Some Quranic Commandments
Forming part of Islamic Shari'ah
Mandatory for Muslims
ABSTRACT
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”
This short, sweet and melodious ayah, in fact is defining four cardinal Truths in our life.
Allah Ta’aala Subhanahoo declares in this verse that all mankind has descended from a single pair of man and woman. The article calls it a historic declaration and discusses its implications. Next, Allah Ta’aala announces in this verse that HE has divided mankind into “shaooban wa qabaaila” i.e. nations, tribes, races and sub-tribes of all sizes. Why, why has HE done this? HE HIMSELF provides the answer immediately following this declaration in just one word: “le ta’aarafoo” i.e. to know one another. What is the significance and import of this? You will find the answer in the story that follows. The verse then goes on to declare a fundamental and paramount principle which if obeyed can have a profound effect on the behavior of human society. It suggests that “the only basis of superiority and excellence that there is, or can be, between man and man is that of moral excellence”. Allah Ta’aala declares in this ayah “inna akramakum” i.e. the noblest/honorable amongst you “inda Al-lahi” i.e. with or in the sight of Allah is “atqakum” i.e. who has Al-Taqwaa among you. The implications, specially of the word Al-Taqwaa are discussed hereunder. Several examples of the sunnah of our Holy Prophet are quoted in support. Has the Ummah followed these golden principles? Read on. In the case of marriage, the importance that Islamic law gives to kufv (likeness of status) is brought up. The verse ends with inna Allaha i.e. indeed Allah is Aleemun i.e. all knowing khabeer i.e. all aware/well acquainted/all cognizant. This is sort of a common epilogue to many verses and delivers a strong message. What is the sanction against the various injunctions of Allah Ta’aala? There is no police to arrest us; no jury and judge to try us. This part of the verse warns us that the only agency that will compel us to comply with the injunctions of the Holy Quran is our complete Faith (taqwaa) that HE is “all Knowing and well Acquainted” with even an “iota” of information about us. No vigilante needed.
December 22, 2015
Read ONLY, IF AND WHEN you have time and mood for:
“An Ayah of the Quran for 30 Days” -- December 2015
Choose the section you have time, in the next 30 days to read this ayah:-
Prelude: Recurrent Primary Message 1st. Page
Starting Dua, a note & The Ayah 2nd. Page
A Short Summary: For the Busy Bee Two Pages
The Main Story: Recommended Four Pages
Footnotes: For the Perfectionist One Pages
PRELUDE
From the Pen and Perspective of a self-styled PPK Muslim (Proud, Practicing, Knowledgeable) with a humble submission that Islam totally rejects Blind Following BUT vigorously focusses on the Limitations of Pure Human Reasoning..............and clearly and comprehensively AlLAH knows best.
In the beginning of the seventh century C.E., the folks of Mecca and Medina had a fascinatingly unique window: they had direct access to the Heavens through one of their own. They were blessed with a regular stream of Divine counseling and guidelines. Question and answer sessions were part of the program. Even individual questioner was graced by an answer. In the short Introduction to this scheme they were assured that at the end of this twenty-two year project, Divine Directions and Admonitions will continue through the agency of the PEN. The whole discourse has been preserved and archived till eternity under the guarantee of our Lord and Creator. This record in known as the Quran.
It should sound unbelievable but factually appears to be true: Many of our prevalent, widespread and important concepts and opinions about religious matters do not have a basis in the Quran and sometimes even appear to be in obvious conflict with the teachings of the Quran. It would be very educative and helpful to discuss an Ayah once a month to see if it supports or rejects our views and actions in our daily life. I wish and hope this email generates a fruitful interactive discussion.
DUAA’
بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ
In the name of Allah, we praise HIM, seek HIS help and ask for HIS forgiveness. Whosoever Allah guideth none can misguide; whosoever HE allows to fall astray, none can guide him right. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah alone and we bear witness that Mohammed, SAW is HIS slave-servant and the Seal of HIS Messengers.
Further, we recall that Allah Ta’aala has declared in HIS Book1 “He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth; and he to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message (or remember or receive admonition) but men of understanding (or intellect)” and we also recall that he has warned us about the day of judgement2 “Then on that day you shall most certainly be questioned about the boons (joy, pleasure).” We realise, that there cannot be a greater boon or blessing or benefit than wisdom and we wonder if this should be a timely reminder to very many of us sincere and practicing Muslims who use our critical thinking to enhance the mundane for ourselves and our families but resort to compulsory following -- taqleed, doctrine of classical Sunni Islamic Fiqh -- in matters religion.
(NOTE: I have filtered out the proofs and details into the Footnotes for those who have the time and interest for them. The main email will then be reasonable length, hopefully for the busy majority. What follows is not a sermon; I do not feel qualified to give one, anyhow. I wish, it may provide a food for thought. A caveat seems in order: If the ayah selected pertains to issues we face in our daily life with our family, friends, neighbours or peers it may affect us personally and lead to some self analysis and soul searching which in turn could be divisive and distressing. If taken in the right spirit, it can be a humble attempt towards finding the “straight path”.)
THE AYAH
Surah Al-Hujurat 49, Ayah 13
يا أَيُّهَا النّاسُ إِنّا خَلَقناكُم مِن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثىٰ وَجَعَلناكُم شُعوبًا وَقَبائِلَ لِتَعارَفوا ۚ إِنَّ أَكرَمَكُم عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتقاكُم ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَليمٌ خَبيرٌ
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”
A SHORT VERSION
“I am convinced about the veracity of my opinions, but I do consider it likely that they may turn out to be incorrect. Likewise, I am convinced about the incorrectness of the views different from mine, but I do concede the possibility that they may turn out to be correct.” — Imam Shafa’i
As per the trend of last two months, we continue to discuss the ehkaamaat, the Commandments of our Shariah.
Let us start with the Shan-e-Nuzool………..(Please see the main story)
This short, sweet and melodious ayah, in fact is defining four cardinal Truths in our life.
Allah Ta’aala Subhanahoo declares in this verse that all mankind has descended from a single pair of man and woman. Out goes the Darwinian theory of “the origin of Man”. …………..This ayah makes the historic declaration that we all have the same Father and same Mother. "We have created every one of you out of a father and a mother"
(Zamakhsharl, Razi, Baydiwi). It implies that this equality of biological origin will be reflected in the equality of the human dignity. The whole humanity is one family of brothers and sisters. “Know that all belong to one human family, without any inherent superiority of one over another” (Zamakhshari)…….. Mufti Mohammed Shafi contributes in his own forceful style:……..
Next, Allah Ta’aala announces in this verse that HE has divided mankind into “shaooban wa qabaaila” i.e. nations, tribes, races and sub-tribes of all sizes. Why, why has HE done this? HE HIMSELF provides the answer immediately following this declaration in just one word: “le ta’aarafoo” i.e. to know one another. In other words these are just convenient labels for identification. It will enable us to recognise different parts and sections of humanity scattered all over the globe. Before God they are all one. Dr. Asad explains beautifully………Our Holy Prophet also has elaborated on this issue.,,,,,,,
The verse then goes on to declare a fundamental and paramount principle which if obeyed can have a profound effect on the behavior of human society. It suggests that “the only basis of superiority and excellence that there is, or can be, between man and man is that of moral excellence”. Allah Ta’aala declares in this ayah “inna akramakum” i.e. the noblest/honorable amongst you “inda Allahi” i.e. with or in the sight of Allah is “atqakum” i.e. who has Al-Taqwaa among you. The narrow and literal meaning of this word taqwaa is fear; it has a much broader meaning, though. In this verse it has been variously translated as “righteous , most pious, one of the muttuqun, the best in conduct, most careful (of his duty)”. The best translation and explanation of the word “taqwaa” in my reading is “God consciousness”; to be aware of HIS presence at every moment, with each breath and at every spot. Can you imagine the revolution it can bring in human behavior and attitude if every one of us is fully convinced that all of us are accountable to him, all the time and for all our actions - big or small - at all the places : home, office, entertainment, parties and certainly at our political discussions…….…Any how, this verse declares that Taqwa of Allah Ta’aala is the only road to Honour. Reference to one’s lineage serves the purpose of identification but is no source of pride and conceit……..
These truths have been further elaborated by the sunnah of our beloved Prophet:
On completing the tawaaf after the conquest of Makkah he said: 'Thank God Who has removed from you the blemish of ignorance and its arrogance. O people, men are divided into classes: the pious and righteous, who arc honorable in the sight of Allah, and the sinful and vicious, who arc contemptible in the sight of Allah, whereas all men are the children of Adam and Adam had been created by Allah from clay." (Baihaqi, Tirmidhi)
Two years later at the Farewell Pilgrimage, he announced:……….
Some other interesting ahaadith on the same subject from different angles:…..
I would love to agree with Maulana Maudoodi when he says:
“These teachings have not remained confined to words only but Islam has practically established a universal brotherhood of the believers on the basis, which does not allow any distinction …………
A minor but important issue. It is a common practice to compare the worldly status of the persons concerned during a marriage proposal. Is it right? I will allow Maulana Maudoodi to inform us on this issue: ……..
The verse ends with inna Allaha i.e. i.e. indeed Allah is Aleemun i.e. all knowing khabeer i.e. all aware/well acquainted/all cognizant. This is sort of a common epilogue to many verses and delivers a strong message. What is the sanction against the various injunctions of Allah Ta’aala? There is no police to arrest us; no jury and judge to try us. This part of the verse warns us that the only agency that will compel us to comply with the injunctions of the Holy Quran is our complete Faith (taqwaa) that HE is “all Knowing and well Acquainted” with even an “iota” of information about us. No vigilante needed.
........and Allah knows best.
May Allah Ta’aala bless us with true understanding--“fahm”--of our Deen, Aameen.
ALLAH HAFIZ
Dr. Khalid Mitha
THE MAIN STORY
“I am convinced about the veracity of my opinions, but I do consider it likely that they may turn out to be incorrect. Likewise, I am convinced about the incorrectness of the views different from mine, but I do concede the possibility that they may turn out to be correct.” — Imam Shafa’i
As per the trend of last two months, we continue to discuss the ehkaamaat, the Commandments of our Shariah. As a matter of fact the index ayah is serially following the past two.
Let us start with the Shan-e-Nuzool - Circumstances of Revelation. This verse was revealed on the occasion of the conquest of Makkah. When it was time for prayer, the Holy Prophet asked Sayyidna Bilal to call the adhan. One of the pagan Quraish cynically remarked “Thank God that my father died before this happened, and he did not
have to see this bad day”. Harith Ibn Hisham remarked: Could Muhammad not find anyone better than this black crow to sound the adhan in the Sacred Mosque! Abu Sufyan said: I do not wish to utter anything for fear that the master of the heavens will inform him. Thus, Jibra'il came down and informed the Holy Prophet about this conversation. The Holy Prophet called them and asked them about it. They admitted. At this, the current verse was revealed.
Please note that the ayah is addressing the people as “O Men, O Mankind, human beings” and not the usual “O those who believe”. This is the Divine style when the issue addressed concerns the whole mankind. Yousuf Ali introduces an interesting nuance when he says “though it is understood that in a perfected world the two (i.e. all mankind and Muslim brotherhood) would be synonymous.”
This short, sweet and melodious ayah, in fact is defining four cardinal Truths in our life.
Allah Ta’aala Subhanahoo declares in this verse that all mankind has descended from a single pair of man and woman. Out goes the Darwinian theory of “the origin of Man”. All the monotheistic religions are unanimous in upholding the theory of Creation. If it is realized that one cosmic day according to the Holy Quran is equal to fifty thousand years of human calculations and that a day mentioned in our Holy Book could refer to an epoch, it would be easier to understand the various human theories about the creation of the Universe. The Quran has discussed this topic on different occasions. We will dwell upon them later on, Insha Allah. This ayah makes the historic declaration that we all have the same Father and same Mother. "We have created every one of you out of a father and a mother" (Zamakhsharl, Razi, Baydiwi). It implies that this equality of biological origin will be reflected in the equality of the human dignity. The whole humanity is one family of brothers and sisters. “Know that all belong to one human family, without any inherent superiority of one over another” (Zamakhshari).
The current verse sets down the basis of an “all-comprehensive and all-pervading” principle of human equality. All men have been created from a single male (Adam) and a single female (Hawwa’). All people are the descendants of Adam and Hawwa’ and therefore equal in the sight of Allah.The planet would be a very peaceful and pleasant place to live if humans can rise to the standards proposed by our Creator. Unfortunately we have failed miserably and have created hell on earth. No wonder, the Holy Text has declared that man is very quarrel some. Mufti Mohammed Shafi contributes in his own forceful style: “No one is allowed to take pride nor to degrade others on the basis
of pigment of his skin, the amount of wealth he possesses or by his rank or by his social status, descent or pedigree, but by his moral uprightness and the way he discharges his obligations to Allah and man. The entire human race is but one family. Division into nations, tribes and sub-tribes of all sizes, and races is meant only to give a better identification of one another.”
Next, Allah Ta’aala announces in this verse that HE has divided mankind into “shaooban wa qabaaila” i.e. nations, tribes, races and sub-tribes of all sizes. Why, why has HE done this? HE HIMSELF provides the answer immediately following this declaration in just one word: “le ta’aarafoo” i.e. to know one another. In other words these are just convenient labels for identification. It will enable us to recognise different parts and sections of humanity scattered all over the globe. Before God they are all one. Dr. Asad explains beautifully “In other words, men's evolution into "nations and tribes" is meant to foster rather than to diminish their mutual desire to understand and appreciate the essential human oneness underlying their outward differentiations”. This division of the human communities into nations and tribes is the natural way of cooperation and distinction between them. The different components — fatuity, a brotherhood, a tribe, a nation — can combine and co-operate to produce a vibrant society. Apart from being natural, it is harmless, practical and an essential step. Unfortunately man has completely mutilated this noble aim into a perpetual, violent and bloody divide and discord on national, ethnic, racial, color, language, sectarian and religious grounds. This natural difference has been transformed into distinctions of inequality, of high and low, of noble and mean.Unfortunately the “Ummah” is not behind if not in the forefront in this ugly and nasty exercise. We have seen the final culmination of this trend in the two horrible world wars. Apart from the massive destruction all round, the World War Two accounted for the death of forty eight million lives.
Our Holy Prophet also has elaborated on this issue. On learning of people's boasting of their national or tribal past, he said: "Behold, God has removed from you the arrogance of pagan ignorance (jahiliyyah) with its boast of ancestral glories. Man is but a God-conscious believer or an unfortunate sinner. All people are children of Adam, and Adam was created out of dust." (Tirmidhi and Abu Da'ud, on the authority of Abu Hurayrah.)
The verse then goes on to declare a fundamental and paramount principle which if obeyed can have a profound effect on the behavior of human society. It suggests that “the only basis of superiority and excellence that there is, or can be, between man and man is that of moral excellence”. Allah Ta’aala declares in this ayah “inna akramakum” i.e. the noblest/honorable amongst you “inda Allahi” i.e. with or in the sight of Allah is “atqakum” i.e. who has Al-Taqwaa among you. The narrow and literal meaning of this word taqwaa is fear; it has a much broader meaning, though. In this verse it has been variously translated as “righteous , most pious, one of the muttuqun, the best in conduct, most careful (of his duty)”. The best translation and explanation of the word “taqwaa” in my reading is “God consciousness”; to be aware of HIS presence at every moment, with each breath and at every spot. Can you imagine the revolution it can bring in human behavior and attitude if every one of us is fully convinced that all of us are accountable to him, all the time and for all our actions - big or small - at all the places : home, office, entertainment, parties and certainly at our political discussions. If I make a statement that America is a country that has killed most humans, do I realise that this statement will be part of my report in the Highest Court and I will have to defend it on Islamic values and not tribal values. Any how, this verse declares that Taqwa of Allah Ta’aala is the only road to Honour. Reference to one’s lineage serves the purpose of identification but is no source of pride and conceit. By the way, the immediate application of this verse was to Sayyidna Bilal, whom the Holy Prophet defended in front of people: "You are empty (i.e. you have no moral leg to stand on). Bilal on the other hand, is equipped (with high moral qualities) and he is better and more honorable than any of you.” (Baghawi as cited by Mazhari)
These truths have been further elaborated by the sunnah of our beloved Prophet:
On completing the tawaaf after the conquest of Makkah he said: 'Thank God Who has removed from you the blemish of ignorance and its arrogance. O people, men are divided into classes: the pious and righteous, who arc honorable in the sight of Allah, and the sinful and vicious, who arc contemptible in the sight of Allah, whereas all men are the children of Adam and Adam had been created by Allah from clay." (Baihaqi, Tirmidhi)
Two years later at the Farewell Pilgrimage, he announced: “O people, be aware: your God is One. No Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab, and no non-Arab any superiority over an Arab, and no white one has any superiority over a black one, and no black one any superiority over a white one, except on the basis of taqwaa (piety). The most honorable among you in the sight, of Allah is he who is the most pious and righteous of you. Say if I have conveyed the Message to you?" And the great congregation of the people responded, saying: Yes, you have, O Messenger of Allah." Thereupon the Holy Prophet said: "Then let the one who is present convey it to those who are absent," ( Baihaqi)
Some other interesting ahaadith on the same subject from different angles:
"You are all the children of Adam, and Adam was created from the dust. Let the people give up boasting of their ancestors, otherwise they will stand more degraded than a mean insect in the sight of Allah." ( Bazzar)
"Allah will not enquire about your lineage on the Day of Resurrection. The most honorable in the sight of Allah is he who is most pious. "(Ibn Jarir)
"Allah does not see your outward appearances and your possessions ,but He sees your hearts and your deeds." (Muslim, lbn Majah)
I would love to agree with Maulana Maudoodi when he says:
“These teachings have not remained confined to words only but Islam has practically established a universal brotherhood of the believers on the basis, which does not allow any distinction on account of color, race, language, country and nationality which is free from every concept of high and low, clean and unclean, mean and respectable, which admits all human beings with equal rights, whether they belong to any race and nation, any land or region. Even the opponents of Islam have had to admit that no precedent is found in any religion and any system of the success with which the principle of human equality and unity has been given practical shape in the Muslim society, nor has it ever been found. Islam is the only religion which has welded and combined innumerable races and communities scattered in all corners of the earth into one universal Ummah.” While there were periods in our history to bolster this claim, on the whole however and over centuries the Ummah has only given lip service to these golden principles in the masaajid, lectures, conferences and conventions. On the ground - in politics, finances, battle field, interaction with other Faiths and Nations - we have deliberately and persistently distorted, defied and abandoned these golden principles of Islam. I must hasten to add, it will be a great pleasure and delight to be proved wrong in my assessment.
A minor but important issue. It is a common practice to compare the worldly status of the persons concerned during a marriage proposal. Is it right? I will allow Maulana Maudoodi to inform us on this issue: “In this connection, a misunderstanding also needs to be removed. In the case of marriage, the importance that Islamic law gives to kufv (likeness of status) has been taken by some people in the sense that some brotherhoods are noble and some mean, and matrimonial relations between them are objectionable. But this, in fact, is a wrong idea. According to the Islamic law, every Muslim man can marry every Muslim woman, but the success of the matrimonial life depends on maximum harmony and conformity between the spouses as regards habits, characteristics and ways of life, family traditions and economic and social status, so that they may get on well with each other. This is the real object of being equal and alike. Where there is unusual difference and disparity between the man and the woman in this regard, lifelong companionship will be difficult. That is why the Islamic law disapproves of such intermarriages, and not for the reason that one of the spouses is noble and the other mean, but for the reason that in case there is a clear and apparent difference and distention in status, there would be a greater possibility of the failure of the matrimonial life if the marriage relationship was established.” Maulana has restricted his comments to “intermarriages”. I feel these are relevant and applicable across the board to all marriages.
The verse ends with inna Allaha i.e. i.e. indeed Allah is Aleemun i.e. all knowing khabeer i.e. all aware/well acquainted/all cognizant. This is sort of a common epilogue to many verses and delivers a strong message. What is the sanction against the various injunctions of Allah Ta’aala? There is no police to arrest us; no jury and judge to try us. This part of the verse warns us that the only agency that will compel us to comply with the injunctions of the Holy Quran is our complete Faith (taqwaa) that HE is “all Knowing and well Acquainted” with even an “iota” of information about us. No vigilante needed.
........and Allah knows best.
May Allah Ta’aala bless us with true understanding--“fahm”--of our Deen, Aameen.
ALLAH HAFIZ
Dr. Khalid Mitha
FOOTNOTES
(1) Surah 2/269
يُؤتِي الحِكمَةَ مَن يَشاءُ ۚ وَمَن يُؤتَ الحِكمَةَ فَقَد أوتِيَ خَيرًا كَثيرًا ۗ وَما يَذَّكَّرُ إِلّا أُولُو الأَلبابِ
(2) Surah 102/8
ثُمَّ لَتُسأَلُنَّ يَومَئِذٍ عَنِ النَّعيمِ
