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Araf 187

187- THEY ASK YOU ABOUT THE HOUR (DAY OF RESURRECTION), AS TO WHEN WILL IT COME?  SAY: “ITS KNOWLEDGE IS WITH MY LORD, NO ONE ELSE WILL SHOW IT UNTIL THE TIME IT IS DUE, IT WILL BE HEAVY IN THE HEAVENS AND EARTH, AND IT WILL ONLY COME UNEXPECTEDLY”.  THEY ASK YOU AS IF YOU ARE INSISTENT TO KNOW ABOUT IT.  SAY: “THE KNOWLEDGE CONCERNING IT IS WITH ALLAH, BUT MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW”. 

It is reported that the Idolaters of Makah and by others, that the Jews in Medina, asked Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, about the time of the Day of Resurrection.  The Idolaters do not believe in the Day of Resurrection while the Jews do.  This is Allah’s answer to them.  We should note that, many of the Ayahs of the Quran were sent down in response to questions or enquires, both by the believers, and the disbelievers, or in response to a certain situation.  This does not mean that that the Ayah would not have been sent down otherwise, but the Quran was sent down a few Ayahs at a time, and receiving Ayahs in certain situations, makes them easier to remember, as well as being a response to the situation or question.

As for the idolaters who do not believe in the Day of Resurrection; because they do not believe in it, they mock it, and even ask for it take place soon.  The believers however, fear that Day and dread it.  Allah the Highest said: “THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN THE IT (DAY OF RESURRECTION) WANT IT SOON, WHILE THOSE WHO BELIEVE FEAR IT, FOR THEY KNOW IT TO BE TRUE.  INDEED THOSE WHO ARGUE AND DOUBT THE HOUR ARE IN GREAT MISGUIDANCE”.  (S: 42 A: 18)

Allah the Highest did not give the knowledge about the time of the Day of Resurrection to any one, Angel or Messenger, but kept it to Himself.  Gabriel went to Mohamed, prayer and peace upon him, when he was sitting with the Muslims; Gabriel took the shape of a man, and he Gabriel, asked him about the time of the Day of Resurrection.  Mohamed, prayer and peace upon him, answered: “He who is being asked does not know about it more than he who asks”.   (Muslim)

It will be a serious event, affecting the Heavens and the Earth; therefore, it is not just an event taking place on Earth. Allah the Highest also mentioned the Heavens before the Earth, which points to it affecting the Heavens as much as the Earth, before, or at the same time as the Earth.  “IT WILL BE HEAVY IN THE HEAVENS AND EARTH”.

Allah the Highest tells us that it comes unexpectedly, “AND IT WILL ONLY COME UNEXPECTEDLY” Therefore all expectations of whatever year it might happen are wrong, including the 2012 prophecy. 

However, when the Day of Resurrection takes place, it will then be too late for anyone to believe, to repent or to do good deeds.  Allah the Highest said: “WILL THEY WAIT UNTIL THE ANGELS COME TO THEM, OR YOUR LORD COMES OR SOME OF YOUR LORD’S SIGNS COME; THE DAY SOME OF YOUR LORD’S SIGNS COME, NO SOUL WILL BENEFIT FROM ITS BELIEVE, HAD IT NOT BELIEVED BEFOREHAND OR EARNED WHAT IS GOOD WITH ITS FAITH.  SAY: “WAIT, AND SO WE ARE WAITING”.  (S: 6 A: 158)

Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, did not know the timing of the Day of the Day of Resurrection, and did not try to guess at it.  This should teach us that when we are asked about something important and we do not know the answer, we should say that we do not know.  Sadly, this is not what usually happens, more so with those who claim to have knowledge.  They are often shy of admitting that there is something they do not know, and start to guess about things which should not be the subject of guessing; then they might argue to support their faulty opinion.  This is all wrong.

Araf 186

186- WHOEVER ALLAH MISGUIDES, NO ONE CAN GUIDE, AND HE WILL LEAVE THEM BLINDED IN THEIR TRANSGRESSION.

Allah the Highest warns us again and again, that those who choose to follow the wrong knowingly, Allah the Highest leaves them misguided.   If they are left out of Allah’s care and Mercy, no one can help them then. 

Allah the Highest sends the prophets and the messengers first, and with them the guidance and the books.  Those who know but make the wrong choice for whatever reason, those are the ones Allah the Highest deprives of the guidance. 

This is discussed in some detail in Ayahs 6, 7 of Sorah Al-Baqarah

Araf 185

185- DID THEY NOT LOOK AT THE KINGDOM OF THE HEAVENS AND EARTH, AND IN EVERY THING ALLAH CREATED, AND THAT THEIR LIFE MIGHT BE COMING TO AN END, SO WHAT WORDS BEYOND THESE ARE WORTH BELIEVING IN.

Allah’s Kingdom of the Heavens and Earth, contain some aspects we can see, others we may have a glance at, and many we do not see, like Paradise, the Hell-Fire and the Angels.

Allah the Highest invites us to look and think about the Kingdom of the Heavens and Earth.  For the disbelievers, they should look and think about the parts they can see.  They should look at the huge, great and magnificent creation, and then, also look at the, minute, minuscule and still magnificent creation.  Look at the, varied, beautiful, colourful and the magnificent and think about their creation. 

The believers should also think about the parts the kingdom they cannot see, but they believe in as Allah the Highest told them about them, like Paradise, the Hell-Fire and the Angels.

Both groups should consider that the end of their lives might be near.  Believers and disbelievers know that our lives are short and that the time of our death is not known to anyone.

Anything, or structure, big or small, which shows a system and design, we know to be designed by a designer and made by a maker.  The magnitude, complexity, and magnificence of the structure, reflects the power, ability and intellect of the designer and maker. 

Looking at the creation of the Heavens and Earth and all there is in them, should lead us to Allah the Highest, their Creator.  Looking at the Heavens and Earth and then thinking about them; should be enough for those of sound minds to believe that this universe and all there is in it did not just happen, or come from nothing.  Also, that what has happened in it and what is happening, is organized and controlled by a system and laws.  They were not made or happened haphazardly, but they are designed and controlled by He who created them all.

Allah the Highest also said: “INDEED, IN THE CREATION OF THE HEAVENS AND EARTH, AND THE SEQUENCE AND SUCCESSION OF THE NIGHT AND DAY, ARE SIGNS FOR THOSE OF SOUND MINDS * THOSE WHO REMEMBER ALLAH, STANDING, SITTING AND LYING ON THEIR SIDES, AND THINK OF THE CREATION OF THE HEAVENS AND EARTH.  “OUR LORD, YOU DID NOT CREATE THESE IN VAIN, GLORY TO YOU; PROTECT US FROM THE PUNISHMENT OF THE FIRE”.  (S: 3 A: 190-191) 

Some of those who do not believe; do not believe that there is such a great power and intellect that is that able to create everything.  The mistake here is to draw a comparison between us and our Creator.  It seems that the more we know about the universe and life around us, the more some people believe and others disbelieve.  The Creator is the same, but we seem to be less able to comprehend Him. 

Araf 184

184- DO THEY NOT COMPREHEND, FOR THEIR COMPANION DOES NOT SUFFER MADNESS, HE IS SENT AS A CLEAR WARNING TO YOU.

The disbelievers claimed that Mohamed, prayer and peace upon him, was a mad man, or a magician, or poet, or liar.  Here, Allah the Highest answers their claims about being his being mad, and denies such a claim totally, saying that He, has  sent him to warn them about, the Resurrection and Judgement which awaits them after death.

This is not the only verse in the Quran where Allah the Highest defends His messenger Mohamed, prayer and peace upon him, from the claim of madness, Allah the Highest said: “SAY: “BUT I ADVICE YOU TO RISE TO ALLAH (TO PRAY) IN PAIRS AND SINGULARLY, THEN THINK, YOUR COMPANION DOES NOT SUFFER MADNESS, BUT HE IS WARNING YOU BEFORE SEVERE PUNISHMENT”.  (S: 34 A: 46)

They should think carefully:

-         Would a mad man be able to recite and understand the magnificent verses of the Quran, which they claim that he has composed himself?

-         Would a mad man be able to advise and instruct people about how to lead a righteous life, and to uphold decency and good character?

-         Would a mad man be able to bring forth all the detailed and comprehensive laws concerning all aspects of life, which they find in the Quran?

-         Would a mad man be able to advise and instruct people about how to worship God and relate to Him?

Only a sane and wise person, who receives revelations from God be able to do all that.  

Fair and logical thinking would certainly lead people to believe that Mohamed, prayer and peace upon him, was a messenger sent by Allah the Highest for their guidance.

Araf 182-183

182- AS FOR THOSE WHO DENY OUR AYAHS, WE WILL GRADUALLY LEAD THEM FROM WHERE THEY DO NOT KNOW.

183- AND THEY ARE GIVEN TIME, FOR MY PLANNING IS FIRM.

Those who deny Allah’s Ayahs are the subject of these two Ayahs of the Quran.  The Ayahs are:

-         The Ayahs of the Quran. 

-         The Ayahs, which are the signs and the evidence of the presence of Allah the Highest, we see them all around us and in the universe.

-         The Ayahs are also the miracles, Allah the Highest shows through His prophets and messengers, prayer and peace upon them, as a proof of their prophecy.

Allah the Highest does not punish immediately, but gives them time and leeway before being punished.  This is for a number of reasons:

1-    To give them time to change and follow the right path.

2-    If they do not, it is a sign of Allah’s anger, and giving them time, in which to give them a chance to be more wrong.   Allah the Highest said: “THERE IS A DISEASE IN THEIR HEARTS AND ALLAH INCREASED THEIR DISEASE, AND A PAINFUL PENALTY IS THEIRS BECAUSE OF THEIR LYING”.  (S:2 A:10)

3-    Giving them time so that when they are sinful, when they are punished severely and unexpectedly, the strike is felt more.  Allah the Highest said: “WHEN THEY FORGOT WHAT THEY WERE REMINDED WITH, WE OPENED THE DOORS OF EVERY THING GOOD FOR THEM, UNTIL THEY BECOME PLEASE WITH WHAT THEY WERE GIVEN, WE TOOK THEM UNEXPECTEDLY, THEN THEY WILL BE DESPONDENT”.  (S:6  A:44)

Allah the Highest gives people leeway by means we do not always know or expect.  This leeway however is a part of a firm and certain plan Allah the Highest has for them. 

Allah the Highest however, tends to punish the good believers and correct them swiftly.  This is to prevent them from carrying on doing wrong.  Those that are left to their own devices and are let go astray without correction or punishment, to make them think, and return to the right path, this is then, a sign of Allah’s anger with them and that they are being given leeway, before they get severely punished.  May Allah the Highest protect us from such an end.

Araf 181

181- AND OF THOSE WE CREATED, THERE IS A NATION WHO GUIDE WITH WHAT IS TRUE AND UPHOLD JUSTICE WITH WHAT IS TRUE.

Since the creation of Jinn and Mankind, there has always been, those who have followed the right guidance, taught it to others, and used it in dealing with people, therefore upholding justice.  There were some in each nation and each generation, for example Allah the Highest said about the people of Moses earlier in Sorah Al-Araf: “AND OF THE PEOPLE OF MOSES ARE THOSE WHO GUIDE WITH THE TRUTH AND WITH THE TRUTH THEY UPHOLD JUSTICE”.  (S: 7 A: 159)

There is such a group in the Muslim nation and there will always be Insha’Allah, for Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, said: “In my nation, there is a group who will always uphold the truth, not deterred by those letting them down or those who oppose them, there will always be this group up to the Day of Resurrection”.  (Bukhari & Muslim)

We always find some Muslims or groups of Muslims who claim to be this group, while saying others are wrong. 

This group is not necessarily a particular society, or named group, but rather a group of individuals throughout the world who uphold such principles.  The word nation does not necessarily refer to a group in certain geographical area, or who belong to certain entity, being political or a school of thought.  They are such people, wherever they may be and whatever the language they speak.

Allah the Highest calls the Muslims, a nation; for we share the same believes and uphold the same principles, as well as worshiping the same God in the same way.  The Muslim Nation is spread throughout the Earth, speaking different languages, living on different continents; they are of many different races and colours.  What makes them a nation; is their belief.

Believing in Allah the Highest, worshipping Him, and guiding others to live by Allah’s guidance, is what qualifies our nation to be the best nation ever raised from mankind, and this is what we have to uphold in order to remain as a, best nation.  Allah the Highest said: “YOU ARE THE BEST NATION THAT HAS BEEN RAISED FOR MANKIND; YOU ENJOIN WHAT IS WRITE, FORBID WHAT IS WRONG AND BELIEVE IN ALLAH”.   (S: 3 A: 110)

Muslims should not think that they are the best nation just for being Muslims, they have to uphold the principles mentioned in the Ayah as well.

Araf 180

180- AND ALLAH HAS THE GOOD NAMES, CALL HIM BY THEM, AND TURN AWAY FROM THOSE WHO DENY HIS NAMES; THEY WILL BE RECOMPENSED FOR WHAT THEY USED TO DO.

Allah the Highest has ninety nine names, which are description of Him and His Character.  Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, said: “Allah has ninety nine names, one hundred minus one, whoever knows them all, goes to Paradise”.  (Bukhari & Muslim & Termezi)

These are the names Allah the Highest let us know, but some He may have kept to Himself.  Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, said: “Whenever a person suffers upset or grief, and says: ‘Allah, I am your slave, and the son of your man slave and woman slave, my fate is in your hands, and your judgement is upheld over me, for your judgement is just.  I ask you by every name you called yourself, or taught any of your creation, and kept with You in the knowledge of the unknown, to make the Quran the source of happiness in my heart, to light up my chest, clear my grief, and of relieving my burden, and to let my grief and burden be replaced with happiness’  (Ibn Haban)

Therefore, there are more than the 99 names, but not all are known to us.  Allah’s names tell us about Allah’s characters and describe Allah the Highest to us.  When we call upon Allah the Highest for help in Dawa, we may call upon him by His Good Names.  We may use the most appropriate names for then; calling Him by the names of Pardoning and Forgiving, if we are asking for pardoning and forgiveness etc.

The disbelievers reject and mock Allah’s Good Names, it used to happen in the past and it happens now.  When the treaty of Hudaybiah was being written down, the representative of Makah insisted on wiping out “The Most Merciful, the Compassionate” saying that they did not know such a God.

We will find Allah’s Good names mentioned throughout the Quran, in different Ayahs, always at the appropriate place, reminding us of Allah’s character and of Him.  Whether we call upon Allah the Highest, by His name Allah, or any of His Good Names, it is the same.  Allah the Highest said: “SAY: CALL UPON ALLAH OR CALL UPON THE MERCIFUL (RAHMAN), WHATEVER YOU CALL, FOR HE HAS THE GOOD NAMES”.  (S: 17 A: 110)

Allah’s names however, come under two major categories; the ones which show His Power, Might and Greatness, and the ones which show His Mercy, Kindness, Care, Forgivingness etc.  Allah the Highest does not like us to imitate the first ones, but likes us to imitate the later ones. 

This does not mean that Allah the Highest does not like us to be powerful, but does not want us to be excessively overpowering to other beings.  Allah the Highest does not like us humans to compete with Him concerning such Characteristics.

Araf 179

179- AND WE HAVE CREATED FOR THE HELL-FIRE MANY JINN AND HUMANS, THEY HAVE HEARTS, THEY DO NOT COMPREHEND WITH, AND HAVE EYES, THEY DO SEE WITH, THEY ARE LIKE CATTLE, BUT THEY ARE EVEN MORE MISGUIDED, THEY ARE THOSE WHO IGNORE THE RIGHT GUIDANCE.

Allah the Highest created Jinn and mankind with total freedom of choice, but has always sent them guidance.  Other creations like the sun, moon, seas, rivers, mountains, wind, animals etc. do not have freedom of choice.

In order to see and understand what is around us, as well as the guidance sent to us, we had to have senses, and minds to comprehend.  These are also required for our trial and testing.  Allah the Highest said: “WE HAVE CREATED MAN FROM A MIXED CLOT TO TEST AND TRY HIM; THEREFORE WE GAVE HIM HEARING AND EYESIGHT”.  (S: 76 A: 2)

Seeing is not only seeing things and hearing is not just receiving sounds, but it is to comprehend what we see and what we hear, and judging what we see and hear appropriately. The heart is mentioned in this Ayah as an organ for comprehending which includes feeling.  It is not enough to know what is wrong, but we should feel negatively towards it, and hate to be part of it.

Humans might not have as strong and sharp eyesight and hearing as many animals like the cattle, birds and other creatures.  However, Allah the Highest, endowed  human beings with the ability to comprehend, which is necessary for us to make choices. 

Those who abuse others with the abilities Allah the Highest endowed us with, are less than the cattle and other animals.  We do not see cattle abusing their children physically or sexually.  We do not see cattle killing unnecessarily.  Cattle share food and water and even look after their young.  Some human’s actions make their status much lower than that of the animals.

Our first obligation towards Allah the Highest our Creator, is to worship Him,  for He said: “BUT I CREATED JINN AND HUMANS JUST TO WORSHIP ME * I DO NOT REQUIRE PROVISIONS FROM THEM, AND I DO NOT REQUIRE THEM TO FEED ME * FOR ALLAH IS HE WHO PROVIDES, WHO’S STRENGTH IS UNLIMITED”.   (S: 51 A: 56-58)

However, we have free choice as to whether we fulfil this obligation towards Allah the Highest or not.  After being asked about our belief on the Day of Judgement, this is the next thing we will be asked about and then judged accordingly. 

Araf 178

178- THOSE ALLAH GUIDES, ARE THE RIGHTLY GUIDED, AS FOR THE MISGUIDED, INDEED THEY ARE THE LOSERS.

There has been misguidance on Earth ever since Satan vowed to mislead mankind.  Allah the Highest sent man down to Earth and promised to send him guidance always, which was done through Allah’s prophets, messengers and books.  Allah the Highest said: “WE SAID: “GET DOWN FROM IT ALL OF YOU.  WHEN YOU RECEIVE GUIDANCE FROM ME, THOSE WHO FOLLOW MY GUIDANCE, THERE WILL BE NO FEAR UPON THEM, NEITHER WILL THEY BE SADDENED”. (S: 2 A: 38)

We have our wishes, feelings, and desires, which are inside us, they may guide or misguide us.  Allah the Highest said: “AND THE SOUL AND HE WHO CREATED IT * AND INSPIRED IT, ITS WICKEDNESS, AND ITS PIETY * SUCCEEDS HE WHO PURIFIES IT * AND FAILED IS HE WHO MADE IT SINFUL”.  (S: 91 A: 7-10)

Allah the Highest also said: “THE LOVE OF PLEASURES HAS BEEN BEAUTIFIED FOR MANKIND; OF WOMEN, CHILDREN, HEAPS OF GOLD AND SILVER, THE BRANDED HORSES, CATTLE AND TILLED LAND.  THESE ARE THE PLEASURES OF THE LOWER LIFE, BUT WITH ALLAH IS THE EXCELLENT DESTINY”.  (S: 3 A: 14)

Allah the Highest did not leave us without guidance, He sent us, his prophets and messengers and His books.  Those who follow this guidance and do right, Allah the Highest guides them even more.  Allah the Highest said: “THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND DO GOOD DEEDS, THEIR LORD GUIDES THEM BECAUSE OF THEIR BELIEF”.  (S: 10 A: 9)

Also, Allah the Highest said: “BE RIGHTEOUS AND PROTECT YOURSELVES FROM ALLAH’S DISPLEASURE, AND ALLAH TEACHES YOU, FOR ALLAH KNOWS ALL THINGS”.  (S: 2 A: 283)

And Allah the Highest also said: “AND THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE RIGHT GUIDANCE, HE (ALLAH) GIVES THEM MORE GUIDANCE AND GIVES THEM THEIR PIETY”.  (S: 47 A: 17)

Allah’s Guidance is there, and following this guidance is rewarded by being guided more.  Follow the guidance, and more insight and understanding comes. Seeing what others do not see, and understanding what others do not understand, understanding the reasons and aims of Allah’s words and commands. 

Araf 175-177

175- AND NARRATE TO THEM ABOUT HE WHO WAS GIVEN OUR AYAHS, BUT HE DISSOCIATED HIMSELF FROM THEM AND THEN THE DEVIL FOLLOWED HIM, AND HE BECAME OF THE SINFUL.

176- HAD WE DESIRED, WE WOULD HAVE RAISED HIM, HOWEVER, HE LOWERED HIMSELF TO THE GROUND AND FOLLOWED HIS OWN DESIRES, HE IS THEN LIKE A DOG, IT PANTS WHEN YOU CHASE HIM AND PANTS WHEN YOU LEAVE HIM,  SUCH IS THE PARABLE OF THOSE WHO REJECT OUR AYAHS, SO NARRATE THEIR STORIES SO THAT THEY MAY THINK AND CONSIDER.

177- SUCH A BAD EXAMPLE IS THE EXAMPLE OF THE PEOPLE WHO DENIED OUR AYAHS, AND WERE UNJUST TO THEMSELVES.

It is reported that these Ayahs were referring to a scholar from the Children of Israel.  He was sent to a king, and the king bribed him with money and property to follow his ways and be in his clan, which the scholar accepted.  In doing so, he dissociated himself from Allah’s Ayahs and commands, which he knew very well.

The scholars and the knowledgeable bear a greater responsibility that others, this is because of their knowledge, and therefore their sins are also greater than others’ sins.  Such scholars follow the ways of Satan, and consequently, Satan follows them.  It is as if he becomes one of the devils of humans, and therefore Satan follows his footsteps.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said to his companion Abu Zar: “Abu Zar, ask for Allah’s protection from the devils of humans and of Jinn”.  He said: “Allah’s messenger, are there devils among the humans?”  he said: “Yes”.  (T: Manaqeb; 17 & a: 5; 178,179,265)

He became one of Satan’s companions, each following the other.  This happened because the scholar decided to leave what is good and righteous for what is evil, in the full knowledge of what he was doing. 

Then Allah the Highest draws a parable, between such man and a dog, who pants regardless of the circumstances.

Comparing a human being to an animal should be demeaning to man (no offence to animals), this is because, Allah the Highest favoured mankind with many things, and raised his status above that of other creatures:

-         Allah the Highest created Adam with His Own Hands.  Allah the Highest said: “HE (ALLAH) SAID: “SATAN, WHAT STOPPED YOU PROSTRATING TO WHAT I CREATED WITH MY HANDS”.  (S:38 A:75)

-         Allah the Highest commanded the angels to prostrate to Adam “AND AS WE SAID TO THE ANGELS: “PROSTRATE TO ADAM”, THEY PROSTRATED EXCEPT IBLIS (SATAN WHO IS A GINN), HE REFUSED, WAS PROUD AND BECAME A DISBELIEVER”.   (S:2 A:34)

-         Allah the Highest Appointed Adam and his descendants, viceroys on Earth.  “AND AS YOUR LORD SAID TO THE ANGELS: “I AM PLACING A VICEROY ON EARTH”.   (S:2 A:30)

-         Allah the Highest made mankind in charge of the Earth and let him use everything on Earth and in the Heavens, and He did not do this to any other being.  Allah the Highest said: “DO YOU NOT SEE THAT ALLAH DEDICATED WHAT IS IN THE HEAVENS AND WHAT IS IN THE EARTH FOR YOU”.  (S:31 A:20)

-         Allah the Highest,, stated clearly that He honoured mankind and favoured them to many of His other creation.  Allah the Highest said: “AND WE HAVE HONOURED THE CHILDREN OF ADAM, AND WE CARRIED THEM ON LAND AND SEA, AND PROVIDED THEM WILL ALL GOOD THINGS, AND WE FAVOURED THEM GREATLY TO MANY OF OUR CREATIONS”.  (S:17 A:70)

-         Allah the Highest chose the prophets and messengers, peace upon them all, from among mankind, not from other creatures.

Man is different from animals also, in that man can choose what to do, and what not to do, while animals are driven and directed by their instincts for eating, drinking, procreation, defending their lives, etc. 

The Analogy of such people, who rejected Allah’s Ayahs and the dog, is demeaning to such people.  Not because the dogs are nasty creatures, for they are of Allah’s creation.  It is demeaning to man, who did not use many of the advantages and qualities Allah the Highest has given him and favoured him to animals with, such people are then no better than the animals.

Araf 172-174

172- AND YOUR LORD TOOK THE OFFSPRING OF THE CHILDREN OF ADAM FROM THEIR BACKS, AND MADE THEM BEAR WITNESS UPON THEMSELVES SAYING: “AM I NOT YOUR LORD?”  THEY SAID: “YES INDEED, AND WE BEAR WITNESS”.  SO THAT ON THE DAY OF RESURRECTION YOU MAY NOT SAY: “WE WERE UNAWARE OF THIS”. 

173- OR SAY: “OUR PARENTS WERE IDLE WORSHIPPERS BEFOREHAND, AND WE WERE THE OFFSPRING WHO FOLLOWED THEM, WILL YOU DESTROY US BECAUSE OF WHAT THE WRONG DOERS DID”.

174- THIS IS HOW WE MAKE OUR AYAHS DETAILED, SO THAT THEY MAY RETURN (TO ALLAH).

Allah the Highest created all human beings in a pure form, ready to believe and worship him, creating this faith in us since we were but microscopic cells in our father’s bodies.  From this basic pure form, our parents and societies change us.  Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, said: “Every child is born good and pure, and then his parents make him Jewish, Christian or Fire-worshipper”.  (Muslim)

Allah the Highest made us testify to Him being our Lord at such early stage of our existence, but how did this happen, and how did such communication take place, we do not know. 

We invent new means of communication by sound, picture and other means every day.  We also discover ways in which animals, birds, fish, whales, insects and even cells communication with each other.  We should not deny the fact that Allah the Highest communicated with us when we were cells and we responded at that stage of our being.

Whenever a person seeks to know their Lord sincerely, they will find the grains of the truth deep inside them, for it has been planted there long before they became full human beings.

The second issue is for a person to disclaim responsibility for their disbelief or for idle worshipping, because his/her parents were such and brought him up this way.  On Judgement before Allah the Highest, everyone will be responsible for their own deeds, and not one will be able to blame his sins on others.  This does not relieve those who misguided others from the responsibility of misguiding them.

Allah the Highest said: “AND NO ONE WILL CARRY THE SIN OF ANOTHER”.  (S: 17 A: 15)

And said: “AND IF A HEAVILY LADEN PERSON (WITH SINS) CALLS OTHERS TO CARRY SOME OF HIS LOAD, NONE OF IT WILL TAKEN TO BE CARRIED FOR HIM, EVEN IF HE WAS A CLOSE KIN”.   (S: 35 A: 18)

This is because those we follow in sin will deny any responsibility for us or our sins.  Allah the Highest said: “THEN THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN FOLLOWED SHALL DISSOCIATE THEMSELVES FROM THOSE WHO FOLLOWED THEM, AS THEY WILL SEE THE PUNISHMENT, AND THEY WILL BE CUT OFF FROM ALL”.  (S: 2 A: 166)

Therefore, following on the footsteps of our forefathers in doing sin, is no excuse or defence for us on the Day of Judgment.

As for those following their believing and righteous forefather’s footsteps, Allah the Highest lets them, the offspring, join their righteous fathers in Paradise.  Allah the Highest said: “AS FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND THEIR OFFSPRING FOLLOWING THEM WITH BELIEF, WE LET THEIR OFFSPRING JOIN THEM”.  (S: 52 A: 21)

Araf 171

171- AND WE RAISED THE MOUNTAIN ABOVE THEM LIKE A CANOPY, (SAYING): “TAKE WHAT WE HAVE GIVEN YOU SINCERELY, AND REMEMBER WHAT IS THEREIN SO THAT YOU MAY BE PIOUS AND GUARD YOURSELVES FROM ALLAH’S DISPLEASURE”. 

The Children of Israel did not wish to accept the Torah and the commands it contained.  It is not a case of nominally accepting the book, but to be committed to what it contains, in letter and in spirit.  Allah the Highest did not send His books down for ceremonies, but they are for us to live by.  Allah’s Books are not for ceremonies or for being used as ornaments, but are for being followed and obeyed.  This is what it is meant to take the book sincerely. 

The Children of Israel did not accept the Torah and promise to follow its guidance sincerely, until Allah the Highest raised the mountain above them to drop it if they did not.  Only then they reluctantly accepted.  They were about to be collectively punished and very severely so.

This is a reminder for the Muslims, that the Quran is not a Book to be just used for reciting beautifully, put with ornaments, or in sitting rooms, or placed in cars.  Its teachings, commands and spirit, should be observed. 

Some believers do not observe Allah’s commands unless Allah the Highest treats them harshly.  Those, who Allah the Highest sees goodness in their hearts, Allah may treat harshly, with trials and afflictions, to keep them on the right path.  They are forced into the Paradise.  Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, said: “Allah is amazed by those taken to Paradise in chains”.  (B:Jehad;144 & D:Jehad;114 & A:2;302,406)

The believer should observe Allah’s commands and be close to Him in good and in bad times.

Araf 170

170- AS FOR THOSE WHO UPHOLD THE BOOK, STEADFAST IN SALAH, THE RECOMPENSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAFELY WITH US.

On the other hand, there are those who uphold Allah’s Book, meaning upholding its principles and commands, which are meant to regulate our lives for the best.

The Salah is the backbone of the Islam and of any religion.  Salah is the regular contact and meeting between a believer and his God, in which the believers express belief and communicate with their Creator.  We should pray the Salah when we are well or sick, when young or old, when we have water to wash and when we do not, when we are at home or travelling, even when at war. 

Our recompense with Allah the Highest is our investment for the Hereafter.  It is a very long term investment.  We often worry about our investments in this life and go for the most secure investment for our future.  Allah the Highest is telling us here, that our recompense with him is safe and guaranteed.  We usually have a guarantee on things for few years, but Allah’s guarantee is for eternity.

 Compared this to the lack of safety in our investments in this life, whether they are in the form or property, or cash which can be devalued, or anything else.  There is not a safe investment on Earth, but our investment with Allah the Highest is safe and guaranteed for eternity.

Also, nothing is lost or missed out with Allah the Highest, and then it is increased and multiplied.  Allah the Highest said: “ALLAH IS NOT UNJUST BY AS MUCH AS AN ATOM, AND WHEN A GOOD DEED IS DONE, IT WILL BE MULTIPLIED, AND WILL GIVE FROM HIS BOUNTY A GREAT REWARD”.  (S:4 A:40)

Allah’s reward is both, physical and spiritual, in it there is comfort and contentment in the heart as well as physical pleasures.  It is generated and maintained by the Almighty, therefore other elements of creation in the universe can not affect it or touch it. 

Araf 169

169- THEY WERE SUCCEEDED BY PEOPLE WHO INHERITED THE BOOK; THEY TAKE THE PLEASURES OF THIS LOWER LIFE AND SAY: “WE WILL BE FORGIVEN”.  BUT IF THERE ARE OTHER SUCH PLEASURES, THEY TAKE THEM.  HAVE THEY NOT TAKEN THE COVENANT OF THE BOOK THAT THEY SHOULD NOT SAY ABOUT ALLAH ANYTHING BUT THE TRUTH, AND THEY HAVE STUDIED WHAT IS THEREIN (IN THE BOOK), BUT THE LATER HOME IS A BETTER PLACE FOR THE PIOUS WHO GUARD THEMSELVES FROM ALLAH’S DISPLEASURE, WHY DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND.

To inherit is to have belongings passed down to you from your ancestors.  The Children of Israel inherited their holy book, the Torah and it was passed down to them, one generation after another.   They should have given their inheritance its dues; looking after it, observing its rules, teaching it properly to their offspring, in practice as well as in the book. 

After the death of Mohamed, prayer and peace upon him, one day, his companion Abu Hurirah called out to the people in the town: “Allah’s messenger’s estate is being shared out in the Mosque”.  People went to the mosque to find no money or property being distributed, but only people praying, reading the Quran, or studying aspects of religion.  When they asked his about the estate being distributed, he said that this is what Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon, him left behind.

All the pleasures we have on Earth are Halal, with few exceptions, and these exceptions Allah the Highest has forbidden clearly in the Holy Scriptures, starting with the Torah and ending with the Quran.   Some of us are attracted by the pleasures Allah the Highest has forbidden, and they are few, instead of the ones allowed, and they are many.  Some do that expecting forgiveness, which in fact makes their sins worse, for they clearly know that they are doing wrong.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said about those: “Those who think good of Allah would worship Him well”.  And worship is one of our deeds.  (A: 2; 304)

For a believer to do wrong knowingly, is much worse that those who do wrong out of ignorance.

The pious and righteous people, refrain from displeasing Allah the Highest, even if this means that they miss out on some pleasures in this life, while the wicked prefer the immediate and quick pleasures of this lower life.  Allah the Highest said about them: “BUT YOU PREFER THE LOWER LIFE * WHILE THEREAFTER IS BETTER AND EVERLASTING”.   (S: 87 A: 16-17)

The feeling of certainty about the Hereafter is what drives the believers to do the right thing, and refrain from doing wrong.  It is what makes them happy to wait for the pleasures of the Hereafter, rather than take the forbidden pleasures in this life.

Of the Miracles of Allah’s Messenger Prayer and Peace upon him

Understanding Animals

Imam Muslim, Ahmed and Abu Dawood narrated:

One day, Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him went into one of the fruit gardens of one of the Ansar (supporters).   There was a camel there, which went to him making noises, with tears from his eyes.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him put stroked his head and wiped his tears, which settled him down.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “Who is the owner of this Camel?” A man from the Ansar came and said: “It is min Allah’s messenger”.  Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him said: “You should fear Allah concerning this animal Allah made you in possession of, he complained to me that you make it hungry and tire it out”. 

Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him understood the camels talk and complaint, as Allah the Highest made him understand it. 

Making people understand other creatures like animals and birds even insects, is one of the bounties Allah the Highest bestows on His prophets and messengers, as happened with Solomon peace upon him who understood birds also understood the ante.  It is also one of the signs of prophecy.

This miracle was one of the bounties upon Allah’s messenger prayer and peace upon him.

Allah’s prayer and peace be upon Mohamed and upon his family and companions.

Dr. Ahmed Saafan