Friday Nasiha

Ta ha
Chapter 20: Verse 110

He knows all that is ahead of them and what is behind them, while the others do not know fully.

Commentary:

This ayah (verse) explains the reasons for placing restrictions on intercession.

The knowledge of others

Regardless of whether someone is an angel, or a Messenger, or a saint, nobody knows - indeed nobody - the full record of another person's deeds, of those activities which kept them preoccupied during their lives. No one fully knows what is truly creditable about a person or what makes him blameworthy.

Allah Knows All

God, however, has full knowledge of the past record as well as the present state of all beings. He knows precisely the extent of the goodness of those who are good. Likewise, He knows the wickedness of those who are wicked. Only He knows whether someone deserves to be pardoned, and if so whether fully or in part. Neither angels nor Prophets nor any saints can be given a free hand to intercede on behalf of those whom they might like to.

The process of intercession

The door to intercession with God, however, is not completely closed. Those who were kind to others in this world will also have the opportunity to act with the same kindness in the Next World. However, before such persons actually intercede on behalf of others they will be:

1. Required to seek God's permission to do so, and
2. Will only be able to intercede in favour of those for whom God's permission has been granted.
3. Moreover, even those who are granted such permission will only be able to say, in the words of the Quran, that which is right (see al-Naba 78:38).

No one will be able to make any intercession which is utterly unjustified. It will not be possible, for instance, for someone who has done wrong to hundreds of people in the world to find some saint attempting to obtain his release by pleading with God on the grounds that the culprit was his favourite.

[Compiled from "Towards Understanding the Quran" by Sayyid Abul Ala Mawdudi, pp. 227-228]

Prophet's Sense of Humor

The Muslim has a sense of humour, which makes people like him. He mixes with them and jokes with them when it is appropriate to do so, without going to extremes or saying anything hurtful. Similarly, when he is serious, he does not go to extremes of harshness and strictness. His humour is within the limits of Islamic tolerance, and does not go beyond the bounds of truth. This is the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Sahabah in their jokes and humour.

The Prophet used to joke, but he never said anything but the truth in his jokes. The Sahabah took the same approach to humour. There are many delightful reports about the jokes exchanged between the Prophet and the Sahabah.

Among the stories related in the books of hadith and sirah is the report that once an old woman came to the Prophet and said: "O Messenger of Allah, pray to Allah that I will enter Paradise." He said jokingly, "O Mother of So-and-so, no old women will enter Paradise." The old woman went away crying, so the Prophet said, "Tell her that she will not enter Paradise as an old woman, for Allah says: "We have created [their Companions] of special creation, and made them virgin-pure" (Quran 56:35-36)." Reported by al-Tirmidhi

[compiled from "The Ideal Muslim" by Dr. Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi]

[Based on the advices given by Ustadh Khurram Murad, may Allah have mercy on his soul, to his family in his last will.]

Fulfil the rights of your relatives

Remember to fulfil the rights of your close relatives and observe the best of behaviour with them. Remain in touch with them, always keep them in your mind and designate a share for them in your wealth: this is an immensely good deed which Allah greatly likes. Very early in the Quran, Allah states that one of the traits of those who have gone astray is that "they sever what Allah has commanded to be joined." (Al-Baqarah 2:27)

I am indeed surprised as to how those people who recite the Quran and desire to practise its teachings are so neglectful of this great act of goodness. Do apportion not only a part of your wealth for them but also take out their share in terms of time, attention and love. According to a hadith in Bukhari and Muslim: "Your benevolent behaviour towards the next of kin will serve to increase your wealth and life-span." Such acts of goodness shall also earn you Allah's mercy on the Day of Judgement. According to a hadith when Allah had completed all creation, the womb sought His refuge from all those who strive to tear such Divine links apart. Allah therefore had it proclaimed through His Prophet, "He who unites you [by linking blood relationships], shall be united with My Mercy; he who severs you, shall be dissociated from My Mercy" (Bukhari and Muslim).

Keep before you the principle of "first consideration for those that are closest, then to those that are next to them"; but do not forget anyone. Remember each according to his importance, also the friends of your parents, those dear to them, your guests, and your neighbours. Specially be mindful of the Prophet's saying that: "The greatest good is to be good to the friends and dear ones of your father" (Muslim).

[compiled from "Dying and Living for Allah" by Ustadh Khurram Murad, pp. 55-56]

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