The Iron, Strength, Integrity
Issue 567 » February 5, 2010 - Safar 21, 1431
Living The Quran
The Iron
Al-Hadid (The Iron) Sura 57: Verses 25
"Assuredly We have sent Our Messengers with manifest truths, and We have sent down with them the Book and the Balance so that humankind may live by equity. And we have sent down iron, in which is stern might and benefits for humankind, so that God may mark out those who help God and His messengers, though they do not see Him. Surely God is All-Strong, All-Glorious with irresistible might."
Iron is perhaps the most important and necessary matter for technology. It is also our most elemental material, as it is the core of the earth. So, this verse may also be referring to the origins of the earth. In addition, iron is indispensably necessary to make weapons to fight in God's cause to uphold His Word, and to eradicate injustice.
From another point of view, this verse is very significant in assessing a sound society and government. The Messengers are the God-appointed leaders of humankind, who always guided them to the truth and led them in all aspects of life throughout human history. The Book is the compilation of knowledge, instructions, and laws essential to humankind's happiness in both worlds. The Balance is the criterion to attain what is right in belief, thinking, and action, and also to realize justice in human individual and social life. Iron symbolizes force or power in human social life. Without the Book, iron (force) destroys justice and brings about injustice. Without the Balance, iron misuses the Book according to its own benefits. Without iron, the Book and Balance are not sufficient to form a good society and government. Said Nursi remarks: "Principles of wisdom and laws of truth have no effect upon ordinary people unless the former are combined with the state's laws and the latter with power." (The Letters, "Seeds of the Truth," 2:306).
Compiled From:
"The Quran: Annotated Interpretation in Modern English" - Ali Unal, pp. 1113
Understanding The Prophet's Life
Strength
Remembrance gives to the one who practices invocation such strength that he is able to do what he does not have the strength to do without it.
Ibn Taymiyya narrated, 'When the angels were commanded to bear the Throne [of God], they said: "Our Lord, how can we bear Your Throne when upon it is Your greatness and might?" He said, "Say: lâ hawla wa lâ quwwata illâ bi Allâh (There is neither power nor strength save in God.)" Upon pronouncing this, they carried the Throne.'
These words have the striking effect of helping one to accomplish difficult work, bear fatigue, visit kings and endure fear or dreadful experience. They also have the striking effect of warding off poverty. For according to a hadith related by Ibn Abi l-Dunya, the Messenger of God said, 'For whoever says "There is neither strength nor power save in God" one hundred times, no day shall be afflicted by poverty.'
Compiled From:
"The Invocation of God" - Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, pp. 99, 100
Blindspot!
Integrity
Integrity is another word for honesty, with a twist. It means being true to what you know is right and being honest with everyone, including yourself. You don't cheat on tests, you don't lie to your parents about what you did last night, you don't talk nice to someone's face and rip on them behind their back. People with integrity are whole or complete, like an integer in your math book. They know where they stand and stand there.
How is integrity a source of self-worth? Having it leads to inner peace. And if you have inner peace you can handle most anything, even mean girls, heart-wrenching breakups, and major embarrassments.
Now, if you're like most other teens, you'll make mistakes and have to work on this integrity thing. No one's perfect. So, if you mess up, make up. Never try to cover up a mistake. It only makes things worse. NBA coach Rick Pitino said: "Lying makes a problem part of the future; truth makes a problem part of the past."
Compiled From:
"The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make" - Sean Covey, p. 277