Friday Nasiha

Living The Quran

Opportunity
Al-Baqara (The Cow) - Chapter 2: Verse 210

"Are they waiting for God and the angels to come down to them in the shadows of clouds? The matter will have been settled then. To God shall all things return."

The verse condemns those who waver and are reluctant to submit and come into the fold of God's peace. It questions their motives and the reasons that hold them back, and asks whether they will remain fixed in their obstinacy until such time as God, flanked by angels, should appear to them in person. In other words, are they waiting for the fearful Day of Judgement to arrive? That day will indeed come, and the surah moves at once to that momentous day to tell us that everything has been settled. Time has come to a stop. The opportunity to believe and repent has gone for ever. No one could be saved now, as all stand facing their Lord to whom "shall all things return".

This is an illustration of the Quran's unique and effective style, which brings to life the scenes it describes, and makes the reader or listener feel and see and hear what is going on as if it were happening now.

How much longer will they dither when the chance to come into the fold of God's peace is calling, and the final judgement is so close? God's invitation is a promise of peace and happiness both in this life and the life to come.

Compiled From:
"In the Shade of the Quran" - Sayyid Qutb, Vol. 1, p. 243

Understanding The Prophet's Life

Burhan

"Charity is a proof" [Muslim]

Charity or sadaqa is the giving of one's wealth to others for the sake of Allah. The Prophet, peace be upon him, described charity as a burhan. Burhan are the rays that are emitted by the sun. Part of their significance is that they clearly and unequivocally point to the existence of their source, the sun. That is why a "proof" or "definitive argument" is called a burhan. It unequivocally points to the truth of what it is being used to prove.

The Prophet has befittingly called charity a burhan or demonstrative proof. This has been explained in more than one way. These explanations are not contradictory and they all could have been meant by the Prophet when he made the statement.

One explanation of this hadith is that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was alluding to the fact that sadaqa is a sign of one's true belief. By its nature, wealth is something beloved to a human being. Giving up part of one's wealth for the sake of Allah is a much greater sign of one's faith than mere lip service. In general, hypocrites are not willing to give in charity (unless to be seen) for they are not willing to part their wealth.

A second explanation is that a person's sadaqa will be a proof for him on the Day of Judgement when he is asked about his wealth and how he used it in this life. He will rush to his charity and seek refuge in it in the same way that one rushed to a proof for support and help.

Compiled From:
"Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi" - Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo, pp. 884, 885

Blindspot!

Origin of Love

If you read the Quran, you will find confirmation of the place from which pure, noble love originates. You will find it discussed in:

1. The context of da'wah, the purpose of which is to rekindle and arouse human hearts: Say, if you want to love God, then follow me and God will love you. (3:31).

2. The description of believers: Those who have attained to faith in God, are most strong in their love of God (2:165).

3. The description of the relationship between the believers and their Lord and Sustainer: He Loves them and they love Him (5:54).

4. The discussion of good and evil: Indeed God loves those who do good (2:195), and He does not love the aggressors (2:190).

Compiled From:
"Islam: The Way of Revival Vol 1" - Watering the Seeds of Love: Said Ramadan, pp. 261, 262