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Prophet Muhammad: A Relation With God That Is Based On Love

The problem faced by human beings is that they are required to elevate themselves to the level of the highest society of the angels when they have been created of the clay of the earth. They are not required to be angels; that is beyond them since they are subject to the needs of their bodies. They are required to resist sinking into low depths by looking up to the sublime, to counter forgetfulness by God’s remembrance, and to overcome selfishness by human brotherhood. Having been granted life, they are required to dedicate their lives to God; they must not be preoccupied with their own needs. They should look up to the One who granted them life, directing all their life activity to the fulfillment of what He requires of them.

This needs more explanation. Angels do not eat, and as such, they do not need to grow their food and harvest their plants. Human beings need to do all that, but they become equal to the angels if they would only plant the earth, manage their harvests, and eat their food in God’s name. The time they spend in attending to all these activities is equal to the time the angels spend in glorifying and praising God if they will only reflect on God’s power and how He causes crops to grow and ripen, and appreciate His grace in providing them with sustenance, clothing, and shelter.

God has sent His messengers, from the beginning of human life, to guide people along this way. He has not sent angels as messengers, because angels have nothing to do with the tasks assigned to human beings. Unbelievers wondered at the fact that God has given His message to human messengers to deliver. They said: “Can it be that God has sent a human being as His messenger?” Say, “Had there been angels walking about on earth as their natural abode, We would have sent them an angel messenger from heaven.” Say, “Sufficient is God for a witness between me and you. He is indeed fully aware of His servants, and He sees all things.” (17: 94-96)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provided the practical example of how people can live at the same level as the angels engaged in their glorification of God and thanksgiving. He has elevated mankind to a level in which we only see the rows of worshippers who praise and thank God or the ranks of those who dedicate themselves and their property to serving God’s cause. Muhammad certainly molded a human generation who were, in God’s measure, placed at the same level as the angels, because they abandoned all life temptations and followed the Prophet who dedicated his total existence to God, seeking only His pleasure, as the following words imply: “Say: My prayers, my worship, my living, and my dying are for God alone, the Lord of all worlds. He has no partner. Thus have I been commanded, and I shall be the first of those who surrender themselves to Him.” (6: 162-163.)

It is Muhammad’s clear knowledge of God, his continuous remembrance of Him, and His great share of the perfection that emanates from His attributes that mold his emotional and intellectual life. God has created man, giving him his form and qualities. He appointed him as His vicegerent on earth. He empowered him and assigned to him the task of exploiting the riches of the earth to build a life on it. He wants him to respect his own divine origin by not sinking into low desires. Man must be knowledgeable, noble, able, generous, compassionate, kind, and willing to give. He must fashion his life in line with the perfect qualities which God’s own attributes symbolize.

The world has never known, and will never know, a man who kept contemplating the sublime as Muhammad did. He walked on earth, but his heart was always looking up to heaven. He provided the model of perfect human life, both within himself as an individual and with his companions as a society. We see in his rational and emotional heritage all the elements man needs to fulfill the mission assigned to him in this life.

Consider the flow of powerful emotion in this heartfelt supplication the Prophet often said after obligatory prayers: “My Lord! You are our Lord and the Lord of all that exists. I bear witness that You alone are the Lord of all, without partners. My Lord! You are our Lord and the Lord of all that exists. I bear witness that Muhammad is Your servant and messenger. My Lord! You are our Lord and the Lord of all that exists. I bear witness that all mankind are brethren. My Lord! You are our Lord and the Lord of all that exists. Make me and my household sincere in our worship at every moment in this life and the life to come. You, the Lord of Supreme Majesty and unparalleled benevolence, answer our prayers. You, the Lord Supreme, Supreme! You are the light of the heavens and the earth. You, the Lord Supreme, Supreme! You are sufficient for me and I rely on You, the Lord Supreme, Supreme.”

When he feels that language cannot adequately express such a flow of feeling, the Prophet resorts to repeating the same words in order to express his love and veneration of God. It may be a repetition of words, but in effect, it airs a sense of greater love.

We note how Muhammad testifies to his being God’s messenger, and that this testimony comes in between asserting God’s oneness and the brotherhood of mankind. What does Muhammad’s assertion to his Lord that he is His servant and messenger signify? It is a kind of reconfirmation that he is willing to fulfill the task assigned to him and to complete his mission, delivering his message complete and intact to all mankind, regardless of how difficult they render his task by their rejection and false accusations.

– By SHEIKH MUHAMMAD AL-GHAZALI

 

Social Relations Between Muslims and Non-Muslims

First of all, it should be stated that Islam does not aim at severing the ties of kinship between its adherents and their non-Muslim relatives. Islam considers these kinds of relationships to be very important, particularly between parents and children. Therefore, it should be clear that Muslims are ordered by Allah to establish good relations with their family, neighbors, and fellow humans, regardless of whether the latter are Muslims or not. So you should never neglect your ties with your parents and relatives.

Muslims are not only encouraged but rather ordered by Allah to establish good relations with their family, neighbors, and fellow humans, regardless of whether the latter are Muslims or not. As a matter of fact, the Qur’an and the Prophetic traditions are replete with orders for Muslims to foster ties of kinship regardless of differences in religion.

Allah says: And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor.” (Al-Israa’ 17:23-24)

The Qur’an further teaches us that honoring one’s parents has been an integral part of divine messages to all of God’s prophets and messengers from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them) so much so that is the foremost one, second only to worship of the One and only God.

The traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) further reinforce the above commandment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Those who sever ties of kinship cannot hope to enter paradise.” Once a person asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) to guide him to the best of morals, he replied, “Join ties with those who sever ties with you; give to those who deny you, and forgive those who harm you.”

So you should never neglect your ties with your parents and relatives; the fact that you are a Muslim should also enhance rather than diminish your good relations with them. Paying them regular visits and joining them in their family meals are definitely important ways to strengthen your family bond.

Having said this, however, I must also point out that the above must never lead you to compromise your commitment to the dictates of your own faith. You may do well to let them know that you would be honored to join the family at the dinner table, but that you are not allowed to consume alcohol, pork, or their by-products. This will give you an opportunity to educate them on the Islamic dietary laws and their rationale.

Finally, as you have rightly said, your visits to your family can be an excellent opportunity to expose them to the gentle and positive aspects of Islam. It would help you to know that the vast majority of people embraced Islam, coming as they were from extremely diverse religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds, through their exposure to the beauty of Islam in practical ways. Let us remember the enduring words of the Prophet (peace be upon him), “I have been sent to perfect the highest morals”; and, “I am a gift of mercy (unto the worlds) from Allah.”

Love, As A Verb

‘Why is it that I don’t feel any love for my grandparents or other close relatives, or for that matter even my spouse?’ If that’s a question that lingers in your mind, you need to look at ‘love’ from a different perspective.

Instead of considering it an emotion (noun), consider it something you gotta do (verb). And look at how your relationships change. So, when you love (as a verb) people who matter, you will serve, sacrifice, and be sincere to them. You’ll develop a sense of selflessness and devotion.

But before we get there, we need to make sure our intentions are right. Read the Qur’anic verses and the statements of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that emphasize the importance of upholding kinship ties. Be encouraged by the abundant reward Allah has promised for those who maintain ties and serve people.

“And worship Allah alone, and do not set-up any partner to Him in worship, and be kind and good to the parents, and to the relatives.” (Qur’an, 4:36)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The person who severs the bond of kinship will not enter Paradise.” (Al-Bukhari, 8/73, no. 13)

In another narration, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The one who looks after a widow or a poor person is like a Mujahid (warrior) who fights in Allah’s Cause, or like him who performs prayers all the night and fasts all the day.” (Al-Bukhari, 7/64, no. 265)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Any woman who dies while her husband is pleased with her, she will enter Paradise.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

Al-Aswad Bin Yazid asked Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her), “What did the Prophet use to do at home?” She said, “He used to work for his family, and when he heard the Adhan, he would go out.” (Al-Bukhari, 7/64, no. 276)

Indeed, the Prophet’s life (peace be upon him) is an example for all people to come. He lived the Qur’an. The Sahabah strove to implement these teachings. Caliph Umar would sweep the floor of the mosque. Abu Bakr would cook and feed the blind old lady. Their lives tell us how they loved their people. They strove in selflessness. The Sahabah gave food to the guests while keeping their own children hungry.

Our world today teaches us to be selfish and materialistic. We hardly tolerate our loved ones, let alone serve them. The pursuit of luxury, wealth, and more wealth has clouded our purpose of life and sense of what happiness is. While career and earning money is required to feed our families, it should by no means become an obsession. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And I created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). I seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My creatures). Verily, Allah is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong.” (Qur’an, 51:56-58)

Our provision has been written down. It is Allah who provides us. Yes, we must seek it, but it’s Allah who provides. Knowing this should free up our mind so we could focus on the thing that matters, i.e. the purpose of life, the worship of Allah.

As Muslims, we submit to our Creator. We seek His Pleasure in what we do and we follow His Guidance. It is only that life that brings true joy to the heart and fills us with contentment, as opposed to a life of greed and dissatisfaction.

So, love with all passion and selflessness, but only and only for the sake of Allah. It is only then that you’ll taste the sweetness of that missing feeling.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the sweetness (delight) of faith: 1. The one to whom Allah and His Apostle become dearer than anything else; 2. Who loves a person and he loves him only for Allah’s sake; 3. Who hates to revert to (disbelief) as he hates to be thrown into the fire.” (Al-Bukhari, 1/2, no. 15)

– by Faraz Omar

What the Qur’an Teaches: In Defense Of Prophet Moses

In the name of God, the Lord of Grace, the Ever Merciful

A believing man of Pharaoh’s family, who until then had concealed his faith, said: Would you kill a man because he says, “God is my Lord,” when he has brought you all evidence of the truth from your Lord? If he is a liar, his lie will fall back on him; but if he is speaking the truth, something of what he warns you against is bound to befall you. God will not grace with His guidance anyone who is a lying transgressor. My people! Yours is the dominion today, having the upper hand in the land; but who will rescue us from God’s punishment should it befall us? Pharaoh said: “I am only putting before you what I see myself, and I am guiding you to none other than the path of rectitude.” (The Forgiving; Ghafir: 40: 28-29)

At this point in the story of Moses, a man from Pharaoh’s own household who had accepted the truth but kept his faith secret begins his argument in defense of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him).

In his address to Pharaoh and his courtiers, the man tries to touch their hearts with his advice and makes very convincing arguments that combine facts with the prospect of dreadful consequences.

This is a long, powerful argument advanced by a believer against the conspirators in Pharaoh’s court. His argument relies on the sound logic of uncorrupted human nature. It is a skillful argument that combines caution with power. He begins first by describing the enormity of what they propose to do: “Would you kill a man because he says, God, is my Lord?” Do such innocent words that imply personal conviction deserve killing the person who says them? Can such words be answered by murder? Shown in this way, your action appears to be gruesome, horrid, and repugnant.

He then takes a step forward, saying that this person, Moses, supports his own statement with solid and clear evidence: “He has brought you all evidence of the truth from your Lord.” Here, he is referring to the signs Moses had shown them. They certainly saw these signs, and when they were together, away from the masses, they could not argue about such signs nor their import.

The believer then puts to them the worst possible situation, taking an objective attitude to allow them to reflect on such a scenario: “If he is a liar, his lie will fall back on him.” If he is lying, he will bear the consequences of his lie and suffer his punishment. However, this does not justify killing him. There is, however, the other possibility that what he says is true. It is, then, prudent to be careful and not to expose oneself to its consequences: “But if he is speaking the truth, something of what he warns you against is bound to befall you.” Again this is the least that can be expected in this case. The man did not ask them to consider anything beyond this. His purpose was to make an objective stand, one that provided the most convincing argument.

He then delivers an implicit warning: one that applies to them and to Moses alike: “God will not grace with His guidance anyone who is a lying transgressor.” If this applies to Moses, God will not allow him to escape unscathed. Leave him to God, then, to receive his due punishment. However, you must be careful lest you be the ones who are lying transgressors because this will mean your inescapable doom.

The believer then gives them a strong warning against incurring God’s punishment, reminding them that should it befall them, no power can avert it. Their kingdom and power will then be of little use. They should remember this and be grateful to God for having given them what they enjoyed: “My people! Yours is the dominion today, having the upper hand in the land; but who will rescue us from God’s punishment should it befall us?”

At heart, the man feels what a true believer should feel: God’s punishment is closest to those who are in power. Therefore, they are the ones who should be most careful and should try their best to avoid it. It could come upon them at any moment of the night or day, so they must dread such a possibility. The man reminds them of the power and authority they enjoyed and includes himself among them as he reminds them of God’s punishment:

“Who will rescue us from God’s punishment should it befall us?” He, thus, shows them that what happens to them is a matter of great concern to him; he is one of them, awaiting the same destiny. Hence, his kind and caring advice. He hopes that they will take this to heart, realizing that it is meant most sincerely and that they stand no chance against God’s punishment should it befall them.

At this point, Pharaoh demonstrates the feeling that possesses any tyrant receiving honest advice. He turns in arrogance, perceiving detraction from his authority and encroachment on his dominion: “Pharaoh said: I am only putting before you what I see myself, and I am guiding you to none other than the path of rectitude.” I am only telling you what I know to be true and useful. It is indeed the proper path to follow. Has anyone ever heard of a tyrant who did not feel that what he said was right and full of wisdom? Would any tyrant allow for someone to imagine that he be wrong? Do tyrants allow anyone to uphold a view other than theirs? How else do they become tyrants?

The First To Submit To God

In the Name of God, the Lord of Grace, the Ever Merciful

Say: ‘I am commanded to worship God, sincere in my faith in Him alone; and I am commanded to be the first to submit myself to Him.’ Say: ‘Indeed I would dread, were I to disobey my Lord, the suffering of an awesome day.’ Say: ‘God alone do I worship, sincere in my faith in Him alone. You can worship whatever you please instead of Him.’ Say: ‘True losers indeed are those who shall have lost their own selves and their families on Resurrection Day. Such is the ultimate loss.’

Above them, there shall be layers of fire, and layers of fire shall be beneath them. In this way, God puts fear into His servants’ hearts: ‘My servants! Fear Me!’

There is good news for those who shun the worship of false deities and turn to God, so give good news to My servants, who listen carefully to what is said and follow the best of it. These are the ones whom God has graced with His guidance, and these are the ones endowed with insight. (The Throngs; Al-Zumar: 39: 11-18)

THIS passage begins with a declaration by the Prophet outlining what he is commanded to do with regard to worship, devotion, and submission to God alone. This declaration is very important in keeping the belief in God’s oneness pure, as Islam wants it to be. In this respect, the Prophet is one of God’s servants. He does not exceed that position. In their servitude to God, all people stand in one rank, while God has His sublime position over all creation.

Thus the two concepts of Godhead and servitude are well established and clearly distinguished. There can be no confusion between the two. Oneness is clearly seen as an attribute of God alone, in which no one else has any share. When Muhammad (peace be upon him) stands in the position of God’s servant making this clear declaration, fearing to commit any disobedience of God, there can be no room for any claim of intercession by idols or angels granted through addressing worship to them instead of God.

The declaration is made once more, with the Prophet’s announcement that he will stick to his way, leaving the idolaters to their way and the painful end to which that leads: “Say: God alone do I worship, sincere in my faith in Him alone. You can worship whatever you please instead of Him. Say: True losers indeed are those who shall have lost their own selves and their families on Resurrection Day. Such is the ultimate loss.”

Once more the Prophet announces: I am unwavering in following my way, addressing all worship to God, and submitting myself to Him alone. As for you, you can follow any way you want, worship whomever you wish, but this will lead you to the worst imaginable loss: a loss of oneself as one goes to hell, and the loss of family and kin, be they, believers or unbelievers. If those relatives are believers, the idolaters will have lost them as each group goes their separate ways, and if they are unbelievers, the loss is the same as they all will have lost themselves in hell: “Such is the ultimate loss.”

We then have a picture showing the extent of the loss: “Above them, there shall be layers of fire, and layers of fire shall be beneath them. In this way, God puts fear into His servants’ hearts: ‘My servants! Fear Me!’”

It is a scene that strikes real fear in people’s hearts, showing the fire in layers that engulfs people from above and below. They are seen within these layers as they close in on them from all sides. Yet these layers are fire. God shows this picture to His servants while they are on earth and still have the chance to change their ways: “In this way, God puts fear into His servants’ hearts.” He calls on them warning them so that they may choose the way to safety: “My servants! Fear Me!”

On the other side stand those who are safe, having feared this fate and done what is necessary to avoid it: “There is good news for those who shun the worship of false deities and turn to God, so give good news to My servants, who listen carefully to what is said and follow the best of it. These are the ones whom God has graced with His guidance, and these are the ones endowed with insight.” ‘False deities’ are referred to here by the word “taghut,” which implies an exaggerated sense of exceeding the bounds. Those who shun the worship of taghut are the ones who reject the worship of anyone other than God in any form whatsoever. They are the ones who turn to God, stand in front of Him, and worship Him alone. These have good news issued to them directly from on high. The Prophet is giving them this good news by God’s order: “So give good news to My servants.” The fact that this news comes from on high and is delivered by the noble messenger is in itself a great blessing.

One quality of such people is that they listen to whatever is being said, but their hearts and minds pick up only the best of it and discard the rest.

Thus, the only words that they actually receive are the best words that improve and purify people’s hearts and souls. A good soul is always ready to receive good words and respond to them, while the one which is foul receives only what is foul. “These are the ones whom God has graced with His guidance.” He knows that they are genuinely good in their hearts and souls and He, therefore, guided them to listen and respond to the best of what is said. Guidance comes only from God.

“And these are the ones endowed with insight.” It is a sound mind that leads a person to self-purification and safety. Anyone who does not follow the way that ensures such safety appears to be deprived of a sound mind and insight, which are blessings given by God.

– Commentary by Sayyid Qutb