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Rights Of The Worshiped And A Worshiper

Mu’adh Bin Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him), narrated: I was riding behind the Prophet (peace be upon him) and there was nothing between him and me but the part of the saddle when he said: Mu’adh Bin Jabal, to which I replied: At your beck and call, and at your pleasure, Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). He moved along for a while when again he said: Mu’adh bin Jabal, to which I replied: At your beck and call, and at your pleasure, Messenger of Allah(peace be upon him). He then again moved along for a while and said: Mu’adh bin Jabal, to which I replied: At your beck and call, and at your pleasure, Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). He (the Holy Prophet) asked: Do you know what right has Allah upon His servants? I said: Allah and His Messenger know best. He (the Prophet, peace be upon him) said: Verily the right of Allah over His servants is that they should worship Him, not associating anything with Him. He (peace be upon him), with Mu’adh behind him, moved along for a while and said: Mu’adh Bin Jabal, to which I replied: At your beck and call, and at your pleasure, Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). He asked: Do you know the servants’ rights upon Allah in case they do it (i.e. they worship Allah without associating anything with Him)? I (Mu’adh bin Jabal) replied: Allah and His Messenger know best. (Upon this) he (the Prophet, peace be upon him) remarked: That He would not torment them (with the fire of Hell).

Hadith number in Sahih Muslim [Arabic only]: 43

Arbitrary Denial Of The Resurrection

In the name of God, the Lord of Grace, the Ever Merciful We saved the Children of Israel from humiliating suffering, from Pharaoh, who was arrogant and a transgressor. We chose them knowingly above all other people. And We gave them signs in which there was a clear test. Now, these people assert: ‘We shall die but one death, and we shall not be raised to life again. Bring back our forefathers, if what you claim be true.’ Are they better than the people of Tubba and those before them, whom We destroyed because they were lost in sin? (Smoke; Al-Dukhan; 44: 30-37)

We commented earlier on the brief account the surah gives of the history of Moses and Pharaoh and the drowning of the latter after he had chased the Children of Israel to the seafront. God saved Moses and his people from Pharaoh by a special act of His grace. The surah then mentions the fact that God chose the children of Israel, knowing all about them, with both their positive and negative qualities. Yet He chose them in preference to all other people in their own time. God knew that they were, at the time, the best people to be given the trust. This is despite all that He has mentioned in the Qur’an about their deviation and slow response. Perhaps God made His choice on the basis that whilst they did not then attain the high standard of faith He required, they would nonetheless be the best under a faithful leadership that led them along the straight path of faith and insight.

“And We gave them signs in which there was a clear test.” Thus, in turn, the children of Israel were tested by means of these signs. When the test was over and their time in charge came to its end, God punished them for their deviation and evil. It was as a result of this test that God abandoned them; indeed, they were smashed by those who left them in their diaspora. They were to suffer humiliation and were warned that God will re-punish them whenever they transgress and behave with arrogance. This warning remains true as long as human life continues.

Once more the surah takes up the unbelievers’ doubts and denial of resurrection and accountability. Here, too, resurrection is linked to the fact that the structure of the universe is raised on a foundation of truth and seriousness that requires accountability and requital after the resurrection: “Now these people assert: ‘We shall die but one death, and we shall not be raised to life again. Bring back our forefathers, if what you claim be true.’ Are they better than the people of Tubba and those before them, whom We destroyed because they were lost in sin?”

The Arab idolaters used to say that people die once only and that is the end; no resurrection and no further life. They called this the first death, meaning that it precedes what they were promised of a second life after the resurrection. To them, the proof of this assertion was contained in the fact that none of their forefathers who died had ever returned; none had been resurrected. They demanded that their forefathers should be brought back to life before their eyes if the resurrection were indeed true. They thus betrayed their ignorance of the purpose of resurrection. They did not understand that it is a further stage of human life, with a definite purpose and a clear goal, which is the administration of requital for what was done in the first stage. Thus, God’s obedient servants reach their noble destination, which they have earned through acting well in their first lives, while hardened sinners arrive at the miserable and filthy end they deserve. This means that resurrection will come about after the entire first stage of life has ended, i.e. man’s time on earth has concluded. It precludes that resurrection should be the result of a human wish expressed by an individual or a community so that they can believe in it. Indeed, faith is not complete unless one believes in resurrection, which God’s messengers have confirmed, and which is apparent to anyone who reflects on the nature of life and God’s wisdom in creating it in this way. Such reflection is sufficient on its own to believe in the Day of Judgment.

Before the surah invites them to reflect on the design of the universe, it shakes their hearts strongly, reminding them of the fate suffered by the people of Tubba, in south Arabia. Tubba was the title given to the kings of Himyar, a major tribe that lived in southern Arabia. This story must have been well known to the Arabs, as the surah makes only a brief reference to it, warning them against a similarly terrible fate: “Are they better than the people of Tubba and those before them, whom We destroyed because they were lost in sin?”

Ultimate Victory Will Be For The Believers But Only After Succeeding In Trials

Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you?” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 214]

Every believer will have to go through the tests of Eeman in order to attain victory in this world and Paradise in the Hereafter.

Allah will test every believing slave according to his level of faith

Allah said: “Alif-Laam-Meem. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: ‘We believe,’ and will not be tested?” [Soorah al-Ankaboot (29): 1-3] This is an admonition in the form of a question, meaning that Allah will inevitably test His believing servants according to their level of faith, as it is recorded in the authentic Hadeeth. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The people most severely tested are the Prophets, then the righteous, then the next best and the next best. A man will be tested in accordance with the degree of his religious commitment; the stronger his religious commitment, the stronger his test.” [Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi (7:78)]
But those who are not believers will not escape such trials and tests for ahead of them lies a severe punishment as Allah says: “Or think those who do evil deeds that they can outstrip (escape) Us? Evil is that which they judge!” [Soorah al-Ankaboot (29): 4]

“Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now until He distinguished the wicked from the good.” [Soorah al-Imran (3): 179] Allah allows a calamity to happen, and during this calamity, His friends become known and His enemies exposed, the patient believer recognized and the sinful hypocrite revealed. “Nor will Allah disclose to you the secrets of the Unseen.” [Soorah al-Imran (3): 179] meaning you do not have access to Allah’s Knowledge of His creation so that you can distinguish between the believer and the hypocrite, except by signs that Allah uncovers.

Even Previous Nations were tried and tested with calamities and oppression from the Kuffar but the Final Victory is always for the believers

In an authentic Hadeeth, it is reported that Khabbab Ibn al-Aratt said: “We said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Why do you not invoke Allah to support us? Why do you not supplicate to Allah for us?’ He said: “Among the people who came before you, there was a man who was taken and put into a hole dug for him in the earth, then a saw was put on his head and he was cut into two pieces, and an iron comb was used to tear the flesh from his bones, but this still did not turn him away from his religion.” [Reported by al-Bukharee, see Fath al-Baaree, (12/315)] He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) then said: “By Allah! This matter (religion) will spread (or expand) by Allah until the traveler leaves San’aa to Hadramat fearing nothing except Allah and the wolf that may attack his sheep.” [See Fath al-Baree (7/165)]

Allah says: “Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said: ‘When (will come) the help of Allah?’ Yes! Certainly, the help of Allah is near!” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 214] Meaning that you will be tested like the nations before you were tested and tried with illness, pain, disasters, and hardships so much that they pleaded (to Allah) for victory against the enemies and invoked Him for aid and deliverance from their hardships and trials.

Allah says in Soorah al-Imran, “Many similar ways (and mishaps of life) were faced [by nations (by believers and disbelievers) that have passed away] before you, so travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied. This is a plain statement for mankind, a guidance, and instruction for the Muttaqun. So do not become weak, nor be sad, and you will be triumphant if you are indeed believers. If a wound has touched you, be sure a similar wound has touched the others. And so are the days, that We give to men by turns, that Allah may know (test) those who believe, and that He may take martyrs from among you. And Allah likes not the wrongdoers. And that Allah may test those who believe and destroy the disbelievers. Do you think that you will enter Paradise without Allah knowing those of you who fought (in His cause) and knowing those who are the patient?” [Soorah al-Imran (3): 142]

These verses were revealed after the defeat of Muslims in the battle of Uhud. Allah states to His believing servants who suffered losses in the battle of Uhud that similar mishaps were faced by the previous nations who followed the Prophet, they too suffered losses. However, the good end was theirs and the ultimate defeat was for the disbelievers. This is why Allah said: “so travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who denied. This is a plain statement for mankind.” The Qur’an contains the news of the past, it explains the true reality of things and narrates how the previous nations suffered at the hands of their enemies.

Then Allah comforts the believers saying, “So do not become weak,” because of what you suffered for surely the ultimate victory and triumph will be yours, O believers. If you suffered injuries and some of you were killed, then your enemies also suffered injuries and fatalities.

And at times, out of His Wisdom, Allah allows the enemy to overcome you, although the final good end will be for the believers so that those who are patient and those who gladly offer their lives seeking Allah’s Pleasure may be known. Allah’s statement, “and destroy the disbelievers” testifies that the disbelievers who transgress and commit aggression will be led to ultimate destruction, extermination, perishing, and dying out.

Then Allah says, “Do you think that you will enter Paradise without Allah knowing those of you who fought (in His cause) and knowing those who are the patient?” meaning you will not earn Paradise until you are tested with such hardships.

When the Emperor of Rome asked Abu Sufyan, “Did you fight him (Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi was-sallam)?” He said: “Yes,” Heracles said: “What was the outcome of the warfare between you?” Abu Sufyan replied: “Sometimes we lose and sometimes he loses.” He said: “Such is the case with Prophets, they are tested, but the final victory is theirs.” [Fath al-Baree (9: 25)]

See how Allah consolidates His Prophet during his (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) trials, when the Quraysh disbelieved in his Message, mocked, and gathered together against him. Allah explained: “And how many a Prophet have We sent among the men of old. And never came there a Prophet to them but they used to mock at him. Then We destroyed men stronger (in power) than these and the example of the ancients has passed away.” [Soorah az-Zukhruf (43): 6-8] meaning ‘We destroyed those who disbelieved in the Messengers, and they were stronger in power than those who disbelieve in you, O Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam). And We made them a lesson for those disbelievers who came after them, that they would suffer the same end as them, as also in the verse, “And We made them a precedent, and an example to later generations.” [Soorah az-Zukhruf (43): 56]

Allah also explained in Soorah Ghafir that it is His Sunnah to humiliate and destroy the disbelievers at the hands of believers, even if the disbelievers were more in number and strength and the believers only a handful. “Have they not traveled through the earth and seen what was the end of those before them? They were more in number than them and mightier in strength and in the traces in the land; yet all they used to earn availed them not. Then when their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with that which they had of the knowledge (of worldly things). And that at which they used to mock, surrounded them. So when they saw Our punishment, they said: ‘We believe in Allah and reject (all) that we used to associate with Him as (His) partners.’ Then their faith could not avail them when they saw Our punishment. (Like) This has been the way of Allah in dealing with His servants. And there the disbelievers lost utterly.” [Soorah Ghafir (40): 85]

A good example can be given of Musa (alaihi as-salaam) and his enemy; Firawn, who had much more strength and men than Musa (alaihi as-salaam). But Allah destroyed his army and drowned them all, and Firawn said as he was drowning, “I believe that none has the right to be worshiped but He Whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am one of the Muslims.” [Soorah an-Anfal (10): 90] but Allah said: “Now (you believe) while you refused to believe before, and you were one of the corrupters.” [Soorah an-Anfal (10): 91]

Thus, “That was the way of Allah in the case of those who passed away of old, and you will not find any change in the way of Allah.” [Soorah Ahzab (33): 62] Therefore, the believers are required to trust Allah and His Promise that He will surely humiliate and destroy the disbelievers who commit oppression against the believers. But until then, the believers should persevere with patience in their trials because victory will only come after succeeding in these trials.

The Sahabah (radhi allahu anhum) were severely tortured by the disbelievers. They were forced to migrate leaving behind their family members and relatives and all their wealth and belongings. But they persisted in their Faith bore the oppression of the Kuffar in Makkah for ten years and then the hardships of migration to al-Medina, after which, Allah compensated them with the better in this world; He made them victorious, gave them power throughout the land and caused them to rule over the people who had forced them to migrate – they became governors and rulers, and each of them became a leader of the pious.

Allah tells us that His reward for the Muhajirin (migrants) in the Hereafter is greater than which He gave them in this world. He said: “and as for those who emigrated for the Cause of Allah, after suffering oppression, We will certainly give them goodly residence in this world, but indeed the reward of the Hereafter will be greater if they but knew! (They are) those who remained patient (in this world for Allah’s sake) and put their trust in their Lord” [Soorah an-Nahl (16): 41-42]

Conclusion: Every person who claims to be a true Muslim will be tested and tried by Allah. These trials can be in the form of starvation, famine, or oppression from the disbelievers. When these trials take place, the believer is expected to succeed in these tests by practicing Sabr (patience), Tawakkul (trust in Allah that He will help him and support the religion), and with Istiqama (steadfastness) on his Deen because Allah does not grant Paradise or victory without Sabr, Tawakkul and Istiqama on the part of the believers.

One should also not deem that those who do not accept Islam will be saved from all afflictions and calamities because the respite given to them in this world will lead them to eternal destruction in Hell-Fire! Whereas the believers who are tested with calamities that are very insignificant compared to the punishment of the Hereafter will be granted eternal pleasure in Paradise where there will be no trace of any hardship or suffering

From As-Sunnah Bi-Monthly Newsletter (19)
Compiled by Shawana A. Aziz

Women Holding Public Positions

ISLAM honors women and regards them as equal and vital to life as men. Generally speaking, we can say that leadership in Islam is based on the ability and qualifications for the job. If a woman is qualified for a job and can do it well, she can be chosen for the position.

A woman’s invaluable work, in fact, is to look after her children and husband. As for employment, which is meant for earning a living, she is permitted to do it provided that the following conditions are met:

First, it should be legal. The Muslim woman is not permitted to work in a place where she will be in privacy with a non-mahram (marriageable) man, or in clubs where she is supposed to offer alcohol to people.

Second, she should abide by the Islamic morals in dress, talk, etc.

Third, a woman’s employment should not be at the expense of her principal work, namely caring about her children and husband.

Accordingly, the Muslim woman is permitted to go to work as long as she is in need of money and there is no person responsible for her maintenance, and the above conditions are met. In this context, we should recall the story of the daughters of Prophet Shu`ayb (peace be upon him) about whom the Glorious Qur’an says: And when at the water (a well) of Madyan (Midian) he found there a group of men, watering (their flocks), and besides them, he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said: What is the matter with you? They said: We cannot water(our flocks) until the shepherds take (their flocks). And our father is a very old man. (Al-Qasas 28: 23)

Apparently, Prophet Shu`ayb’s daughters went out to give water to their flocks because their father was an old man and they had no brothers.

Admittedly, the Muslim society is in need of working women in certain fields such as education and medicine in order to educate and treat women.

As for the woman’s work in the judiciary, Abu Hanifah permits her to be a judge in cases that her witness is accepted in, i.e., in cases other than the criminal ones. Ibn Hazm and At-Tabari, however, are of the opinion that the woman can be a judge in all cases.

Here, we should keep in mind that the permissibility of appointing a woman as a judge does not necessitate it. Rather, the public interest of the Muslim society and the welfare of the woman herself and the family should be the main criterion in deciding whether it is necessary to appoint a woman in such a serious position or not.

A woman is not allowed to be a governor, a ruler, or a Caliph of a Muslim state because often she cannot bear the burdens of that tremendous job. We say ‘often’ to refer to the fact that there may be some women who are more powerful and forbearing than some men. Yet, this is unusual and the Islamic rulings, therefore, cannot be founded upon the exceptions.

There is nothing wrong, then, if a woman is appointed as head of an institution, or member of parliament as long as it is within the interests of the Muslim society.

Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) – The Preceptor Of Love

The Holy Qur’an and the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are explicit ratifications of the latter’s unique and exalted status amongst the entire mankind. Since many people follow no religion or religion other than Islam, an explanation based on scientific discoveries supported by Qur’an and Prophet’s life will be easier, more convincing, and more logical for them.

I have tried, here in this write-up, to uphold Prophet Mohammad’s position as the most revered apostle of Allah, on this planet, through a common, non-religious, and scientific perspective, since non-believers may find it difficult to accept only Qur’anic testimonies willingly.

Science basically deals with matter and its variable characteristics in different circumstances and while in contact with different solids, liquids, and gases.

The results not only enhance man’s knowledge but leave him awestruck at times, but it is a fact that Divine revelation is the re-affirmation of the fact that celestial knowledge is the most appropriate tool for guiding inherently the limited human intellect.

That’s why Allah despite giving senses and brain to man has regularly, at intervals, selected/appointed his messengers, from the very same people, who were taught by divine revelations and given knowledge about the man’s physical relation to soul and that of soul’s relation to the Almighty and warning about the accountability of performance in this world, in terms of good or bad.

Prophet Muhammad was chosen as the last Messenger of Allah; therefore, his teachings based on revelations sent down to him shall stand true and final for all human beings till the day of resurrection.

Mankind is the superb creation of Allah. The whole universe is so diligently designed that it supports the survival and existence of life and its necessaries. A question can be asked: “What would happen if the rotation axis of the earth is changed”? Scientists believe it is impossible but a close encounter with another body of a planet-size can do it and it will create tectonic upheavals. The surface of the earth would become molten. One would possibly survive it and the biosphere+atmosphere would be transfigured. The only survivors would be bacteria.

The Qur’an says: “You will not find any disorder or haphazardness in the creations of Allah, e.g.: you look at the sky and look at it again and again, you will not find any rifts on its surface or at the end. (67:3)

Lightning and thunder during the rainy season is a common thing to note. Sometimes, it is so strong and loud that one shivers at the thought of its possible devastation.

It is later learned that every minute there are 1,000 cyclones of various magnitudes erupting on the earth and every minute 6,000 flashes of lightning take place in the world.

The temperature at the source of originating point of lightning rises to 54,000 F, which is approximately five times more than the temperature of the sun.

And the lightning path is naturally to the ground and it needs the nearest point i.e. the highest structure to reach the ground, but the clouds conditions are so designed by nature that most of the time the lightning dissipates in the clouds only and once in a while out of 6,000 times of daily lightning, it strikes the earth or some structure on the earth. We just think it as normal but it is not. It is the part of the system that is running for the survival of mankind on the earth.

The Qur’an says: “He it is Who has made the earth subservient to you ( i.e. easy for you to walk, to live and to do agriculture on it); so walk in the path thereof and eat of His provision. And to Him will be the Resurrection. And: “Do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven (Allah), will not cause the earth to sink with you, and then it should quake?” (67:15-16)

So fine and delicate an adjustment is not a mere coincidence.

Earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides, and volcanoes are all fine examples for the believers in the powers of Allah’s grip on everything and they do righteous deeds and always ask His forgiveness for mistakes and reward of paradise in return.

The Qur’an says: “Who has made the earth for you like a bed (spread out); and has opened roads (ways and paths) for you therein, and has sent down water (rain) from the sky. And We have brought forth with it various kinds of vegetation. eat and pasture your cattle (therein); verily, in this are Ayat (proofs and signs) for men of understanding. (20-53-54).

At another place, the Qur’an says: “Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, an asylum for security and benefits (e,g. Haj and Umrah) for mankind…” (5-97)

Further, if we draw a circle with a diameter of 8,039 km, its center will be Makkah, covering old continents with slight margins. If the diameter is made 13,300 km, then Makkah also becomes the center for new continents, covering Australia, North and South America. Thus, the Kaaba, the epicenter of Muslim worship, in Makkah falls exactly in the center point of the arid land of the Earth. (It is an established fact that cannot merely be a coincidence).