Friday Nasiha

General

Surah Al-Ahzab
Chapter 33: Verse 45-6

Translation

“O Prophet, truly We have sent you as a Witness (shahid), a bearer of Glad Tidings (bashir), and a Warner (nazir). And as one who invites (Daiya) to Allah by His leave, and as a radiant lamp (Sirajun Munir).”

Commentary

The five aspects of the Prophet’s work mentioned in this Quranic verse can be considered as the core ingredients of the Prophetic methodology for social change.

A Witness (Shahid)

The Prophet Muhammad was a witness of Islam; he was an embodiment of truth and piety, mercy and compassion, and was “the walking Quran”. It follows that, in accordance with the Islamic guidance, it is crucial for the agents of change to reflect Islamic values and teachings in their personal and collective life.

A Bearer of Glad Tidings (Bashir)

The attitude of the noble Prophet was not that of denunciation. On the contrary, he tried to inspire his people by giving them a new hope and a vision of a better and just world which could be built through Islam. Giving Glad Tidings can greatly assist in uplifting people and aid in increasing their understanding of the kind of social life that will evolve from the Islamic message.

A Warner (Nazir)

Awakening people from false consciousness or alerting them to the consequences of evil ways was also an important ingredient of the Prophetic methodology. The warning, like the Glad Tidings, includes both the life here and in the hereafter. The ‘warning’ assists in awakening a people to the realities of life and it, thus, plays an essential role in the process for improving social lifeferred from this that change agents should not remain indifferent to social issues..

One who Invites to Allah (Daiya)

The Prophet also actively worked to invite his people towards Allah and His revealed guidance; to accept Allah as the Sovereign, the Law giver, and to follow His guidance in all affairs of life. This enabled the Prophet’s movement to grow, expand its influence and, thus, increase its capacity and power for reforming society.

A Radiant Lamp (Sirajun Munir)

The Prophet’s solutions to social problems were so appealing, effective and pragmatic, that all other solutions appeared inadequate and shallow. Issues relating to marriage and family life, business and commerce, education, health, employment, administering justice, and so on, were all addressed by the noble Prophet of Allah, and effective and pragmatic solutions implemented. It can be in

[compiled from "Building a New Society" by Zahid Parvez,
(Revival Publications, UK), pp. 148-151]

Treating Women with Kindness

Many of us have heard stories of men treating their wives badly as if they were slaves of an oppressive master. Islam has forbidden such conduct, and the last command of the Prophet was, " ... Act kindly towards women." [Bukhari and Muslim]

We should be gentle to our wives, treat them nicely and respect them, particularly in front of the children. The Prophet said, "The most perfect of the believers in faith is he who is the most excellent of them in morals and the best of you are they who are best for their wives." [Tirmidhi]

We should not look for perfection in this universe; but accept what is best! There is no need to demand perfection from our wives while we are drowned in our own flaws. The Prophet said, "A believer must not hate a believing woman. If he dislikes any of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another one." [Reported by Muslim]

[Compiled from "Winning the Heart of Your Wife" by Ibraahim Ibn Saaleh al-Mahmud. pp. 10,11]