Al Furqan (The Criterion)
Chapter 25: Verse 52
 Utmost Resistance
"Therefore do not obey the negators, but strive against them [jahidhum] with the Quran with the utmost resistance [jihadan kabira]."
Whenever the Prophet's, peace be upon him, opponents attacked him, he used the Quran to answer, protect himself, and resist. That is what the Revelation clearly taught him with this verse, which marks the first occurrence of the word jihad in the Quran.
Confronted with pressures of all sorts, from the mildest to the most violent, Muhammad received a verse that pointed to the way and means of resistance - of the jihad - he was to undertake. What we find here is the initial and essential meaning of the concept of jihad, the root of which, ja-ha-da, means "making an effort" but also, in this instance, "resisting" (that is, resisting oppression and persecution). God orders His Messenger to resist the Quraysh's ill-treatment of him by relying on the Quran. The text is actually his spiritual and intellectual weapon against their aggression. To those who sneer, insult, and humiliate, to those who attack, torture, and kill, to those who want miracles and proofs, the Prophet invariably answers with the weapon and shield of the Quran. The text liberates the real strength in people, that which has the power to resist and overcome all the persecutions in this world, because it calls for the Life beyond the illusions of this life.
The essence of the notion of jihad fi sabiliLLah (resistance in the way of God) is wholly circumscribed in this first occurrence of the word at the heart of the sura "The Criterion." It is a matter of distinguishing, through the miracles of the two Revelations (the universe and the text), the presence of the One, and of resisting the lies and terror of those who are moved only by the desire to protect their own interests, powers, or pleasures.
Compiled
From:
"In The Footsteps of the Prophet" - Tariq Ramadan, pp. 52,53 |
Razor That Shaves Faith
Jealousy is such a disgraceful disease that it degrades close relations. It even poses a threat to one's faith. Jealousy stands for disliking any of Allah's favours being bestowed on someone else, such as knowledge, wealth, beauty or perfection of any kind. Apart from disliking it, one may want that these favours be withdrawn. One is more interested in their loss, rather than in acquiring them.
At times, sheer hostility gives rise to jealousy while in some cases one's superiority complex, lording over others or lust for power accounts for it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned against jealousy thus: "Avoid jealousy. For it devours your good deeds like fire consumes dry wood." (Abu Dawud)
For developing the bond of fraternity it is essential to avoid jealousy. The Prophet spelled out this moral code in the following terms: "Do not look for others' weaknesses. Nor should you spy on them. Do no spoil others' trade deals. Do not be jealous of one another. Nor should you entertain any mutual hostility or rancour. Do not be disregardful of one another. Do not lust for things. Behave like servants of Allah and as brethren in faith." (Bukhari and Muslim) On jealousy in particular the Prophet made the following observation: "The weaknesses of earlier communities have crept into you as well. These are jealousy and hostility. They are like razors which do not shave hair but shave your faith." (Ahmad and Tirmidhi)
Compiled
From:
"Inter Personal Relations"-
Khurram Murad, pp. 28,29
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Free Time
Conserving time doesn't mean that it should be all filled with work, or that life should all be seriousness and strife, with no rest nor leisure, or that it should be gloomy with no laughter nor happiness. Rather what conserving free time means is that free time should not exceed times of work, and that free time must not be the purpose of life while work is on the margin.
Free time should be subjected to the rule of mind just like work is, for through work we wish to achieve some purpose, and free time must also be spent for some purpose, whether for some health benefit such as permitted sports or psychological pleasure such as reading, or spiritual nourishment such as night prayer, reciting Quran and Hadith, and supererogatory prayer and worship.
But if one's purpose is killing time, then that is no legitimate purpose, for time is life, and killing time is killing life! The key to treating this problem is a strong will that can divide free time between what benefits one physically, mentally and spiritually. Thus a little time dedicated every day for a specific task may change the course of life!
Compiled
From:
"Fayd Al-Khatir - Free Time" - Ustadh Ahmad Amin
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