Obedience of the Religion of Abraham (peace be upon Him)

Lesson # 391

Obedience of the Religion of Abraham (peace be upon Him)

Surah ‘Aali ‘Imraan (The Family of Imran - 3), Stage – 1,

Verse – 95 of 200, Section – 10 of 20, (Part – 4)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful 

95.  Say: Allah speaketh truth. So follow the religion of Abraham, the upright. He was not of the idolaters.

95.  Qul  sadaqAllaah: fattabi-‘uu Millata  ‘Ibraa-hiima  haniifaa.  Wa maa  kaana  mi-nal-mushrikiin.

      

Lesson

After describing about lawful and unlawful including the actual facts about the religion of Abraham (peace be upon him) in the previous verses, God Almighty said to His Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him): Say! (O Muhammad – grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him)! Allah speaks the Truth. He has caused to hear you true and pure things besides the lawful and the forbidden things, in respect of Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him) and Islam. There is no doubt into them.

 

Millata  ‘Ibraa-hiima  haniifaa – (the religion of Abraham, the upright). The word Millat is usually used for a group and a nation (specifically). But in the Arabic language, this word is used for religious nation too besides the above meanings.

Literal meaning of Haniif is “Of one side”, who turns away from all and inclines to one side. It also aims that the person who leans towards only one direction turning from all others and becomes of only One, disconnecting all other relations. Haniif  is a title of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) also. His (peace be upon him) life is perfect explanation of this word. He (peace be upon him) left his family, community and country for the Cause of Allah Almighty, was an iconoclast (breaker of idols), turned away from the stars and accepted to fell into the fire (as it is usually said - “Unhesitatingly love plunged into the fire of Nimrud” (Bay khatar kuud parhaa aatishi namruud men ishq). He endured to leave his (peace be upon Him) wife and child in the wilderness, accepted to sacrifice his son (peace be upon them) for the sake of Allah; the Most High. In short, he (peace be upon him) sacrificed for the pleasure of Allah Almighty in all possible respect.

The Jews and the Christians were very proud of being from the race of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). They also used to claim that the real religion of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) has reached only them heart to heart. Holy Qur-’aan cleared that although the Children of Israel are from the descendants of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him), but they are absolutely not his (peace be upon him) followers in the actual religion.

Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) was purely Monotheistic, went never near the polytheism. But the Children of Israel are materialistic. They worship their Prophets (peace be upon them) and the monks, sell their belief due to very ordinary greed, run away from the selflessness and sacrifice, cause to clip from austerity, strive and struggle. In these circumstances, what their relation may be with Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him)?

From above-mentioned arguments, it is obvious that the Muslims are nearer to Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) instead of the Children of Israel. Because they are convinced of the monotheism of one God like Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him), are bound of accepting and pleasure. The obedience is their tenet. Therefore, the Jews, who claim verbally that they are followers of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him), they should follow Prophet Abraham (peace be upon Him) wholeheartedly like the Muslims, giving up polytheism and adopting monotheism. They should acquire belief and faith leaving the evil and mutiny.

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

Inventing a falsehood concerning God, is wrongdoing

Lesson # 390

Inventing a falsehood concerning God, is wrongdoing

Surah ‘Aali ‘Imraan (The Family of Imran - 3), Stage – 1,

Verses – 93b & 94 of 200, Section – 10 of 20, (Part – 4)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful 

93b.  Say: Produce the Torah and read it (unto us) if ye are truthful.           94.  And whoever shall invent a falsehood after that concerning Allah, such will be wrongdoers.

93b.  Qul  fa’-tuu  bit-Tawraati  fatluuhaaa  ‘in- kuntum saadiqiin.         94. Fa-manif-taraa  ‘alAllaahil-kaziba  mim- ba’-di  zaalika  fa-‘ulaaa-‘ika  humuz- zaalimuun .

      

Lesson

In the first sentence of this verse, the Jews were held responsible against their criticism that the things, which were forbidden in the religious law of the Children of Israel, how did they become permissible in Islam? God Almighty commanded, “Those things which you have considered, were not unlawful. However, you had fixed them forbidden at your own. In the Divine Law of Abraham (peace be upon him) those were never forbidden. 

In this last sentence of the verse, the Children of Israel are being addressed in clear words and with powerful method, “If you have still any doubt and your hearts do not match our description, then bring your Holy Book Torah, read it from the beginning to its end. If you find this allegation anywhere in it that these things were forbidden also in the Divine Law of Abraham (peace be upon him), then show us”. How strange is it that they could not show any verse even from their altered and mutilated book. Even then, they still stood opposite.  

It is known from the historians that the Jews did not accept this challenge of the Holy Qur’-aan, and how could they accept it, while their claim was baseless. Neither they had the real knowledge, and nor they could maintain actual instructions at their right place.

Allah Almighty affirmed, “If you would not be able to show any such order then it means that you are inventing a falsehood concerning God for nothing. You have been misinforming the people at the name of Divine Law of the religion. You invent sayings on your own behalf and attribute them with Holy Books and the religion. Committing such deeds will be counted as unjust and tyrannies. It is the fact that no tyranny can be too big in this world that someone adjudges his own sayings as commanded by God Almighty, being humankind; one begins to claim for him as divinity. The persons, who do such acts, go astray; not only they but they also provide the ground for depravity of other creation of Allah Almighty.    

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & English Translation by Marmaduke; Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar, Lahore and Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’an published By Idara Islah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English  by Muhammad Sharif)

Israel forbade some lawful food for himself only

Lesson # 389

Israel (peace be upon him) forbade some lawful food for himself only

Surah ‘Aali ‘Imraan (The Family of Imran - 3), Stage – 1,

Verse – 93a of 200, Section – 10 of 20, (Part – 4)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful 

93a.  All food was lawful unto the Children of Israel, save that which Israel forbade himself, (in days) before the Torah was revealed.

93a.  Kullut-ta-‘aami  kaana  hillalli- Baniii  ‘Israaa-‘iila  ‘illaa  maa  harrama  ‘Israaa-‘iilu  ‘alaa  nafsihii  min qabli  ‘an-tunaz-zalat-Tawraah.

      

Lesson

Reason for revelation of this verse is that the Jews said to the Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him), “You tell that you are at the Religion of Abraham (peace be upon him), but you eat those things, which were unlawful for the family of Abraham (peace be upon him), for instance; meat of the camel and its milk etc. How can you be a true follower of Abraham (peace be upon him) in this form? Allah Almighty revealed this verse as reply to their criticism.

The things which the people eat now usually, those entire were lawful during the time of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) and remained lawful until before the revelation of Torah. However, some things were declared unlawful in this Scripture particularly for the children of Israel. As far as it relates to unlawfulness of the meat and milk of the camel, Prophet Jacob (peace be upon him) had sworn not to eat and drink them much before the revelation of Torah, and following him, his children had also given up use of these things. The cause to swear was that Prophet Jacob (peace be upon him) was a patient of Arqun-nisaaa' (pain in the joints). He (peace be upon him) made a vow with Allah Almighty, “Escape me from this pain and if I became healthy, then I shall leave the use of my best favorite thing. Therefore, he (peace be upon him) gave up use of meat and milk of the camel which were his most favorite things for completion of the vow.

Remember it that as per Islamic Divine Law the vow like this is not lawful to determine any lawful thing as unlawful. God Almighty commands, “Yaaa  ‘ayyu-han-Nabiy-yu  lima  tu-harrima  maa ‘AhallAllaahu lak” (O Prophet! Why do you fix any thing as illegal, which Allah has made legal for you), Surah: Tahriim, section:1. If due to error and omission someone swears then he must break it immediately and has to pay expiation of it.

It is manifest from this description that some command out of the previous religious laws of God Almighty were cancelled. Some things were lawful in the beginning, afterwards those were declared unlawful and some were unlawful, which were fixed afterwards as lawful. Therefore, if now there is some difference regarding lawful and unlawful between Muhammadan religious law and the previous religious laws, then there is no reason to be disbelieved in it. Moreover, in the present verse, leaving of any most loving thing by Prophet Jacob (peace be upon him) has been described and in the previous verse it was mentioned to spend most liked thing. Likewise, a light relation has been produced in these both verses.    

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

Ye will not attain unto piety until ye spend of that which ye love

Lesson # 388

Ye will not attain unto piety until ye spend of that which ye love

Surah ‘Aali ‘Imraan (The Family of Imran - 3), Stage – 1,

Verse – 92 of 200, Section – 10 of 20, (Part – 4)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful 

92.  Ye will not attain unto piety until ye spend of that which ye love. And whatsoever ye spend, Allah  is  Aware thereof.

92.  LAN-  TANAALUL-BIRRA  hattaa  tunfiquu  mimmaa  tuhib-buun.  Wa  maa  tunfiquu min- shay-‘in-  fa-‘innAllaaha bihii  ‘Aliim.

      

Lesson

Sometimes a man hesitates to spend for piety due to the reason that he would have to sacrifice his favorite things. There are many such things in this mortal world, which are most beloved to him. Sometimes this love extends to the limit that he feels unpleasant to stay separate from them. The love of these things compels him to sacrifice everything for them. This love makes him blind and he loses the distinction among good and bad.

The life of human being passes in attaining pleasures, honor and becoming famous, wealth and children, demand of nobility and chief-ship, and he/she loves them very much. Sometimes he sacrifices also his honesty to achieve and maintain them. In his view, the value of piety falls down as compared to these things. Likewise, he becomes effigy of the selfishness, loving of the lustful desires and statue of sensuality. Gradually he turns away from the piety entirely.   

As long as the selfishness is not rooted out from the human heart and if he is not taught to love the virtue more than everything, he cannot become righteous. A man who becomes ready to sacrifice his most favorite thing for piety, there is no doubt in his sincerity, good intentions and his worship to God. In fact, selfishness is root of the entire evils, and the sincerity is the soul of all the goodness.

The Jews and the Christians used to love the wealth and affluence. They had power and chief-ship over the uneducated people of their nation and this thing was very dear to them. They were afraid that if they would believe in the last Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace of Allah Almighty be upon him), if they obeyed him then they would lose their nobility, influence and strength. That is why; they used to disbelieve in him (grace, glory, blessings and peace of Allah Almighty be upon him). God Almighty commanded them, “Till the time you will not be ready to sacrifice your most favorite thing, you would not be able to get the piety”. Allah Almighty knows also that, “Who spent? Which thing spent? For whom spent? The thing, how much favorite will be spent in the way of Allah Almighty, He will reward you corresponding to that as retaliation.

God Almighty has determined the standard for the piety that the human should sacrifice his most favorite thing in His path. That will be considered the best virtue and Allah Almighty will appreciate him for it.

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

Painful Doom for Disbelievers

Lesson # 387

Painful Doom for Disbelievers

Surah ‘Aali ‘Imraan (The Family of Imran - 3), Stage – 1,

Verse – 91b of 200, Section – 9 of 20, (Part – 3)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful 

91b.  Theirs will be a painful doom and they will have no helpers.

91b.  ‘Ulaaa-‘ika  la-hum  ‘azaabun  ‘aliimunw-wa  maa  lahum-min-naasiriin.

  

Lesson

As it has been described with detail in the previous verses that after the arguing with the group of Najraan and notwithstanding to believe heartily in the truth of the Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon him), the Christians did not believe. They used to calumniate that Allah Almighty has said a certain thing, so and so has been written in this Scripture, whereas, they used to concoct all these sayings personally at their own. Moreover, No Prophet or Messenger (peace be upon him) teaches against the commands of God Almighty. He [Prophet or Messenger (peace be upon him)] never commands to worship him. He says always, “Be of Allah”. But the Nazarene changed the commands of Allah Almighty and did not accept. They used to distinguish between the Prophets (peace be upon them), whereas Allah Almighty sent all of them by means of one path of guidance and taught them the lesson of Unity (Oneness of God).

After knowing these entire realities; even then, the Christians did not believe and used to deny. They used to sell their faith being involved in the love of wealth and property, and entangled in the worldly objects, did not use to care for the Doomsday, arrange for their end. God Almighty proclaimed that He would never show the path of guidance to such people. Moreover, as for such, their guerdon is that on them rests the curse of Allah Almighty and of angels (peace be upon them) and of men combined, they will abide therein for ever. Their doom will not be lightened, neither will they be reprieved.

Look at the Mercy of God Almighty that He gives another chance to the mankind to repent, to be ashamed on his errors and be entitled of forgiveness. But the disbelievers still do not understand, refuse to Allah Almighty, use to become fixed on it during their entire life and do not repent till the moment of death. The whole earth full of gold would not be accepted from such people if it were offered as a ransom for their soul. These are the evil-livers. They would have to see their painful doom, enjoy the severest chastisement. There will neither be any friend of them, nor helper, nor supporter and nor their any saver from Allah Almighty. Moreover, these people will be helpless and support-less. Nobody will be his or her trustworthy on the Day of Resurrection.

 

A wise and circumspect person should take warning from these circumstances and facts. He should not spoil his Hereafter adopting the way of astray people, and should not make his future disgusting. In addition, getting lesson from these matters, he should choose the path of goodness.  

There are two punishments mentioned in this verse for wrongdoers:

·       A painful doom 

 

·       They will have no helpers.

Those supports will slip away due to which they were proud. Those friends will leave them, from which they had any expectation. Blessed are those mankind who understand before time.   

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

No ransom would be accepted from disbelievers

Lesson # 386

No ransom would be accepted from disbelievers

Surah ‘Aali ‘Imraan (The Family of Imran - 3), Stage – 1,

Verse – 91a of 200, Section – 9 of 20, (Part – 3)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful 

91a.  Lo! those who disbelieve, and die in disbelief, the (whole) earth full of gold would not be accepted from such an one if it were offered as a ransom (for his soul).

91a.  ‘Innal-laziina kafaruu  wa  maatuu  wa  hum  kuffaarun- falany-yuqbala  min  ‘ahadihim  mil-‘ul-‘arzi  zahabanw-wa  la-wiftadaa  bih.

Lesson

In this verse, such infidels and sinners have been admonished who think always that gold and silver (wealth and property) are the actual source of whole power and strength. Money covers the entire sins and conceals all the evils. They think that; as they are saved from punishment of their crimes by giving a bribe or ransom in this world, likewise they would be saved from the wrath of God Almighty by giving Him silver and gold as a ransom in the Hereafter.

Allah Almighty has explained them that their thoughts were vain. If any evildoer; out of them has gold equivalent to the entire earth and he wishes to present it as ransom of his evil deeds to God Almighty, it will never be accepted. He has no need of the gold. He is Owner of the whole universe, earth and skies, Creator of all the creatures and existences, all are obedient unto Him from an atom to the sun, from an ant to elephant and from inferior sinner human being to a highest grade Prophet (peace be upon him). Gold, silver, money, wealth and riches, all are in His Ownership and He is the One, Who gives these all things to the people. Then why would He forgive the sinners against the ransom of it?

In fact, ideology of bribe and ransom is creation of those people, whose religion is money and wealth, whose purpose of life is wealth, who look for it during their entire life, spend their time and labor to acquire it and pass their age for its collection. At last, taking its grief in their hearts, they leave this mortal world with empty hands. These people used to run behind the gold and silver, and did close pursuit for the wealth. They endowed their entire attention and labor for it, but found too much dreadful, full of pain and suffering result. They remained in the same wrong supposition that this thing is the origin of salvation and cause of success. But these blind of wisdom do not know that the real wealth is the wealth of Belief. Real capital is the capital of virtue. Gold and silver have the value; not even like just a worthless straw comparatively to good acts. On the Doomsday, just righteousness can save. Heaps of gold and silver would not work in the Hereafter.

Iftadaa-  (offered as a ransom), ransom means to repay, which is paid in return of any fault or sin in the form of wealth or any other thing.

The People of the Scripture had false belief about ransom, which became cause of their waywardness and easiness.

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

Those who are astray

Lesson # 385

Those who are astray

Surah ‘Aali ‘Imraan (The Family of Imran - 3), Stage – 1,

Verse – 90 of 200, Section – 9 of 20, (Part – 3)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful 

90.  Lo! Those who disbelieve after their (profession of) belief, and afterward persist in disbelief: their repentance will not be accepted. And such are those who are astray.

90.  ‘Innal-laziina  kafaruu  ba’-da  ‘iimaanihim  summaz-daa-duu  kufral-lan-  tuqbala  taw-batuhum.    Wa  'ulaaa-'ika   humuz-zaaal-luun.

Lesson

Some more explanation has been made about repentance in this verse. Those persons who abashed due to wrongdoings and errors, if they repented and began doing good deeds; Allah Almighty will accept their repentance and forgive them. Here, it is commanded that those people who disbelieved intentionally after their belief, then continued denying it till the end, had they neither returned from the Infidelity, nor abstained from the enmity of the Observers of the laws of Prophet Muhammad (grace, glory, blessings and peace of God Almighty be upon him). Moreover, they used to argue and fight the Believers.

When the time of death reached and the angles (peace be upon them) came to seize their souls, then they turned for repentance. Dear! What is the advantage of this repentance? The matter is clear that the purpose of repentance is correction and accuracy. If anybody repented at the time of death while there is no chance and time for correction and betterment, then there is no benefit of such repentance.  

When some people feel trouble and either they become helpless from the outward circumstances, or any disease becomes incurable, then ordinarily and habitually they evoke “Repentance”. This type of repentance has no value. Some people perceive their sins and incline towards Allah Almighty. But no sooner; some time passed, circumstances changed, than they forgot everything, began evildoing and disobedience again. Repentance of such people cannot be acceptable also.

In everyday life, we observe that some people do good work either for ostentation or when they are compelled to do so. As if, when they have power and authority, they do not intend towards the goodness. When they become helpless, then they begin to accept that in future, they would not commit any evils deed. Such promise is useless. It means that heartily they do not have aversion from the evil and love with the goodness. On the contrary, they begin to evade false for getting benefit only for the time being. God Almighty commands, “in fact, these are the people, who went astray”.

We learnt from this verse that we should never go near the evil deeds, infidelity and denial. In addition, we should prostrate before God Almighty always for the guidance towards the Straight Path. Whenever we commit any error unknowingly, then we should repent forthwith.

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

Forgiveness for them who repent and do right

Lesson # 384

Forgiveness for them who repent and do right

Surah ‘Aali ‘Imraan (The Family of Imran - 3), Stage – 1,

Verse – 89 of 200, Section – 9 of 20, (Part – 3)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful 

89.  Save those who afterward repent and do right. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

89.  ‘Illal-laziina  taabuu  mim-ba’-di  zaalika  wa  ‘aslahuu; fa-‘innAllaaha  Gafuurur-Rahiim.

Lesson

Those persons are not rightful to be forgiven in any condition, who (the wicked-doers and the sinners) have been described in the previous verses. However, God Almighty is Forgiving and Merciful. To Him, if any wrongdoer repents sincerely even after such severe errors and rebels, and intends to adopt good conduct in future, then his all errors are forgiven.

Allah Almighty has kept room of repentance for them and they have been given time that if they refrain from the wickedness, leave the evildoing and adopt the right path, then God Almighty will bestow them forgiveness, ignoring their errors. This verse manifests the Mercy of Allah Almighty.

There are many causes of depravity. The human being uses to go astray in ignorance, bad company, worldly love, improvidence, opposition or stubbornness etc, and does not think about his custom. He does not draw his attention to correct his conduct. But when either he stumbles or hears any sound of advice from somewhere or he meditates himself  upon his own circumstances of life, then suddenly he feels that he is going astray, repents upon previous deeds, is ashamed and tries to finish his sins all at once.  He wants to be pure from impurity and sins, becomes attentive towards God Almighty, wishes to implore earnestly and humbly before Allah Almighty for forgiveness reproaching upon his shortsightedness, and intends firm to adopt the path of goodness in future. Allah Almighty accepts his repentance and covers him in His shadow of blessings. It is the luck of human being that God Almighty has kept space of repentance for him and bestowed him time to incline towards the goodness.

            

On the contrary, if no one reaps advantage from this opportunity, then who else will be more wretched and unlucky than him? 

Tawbah – (Repentance), this word has been used in the Holy Qur’aan many times. Literally, it means to come back, to return and to consider. So it is commanded Tuubuu ‘ilaa Baari-‘ikum (“return the attention to your God), and gave the good news that the people who recourse to Me, I become attentive towards him (“‘a-tuubu  ‘alayhi”).

First condition for repentance is that the person should perceive about his mistake, feel shame, regret on it, and determine to leave it and abstain from it. God Almighty accepts such repentance. He is Forgiving and Merciful.

  

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)