Entering into a faith is easier, though not much, but standing firm on the faith is much more difficult and hard to withstand the opposition from one's previous clan. It becomes more difficult if the chieftain of the previous clan is a demagogue, treacherous and cruel, specially when is still among his previous clan. The torture of changing faith is unending and in most cases leading to death. Yet there are people who attain such a high standard of faith that they are unafraid of the threats and stand firm on their newly accepted faith.
Entering into a Divine religion has never been easy. Those who followed the prophets of Allah always had to stand test to the some of the harshest means of torture even at the cost of their lives. The same is true even today when defending one's beliefs can draw wrath of those of other beliefs. Many a men have been tortured and killed by the tyrant rulers or even by armies for killing prisoners of wars for not divulging the information sought from them.
With this premise, let us share a very meaningful verse, the 44th verse from Surah 40 Al Mu'min in which a person with firm belief has stands to his faith in the court of the Pharaoh and despite knowing his fate, he calls upon others to oppose the tyranny of the despot and follow the faith as preached by Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him):
فَسَتَذۡكُرُوۡنَ مَاۤ اَقُوۡلُ لَـكُمۡؕ وَاُفَوِّضُ اَمۡرِىۡۤ اِلَى اللّٰهِؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بَصِيۡرٌۢ بِالۡعِبَادِ
(40:44) Soon you shall remember what I say to you. I entrust my affairs to Allah. Surely Allah is watchful over His servants.”
This verse clearly shows that while saying all this the Believer was certain that he would have to bear the brunt of the wrath of the entire kingdom of Pharaoh in consequence of his speaking the truth, and that he would have to lose all his honors and privileges, even his life. But in spite of knowing all this he performed his duty only with his trust in Allah, according to the call of his conscience, on this critical occasion.
Let us look deeper into the meaning of this verse and see what can we learn from it when confronted with a tyrant ruler to defend our faith:
- Context of the Verse: The verse is part of the speech made by the believing man in Pharaoh's court who was trying to advise his people not to oppose Moses and to reflect on the consequences of rejecting the truth. He was urging them to think critically about their actions and the potential repercussions of denying a prophet of Allah.
- A Warning and a Reminder: The phrase, “And you will remember what I [now] say to you,” indicates a warning that, in the future, they will recall the advice he is giving them. It implies that his words will resonate with them later, especially when they see the consequences of their rejection of Moses and the truth.
- Entrusting Matters to Allah: The believer then says, “I entrust my affair to Allah,” showing his complete trust and reliance on Allah’s wisdom, protection, and justice. This statement reflects a deep sense of faith, recognizing that ultimate control and judgment belong to Allah, especially when facing adversity or opposition.
- Allah Sees His Servants: The statement, “Indeed, Allah is Seeing of [His] servants,” reassures that Allah is fully aware of all actions, intentions, and the challenges faced by His servants. It serves as a reminder that Allah is just and will reward or punish based on people's deeds, whether they are hidden or open.
Lessons from the Verse
- Relying on Allah in Times of Distress: This verse teaches believers the importance of placing their trust in Allah, especially when faced with opposition, persecution, or when their efforts to guide others are rejected. By entrusting their affairs to Allah, they recognize that He is the best disposer of all matters.
- Patience and Perseverance: The believer’s calm demeanor in entrusting his affair to Allah shows the importance of patience and perseverance when striving to uphold the truth. Even when people oppose or mock one’s efforts, maintaining faith and composure is crucial.
- Divine Justice and Accountability: The verse emphasizes that Allah is always watching over His servants, and nothing escapes His knowledge. This serves as a comfort to the believers and a warning to those who reject the truth—that their actions are not unseen, and they will be held accountable.
Supporting Hadith and Teachings
The message of this verse is echoed in several hadiths that encourage reliance on Allah and trust in His wisdom.
- Hadith on Trusting Allah: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever puts his trust in Allah, Allah will suffice him.”
This hadith reflects the same sentiment expressed by the believer in the verse—placing full trust in Allah is the key to finding solace and strength in difficult times.
- Hadith on Reliance in Adversity: The Prophet also taught that believers should have reliance on Allah, even when facing hardship:
“If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be given provision like the birds: they go out in the morning hungry and return full.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2344)
This underscores the idea that entrusting one’s affairs to Allah brings about divine support and assistance, just as the believer in Pharaoh’s court expressed in his speech.
Broader Implications of the Verse
- Standing Up for Truth: The believer’s stance teaches us the value of standing up for the truth, even when surrounded by disbelief and opposition. It emphasizes that, regardless of the response from others, one’s commitment to Allah’s guidance should not waver.
- Hope and Assurance in Divine Wisdom: This verse provides hope and assurance to those who face adversity for their faith, reminding them that Allah is aware of their struggles and will reward their patience and steadfastness.
- Reminder of the Afterlife: By warning his people that they will remember his words, the believer is indirectly reminding them of accountability in the Hereafter. It reflects the broader Islamic principle that every action will be recalled and judged by Allah.
The above quoted verse captures the profound faith of a believer in the face of adversity and opposition. It teaches the importance of entrusting all matters to Allah, maintaining patience, and upholding the truth regardless of external pressures. The verse serves as both a warning to those who reject guidance and a comforting reminder to those who rely on Allah, that He is ever-watchful and just in His dealings with His servants.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our exclusive page: Compiled verses from Qur'an on Specific Subjects: Faith in Allah for more verses from Qur'an on the subject.
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