MUSJIDUL HAQ

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Encyclopedic Facts about The Holy Quran

The spiritual stage of man and the Quranic verses.

The first stage of the Sufi is negativity or the removal of something. In other words, the first entities which are removed from them or which they strive to remove is self conceit and carnal desires from their inner being or hearts.

 

The second stage of a Sufi is one based on positivity or acceptance. In other words, through Mujaahidah or spiritual penitence, they create certainty within themselves. They say that all of these qualities are created through the Holy Quran. One should recite the Quran in abundance, memorize the Quran as much as possible and ponder carefully on the message of the Quran and it is through this that one can achieve the true path and there is nothing which is shorter than this route.

 

Through recital of the Quran, Nur is created within oneself and at the same time, a certain effect and state is created within a person. There is no doubt that this is also part of Aalim-e-Malakut and hence very difficult to understand and comprehend. At the same time, there is a also a special physical effect which is created and this is felt in the physical state of a person. In other words when this state is created within a person then he feels a certain spiritual effect.

 

It is reported that Hadrat Ameer Khusroe May Allah have mercy upon him was also placed on this path by his spiritual master, Hadrat Sayyiduna Nizaamudeen Awliyah May Allah have mercy upon him. The former used to then awake for the Tahajjud salah and used to recite seven paras of the Quran. When he was asked by his master about his state after this, he replied that he was indeed feeling the physical and spiritual effect of this within his body. After a few nights, he also found himself weeping in immense spiritual joy. This was certainly the immense effect of the Quran on this pious person.

 

2. Once, Moulana Fakhrudeen Zaraari May Allah have mercy upon him asked his master, Hadrat Sayyiduna Nizaamudeen Awliyah May Allah have mercy upon him, “Is it better to become immersed in the Qalam of Allah or in zikr?”. The master replied, “In zikr, wusul or Divine proximity is achieved very quickly and there is also fear that this can also disappear quickly. However, in the recital of the Quran, wusul is achieved a little late but there is no fear of this disappearing.”

 

From this statement, we also come to realize and understand that there is immense benefit and unending benefit in the recital of the Quran.

 

3. There is also no doubt that the great master used to place immense emphasis on the recital of the Quran. In fact, such was his behaviour that people around felt that if he had his own way, he would make every mureed of his a haafizul Quran. However, it was obvious that this was not easy on everyone. Nevertheless, he used to emphasis suluk bil Quran and encourage people to memorize as much of the Quran as possible. It is also reported that there was once a solider named Hasan ‘Alaa Sanjari who was also famous for his poetry. He was also a senior officer in the army. When he became a mureed of the great master, he was encouraged to decrease his poetry and increase the recital of the Quran. At the same time, the great master also informed him to continue practicing on what he had memorized. (Fawaa’id Al Fawaa’id).

 

4. This practice of suluk bil Quran was not only something which was encouraged by Hadrat Sayyiduna Nizaamudeen Awliyah May Allah have mercy upon him but by other eminent Awliyah of the Chistiyah silsilah. It is mentioned that Qari Madhu who was the Imam in the masjid of Hadrat Sayyiduna Khawaja Gareeb Nawaz May Allah have mercy upon him was also someone who had placed a person named Shaikh Ahmed Nehrwaani on the path of suluk bil Quran. Such was his status that after this, when he arrived in Multan and met Hadrat Sayyiduna Bahahudeen Zakariyah Multani May Allah have mercy upon him, the latter mentioned to everyone that being in the company of this person who was a Haafiz of the Quran, would gain more benefit for someone than being in the company of ten pious people.

 

5. In the twelth century, Syed Nurullah Balghrami May Allah have mercy upon also began his spiritual journey with the Quran. He used to live in the town of Balghram and he was also the younger brother of Syed Lutfullah May Allah have mercy upon him. After completing his studies, he left for Dehli and spent some time in chillah at the blessed mazaar of Hadrat Sayyiduna Nizaamudeen Awliyah May Allah have mercy upon him. When he returned, he became the mureed of his brother. Such was his sincerity on this path that during most nights, he used to weep and spend in ruku and sajdah. However, after a few days, he also approached his brother and mentioned that he was finding a few obstacles going further. He was then shown a few methods of removing these spiritual obstacles but these did not help. Finally, his spiritual master advised him to memorize the Quran. He then began to memorize the Quran.

 

It is mentioned that after memorizing a few paras, all of these spiritual obstacles were removed. He also became older and only managed to memorize twenty five paras of the Quran. At the final moments of his life, when he was asked what was his greatest wish, he mentioned that it was to memorize the last five paras which he had not yet managed to complete.

 

It is also mentioned that on most occasions when he used to hear certain verses of the Quran in salah, he used to fall down unconscious and spent the next few days weeping in fear of Allah. There is no doubt that one who becomes enamored with the Quran on this path, he is certainly someone who achieves immense status and rank.

 

6. Once, someone asked Imam Azam, Imam Abu Hanifah May Allah have mercy upon him, “where can I find the friends of Allah?” He replied, “Among those people of Quran.” He was told that these people do not display any karaamah, he replied, “If these people are not accepted as the friends of Allah, then there are no friends of Allah on earth.”

 

7. Shaikh Shahaabudeen Umar Suhrwardi May Allah have mercy upon him advises in his masterpiece “Awaarif Al Mu’aarif” that, “If the person beginning on this path of suluk is able to spend much time in reciting the Quran with all the necessary conditions being met, he can achieve everything compared to those who achieve all of this through immense mujaahidah. However, all of this is based on the fact that there are a few conditions which have to be met prior to achieving this status. Among them is the fact that one should only consume that which is Halal and only speak the truth. Whatever is halal, he should consider as halal and what is haram should be considered as haram. He should refrain from those things which are prohibited. Whatever noble deeds are to be performed, these should be completed with sincerity. He should also transform all attributes such as jealousy, greed, enmity, pride and boast with qualities such as humility, patience, modesty etc. He should also make taubah all the time.

 

8. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas’ud May Allah have mercy upon him mentions that a Haafiz of the Quran should bear many things in mind. The first is that he should be awoke at night when others are sleeping. During the day, he should perform goods deeds when others are performing sin. When people are joyous, he should be sad. When people are sad, he should be happy. He should remain silent while people are speaking about useless things. He should remain humble while people are boastful around him.

 

The importantance of Dua in the Quran.

It is mentioned that when Nabi Adam peace was placed on earth, the first thing that was taught to him was to make dua. This is mentioned in the 23^rd verse of Surah Al ‘Araf. In fact, salah which is the most important act of worship is also a combination of dua. The very beginning of the Quran is also a dua. When two Muslims meet, they also greet each other with a dua. From this, we come to realize that indeed the dua is a very great institution in Islam. This is the reason that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that “dua is indeed the heart of ibaadah”.

 

When a person makes dua to the Almighty, it is like he is meeting his Creator. At the moment of making dua, a person relates all his shortcomings and needs to his Creator. When a person walks forward, he takes the Divine Name of the Almighty. When a true soldier of Islam goes forward, he also takes the name of the Almighty and through his dua, he achieves his mission.

 

Bear in mind that in Islam, the Creator is not Someone who creates something and allows it to live its own life without being involved in the life of that creation. In other words, He is not like someone who builds a machine and then allows it to continue in an automatic mode. The Almighty is always looking at His creation and is fully aware of their every action and deed. Everyday, there is a new Divine Manifestation of His Greatness. He fulfills the daily need of an ant to an elephant.

 

He is always listening to the pleas of His creation. In fact, it is mentioned that the Almighty is closer to a person than his own jugular vein. This is the reason that it is mentioned that we should not ask the question of how close the Almighty is to us, but rather we should ask the question of how close we are to the Almighty. He is always close to us, but we are creation who have become so immersed in the world, that we hardly every think of the Almighty.

 

The plea of every creation is listened to especially those who are oppressed. There is no doubt that He is extremely pleased when a person calls to Him. At the same time, He has also taught man various Duas which should be made when man desires certain things. In fact, when we look at the Quran, there are many dua for various condition which have been mentioned.

 

However, in the hadith shareef, it is mentioned that one of the precondition of calling to the Almighty is that one should call to him with complete sincerity. One should call to the Almighty when the stomach of a person is free from haraam and his clothing has also been acquired through halal means. At the same time, a person should not have enmity and hatred for others without any reason. It is mentioned that the result or effect of dua of a person is achieved through four ways.

1. It is either accepted immediately.
2. It is accepted a few moments later or a short while later.
3. In place of this, another better substitute is given to the person.
4. If it is not accepted in the world, then it is saved as a means of reward for the person on the day of judgment.

 

In other words, we can safely say that no dua ever goes without being accepted or wasted. We will now present a few duas from the Quran and also mention the purpose of these duas.

 

The first dua of a person should be:

Surah Fatiha, verses 6,7:

اِہۡدِ نَا الصِّرٰطَ الۡمُسۡتَقِیۡمَۙ﴿۵﴾

Guide us in the straight path.
صِرٰطَ الَّذِیۡنَ اَنۡعَمۡتَ عَلَیۡہِمۡ۬ۙ۬

The path of those whom You have favoured.
غَیۡرِ الۡمَغۡضُوۡبِ عَلَیۡہِمْ وَلَا الضَّآلِّیۡنَ٪﴿۷﴾

Not of those who have earned Your anger and nor of those who have gone astray.

 

The dua of the truthful. In surah Baqarah, verse 250, this is mentioned which is:

رَبَّنَاۤ اَفْرِغْ عَلَیۡنَا صَبْرًا وَّثَبِّتْ اَقْدَامَنَا وَانۡصُرْنَا عَلَی الْقَوْمِ الْکٰفِرِیۡنَ﴿۲۵۰﴾ؕ

 

‘O our Lord pour forth steadfastness upon us and make our steps firm, and help us against disbelieving people.

 

In verse 286, it is mentioned:

رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَاۤ اِنۡ نَّسِیۡنَاۤ اَوْ اَخْطَاۡنَاۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَیۡنَاۤ اِصْرًا کَمَا حَمَلْتَہٗ عَلَی الَّذِیۡنَ مِنۡ قَبْلِنَاۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَۃَ لَنَا بِہٖۚ وَاعْفُ عَنَّاٝ وَاغْفِرْ لَنَاٝ وَارْحَمْنَاٝ اَنۡتَ مَوْلٰىنَا فَانۡصُرْنَا عَلَی الْقَوْمِ الْکٰفِرِیۡنَ﴿۲۸۶﴾٪

 

O our Lord! Catch not us if we forget or miss the mark!O our Lord!

And place not heavy burden on us as you had placed on those before us.O our Lord! Put not that burden on us of which we have no strength to bear! And pardon us and forgive and have mercy on us. You are our Master; then help us against the infidels.

 

The dua of the Ahle Imaan.

In surah Ale Imran, verse 8, this is mentioned:

رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِ غْ قُلُوۡبَنَا بَعْدَ اِذْ ہَدَیۡتَنَا وَہَبْ لَنَا مِنۡ لَّدُنۡکَ رَحْمَۃًۚ اِنَّکَ اَنۡتَ الْوَہَّابُ﴿۸﴾

 

‘O our Lord! Let not our hearts become perverse after this that You guided us and bestow on us mercy from Yourself; no doubt, You are the big Bestower.

 

In the same surah, in verse 16, it is mentioned:

رَبَّنَاۤ اِنَّنَاۤ اٰمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوۡبَنَا وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ﴿ۚ۱۶﴾

 

‘Our Lord we did accept faith, then forgive us our sins and save us from the torment of the hell.’

 

In the same surah, in verse 147, it is mentioned:

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوۡبَنَا وَ اِسْرَافَنَا فِیۡۤ اَمْرِنَا وَثَبِّتْ اَقْدَامَنَا وَانۡصُرْنَا عَلَی الْقَوْمِ الْکٰفِرِیۡنَ﴿۱۴۷﴾

 

‘O Our Lord! Forgive our sins and our excesses that we committed in our affairs, and make firm our steps and help us against these disbelieving people.

 

The dua of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him.

This is mentioned in surah Ale Imran, verse 26:

اللّٰہُمَّ مٰلِکَ الْمُلْکِ تُؤْتِی الْمُلْکَ مَنۡ تَشَآءُ وَتَنۡزِعُ الْمُلْکَ مِمَّنۡ تَشَآءُ۫ وَتُعِزُّ مَنۡ تَشَآءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَنۡ تَشَآءُؕ بِیَدِکَ الْخَیۡرُؕ اِنَّکَ عَلٰی کُلِّ شَیۡءٍ قَدِیۡرٌ﴿۲۶﴾

 

‘O Allah Master of the Kingdom, You give the Kingdom to whom You please; and seize the Kingdom from whom You please. And you exalt whom You please and You abase whom You please; in Your hand is all good. No doubt You can do all things.

 

This is the call and claim of those who are the Ahle Imaan.

In surah Ale Imran, verses 191 to 194, these words are mentioned:

الَّذِیۡنَ یَذْکُرُوۡنَ اللہَ قِیٰمًا وَّقُعُوۡدًا وَّعَلٰی جُنُوۡبِہِمْ وَیَتَفَکَّرُوۡنَ فِیۡ خَلْقِ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالۡاَرْضِ ۚ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ ہٰذَا بٰطِلًا ۚ سُبْحٰنَکَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ ﴿۱۹۱﴾

There who remember Allah standing and sitting and lying on their sides, and contemplate the creation of heavens and earth; (saying) “O our Lord! You have not made it in vain, Hallowed be You, then save us from the torment of the Hell.
رَبَّنَاۤ اِنَّکَ مَنۡ تُدْخِلِ النَّارَ فَقَدْ اَخْزَیۡتَہٗ ؕ وَمَا لِلظّٰلِمِیۡنَ مِنْ اَنۡصَارٍ ﴿۱۹۲﴾

‘O our Lord! verily whomsoever you cause to enter the Hell, him You have surely humiliated, and the unjust have no helpers.
رَبَّنَاۤ اِنَّنَا سَمِعْنَا مُنَادِیًا یُّنَادِیۡ لِلۡاِیۡمٰنِ اَنْ اٰمِنُوۡا بِرَبِّکُمْ فَاٰمَنَّا ٭ۖ رَبَّنَا فَاغْفِرْلَنَا ذُنُوۡبَنَا وَکَفِّرْعَنَّا سَیِّاٰتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ الۡاَبْرَارِ ﴿۱۹۳﴾ۚ

‘O our Lord! we heard a proclaimer that he calls for believing, that believe into your Lord; then we believed. O our Lord! forgive us our sins and wipe off us our evils and cause us to die along with the righteous.
رَبَّنَا وَاٰتِنَا مَا وَعَدۡتَّنَا عَلٰی رُسُلِکَ وَلَا تُخْزِنَا یَوْمَ الْقِیٰمَۃِؕ اِنَّکَ لَا تُخْلِفُ الْمِیۡعَادَ ﴿۱۹۴﴾

‘O our Lord! And give us that what You have promised to us through Your Messengers; and disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrection. Undoubtedly You do not break the promise.

 

During the construction of the Kaba, the dua of Nabi Ebrahim and Nabi Ismail peace be upon them.

In surah Baqarah, verses 127,128 and 129 mentions:

 

وَ اِذْ یَرْفَعُ اِبْرٰہٖمُ الْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ الْبَیۡتِ وَ اِسْمٰعِیۡلُؕ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّاؕ اِنَّکَ اَنۡتَ السَّمِیۡعُ الْعَلِیۡمُ﴿۱۲۷﴾

And when Ibrahim was raising the foundations of this house and Ismail (too) praying, O Our Lord accept from us, undoubtedly, You alone hear and know’.
رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَیۡنِ لَکَ وَمِنۡ ذُرِّیَّتِنَاۤ اُمَّۃً مُّسْلِمَۃً لَّکَ۪ وَاَرِنَا مَنَاسِکَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَیۡنَاۚ اِنَّکَ اَنۡتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِیۡمُ﴿۱۲۸﴾

‘O Our Lord! Make us submissive to You and of our offspring a nation submissive to You tell us our ways of worship and turn to us with Your mercy. Surely You alone are most Relenting and Merciful.
رَبَّنَا وَابْعَثْ فِیۡہِمْ رَسُوۡلًا مِّنْہُمْ یَتْلُوۡا عَلَیۡہِمْ اٰیٰتِکَ وَیُعَلِّمُہُمُ الْکِتٰبَ وَالْحِکْمَۃَ وَیُزَکِّیۡہِمْؕ اِنَّکَ اَنۡتَ الۡعَزِیۡزُ الۡحَکِیۡمُ﴿۱۲۹﴾٪

‘O Our Lord, and send in them a messenger from among themselves, who may recite to them Your signs and teach them Your Book and wise knowledge and may purify them well. Surely, You are alone the Predominant, the Wise.

 

The dua of the blessed mother of Hadrat Sayyidah Maryam May Allah have mercy upon her.

In surah Ale Imran, verse 35, it is mentioned:

رَبِّ اِنِّیۡ نَذَرْتُ لَکَ مَا فِیۡ بَطْنِیۡ مُحَرَّرًا فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّیۡۚ اِنَّکَ اَنۡتَ السَّمِیۡعُ الْعَلِیۡمُ﴿۳۵﴾

 

My lord! ‘I make avow to You, for what is in my womb to remain purely in Your service. There fore accept this from me, no doubt, You alone are Hearing, Knowing.

 

The dua for children which was made by Nabi Zakariyah peace be upon him.

In surah Ale Imran, verse 38, it is mentioned:

رَبِّ ہَبْ لِیۡ مِنۡ لَّدُنْکَ ذُرِّیَّۃً طَیِّبَۃًۚ اِنَّکَ سَمِیۡعُ الدُّعَآءِ﴿۳۸﴾

 

‘O my Lord! Give me from Yourself pure offspring; no doubt, You only are the Hearer of prayers.

 

The dua of Nabi Esa peace be upon him.

In surah Al Ma’idah, verse 114, it is mentioned:

قَالَ عِیۡسَی ابْنُ مَرْیَمَ اللّٰہُمَّ رَبَّنَاۤ اَنۡزِلْ عَلَیۡنَا مَآئِدَۃً مِّنَ السَّمَآءِ تَکُوۡنُ لَنَا عِیۡدًا لِّاَوَّلِنَا وَاٰخِرِنَا وَ اٰیَۃً مِّنۡکَ ۚ وَارْزُقْنَا وَاَنۡتَ خَیۡرُ الرّٰزِقِیۡنَ ﴿۱۱۴﴾

‘O Allah our Lord, ‘sends down to us a tray of food from the heaven so that it may be an occasion of rejoicing for us, for the first and the last of us and a sign from You, and provide for us and you are the best of Providers.

 

The dua of Istighfaar made by Nabi Adam and Sayyidah Hawa peace be upon them.

In Surah Al ‘Araf, verse 23, it is mentioned:

رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَاۤ اَنۡفُسَنَا ٜ وَ اِنۡ لَّمْ تَغْفِرْلَنَا وَ تَرْحَمْنَا لَنَکُوۡنَنَّ مِنَ الْخٰسِرِیۡنَ ﴿۲۳﴾

 

‘O Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves, if You forgive us not and have not mercy on us, then certainly we are among losers.’

 

The dua of the Ashaab-e-‘Araf.

In Surah Al ‘Araf, verse 47, it is mentioned:

رَبَّنَا لَاتَجْعَلْنَا مَعَ الْقَوْمِ الظّٰلِمِیۡنَ ﴿۴۷﴾٪

‘O’Our Lord! Keep us not with the unjust people.

 

The dua of Nabi Shu’aib peace be upon him.

In surah Al ‘Araf, verse 89, it is mentioned:

O our Lord! Decide between us and our people with truth and Your decision is the best.

 

The dua of the former magicians in the court of Pharaoh after they had repented.

In surah Al ‘Araf, verse 126, it is mentioned:

رَبِّنَا لَمَّا جَآءَتْنَا ؕ رَبَّنَاۤ اَفْرِغْ عَلَیۡنَا صَبْرًا وَّتَوَفَّنَا مُسْلِمِیۡنَ ﴿۱۲۶﴾٪

O our Lord pour upon us patience and cause us die as Muslims.

 

The dua of Istighfaar made by Nabi Moosa peace be upon him.

In sura Al ‘Araf, verse 151 mentions:

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِیۡ وَ لِاَخِیۡ وَاَدْخِلْنَا فِیۡ رَحْمَتِکَ ۫ۖ وَاَنۡتَ اَرْحَمُ الرّٰحِمِیۡنَ ﴿۱۵۱﴾٪

‘O my Lord, forgive my brother, and me and cause us to enter Your mercy and You are the most Merciful of the merciful.

 

Another dua of Nabi Moosa peace be upon him.

In the same surah, in verses 155, 156, it is mentioned:

وَ اخْتَارَ مُوۡسٰی قَوْمَہٗ سَبْعِیۡنَ رَجُلًا لِّمِیۡقٰتِنَا ۚ فَلَمَّاۤ اَخَذَتْہُمُ الرَّجْفَۃُ قَالَ رَبِّ لَوْ شِئْتَ اَہۡلَکْتَہُمۡ مِّنۡ قَبْلُ وَ اِیّٰیَ ؕ اَتُہۡلِکُنَا بِمَا فَعَلَ السُّفَہَآءُ مِنَّا ۚ اِنْ ہِیَ اِلَّا فِتْنَتُکَ ؕ تُضِلُّ بِہَا مَنۡ تَشَآءُ وَتَہۡدِیۡ مَنۡ تَشَآءُ ؕ اَنۡتَ وَ لِیُّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَ ارْحَمْنَا وَ اَنۡتَ خَیۡرُ الْغٰفِرِیۡنَ ﴿۱۵۵﴾

And Musa chose seventy men of his people for Our promised appointment, then when earthquake overtook them, Musa submitted, ‘O my Lord, had You wished, then You would have destroyed them and me before. Will you kill us for what our foolish ones have done’? That is not but your test, whereby you cause astray whom you will, and guide whom you will. You are our Protector, You forgive us and have mercy upon us, and you are the best of the forgivers.

وَاکْتُبْ لَنَا فِیۡ ہٰذِہِ الدُّنْیَا حَسَنَۃً وَّ فِی الۡاٰخِرَۃِ اِنَّا ہُدْنَاۤ اِلَیۡکَ ؕ قَالَ عَذَابِیۡۤ اُصِیۡبُ بِہٖ مَنْ اَشَآءُ ۚ وَ رَحْمَتِیۡ وَسِعَتْ کُلَّ شَیۡءٍ ؕ فَسَاَکْتُبُہَا لِلَّذِیۡنَ یَتَّقُوۡنَ وَ یُؤْتُوۡنَ الزَّکٰوۃَ وَالَّذِیۡنَ ہُمۡ بِاٰیٰتِنَا یُؤْمِنُوۡنَ ﴿۱۵۶﴾ۚ

And prescribe for us in this world good and in the Hereafter, no doubt, we have returned to You. He said, ‘My punishment, I inflict whom I will, and My mercy encompasses all things. Then soon I shall prescribe it for those who fear God and pay the poor-due and believe in Our Signs.

 

Another of his dua is mentioned in Surah Ta Ha, verses 25 to 32:

قَالَ رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِیۡ صَدْرِیۡ ﴿ۙ۲۵﴾

He submitted, ‘O my Lord open my breast for me.
وَ یَسِّرْ لِیۡۤ اَمْرِیۡ ﴿ۙ۲۶﴾

And make my task easy for me.
وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَۃً مِّنۡ لِّسَانِیۡ ﴿ۙ۲۷﴾

And loose the knot of my tongue.
یَفْقَہُوۡا قَوْلِیۡ ﴿۪۲۸﴾

That they may understand my speech.
وَاجْعَلۡ لِّیۡ وَزِیۡرًا مِّنْ اَہۡلِیۡ ﴿ۙ۲۹﴾

And make a minister for me from my family.
ہٰرُوۡنَ اَخِی ﴿ۙ۳۰﴾

(He) My brother Haroon.
اشْدُدْ بِہٖۤ اَزْرِیۡ ﴿ۙ۳۱﴾

Strengthen my loin by him.
وَاَشْرِکْہُ فِیۡۤ اَمْرِیۡ ﴿ۙ۳۲﴾

And associate him in my task.

 

In surah Qasas, another dua of his is mentioned in verse 16,17:

قَالَ رَبِّ اِنِّیۡ ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِیۡ فَاغْفِرْ لِیۡ فَغَفَرَ لَہٗ ؕ اِنَّہٗ ہُوَ الْغَفُوۡرُ الرَّحِیۡمُ ﴿۱۶﴾

He submitted, ‘O my Lord’, ‘I have exceeded the limit against my soul, therefore forgive me, then the Lord forgave him. Undoubtedly, He it is the Forgiving, Merciful.
قَالَ رَبِّ بِمَاۤ اَنْعَمْتَ عَلَیَّ فَلَنْ اَکُوۡنَ ظَہِیۡرًا لِّلْمُجْرِمِیۡنَ ﴿۱۷﴾

He submitted, ‘O my Lord as you have blessed me, therefore now I shall never be a helper to the culprits.

 

Again in Surah Qasas, verse 21, it is mentioned:

رَبِّ نَجِّنِیۡ مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الظّٰلِمِیۡنَ ﴿۲۱﴾

‘O my Lord, save me from the oppressors’.

 

His dua for saving the Bani Israel.

In Surah Yunus, verse 85, 86 it is mentioned:

فَقَالُوۡا عَلَی اللہِ تَوَکَّلْنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا لَا تَجْعَلْنَا فِتْنَۃً لِّلْقَوْمِ الظّٰلِمِیۡنَ ﴿ۙ۸۵﴾

They said, ‘We relied only upon Allah. Our Lord makes us not a test for unjust people.
وَنَجِّنَا بِرَحْمَتِکَ مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الْکٰفِرِیۡنَ ﴿۸۶﴾

And deliver us by Your Mercy from the infidels.

 

The dua of Nabi Nuh pace be upon him.

In surah Hud, verse 47, the Quran declares:

قَالَ رَبِّ اِنِّیۡۤ اَعُوۡذُ بِکَ اَنْ اَسْـَٔلَکَ مَا لَـیۡسَ لِیۡ بِہٖ عِلْمٌ ؕ وَ اِلَّا تَغْفِرْ لِیۡ وَ تَرْحَمْنِیۡۤ اَکُنۡ مِّنَ الْخٰسِرِیۡنَ ﴿۴۷﴾

‘O my Lord I beg Your refuge from asking You that of which I have no knowledge. And if you forgive me not and have not mercy on me, then I shall be loser.

 

His complain in the Divine Court of the Almighty about the disobedient people in his nation.

In Surah Nuh, verse 5 to 10, it is mentioned:

قَالَ رَبِّ اِنِّیۡ دَعَوْتُ قَوْمِیۡ لَیۡلًا وَّ نَہَارًا ۙ﴿۵﴾

He submitted, O my Lord, I have called my people night and day.
فَلَمْ یَزِدْہُمْ دُعَآءِیۡۤ اِلَّا فِرَارًا ﴿۶﴾

But my calling has only increased them in fleeing away.
وَ اِنِّیۡ کُلَّمَا دَعَوْتُہُمْ لِتَغْفِرَ لَہُمْ جَعَلُوۡۤا اَصٰبِعَہُمْ فِیۡۤ اٰذَانِہِمْ وَ اسْتَغْشَوْا ثِیَابَہُمْ وَ اَصَرُّوۡا وَ اسْتَکْبَرُوا اسْتِکْبَارًا ۚ﴿۷﴾

And every time I called them that You may forgive them, they put their fingers into their ears, covered themselves with their garments, and persisted and waxed great proud.
ثُمَّ اِنِّیۡ دَعَوْتُہُمْ جِہَارًا ۙ﴿۸﴾

Then I called them openly.
ثُمَّ اِنِّیۡۤ اَعْلَنۡتُ لَہُمْ وَ اَسْرَرْتُ لَہُمْ اِسْرَارًا ۙ﴿۹﴾

Then I spoke to them publicly and spoke to them in secret too.
فَقُلْتُ اسْتَغْفِرُوۡا رَبَّکُمْؕ اِنَّہٗ کَانَ غَفَّارًا ﴿ۙ۱۰﴾

And I said, ‘beg forgiveness of your Lord, He is Most Forgiving.

 

Again in the same Surah, in verses 26,27 and 28, it is mentioned:

وَ قَالَ نُوْحٌ رَّبِّ لَا تَذَرْ عَلَی الْاَرْضِ مِنَ الْکٰفِرِیۡنَ دَیَّارًا ﴿۲۶﴾

And Nuh submitted, ‘O my Lord leave not of the infidels any inhabitant upon the earth’.
اِنَّکَ اِنۡ تَذَرْہُمْ یُضِلُّوۡا عِبَادَکَ وَ لَا یَلِدُوۡۤا اِلَّا فَاجِرًا کَفَّارًا ﴿۲۷﴾

Undoubtedly, if You would allow them to live, they will lead astray Your bondmen and they will beget none but an evil doer, an ungrateful.
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِیۡ وَ لِوٰلِدَیَّ وَ لِمَنۡ دَخَلَ بَیۡتِیَ مُؤْمِنًا وَّ لِلْمُؤْمِنِیۡنَ وَ الْمُؤْمِنٰتِ ؕ وَ لَا تَزِدِ الظّٰلِمِیۡنَ اِلَّا تَبَارًا ﴿٪۲۸﴾

‘O my Lord! forgive me and my parents and him who is in my house as a believer and all believing men and all believing women. And increase not the infidels in aught save destruction.

 

The dua of Nabi Ebrahim peace be upon him.

In surah Ebrahim, verse 35 to 38, his dua is mentioned:

وَ اِذْ قَالَ اِبْرٰہِیۡمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ ہٰذَا الْبَلَدَ اٰمِنًا وَّاجْنُبْنِیۡ وَبَنِیَّ اَنۡ نَّعْبُدَ الۡاَصْنَامَ ﴿ؕ۳۵﴾

And recall when Ibrahim submitted, ‘O my Lord! make this city secure, and save me and my sons from worshipping the idols.
رَبِّ اِنَّہُنَّ اَضْلَلْنَ کَثِیۡرًا مِّنَ النَّاسِ ۚ فَمَنۡ تَبِعَنِیۡ فَاِنَّہٗ مِنِّیۡ ۚ وَمَنْ عَصَانِیۡ فَاِنَّکَ غَفُوۡرٌ رَّحِیۡمٌ ﴿۳۶﴾

O’My Lord, verily the idols have led astray many people, then who sided with me is mine and who disobeyed me, then you are certainly Forgiving, Merciful.
رَبَّنَاۤ اِنِّیۡۤ اَسْکَنۡتُ مِنۡ ذُرِّیَّتِیۡ بِوَادٍ غَیۡرِ ذِیۡ زَرْعٍ عِنۡدَ بَیۡتِکَ الْمُحَرَّمِ ۙ رَبَّنَا لِیُـقِیۡمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ فَاجْعَلْ اَفْئِدَۃً مِّنَ النَّاسِ تَہۡوِیۡۤ اِلَیۡہِمْ وَارْزُقْہُمۡ مِّنَ الثَّمَرٰتِ لَعَلَّہُمْ یَشْکُرُوۡنَ ﴿۳۷﴾

‘O my Lord, I have caused some of my children to settle in a valley wherein there is no cultivation by your Sacred House, O our Lord, in order that they might keep up prayer, then You make some people’s hearts incline toward them and give them some fruits for food, haply they may be thankful.
رَبَّنَاۤ اِنَّکَ تَعْلَمُ مَا نُخْفِیۡ وَمَا نُعْلِنُ ؕ وَمَا یَخْفٰی عَلَی اللہِ مِنۡ شَیۡءٍ فِی الۡاَرْضِ وَلَا فِی السَّمَآءِ ﴿۳۸﴾

‘O our Lord, you know what we conceal and what we disclose. And nothing is concealed from Allah in the earth or in the heaven.

 

Again in Surah Ebrahim, verses 40, 41, it is mentioned:

رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِیۡ مُقِیۡمَ الصَّلٰوۃِ وَمِنۡ ذُرِّیَّتِیۡ ٭ۖ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ ﴿۴۰﴾

‘O my Lord, keep me as establisher of prayer and some of my children too, O our Lord, and accept my prayer.
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِی وَلِوٰلِدَیَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِیۡنَ یَوْمَ یَقُوۡمُ الْحِسَابُ ﴿٪۴۱﴾

‘O our Lord, forgive me, and my parents and all Muslims on the Day when reckoning shall take place.

 

The dua of Nabi Yusuf peace be upon him.

In surah Yusuf, verse 33, it is mentioned:

رَبِّ السِّجْنُ اَحَبُّ اِلَیَّ مِمَّا یَدْعُوۡنَنِیۡۤ اِلَیۡہِ ۚ وَ اِلَّا تَصْرِفْ عَنِّیۡ کَیۡدَہُنَّ اَصْبُ اِلَیۡہِنَّ وَ اَکُنۡ مِّنَ الْجٰہِلِیۡنَ ﴿۳۳﴾

 

‘O my Lord, prison is dearer to me than the work to which she calls me. And if you shall not turn their guile from me, then I shall incline towards them and will be ignorant.

 

The dua of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him while in Mecca shareef.

In Surah Bani Israel, verse 80, it is mentioned:

رَّبِّ اَدْخِلْنِیۡ مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَّ اَخْرِجْنِیۡ مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَّ اجْعَلۡ لِّیۡ مِنۡ لَّدُنۡکَ سُلْطٰنًا نَّصِیۡرًا ﴿۸۰﴾

 

‘O my Lord, make me enter with a just entering and make me go forth with a just going and grant me from Yourself a helping control.

 

The dua of the Ashaabe Kahaf.

In surah Kahaf, verse 10, it is mentioned:

رَبَّنَاۤ اٰتِنَا مِنۡ لَّدُنۡکَ رَحْمَۃً وَّہَیِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ اَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا ﴿۱۰﴾

‘O our Lord, ‘grant to us mercy from yourself and provide for us guidance in our affair.

 

The dua of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him for increase in knowledge.

In Surah Ta Ha, verse 114, it is mentioned:

رَّبِّ زِدْنِیۡ عِلْمًا ﴿۱۱۴﴾

‘O my Lord increase me in knowledge!

 

The dua of Nabi Ayub peace be upon him.

In surah Al Ambiya, verse 83, it is mentioned:

وَ اَیُّوۡبَ اِذْ نَادٰی رَبَّہٗۤ اَنِّیۡ مَسَّنِیَ الضُّرُّ وَ اَنۡتَ اَرْحَمُ الرّٰحِمِیۡنَ ﴿ۚۖ۸۳﴾

And remember Ayub when he called his Lord that distress has touched me and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.

 

The dua of Nabi Yunus peace be upon him.

In Surah Al Ambiyah, verse 87, it is mentioned:

لَّاۤ اِلٰہَ اِلَّاۤ اَنۡتَ سُبْحٰنَکَ ٭ۖ اِنِّیۡ کُنۡتُ مِنَ الظّٰلِمِیۡنَ ﴿ۚۖ۸۷﴾

there is none to be worshiped but You, Glory is to You, undoubtedly, I did improper act.

 

The dua of Nabi Zakariyah peace be upon him.

In Surah Al Ambiyah, verse 89, it is mentioned:

رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِیۡ فَرْدًا وَّ اَنۡتَ خَیۡرُ الْوٰرِثِیۡنَ ﴿ۚۖ۸۹﴾

O my Lord! Leave not me alone and You are the best inheritor.

 

The dua of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him.

In surah Al Mu’minun, verse 97, 98, it is mentioned:

وَ قُلۡ رَّبِّ اَعُوۡذُ بِکَ مِنْ ہَمَزٰتِ الشَّیٰطِیۡنِ ﴿ۙ۹۷﴾

And say you, ‘O my Lord, I seek refuge in you from the evil suggestions of the devils (Satans).
وَ اَعُوۡذُ بِکَ رَبِّ اَنۡ یَّحْضُرُوۡنِ ﴿۹۸﴾

And O my Lord, I seek I refuge in You lest they come to me.

 

Again in Surah Mu’minun, verse 118, it is mentioned:

رَّبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَ اَنۡتَ خَیۡرُ الرّٰحِمِیۡنَ ﴿۱۱۸﴾٪

‘O my Lord forgive and have mercy and You are the best of merciful.

 

Miscellaneous advice from the Quran.

 

The status of a person is according to his piety.

In surah Al Hujraat, verse 13, the Quran declares:

یٰۤاَیُّہَا النَّاسُ اِنَّا خَلَقْنٰکُمۡ مِّنۡ ذَکَرٍ وَّ اُنۡثٰی وَ جَعَلْنٰکُمْ شُعُوۡبًا وَّ قَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوۡا ؕ اِنَّ اَکْرَمَکُمْ عِنۡدَ اللہِ اَتْقٰىکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللہَ عَلِیۡمٌ خَبِیۡرٌ ﴿۱۳﴾

‘O people! We created you from one man and one woman and made you branches and tribes that you may recognize one another. Undoubtedly, the most respected among you in the sight of Allah is he who is more pious, verily, Allah is knowing, Aware.

 

In other words, a person is not great great because he is rich or powerful. A person’s personality and being is also there to be seen and recognized and nothing else. Greatness in the Divine Court of the Almighty is based on the piety of a person. In other, the most supreme among people with Allah are those who are the most pious even he may seem to be an ordinary person in the eyes of others. As for him who is not pious, he certainly has no status with Allah even though in the eyes of people he may seem rich, powerful or influential.

 

At the same time to show off about oneself because one is rich or powerful is nothing but stupidity and ignorance. Hadrat Sayyiduna Habeeb bin Kharraash May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “The Muslims are brothers one of another. No one is greater than the other except in piety.” In other words, to boast about ones family or personal status is completely useless. The quality within a person should be based on piety and goodness.

 

Long age.

In surah Fatir, verse 11, the Quran declares:

وَاللہُ خَلَقَکُمۡ مِّنۡ تُرَابٍ ثُمَّ مِنۡ نُّطْفَۃٍ ثُمَّ جَعَلَکُمْ اَزْوٰجًا ؕ وَمَا تَحْمِلُ مِنْ اُنۡثٰی وَلَا تَضَعُ اِلَّا بِعِلْمِہٖ ؕ وَمَا یُعَمَّرُ مِنۡ مُّعَمَّرٍ وَّلَا یُنۡقَصُ مِنْ عُمُرِہٖۤ اِلَّا فِیۡ کِتٰبٍ ؕ اِنَّ ذٰلِکَ عَلَی اللہِ یَسِیۡرٌ ﴿۱۱﴾

 

And Allah created you from dust, then from a sperm drop, then made you pairs. And no female does not bear, nor she gives birth but with His knowledge. To whomsoever of long age is given age or the age of whomsoever is curtailed, all this is in a Book Verily it is easy for Allah

 

In various books of Tafseer, it is mentioned that when a person’s life in this world is extended, this is already recorded in the Divine Tablet. In like manner, the life of that person which is shortened is also recorded in the Divine Tablet. In regard to this verse, a single individual is not mentioned but the general life span of humanity. Others have mentioned that if one individual is indicated in this verse, then it actually means that the life span of a person is something which is of true certainty and that is the amount of time he will spend in this world and he will not spend one second more or less.

 

In other words, if a person has to live for so many years or days, everything moment in this world means that his breathing begins to decrease and his life span also also decreases and all of this recorded. Once this breathing span ceases, then he will certainly leave this world. A poet has recorded this fact in the following manner by saying that, “your life is actually the name of a few moments of breathing and as each breath ends, your life span also decreases.”

 

In other words, in the Divine Tablet, it is recorded the life span of each person and the manner in which his life span will decrease and means of this decrease. In other words, the manner in which his life will decrease. All of this is within the Divine Knowledge of the Almighty. None of this is impossible on the Almighty. As all of us know, the Divine Knowledge of the Almighty encompasses everything. Hence, it is not possible that we should compare the Knowledge of the Almighty with any creation.

 

In like manner, when a person is a believer and as his life increases, so does his Imaan and belief in Islam. In the same manner, his distaste for kufr will also decrease.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Aanis May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “He who wishes that his life span increases and there is baraqah in his sustenance, he should have good family relationship.” (Bukhari and Muslim shareef).

 

In other words, he should be good and kind to this family members and through this noble act, it would seem that his life span is also increasing. Hadrat Sayyiduna ibn Abi Hatim May Allah have mercy upon him records from Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Dardah May Allah have mercy upon him that they had mentioned this in front of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him and the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him replied that life span is something which is established with Allah and when this life span ends, then not a single extra moment is given to the person.

 

What is meant by increase in his life span is that the Almighty blesses the person with good children. In other words, when this person leaves this world then these children make dua for him. In other words, these children continue to be of advantage to him even after the person leaves this world. In other words, since they continue to be of advantage to him, it is like his age has also increased.

 

Hence, in those reports where it is mentioned that the age of a person increases, it means that it increases with barakah of action. The Ulama have also explained that the life span of a person is based on four stages. The first stage is the stage of growing which is until the age of thirty three. And until the age of forty, he remains in the same state. This stage is called “Wuquf”. From the age of forty to sixty, there is decrease in the internal state of a person. This state is called “Udeer”. Sometimes referred to as old age. At times, in this age all types of illness and sickness also appear in a person. In fact, when a person reaches this stage, he finds it difficult to remember certain things which he had just mentioned. In other words, certain defencies begin to appear in a person.

 

A certain age when the senses of a person becomes useless.

In Surah Nahl, verse 70, the Quran declares:

وَاللہُ خَلَقَکُمْ ثُمَّ یَتَوَفّٰىکُمْ  ۟ۙ وَ مِنۡکُمۡ مَّنۡ یُّرَدُّ اِلٰۤی اَرْذَلِ الْعُمُرِ لِکَیۡ لَا یَعْلَمَ بَعْدَ عِلْمٍ شَیْـًٔا ؕ اِنَّ اللہَ عَلِیۡمٌ قَدِیۡرٌ ﴿٪۷۰﴾

 

Allah has created you. Then He will cause you to die. And some of you are turned towards the worst part of life. So that they know not after having knowledge. No doubt. Allah is All Knowing. All Powerful.

 

It is important upon man that he looks carefully at his life. Bear in mind that the Almighty created you and at the end of your life span, He has taken away your life. Some people continue to live in this world where their physical being continues to operate and some people reach such an old age where their physical body become useless as well as their senses. In other words, they remember something now, then forget it very quickly. This is seen in many old people that they mention something now and very quickly, they have forgotten what they just said.

 

There is no doubt that the Almighty is All Seeing All Powerful. In fact, when we look at the state and condition of a person, this is in fact the greatest prove and testimony of Tauheed. In other words, it proves beyond a shadow of doubt the Immense Greatness and Power of the Almighty.

 

In this verse, man is being invited to carefully study his life which was nothing at first. It is the Almighty who gave life to man and very soon, He will take away this life. At times, people reach such an age when they have no more common sense or physical power. They have no power to understand anything and no power to comprehend what they are been told. In other words, True Power and Greatness only belongs to the Almighty and no one else. In the above verse, certain categories of people are been indicated to. In other words, at the beginning also, man has experienced the state of total helplessness.

 

This is when he was an infant. At that age, he could not think for himself. He did not have the physical power to do anything for himself. When he was hungry or wanted to move around, he had to rely on others to do this for him. The Almighty then gave the person another age in which he saw increase in his thinking and physical power. Finally, the person reaches the same state as he was when he was very little and again he begins to experience helplessness and weakness. In the above verse, the words “Arza lil umar” signfies this state of total incapacity. In other words, the person does not have the power to use his physical or mental capacity.

 

In one hadith shareef, the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him asked the Almighty to protect him against old and in another report, the words used is also “Arza lil umar”

 

There is no specific age in this regard. On most occasions, this is referred to that age of a person when loses all his common senses or his most important senses and is unable to remember anything. As we have mentioned there are many opinions about what age this signifies. Some are of the opinion that it is eighty. Some have mentioned ninety and Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali May Allah have mercy upon him mentions the age of seventy five.

 

In other words, during this age, in most cases, the person loses his physical capabilities and his mental capacity and he forgets what he is supposed to do and he also forgets what he has just done. In other words, it is like he has returned to the state when he was an infant. Hadat Sayyiduna Akramah May Allah have mercy upon him mentions that this would not happen to someone who recites the Quran.

 

In this verse it is mentioned that indeed the Almighty is All Powerful All Knowing. One of the Divine Qualities of the Almighty is that He is also able to display these weaknesses in people who may still seem young and healthy. And if He wishes, these conditions are displayed by people who are extremely old. In other words, the two Divine Attributes which are mentioned that He is indeed All Knowing and All Powerful in the face of what we have just explained again proves that there is certainly partners to the Almighty in His Divine Greatness and Qualities.

 

Every word of man is recorded.

In surah Qaf, verse 18, the Quran declares:

مَا یَلْفِظُ مِنۡ قَوْلٍ اِلَّا لَدَیۡہِ رَقِیۡبٌ عَتِیۡدٌ ﴿۱۸﴾

Not a word he utters but there is sitting a watcher ready by him

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basri May Allah have mercy upon him mentions that the Angels records every word of a person.

 

This pertains to his good deeds or words or his bad deeds or bad words. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas May Allah have mercy upon him mentions that they only record those words through which a person would either be punished or rewarded. Ibn katheer also mentions that this should be translated in its common sense. In other words, every word is recorded.

 

From this narration we also come to know that the Angels record every word whether it pertains to sin or reward, however, on Thursday, they again look at these words and only keep those words through which reward and punishment will be given. The balance of words which do not pertain to any of these are ignored. Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Ahmed bin Hambal May Allah have mercy upon him records from Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal bin Haarith May Allah have mercy upon him who mentions that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “At times, a person mentions a good word which Pleases the Almighty, yet, this person may consider it as an ordinary thing and he has no idea what is the extent of his reward.

 

This is recorded for the person (which would be transformed) on the day of Judgment as immense reward for the person. At the same time, sometimes a person may say something which Angers the Almighty and the person may think lightly of it. He has no idea to where this curse would lead him to. The Almighty records this for the person (as a means of His Eternal Anger) for the person on the day of Judgment.” (Ibn Katheer).

 

The difference between man and animal.

In surah Al Furqan, verse 44, the Almighty declares:

اَمْ تَحْسَبُ اَنَّ اَکْثَرَہُمْ یَسْمَعُوۡنَ اَوْ یَعْقِلُوۡنَ ؕ اِنْ ہُمْ اِلَّا کَالْاَنْعٰمِ بَلْ ہُمْ اَضَلُّ سَبِیۡلًا ﴿٪۴۴﴾

Or do you think that most of them hear and understand? They are not but like cattle, nay, but they are worst astray from the path.

 

In other words, those people who do not listen to the Quran and do not accept the message of Islam, they are worst than animals. In fact, an animal is someone who listens to his master and also obeys the command of his master or owner. In fact, they are ale to understand and recognize those who do them a favor and they are also to comprehend danger and reward.

 

When you leave these animals free, they make sure that they return to the place where they eat. Yet, such is the behavior of the infidels and kaafirs that they refuse to believe in the Divine Grace of the Almighty and also refuse to believe in his Great Favours. In fact, such is their state of ignorance and stupidity that they actually try to run away as far as possible from the truth. Whatever power and means the Almighty has given them, they keep it one side and actually use all of these Divine Blessings in all the wrong places and during all the wrong occasions.

 

If these people only use their common sense, they would be able to recognize the immense Divine Blessing of the Almighty. The Almighty has certainly presented all of this evidence within creation which clearly proves His Divine Power and Might. If these people only study this, they would also be able to realize and understand this very easily. In other words, the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him is being informed not to become saddened by the state of these people because he is not responsible for bringing these people to the right path because these are people who actually refuse to accept the truth. In fact, they deliberatively close their eyes, their senses and their intellect from learning anything which they see around them.

 

In fact these people are worst than animals because they refuse to accept the truth and hence they are more misguided than the animals. One of the reasons is that because the animals are not required to abide by religious laws and people are required, hence this distinction. This makes them worse than animals. Another important point to bear in mind is that man is made up of an inner and exterior being. In other words, his outer self and actions are determined by his inner self and if his inner self is unable to guide his outer self than it means that his internal being is not being guided by his soul which is to be considered as impure.

 

Another important point to bear in mind is that the Almighty also invites man to study everything around him. In Surah As Sajdah, verse 5, this fact is mentioned. The Quran declares:

He plans the affairs from the heaven to the earth, then it will return to Him in a day whose measure is a thousand years in your counting.

 

In other words, everything in the heavens and on earth is determined by the Almighty and all of these duties are carried out by the Angels. In fact all of this is recorded in the Divine Tablet and whatever is recorded on the Divine Tablet is exactly what is carried out by the Angels. There is no change to anything. In like manner, one has to structure the tablet of his own heart. In other words one has to first make sure that the tablet of the heart is clean and then one has to write that one intends to obey the Almighty and only then will this take place.

 

If the heart is occupied in other useless past time and duties, then will be no Divine Light which can appear in such a heart. If one cannot do this by oneself then he should do this through a spiritual master. Once the heart becomes pure then it begins to have capacity to entertain the Divine Light and spiritual grace from the Divine Court of the Almighty.

 

This is the reason that the Awliyah mention that as long as one does not sweep and clean the heart with the broom of Laa, the light of Illalah cannot be seen in the heart. In other words, as one thing is being thrown out, another enters the heart of a believer. This is like when day disappears and night appears or when heat disappears and cold appears.

 

This is the reason that the Awliyah mention that when the state of Bashariyah disappears, the state of Milkiyat appears in a person. When the carnal desires of a person disappears, then the state of Ruhaaniyah appears in a person. As much as one strives on this path, so much so will he be able to see the result of his striving.

 

The Almighty declares in the Quran that the changing of the day and night is certainly a sign for those who are wise. In other words, when people see these great appears on earth, they should certainly come to the conclusion that there is a Great Power which is able to control all of these occurrences.

 

On the day of Judgment, the ears and heart will be called to account.

In Surah Bani Israel, verse 36, the Quran declares:

وَ لَا تَقْفُ مَا لَیۡسَ لَکَ بِہٖ عِلْمٌ ؕ اِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَ الْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَکُلُّ اُولٰٓئِکَ کَانَ عَنْہُ مَسْؤُلًا ﴿۳۶﴾

 

And go not after that thing of which you know not. No doubt, the ear and the eye and the heart all are to be questioned of.

 

One should refrain from saying those things which one does not know of or is unaware of the truth of that thing. One should not follow blindly and one should allow ones heart and common sense to make a proper decision. At the same time, do not make a hasty decision and then begin to say something without any basis. This includes actions such as giving a false testimony, make a false accusation, to create harm on someone after listening to another without any truth, to begin to hate and dislike someone without any basis.

 

To follow ones ancestors in disobeying the laws of Shariah and to support falsehood and lies. To support the opinion of others and to go against Islam. To make a false claim without first testing the evidence. All of these actions are encompassed within this verse of the Quran. Bear in mind that on the day of Judgment, everything will be questioned about. You will be asked as to where you had spent these powers and whether you had spent these powers on useless activities.

 

On the day of Judgment, the eyes, the ears, the heart and every part of the human body will be questioned separately. The ears will be questioned about what it had heard. The eyes will be questioned about what it had seen and the heart will be questioned about what it had harbored within itself. It will also be questioned about those things in which it had certainty about and those it was not certain about. The ears will be questioned about whether it had heard such things which were haraam to listen to such as back biting and other haraam activities.

 

The eyes would be questioned whether it had seen things which were haraam for it to see. The heart will be questioned whether it harbored evil thoughts and beliefs. Whether it had harbored evil thoughts about someone without proper evidence. If this is proven, there would be severe punishment for the person. On the day of Judgment, a person will be asked about all the Divine Graces of the Almighty which had come to him and which he had seen and experienced. This fact is also mentioned in the Quran. The Quran declares that you shall certainly be questioned about the Divine Favours of the Almighty on that momentous day.

 

There is no doubt that among these Divine Graces is the ears, the eyes and heart of people. This is the reason that these objects are especially mentioned here.

 

Refraining the eye from seeing evil.

One of the greatest sin is to see females which one is not allowed to see. There is no doubt that this is a very great sin. All of this starts from the eyes. Once the eye is protected, the rest of the body becomes protected as well. However, when the eye is able to travel everywhere and see everything, then invariobsly, this begins to effect the heart and this further begins to effect all other parts of the body. Even though at times, a person may feel that he cannot become guilty of these crimes, but soon, if his eyes are not protected, he will become guilty. The freedom of the eyes to travel everywhere and see everything without control creates animals desires in the heart which then encourages other parts of the body to become guilty of sin and transgression. Hence, we are being warned to be extremely cautious and careful. Therefore, from the very beginning, extreme caution has to be displayed by everyone.

 

Another sin in the present age is same sex marriage. This is also one of the reasons that shariah has commanded us to refrain from the company of beardless youth. Who does not know of the extreme piety of Imam Azam May Allah have mercy upon him? Yet, it is mentioned that when Imam Mohammed May Allah have mercy upon him approached him so that he could acquire knowledge, the great Imam advised him to sit behind him when he was teaching so that his eyes could not fall on Imam Mohammed May Allah have mercy upon him who did not have a beard at that young age. Bear in mind, that the Ulama also mention that Imam Mohammed May Allah have mercy upon him was so handsome that certain people also advised him to hide his appearance. He was only allowed to appear in front of the great Imam after his beard had become apparent. If this is the caution displayed by one the greatest Imams of Islam, imagine the caution which should be displayed by ordinary Muslims?

 

A poet has mentioned the danger of vision in the following manner. He mentions, “You have indeed injured me internally and I am surprised that you have shot an arrow towards me without even the aid of a bow. The evil of looking is such that even after a long time, one does not realize that one has become attached to someone or something. In fact, only when the beloved is absent does one realize that his heart has become affected.

 

And only then does he realize that he has become enamored by this person. As much as this material love and affection increases, so much so, his love for the Almighty decreases. Therefore, one should certainly display shame for displaying such love for anyone else except the Almighty. In fact, as this love for someone besides Allah increases, finally it disappears and is taken away. Why should we not display regret when this happens when even the people of the world display regret when they loose the love of someone in the world”.

 

Important lessons.

It is mentioned that once a person began to follow a certain female and when the female asked him the reason for this, he replied that he had fallen in love with her. She then mentioned that her sister was coming behind her who was even more prettier. This person then immediately turned around to look. When the female saw this, she slapped him and said that his claim of love was nothing but a false claim.

 

This is the state of the people in the world. If you claim to love the Almighty, the Prophets and the Awliyah, how can you look at someone else or something else? In fact, the Awliyah mention that even if the entire city becomes filled with pretty and handsome people, when the heart has committed itself to serving and loving the Almighty, it will never ever look at anyone else.

 

Such is the love that is displayed by the Awliyah that if they do not witness the Divine Manifestation of the Almighty for one moment, they will not rest even if they had no eaten anything for four days.

 

The importance of pure education.

Once the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him mentioned to Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali May Allah have mercy upon him, “O Ali! Do not look twice at a female (which one is not allowed to look at). The first glance which is done suddenly is excusable. However, one should not look again deliberately.” (Tirmidi shareef).

 

The Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has also mentioned that he does not shake hands with a strange female because for the body of a female to touch the body of another male is certain oppression. When the bodies of both touch, the blood in the both of them begin to flow swiftly.

 

The result of pure sight.

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abi Umaamah May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “If a Muslim looks at a pretty and beautiful female and he lowers his gaze for the Divine Pleasure of Allah, then such a person of high Imaan will be blessed with such ibaadah whose sweetness and deliciousness he will fell in his heart.”

 

If one wishes to see a pretty female, one should look at ones wife and this can only be experienced by that person who has eyes only for his wife.

 

There were once two good friends. However, one of them had fallen in love with a female which was not permissible on him. He then informed his friend that since this had happened to him, the choice was on his friend to remain his friend or not. However, his pious friend replied that even though he had become guilty of this crime, yet, as a true friend, he would never desert him. He also made the firm vow that as long as his friend is not freed from this torment and sin, he would never eat anything. He then refused to eat anything for many days. He continued to make dua in the Divine Court of the Almighty for his friend. One day, his friend finally approached him and informed him that the Almighty had now removed him from this calamity. After listening to this, only then did his loyal friend begin to eat. (Kimiyah Sa’aadat. 412).

 

The reason for five calamities.

Explaining the reason of why people sometimes see five types of calamities appearing in front of them or appearing among them is the following. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas May Allah have mercy upon him mentions that, “The first reason is that when dishonesty becomes common among people, fear for others are created in their hearts. (In other words, people begin to display immense fear for outsiders).

 

The second reason is that when adultery becomes common among people, then many people among this community begin to die. (In other words, many people in that community suddenly begin to die). The third reason is that when people begin to rob on a scale or in measurement, their sustenance begins to decrease. The fourth reason is that when people begin to make unjust decisions, them murder also increases in that community. The fifth is that when people refuse to keep to their word, the Almighty places their enemy above them.”

 

The word “Ghulul” is used in the meaning of “Ghaban”. In other words, when there is some money which belongs to another and the person becomes guilty of taking this money without the consent or knowledge of the other. It also means that one suddenly begins to claim that he is also entitled to a certain portion of wealth or property which is actually not his. With the result of this, the person begins to fear that others do not become aware of his false claim.

 

Hence, when this happens, he is always in state of fear and apprehension. When this becomes common among the community, obviously fear and apprehension will continue to increase within this community. In the hadith shareef it is mentioned that when the trust of someone disappears silently and without notice, the entire community becomes fearful and immense fear is created in the hearts of people. This is one of the reasons that the heart of a true believer is always so brave. He fears no one because he has no reason to fear. In fact, such is the bravery of the true believer that mighty powers have no option but to bow down to him.

 

In the same manner, it is mentioned in the hadith shareef that even there might be a few people in the community that might become guilty of these crimes, yet, it is the whole community which suffers at the end of the day. In other words, the effect of these sins are also felt by the community as well. Therefore, it is the duty of the community to stop such people from committing such action. They should create such an environment that a person will think twice before doing something like this.

 

In the hadith shareef it is mentioned that through adultery becoming common, death also becomes common in that community. When people begin to rob in measure, then poverty also grips that community. When lies become common in a community, then murder also  becomes common in that community. By going against ones oath and promise, immense enmity and hatred is created among people. This proves that people should make a great effort to refrain from all of these evil habits and behavior. By doing so, we will be able to protect ourselves from immense difficulty and calamity.

 

This hadith shareef also educates us about how the Muslim community should be and what the proper Muslim culture is all about. One of the important points to be borne in mind is that the good people in the community need to have influence over those who are not that good. When this happens, then certainly the community can save itself from great harm and danger.

 

If this is the opposite, then certainly murder, robbery and other crimes would become common place.

Hadrat Sayyiduna Malik bin Dinaar May Allah have mercy upon him mentions that once the Almighty commanded the Angels to destroy a certain community. However, the Angels replied that there were also people in that community who worshiped the Almighty. However, the Almighty replied that these people should also taste the punishment. The reason is that when they saw others disobeying the Almighty, they did not display anger and displeasure and the complexion on their faces did not change with anger. (Tafseer Qurtabi from Hadrat Sayyiduna Sufyan bin Ayniyyah May Allah have mercy upon him. 2/237).

 

Once, the Almighty sent revelation to Hadrat Sayyiduna Yush’a bin Nun May Allah have mercy upon him that a hundred thousand people in his community would be destroyed through Divine punishment. Among these people, there would be forty thousand who are considered as pious people and sixty thousand who are considered as sinner. Hadrat Sayyiduna Yush’a bin Nun May Allah have mercy upon him asked, “O Allah, the destruction of those who are sinners are to be understood.

 

However, what is the reason that person will also be destroyed?” The Almighty replied, “The reason is that the pious people were also friends with these sinners. They used to eat and drink with them and used to joke with them and used to also be in their company. When they saw the disobedience which was committed against Me, their faces displayed no signs of displeasure at all.” This incident is mentioned in Al Bahr Al Muheet.

 

The limbs become the helper.

Hadrat Sayyiduna Salman Farsi May Allah have mercy upon him mentions that, “When a person adopts piety and refrains from the world then his heart becomes filled with wisdom. His limbs also aids and assists him in making ibaadah”. (Minhaajul Aabideen by Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam Ghazzali May Allah have mercy upon him).

 

Every limb becomes entitled for goodness and reward.

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “There is sadqah or charity for every part (of the body). Every morning when the rises, there is justice between two people. When you help a person on his steed or place his goods on his steed, this is also sadqah. Kalimah tayyibah is also sadqah. Every step you take towards performing the salah, this is also sadqah. If you remove any obstacle on the pathway, this is also sadqah.” (Muslim shareef).

 

In other words, every morning when the sun rises, then the performance of good becomes necessary so that some form of giving thanks to the Almighty is created and also so that every of the body can also become busy in doing good. Such is the Divine Grace of the Almighty that even the smalled good is transformed into sadqah. For example, if you create justice between two people who are arguing. You will receive reward as if you had given charity. If you help someone sit on his transport, this is also sadqah. If you help someone with their goods, then is also sadqah. if you speak good words, this is also sadqah. As you walk towards salah, every step is recorded as sadqah.

 

If you remove an obstacle, this is sadqah. If you speak kindly to another Muslim, this is sadqah. In other words, whatever part of the body was used to perform this task, that part is rewarded. In fact in one hadith shareef it is mentioned that when someone performs the Chaast salah, then every part of the body is recorded as a part which has given sadqah. The Awliyah also mention that one should not refuse to perform a small act thinking of it as being small. The reason is that a single gulp of water can save the life of a person. In like manner, you have no idea that perchance this one single act will be a means of salvation for you in the hereafter. In the hadith shareef, it is mentioned that even a small part of the date given in charity can be a means for your salvation from the fire of hell.

 

At the same time, do not commit a sin thinking that it is a small sin. After all, we see that a small and little spark can burn an entire building. In the Bukhari shareef, it is mentioned that there was a female who kept a cat hungry and thirsty and due to this, the cat died

 

She has also entered the fire of hell (in spite of the fact) that she was considered a pious female. Another female who gave water to a thirsty dog will enter Jannah (in spite of the fact that she was considered a sinner). A true believer should always try to do as much good as possible and try to refrain from as much sin as possible.

 

The following five important subjects have been mentioned in the hadith shareef.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah in Mas’ud May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him has stated that, “On the day of Judgment, a person will not be able to move away using his feet until and unless five things are not asked of him and until and unless a proper answer is not given. The first thing he will be questioned about would be about his life  and how he spent his life. The second thing will be about his youth and how he spent it. The third will be from where he had earned his income. The fourth will be where he had spent this income and the fifth will be how he had practiced upon his knowledge.” (Tirmidi shareef).

 

One of the advises given to Muslims is not to practise upon that in which they have no knowledge about. When we speak about the questions which will be asked pertaining to the eyes and ears, it means that deeds and acts which were performed without first thinking about them. When it pertains to anything which he heard, his ears will be questioned. When it pertains to anything which he saw, his eyes will be questioned and when it pertains to anything he thought, his heart will be questioned about this. In fact, all of these parts of the body will bear evidence against this person. There is no doubt that on the day of Judgment, there will be great embarrassment for those who acted wrongly.

 

This fact is mentioned in Surah Yaseen.

In Surah Yaseen, verse 65, it is mentioned:

اَلْیَوْمَ نَخْتِمُ عَلٰۤی اَفْوٰہِہِمْ وَ تُکَلِّمُنَاۤ اَیۡدِیۡہِمْ وَ تَشْہَدُ اَرْجُلُہُمْ بِمَا کَانُوۡا یَکْسِبُوۡنَ ﴿۶۵﴾

Today, We shall set seal on their mouths and their hands will talk to us and their feet will bear witness of their doings.

 

The reason that these limbs are mentioned and the reason that the heart will also be questioned is because it is the heart and common sense of a person which has been given to him so that he can be able to distinguish what is right and what is wrong and when he comes to this conclusion, he will be able to use all of these different limbs to be able to complete these tasks. Obviously, if he feels that this action is incorrect, he will refrain from it.

 

When a person continues to perform deeds without first thinking about it, then it means that he has ignored the Divine Grace of the Almighty which has been given to him in the form of common sense or simple thinking. At the same time, there are five objects through which a person is able to distinguish and analyze They are the eyes, the ears, the nose, the tongue and the rest of the body including the heart. However, there is no doubt that most of these things are experienced through the eyes and ears.

 

This is unlike the nose and tongue which is able to determine very little objects. In words , the five senses of the person is mentioned. Whenever the Almighty has mentioned the eyes and ears, He has also placed the ears before the eye. There is no doubt that there is great Divine Wisdom in this and people should certainly ponder upon this. Another possibility is that perchance, most things which are brought to the attention of a person are those things which he has heard about.

 

There are fewer things which are seen, hence, the eye comes second. At the same time, three important faculties have been mentioned and they are the ears, the eyes and the heart. On the day of Judgement, the person will be asked that when he either saw or heard of a certain thing, why did his heart convince him that this was true when it was not. In other words, when he did not take the time and opportunity of finding proof and testimony, why did he convince himself that this action was correct when it was not correct.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basri May Allah have mercy upon him mentions that all parts of the person such as the eyes, the ears, the hands etc are all helpless in front of the Almighty. A person who does not understand this, considers that the person is an invalid, however, this is not the case. Yet, the person is neither sick nor an invalid. However, in front of the Divine Creator he is struck with awe and fear.

 

As for that person who has no trust in the Almighty, all of his thoughts are on the world and on the affairs of the world. However, at the same time, this same person always has this regret that he does not seem to be able to get everything in the world which he searches for and there is nothing for him in the hereafter. As for that person who enjoys only the act of eating and drinking in the world and nothing else and he does not wish to create good behavior in him or pious behavior in him, certainly this person has very little knowledge and there is great punishment which awaits him in the hereafter.

 

The four stages of listening.

In Surah Anfal, verse 20, the Quran declares:

یٰۤاَیُّہَا الَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡۤا اَطِیۡعُوا اللہَ وَ رَسُوۡلَہٗ وَلَا تَوَلَّوْا عَنْہُ وَاَنۡتُمْ تَسْمَعُوۡنَ ﴿۲۰﴾ۚۖ

 

‘O believers! Obey Allah and His Messenger, and turn not away from him after hearing him.

In other words, when a person has heard the Almighty and His beloved Prophet through the words of the Quran, the person should not turn away and ignore these words and refuse to obey what has been commanded. At the same time, it is mentioned that there are four stages in hearing.

 

1. The first is when a certain thing is heard but there is no effort to understand anything and no effort to practice on that advice or word and one does not have any firm belief in those words.

 

2. The second aspect is when a person hears something and understands it fully, but does not practice on that advice or word and does not believe in it.

 

3. The third aspect is when a person hears something, he understands it, he believes in it, but he does not practise upon it.

 

4. The fourth aspect is when a person hears something, he understands it, he believes in it and he practices on it. It is quiet obvious that it is only the fourth aspect through which a person has certainly done justice to the power of hearing. This is the state of a true believer. The first and second aspect in this regard is like as if someone has actually not heard anything. The third aspect in which there is belief and certainty, in this regard one cannot ignore the importance of belief and certainty. It is mentioned that the third category is like the sinful Muslims. The second category has been likened to the Munaafiq. The first state has been likened to the Mushrik or the disbeliever.

 

The above verse is addressed to the Muslims. They are being given advice that when they listen to the words of the Quran, besides listening to these words, they should also sincerely believe in it and should also practice upon the words of the Quran so that the actual purpose of listening can be fulfilled.

 

They listen but its like falling on deaf ears

In Surah Anfal, verse 21, the Quran declares:

وَلَا تَکُوۡنُوۡا کَالَّذِیۡنَ قَالُوۡا سَمِعْنَا وَہُمْ لَایَسْمَعُوۡنَ ﴿۲۱﴾

And be not like those who say, ‘We hear, and they hear not.

 

In this regard, it could imply to the disbelievers who claim that they have heard the words of the Quran but they do not believe in the Quran. It could imply the munaafiq who claim that they have listened, they have believed but in reality, they have not done any of these things. Muslims have been prohibited from becoming like these people. There is no doubt that these people are the worst of creation. They have been given ears and eyes. They are able to see but they refuse to obey. One can also say that they are indeed even worse than animals.

 

In other words, with the Almighty, the worst of creation or animals are those people who are deaf to the truth and completely refuse to accept the truth. If they even used their intellect a little, they would understand the truth but they refuse to even do this as well. In other words, in reality, these people are people who have no ears, no eyes and no common sense and therefore trying to make a person like this to understand is indeed an impossibility. This verse also proves beyond a shadow of doubt that only those people or only those humans can be considered as the best of creation who listen to truth, who accept the truth and who practice upon the truth.

 

When a person refuses to do this, then all the powers of these senses are taken away from him and he becomes worse than an animal. In Tafseer Ruhul Bayan it is mentioned that the originality of man proves that he is the best of creation and is little lower in status than the Angels. However, when he strives on the truth, when he strives to practice upon the truth, then he certainly becomes greater and higher in status than the Angels and if he refuses to do any of these things, then he is certainly worse than the animals.

 

The testimony and evidence of the body.

In Surah Haa Meem Sajdah, verse 20, the Quran declares:

حَتّٰۤی اِذَا مَا جَآءُوۡہَا شَہِدَ عَلَیۡہِمْ سَمْعُہُمْ وَ اَبْصٰرُہُمْ وَ جُلُوۡدُہُمْ بِمَا کَانُوۡا یَعْمَلُوۡنَ ﴿۲۰﴾

Till when they will reach there, their ears and their eyes and their faces will bear witness against their doings.

 

When the disbelievers heard the Quran ,they refused to listen to the words of the Quran and their eyes also refused to see the truth, yet none of them are aware that on the day of judgement, their entire body will bear testimony against them and that all their actions and deeds are been recorded. When the time comes, all of these things will be revealed to them and their own bodies will give evidence against them.

 

From this, we also come to understand that on the day of Judgement, the disbelievers will refuse to acknowledge their sin and transgression. Their mouths would then be sealed and their own body will bear testimony against them. Every limb in their body will reveal what their filthy mouths had refused to reveal.

 

In this manner, their tongues will be proven as a liar. They will then inform their limbs to go away and they will also reveal that they had protected these same limbs their entire life and today these same limbs have turned against them. As we can see, nothing will be hidden on that momentous day.

In the same Surah in verse 21, the following is mentioned:

 

And they will say to their skins, ‘Why did you bear witness against us? They will say, ‘Allah made us to speak, He who bestowed speaking power to every thing and He created you the first time and towards Him you are to return.

 

In other words, they will indeed be in great shock when they hear that their own bodies which they had protected their entire life and had even fought others because of it is today a witness against their Kufr. Such is the Divine Greatness of the Almighty that He is able to allow those objects to speak which people feel are unable to speak. At the same time, bear in mind that these are nothing but the creation of the Almighty and not the creation of man. Hence, if the Almighty wants these objects or limbs to speak, they will have no choice but to speak.

 

In the same Surah, verses 22 to 25, the Quran declares:

وَمَا کُنۡتُمْ تَسْتَتِرُوۡنَ اَنْ یَّشْہَدَ عَلَیۡکُمْ سَمْعُکُمْ وَلَاۤ اَبْصٰرُکُمْ وَ لَا جُلُوۡدُکُمْ وَ لٰکِنۡ ظَنَنۡتُمْ اَنَّ اللہَ لَا یَعْلَمُ کَثِیۡرًا مِّمَّا تَعْمَلُوۡنَ ﴿۲۲﴾

And where you would have gone hiding yourselves from Him lest your ears and your eyes and your skins should bear witness against you, but you had already taken it for granted that Allah knows not much of your doings
وَ ذٰلِکُمْ ظَنُّکُمُ الَّذِیۡ ظَنَنۡتُمۡ بِرَبِّکُمْ اَرْدٰىکُمْ فَاَصْبَحْتُمۡ مِّنَ الْخٰسِرِیۡنَ ﴿۲۳﴾

And this is your conception, which you formed for your Lord, and it has ruined you, so now you are amongst the losers.
فَاِنۡ یَّصْبِرُوۡا فَالنَّارُ مَثْوًی لَّہُمْ ؕ وَ اِنۡ یَّسْتَعْتِبُوۡا فَمَا ہُمۡ مِّنَ الْمُعْتَبِیۡنَ ﴿۲۴﴾

Then if they endure,then the fire is their destination. And they beg to please Allah, then none would accept their pleasing.
وَ قَیَّضْنَا لَہُمْ قُرَنَآءَ فَزَیَّنُوۡا لَہُمۡ مَّا بَیۡنَ اَیۡدِیۡہِمْ وَ مَا خَلْفَہُمْ وَ حَقَّ عَلَیۡہِمُ الْقَوْلُ فِیۡۤ اُمَمٍ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنۡ قَبْلِہِمۡ مِّنَ الْجِنِّ وَ الْاِنۡسِ ۚ اِنَّہُمْ کَانُوۡا خٰسِرِیۡنَ ﴿۲۵﴾٪

And We appointed for them some companions, who made to appear fair seeming to them what is before them and what behind them, and the sentence was justified against them along with those groups that had already gone before them from amongst the jinn and mankind. Undoubtedly, they were losers.

 

In fact, the behavior of these disbelievers clearly proves that they did not believe that the Divine Knowledge of the Almighty encompasses every object in this universe and that He has to the Divine Power to instruct all creation to obey His Command. If only these people could understand this important point, we are sure that many people would open their hearts to the message of Islam. However, when the kaafirs see the truth on the day of Judgement, at that time, it would be too late to accept the truth.

 

On the day of Judgement, prior to the limbs of people giving evidence against them, people will present all types of excuses. In fact, the mushriks will present such evidence which they will swear to. They will swear that they had never committed shirk. Some will claim that whatever the Angels had recorded about them, all of this is false and that they are innocent of all of these accusations.

 

However, at that moment, the Almighty will place such a seal on their mouths that they will be unable to say anything. In place of this, all the limbs in their body will be given the power to speak and only then will these people begin to listen to their own body giving evidence against them. Obviously, they will be in state of shock. In the Quran, it is mentioned that their ears, their eyes and even their skin will be given the power to speak. In fact, in one place, it is mentioned that their own tongues will speak against them. Some explain that since their lips are sealed, how will they be able to speak.

The answer given by the Ulama is that when one speaks, one is able to do so voluntarily however, on the day of judgement, the tongues of the kaafirs will not have this power and they will only speak after the Almighty has commanded their tongue to speak.

 

How will the limbs speak.

As for the question of how these limbs will speak, the Ulama explain that this is also mentioned in the Quran. In the Quran it is mentioned that the Almighty will give the power of speech to these limbs as He has given the power of speech to the tongue while they were in the world.

 

In the hadith shareef it is mentioned that on the day of Judgement, people will ask for evidence against them and when their limbs will start to speak, many of them will curse their limbs and claim that they had done all of these to please their limbs and today it is these same limbs which have turned against them.

 

How will the limbs of someone speak?

As to the question of how will these limbs speak on the day of Judgement. The answer to this question has also being given in the Quran. These limbs will admit on the day of Judgement that as the Almighty had given everything the power to speak or the power of speech, in like manner, He has also given them the power to speak.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Aanis May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that once they were in the blessed company of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him when the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him smiled to such an extent that his blessed teeth became visible. He then asked them whether they knew why he was smiling.

 

They replied that they were unaware of the reason. He declared, “On the day of Judgement, a slave will say to the Almighty, ‘O my Creator You had promised me safety from oppression.’ The Almighty will reply, “Certainly’. The servant will again utter, ‘O Allah! I do not consider anyone else as a worthy witness against me.’

 

The Almighty will declare, ‘Your inner self will become a witness against you.’ A seal with then be placed on his mouth and questions will be asked to the limbs of his body. When this happens, this same person will declare to his limbs, ‘O disgraceful self! may you be destroyed, it was because of you that I had performed these deeds’. (In other words, the pleasure of these actions and deeds were enjoyed by you and yet, you are bearing witness against yourself). Yet, the limbs will be helpless in this regard and besides speaking the truth, it would have no other choice.

 

In another hadith shareef, it is mentioned that the first limb which would speak would be the right thigh of a person as to what actions it had performed. After this, the other parts of the body would speak. In brief, every part of the body will reveal its sin and good deeds. This is the reason that in the hadith shareef, it is mentioned that one should recite the Tasbeeh and Tahleel using ones fingers. (So that these parts of the body become a witness for your good deeds).

 

On the day of Judgement these limbs of the body will be given the power of speech and as they would reveal the sins and the transgression, in like manner, they will also reveal the good which was performed by the person. Like the hands will reveal the oppression through it, in like manner, it would also reveal the Tasbeeh which was read using the fingers or the other good deeds which was committed using the hands. Hence, it is extremely important that we protect ourselves against the testimony of our limbs on the day of judgement and continue to strive to do good and noble actions and protect ourselves against sin and transgression.

 

In another hadith shareef, it is mentioned that one of the questions which would be asked of someone on the day of the Judgement would be; how he had spent his youth. A person would be asked, ‘Did you spend these moments in the zikr of Allah or in other good deeds to seek the Divine Pleasure of Allah. Did you help the poor and weak or did you spent these moments in sport and play, in oppression, in robbing the rights of the poor, was it spent earning the haraam wealth etc.

 

These questions will have to given in that Divine Court where there are no attorneys or lawyers. In this court there are no possibility of lies or deceit. This is that moment when the Angels who are the creation who recorded the deeds of man will also be called to give testimony and also his limbs will also be called forward. These limbs will have no other choice but to bear testimony against themselves.

 

Protection of ones ears.

In Surah Haa Meem Sajdah, verse 5, the Quran declares:

وَقَالُوۡا قُلُوۡبُنَا فِیۡۤ اَکِنَّۃٍ مِّمَّا تَدْعُوۡنَاۤ اِلَیۡہِ وَ فِیۡۤ اٰذَانِنَا وَ قْرٌ وَّ مِنۡۢ بَیۡنِنَا وَ بَیۡنِکَ حِجَابٌ فَاعْمَلْ اِنَّنَا عٰمِلُوۡنَ ﴿۵﴾

And they said, ‘Our hearts are in covers from that to which you invite us and in our ears are plugs and between us and you there is a curtain, therefore you do your work and we are doing ours.

 

In other words, these are those people who not only refuse to listen to the truth or turn their ears towards the truth but these are people who completely ignore the truth and call it unfounded. They also refuse to accept advice in the future. They also claim that there is a veil over their hearts, hence nothing can reach their hearts. They claim that when Islam is given to them, their ears find is difficult to listen. In other words, their ears are busy listening to something else and not the truth.

 

They also claim that there is such a barrier between them and Islam which makes it impossible for them to listen to the truth. They also act like there is a wall between them and the message of truth which is the message of Islam. In fact, these are such people who completely refuse to the truth and finally reveal that they should be left in their state and we should be left in our state. In fact, pertaining to such people, we should never have the thought or the hope that they will ever listen to the truth of Islam.

 

The three claims of the kuffar in Mecca shareef.

They used to make three claims.

1. They used to say that there was a cover or veil over their hearts and they they could not understand or comprehend the message of Islam.
2. The second excuse they used to make was that their ears were deaf to the message of Islam.
3. The third claim that they used to make is that between them and Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him there was veil. This claim of theirs is also mentioned in the Quran.

 

In Surah Bani Israel, verse 46, this is clearly mentioned:

وَّجَعَلْنَا عَلٰی قُلُوۡبِہِمْ اَکِنَّۃً اَنۡ یَّفْقَہُوۡہُ وَ فِیۡۤ اٰذَانِہِمْ وَقْرًا ؕ وَ اِذَا ذَکَرْتَ رَبَّکَ فِی الْقُرْاٰنِ وَحْدَہٗ وَ لَّوْا عَلٰۤی اَدْبٰرِہِمْ نُفُوۡرًا ﴿۴۶﴾

 

And We have put coverings over their hearts lest they should understand it and in their ears a heaviness. And when you remember in Quran your Lord alone, they run away fuming their back hatefully.

 

In other words, due to their hatred and dislike for Islam and the truth, a seal or covering has been placed on their hearts and the same has been placed on their ears as well. Hence, they do not listen to the truth and do not accept the truth. These things have been destroyed, therefore, how will these people listen to Islam. Hence, due to their hatred for Islam, we should never expect that these people will ever listen or accept Islam. Bear in mind also that this is exactly the behavior of the non Muslims in the present era and those who are clear and open enemies of Islam.

 

This fact is also mentioned in the Quran. We should turn away from these people because eventually, they will die in their own hatred and poison. No matter how many times you present the Quran to these people, they will never listen and when they are not prepared to listen, how can one expect that they will accept the message of Islam. In other words, even if you make them listen to the Quran, it is equal to them whether they listen or do not listen.

Protect the ears against evil.

It is also vitally important that we protect the ears against useless speech and talk. There are two reasons for this. The first reason is that the person who listens to such things is like the person who makes such speech or talk.

 

A poet once mentioned:

1. Stay away from both extremes and refrain from those things in which there is doubt.
2. Protect your ears from listening to evil as your protect your tongue from bad speech.
3. Bear in mind that if you listen to bad things, it is like you yourself have uttered these things and would be considered a partner in this.
4. Another reason for preventing oneself from listening to evil words and speech is because when you hear these words, a sense of doubt will be created in your heart and other evil thoughts as well. If you continue to listen to these evil words, you would certainly create obstacles to yourself when you wish to make ibaadah.

Another important point to bear in mind to bear in mind is that speech and words are digested and swallowed in the heart of a person and its tastes remains on the tongue of a person, the same as food. Everyone also knows that there are certain food which are harmful and certain foods which are beneficial. Some foods become a source of protein and some food become a source of poison. When a man continues to listen to evil, he turns into a living dead. In fact, the effect of evil speech and words remains longer with a person while the effect of not very good food sometimes disappear when one sleeps and awake.

Sometimes, the effect of poison food can be destroyed or cured through some type of medication unlike evil speech or words, these is very difficult to forget. If it is evil and untrue, it continues to haunt a person all the time. The heart of a person also becomes center of doubt and confusion. Yet, the aim is it protect and safeguard the heart. There is no doubt that we should seek the Divine Protection and Divine Help of the Almighty against such evil thoughts. This may also force a person to undertake or become involved in things which may cause harm to himself or to others.

However, if a person protects his ears against evil and useless speech and conversation

he is able to acquire peace from many difficulties. Those who are intelligence should certainly ponder on this advice. (Minhaajul Aabideen. 107).

 

It is Haraam to listen to music.

Hadrat Sayyiduna Naaf’e May Allah have mercy upon him narrates that, “I was once walking with Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar May Allah have mercy upon him on a certain road when he heard the sound of a flute. He immediately placed his fingers on both ears and moved to the other side of the road. As he moved further away, he asked me, ‘O Naaf’e! Are you able to listen to any (of that) sound?’

 

I replied that in the negative. When he heard this, he removed his fingers from his ears and said, ‘We were in the company of the Holy Prophet Peace and Salutations be upon him and he also heard the sound of the flute and he did the same thing which I had done in front of you.’” (Hadrat Sayyiduna Naaf’e May Allah have mercy upon him admits that at that time, he will still young and that is the reason why his ears were not covered). (Imam Ahmed and Abu Daud May Allah have mercy upon them).