, we will have fulfilled the purpose of our creation! If we don’t, would there be any difference between human beings and beings without intelligence?
               
-----------------------------------
{Notes}:
{1} Cannot: Allah has challenged hypocrites to produce a Sura similar to any given in the Qur’an; those who take on the challenge would certainly fail.
{2} Stones: The imagery is striking worth serious consideration! Can one imagine the temperature of a fire where stones are charcoal? At what temperature do stones melt inside a volcano? In this case, both stones and human beings will be used as charcoal to keep the blaze alive!
{3} Jest: synonyms for jest are joke, prank, hoax, etc. We have been created for a very specific purpose.
{4} Just: synonyms for just are ethical, moral, justified, correct, proper, appropriate, good, etc. The purpose of sending intelligent humans to earth is to separate those who support the Truth from those who don’t.
{5} Righteousness: synonyms of righteousness are given as virtue, morality, justice, decency, uprightness, honesty, etc. It is the Creator’s right to be acknowledged as the one who Gives Blessings.
{6} Similitude: synonyms of similitude are given as similarity, resemblance, likeness, sameness, etc.
{7} Highest: The Creator has no problems with similes – He is the Creator of every single thing!
{8} Causes: Allah explains this in Verses 7.174 to 7.177. To hypocrites, Allah gives further opportunities to prove or disprove their false claim to belief – thus allowing them to seal their own fate. Allah does not force anyone to believe or disbelieve.
{9} Signs: Words of the Qur’an which can also be looked upon as Miracles as these carry wisdom from outside our realm.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page