Living The Quran
From Issue: 974 [Read full issue]
Good News and Admonition
Al-e-Imran (The House of Imran) Sura 3: Verse 26
"Say: 'O Allah! Possessor of all Dominion! You give power to whom You please, and You take away power from whom You please. You endow with honour whom You please, and You bring low whom You please. In Your hand is all good. Verily, over all things You have power."
There is an immensely good news implied in this verse for the Muslim community. It promises them that the moral and spiritual leadership is being transferred to the children of Ismail. It also has a serious admonition for the Muslim community. Now that this great trust is being given to them they should not be deluded into thinking that it is given to them because they were entitled to it or that they deserved it because of their race or lineage. They should clearly understand that it is purely a bounty of Allah and the Muslims will continue to enjoy it so long as they discharge the obligations that go with this trust, honestly and faithfully, and continuously seek Allah's help and guidance in this regard.
This verse is couched, however, as a supplication rather than a declaration and announcement of good news. For this, there are two reasons. Firstly, at the time of the revelation of this verse, all these events were still hidden in the womb of the future and for things still hidden from view, this is clearly the most suitable style. It teaches the Muslim to pray and supplicate for these blessings. Secondly, implied in this style is the subtle hint that the Muslim community should receive this glad news not with pride or arrogance but with a deep sense of humility, modesty, and submissiveness and with a supplication from their hearts and on their lips. This is so because all power and authority rest solely with Allah. He alone has the power to give to whomever He wishes or to take away from whomever He pleases. Whatever we get, we get from Him alone and whatever we are deprived of, it is only by His command.
Compiled From:
"Pondering Over The Qur'an: Surah Ali Imran" - Amin Ahsan Islahi