By Raya Shokatfard
In Part 4 we discussed the plight of various Prophets, their warnings and the rejection of the people they addressed.
Destruction came to them only after sufficient warnings were given, yet this was of no value to the succeeding generation. They continued with their rebellion against God and His messengers.
We also addressed how a person’s limbs would testify against him on the Day of Judgment for the sins they committed.
Here, Allah brings even another warning.
{So [even] if they are patient, the Fire is a residence for them; and if they ask to appease [Allah], they will not be of those who are allowed to appease.} (41:24)
This verse indicates that wether the sinners bear the torment patiently or not, their doom is in the fire and there is no escape for them. The second part implies that if they wish to go back to the world and please Allah, it will not be allowed.
{And We have assigned them (devils) intimate companions (in this world), who have made fair-seeming to them, what was before them (evil deeds which they were doing in the present worldly life and disbelief in the Reckoning and the Resurrection) and what was behind them (denial of the matters in the coming life of the Hereafter as regards punishment or reward). And the Word (i.e. the torment) is justified against them as it was justified against those who were among the previous generations of jinn and men that had passed away before them. Indeed they (all) were the losers.} (25)
One may ask in the above verse, why would Allah assign devils as companions of some people who would make them do wrong and make fair-seeming the life of this world? Is this fair?
A better look of the previous verses indicates that these people rejected the truth and clang to falsehood instead. It is only through rejection of Allah that they open doors to evil forces, which is permitted by the will of Allah and not that Allah tries to misguide them – He is free from any injustice.
When one chooses goodness, Allah makes easy for him such path
It is also noteworthy to mention that every human being is capable of accepting good or evil. It is a free will. When one chooses evil, then Allah makes easy for him this path and when one chooses goodness, Allah makes easy for him such path as well.
{And those who disbelieve say: “Listen not to this Quran, and make noise in the midst of its (recitation) that you may overcome.”} (26)
In various verses of the Quran, Allah challenged the disbelievers to produce even a verse like the Quran, but they could not. They also tried all they could to discredit the Prophet of Islam and Muslims. When all these avail them no victory, they encouraged each other not to listen to the Quran and try to make noise while someone is reciting it as to make its meaning not understandable. They hoped to overcome the power of Allah – such fools failed miserably.
The opposite of this is Allah’s recommendation to the believers, saying:
{So, when the Quran is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy.} (7:204)
{But surely, We shall cause those who disbelieve to taste a severe torment, and certainly, We shall requite them the worst of what they used to do.} (41:27)
Here, Allah swears with certainty that He will punish the disbelievers and will confront them about words they used to speak against Him and what they used to do.
{That is the recompense of the enemies of Allah: the Fire. Therein will be for them the eternal home, a (deserving) recompense for that they used to deny Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.).} (28)
Had they realized the torment they would face in the Afterlife, they would never mock religion, prophethood and the scriptures of Allah.
{And those who disbelieve will say: “Our Lord! Show us those among jinn and men who led us astray, that we may crush them under our feet so that they become the lowest.”} (29)
Standing firm only comes when one has knowledge and certainty about his Creator
It is only now that they realized how they were misguided by men and Jinn (another specie of Allah, most of whom follow the devil and inspire men to do evil). Yet Allah had already given them clear warning of these devils, but who would listen?
They would love to take revenge but too late. They all share the same fate – Fire of Hell!
{Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is Allah (Alone),” and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): “Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!} (30)
Here, Allah mentions the believers – opposite of the previous group. Such people declare that their Lord is Allah. Standing firm only comes when one has knowledge and certainty about his Creator and is committed to follow the right way. Such people are able to stand firm like a fortified pillar.
The angels descend upon them at the time of death with glad tidings and relief that they should not fear or grieve. The promised Paradise is awaiting them.
{We have been your friends in the life of this world and are (so) in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have (all) that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have (all) for which you ask.} (31)
In contrast with the disbelievers who had devils from men and jinn as their companions, the angels are telling the righteous that they were in fact companions of the righteous in this world as they are their companions in the Hereafter. All that they desire will be given to them.
All the pleasures of this world seem so insignificant compared to what is awaiting the believers in the Hereafter.
If only we believed in these few verses, would we incline to do acts that are displeasing to Allah? Do we realize that by choosing the righteous path, we call angels to be our companions? What an incredible choice!
{An entertainment from (Allah), the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.} (32)
All the pleasures of this world seem so insignificant compared to what is awaiting the believers in the Hereafter!
{And who is better in speech than he who [says: "My Lord is Allah (believes in His Oneness)," and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allah (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: “I am one of the Muslims.”} (33)
This verse is the opposite of what the disbelievers said to each other about not listening to the Quran and making mischief in order to distract the listeners.
Allah teaches us the ones who proclaim that Allah is their Lord and stand firm upon His orders and invite men to Allah, have the best of speech. This, combined with righteous deeds is said to be the qualification of a caller to Islam (da’ee).
It is with these words and actions that he can truly call himself a Muslim and be a true representative of Islam. This verse is used by nearly all callers to Islam as the criteria of the true caller to Islam. We have here words, actions and state of being. All combined make a true Muslim who calls to Allah with complete sincerity. He also does what he says!
{The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allah orders the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly), then verily! he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend.} (34)
he forgave many of his adversaries who became his supporters and defenders
This is another reminder to the callers to Allah and in all general communication that repelling evil must be in a form that is good and wise coupled with patience when one feels angry. You never know, the one who treated you badly and received the opposite treatment from you may end up close friends with you one day.
This was the case with the Prophet of Allah, Muhammad (peace be upon him). Many of his enemies embraced Islam after witnessing his kind treatment with them. Instead of revenge, he forgave many of his adversaries who became his supporters and defenders later on.
{But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient – and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of happiness in the Hereafter i.e. Paradise and of a high moral character) in this world.} (35)
In numerous verses of the Quran Allah enjoins patience on the believers. Only those who work according to Allah’s commandments are the ones who accept this advice and work according to it. It is not easy for many indeed, but with stronger faith comes more patience.
{And if an evil whisper from Shaitan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.} (36)
This verse is not only addressed to the Prophet of God but also to all believers, warning them that the whisper of Shaitan would approach everyone.
It is easier to ward off the evil of men that is apparent. But when Shaitan (Satan) whispers, many times the person thinks it is his/her own thought. Only the wise and knowledgeable knows when his thoughts are not aligned with the Quran. In such case he should seek refuge in Allah from shaitan by saying, “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Shaitan.”
When this is said with sincerity and firm resolution, Shaitan has no power over the believer and Allah will protect him from the evil whisper.
To be continued…
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Published on: Thursday, 25 September 2014
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