Issue 164 » April 5, 2002 -
General
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Living the Quran
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Translation:
Surah al-Furqan (The Criterion)
Chapter 25: Verse 73
Believers are not Deaf or Dumb
The words "they do not fall down at them deaf and blind", literally mean: "The true believers do not fall at them as would deaf and blind." In fact "Kharra" may mean: to fall down, to snore, to drop down as if the person were bored or inattentive, or did not wish to see, hear, or care. The practical implication of "Kharra" would therefore be: "Not moving ahead with the believers for the engagement in the struggle to establish good and justice, and prevent evil from the society".
With Living Hearts and Conscious Souls
Therefore, verse 73 has the following implications for us:
- the true Servants of the Merciful are not those who remain unmoved after hearing His Word; rather, they are deeply touched by it and follow whatever Guidance is provided.
- their hearts are alive with the remembrance and gratitude for the bounties of Allah!
- they cannot sit content enjoying all the luxuries of life as their Merciful Lord, Allah, has commanded them to act when injustices are being committed against the innocent on earth.
- they do not make excuses for their inaction, the way hypocrites do, nor do they make "the other" an escape goat; rather the true servants of Allah are people of action, sincerity, and sacrifice.
- they carry out whatever has been made obligatory, as their minds are focused and their hearts become soft whenever the message of Allah's Guidance is mentioned.
- they do not do any action based on blind faith like the deaf and dumb; rather they are conscious followers and leaders.
- unlike the hypocrites, they do not shrink at the very thought of persecution or taunts from the people of this world.
Note: "Deaf and dumb" are the terms used not to refer to people who are ignorant of the message or those who are literally disabled (which by itself does not have any negative or degrading connotation in our discussion). Instead, 'deaf and dumb' are often used in the Quran to refer to those who know the message and pretend to be of the followers of the Truth, but disregard it due to their personal desires or arrogance when the time of action comes, whether in their daily life routine or in the cause of social justice and peace.[compiled from "Towards Understanding the Quran", Vol VII, by Sayyid Abul 'Ala Mawdudi and "The Holy Quran" by Abdullah Yusuf Ali]
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Prophetic
Guidance
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Correcting misconceptions that are due to something not being clear in people’s minds
Muslim reported from Anas that a group of the Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about what he did in secret. One of them (those Sahaabah) said, “I will never marry women.” Another said, “I will never eat meat.” Another said, “I will never sleep on a bed.” [The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)] praised and thanked Allaah, then he said, “What is the matter with some people who say such-and-such? But as for me, I pray and I sleep, I fast and I break my fast, and I marry women. Whoever turns away from my Sunnah has nothing to do with me.” (Saheeh Muslim, no. 1041).
[taken from http://63.175.194.25/books/asaleeb/english.html]
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Thought-Provoking
Story
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Adham's Honesty
Ibrahim bin Adham was the king of a state. He renounced the throne and took up a job as the keeper of an orchard. Sometime later, the owner of the orchard came on a visit. He ordered a pomegranate to be brought for him. Ibrahim plucked out a rosy fruit and placed it before him on a platter. But it turned out to be sour. He ordered for a sweet fruit to be bought. Ibrahim plucked a still better looking fruit. But even this turned out to be bitter. The owner flew into a furious rage. He shouted: “You have been keeping the orchard for so long. Yet you are so unaware of the fruits. Cannot you still recognise which trees that bear fruits sweeter than the others?”
Ibrahim replied coolly: “ I am appointed to look after the safety of the orchard. It’s not my duty to taste the fruit. I carry out my duty.” The owner of the orchard was pleased with the reply. He was too impressed with Ibrahim’s honesty and ordered an increase in the salary. But Ibrahim left the job. He said: “I was so far being paid for the work I did. Now on, I will be paid for my honesty. I cannot barter my piety for money.”
Moral: Pious people expect a reward only from Allah. They cannot withstand someone fixing a price for their pious deeds.
[Taken from http://www.islamicvoice.com/march.2002/child.htm#ah]
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Community
& Society
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How do we keep the bonds of Islamic brother/sisterhood intact to fulfill our goals as an Ummah, especially in North America, where our diversity is even more marked than in other parts of the world? In the continuing series, we will present ten practical ways you and your community can build unity.
4. Learn to criticize without hurting
The way some Muslims criticize each other, you'd think they were talking to an Islam-basher instead of a fellow brother or sister. This type of ignorant behavior is a sure way to create anger, hurt and dissension. It is no route towards unity.
We must learn the Adab (etiquette) of criticism, whether it is towards individual Muslims or our leaders. Knowing and implementing this will not only help solve problems in a practical manner, but it will also lead to a greater sense of brother and sisterhood in the community.
If you feel that your criticism of someone in the past was rude or hurtful, please go back and apologize to them. Before you do that, pray for that brother or sister, since the Prophet has said that Dua increases love between people.