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Showing posts with label Comprehensive framework. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Comprehensive framework. Show all posts

Saturday, 17 January 2026

Three verses which together form a complete Qur’anic framework for faith, Da'wah, and inner strength

AL Qur'an is not only a Book of Guidance for the ordinaries, but is also a Book  of Wisdom for those who reflect over its verses deeply and connect different verses to find a hidden correlation. We have been sharing selected verses from various Surahs of Al Qur'an - but in this post we share three verses form different Surahs of Al Qur'an which together form a complete Qur’anic framework for faith, Da'wah, and inner strength.  Each verse covers one layer of reality, and when paired, they produce balance.

These verses are: Surah 30. Ar-Rum: 60, Surah 28. Al-Qasas: 56 and Surah 36. Ya-Sin: 82. Herein under we correlate 30:60 with other two verses and try to establish a framework for faith, Da'wah, and inner strength. Da'wah has been the sole responsibility of prophets and messengers of Allah. They faced stiff resistance in convincing the non believers to come to the way of one true God. Yet in most of the cases they could not succeed and felt demoralized. For their consolation, Allah told them that their responsibility was only to convey the Da'wah to the audience and then be patient for it is Allah who guides He wills. In this backdrop, now correlate the three verses and understand the Qur'anic framework.

Pairing 30:60 with 28:56 — Da'wah & Emotional Resilience
  • The verses
    • (28:56) - “You do not guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He wills.”
    • (30:60) “So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is true. And do not let those who lack certainty weaken your resolve.”
  • How these work together
    • (28:56) Defines your limit, You cannot control guidance, Removes guilt, and Prevents arrogance
    • (30:60) Defines your posture,  You must not lose resolve, Builds patience, and Builds patience.
  • Da'wah Principle formed: Together these Convey sincerely, accept your limits, remain patient and stay firm despite rejection.
  • Practical example: You explain Islam to someone and they reject it.
    • 28:56 says: It was never your power
    • 30:60 says: Do not let their doubt shake you
    • The combination induces Emotional balance and spiritual maturity.
Pairing 30:60 with 36:82 — Faith & Certainty in Allah’s Power
  • The verses
    • (36:82): “When He intends a thing, He only says to it: ‘Be,’ and it is.”
    • (30:60) “The promise of Allah is true… do not let the uncertain weaken you.”
  • How these verses work together
    • (Verse 36:82): Explains how Allah acts, that is Allah has the Absolute divine power, Allah has Instant Divine power, and His commands are instant
    • (Verse 30:60) Explains how you should respond and require human patience when experiencing delays. This means extreme Perseverance at human level.
  • Faith Principle formed: What Allah wills is effortless for Him but its realization / unfolding requires your patience.
  • Practical example: Justice seems delayed, yet in time its unfolding surfaces exhibiting Divine wisdom. That means 36:82 says: It is effortless for Allah, and 30:60 says: So do not lose resolve. Remember Hope without illusion, patience without weakness.
All three verses together — A complete Qur’anic triangle
The above explanations this establishes a framework which envisages:
  • 36:82  means Absolute Power rests with Allah
  • 28:56  exhibits Human Limit (You / the inviter)
  • 30:60  tells us Human Duty is to performed with Patience & firmness.
The Framework so established teaches us that (1) Allah has total control, (2) Humans have defined responsibility and that (3) Believers must maintain steadfast character

One-line synthesis
Allah has absolute power (36:82), guidance belongs to Him alone (28:56), and your role as an inviter is patient, unwavering faith without being shaken by doubt (30:60).

Why this pairing is powerful today
This framework of three verses is a must for all those involved in Da'wah. Its better understanding would:
  • Prevent burnout in Da'wah.
  • Protect from despair during injustice.
  • Counter skepticism and mockery. and
  • Build quiet, confident faith
Therefore , all believers Da'wah to the non Muslims must understand this framework so that they do not get dejected when confronted with a non receptive audience and have patience. Having extended Da'wah utilizing their best of abilities, they should leave to Allah for the results and have firm faith in doing so. This framework when understood completely boosts inner strength of the inviters to continue extending Da'wah and be rest assured that Allah will never fail them in their efforts.
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. 
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 Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

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.

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.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Da'wah - The Invitation to Non-Muslims to Islam to know more Da'wah and its dynamics and modalities. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Tuesday, 27 August 2024

A comprehensive framework for what is forbidden in Islam

In Islam, "forbidden" refers to any action, behavior, or substance that Allah and His Messenger have prohibited. Avoiding forbidden acts is essential for maintaining a righteous life, preserving spiritual purity, and achieving success in both this life and the Hereafter. Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge of what is forbidden and to strive to live according to Allah's guidance, always ready to repent if they fall into error.

The 33rd verse of Surah 7. Al A'raf lays down a comprehensive framework for what is forbidden in Islam, covering both actions and beliefs. It emphasizes the importance of moral integrity, justice, and monotheism, while warning against oppression, immorality, and making unfounded claims about Allah. The verse serves as a reminder of the ethical and spiritual responsibilities of Muslims to adhere to the guidance of Allah in all aspects of life.

Surah Al-A'raf, verse 33, reads:

قُلۡ اِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ رَبِّىَ الۡـفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَ الۡاِثۡمَ وَالۡبَـغۡىَ بِغَيۡرِ الۡحَـقِّ وَاَنۡ تُشۡرِكُوۡا بِاللّٰهِ مَا لَمۡ يُنَزِّلۡ بِهٖ سُلۡطٰنًا وَّاَنۡ تَقُوۡلُوۡا عَلَى اللّٰهِ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُوۡنَ‏  
(7:33) Tell them (O Muhammad): 'My Lord has only forbidden indecent acts, whether overt or hidden; all manner of sin; wrongful transgression; and [He has forbidden] that you associate with Allah in His divinity that for which He has sent down no sanction; and that you ascribe to Allah things of which you have no sure knowledge that they are from Him.'

This verse is part of a passage in Surah Al-A'raf where Allah is addressing the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to clarify what is forbidden and sinful behavior. The verse lists several categories of forbidden actions and beliefs, emphasizing the importance of morality, justice, and the correct understanding of divine guidance.

1. Forbidden Immoralities (Fawahish):
  • The term "immoralities" (فَوَاحِشَ, fawahish) refers to acts that are grossly immoral and indecent. These can include both physical and sexual immorality, as well as broader acts of indecency.
  • The part of the verse specifies that these immoralities include both what is apparent and what is concealed, meaning that both outward actions and hidden intentions or thoughts that are immoral are forbidden. This highlights that Allah’s prohibitions extend to both visible and secret sins.
2. Sin (Ithm):
  • The literal meaning of term "sin" (إِثْمَ, ithm)  is negligence. The sense of sin has entered into this word from "athimah" which means a she-camel that can run fast but willfully does not do so. Likewise that man who neglects to obey the Commandments of his Lord, in spite of his ability to do so, shall be sinful for he has no intention of pleasing Him. 
  • The term here here refers to actions that are inherently wrong and harmful, both to oneself and to others. These include all forms of behavior that go against the commands of Allah and the moral order He has established.
  • This covers a wide range of wrongful actions, such as lying, cheating, stealing, and other behaviors that violate the ethical teachings of Islam.
  • This term also includes the Halal and Haraam concept and forbids Muslims to stay away from what has been termed as Haraam, whether in eating, relations and intimate relations between man and women outside the matrimonial bond.
3. Oppression Without Right (Baghī):
  • Oppression (بَغْي, baghī) in this context refers to acts of injustice, tyranny, and wrongful aggression. The verse specifically mentions "without right," indicating that any form of oppression or injustice that is not sanctioned by a legitimate right is forbidden.
  • This includes taking away the rights of others, whether through physical harm, unfair treatment, or unjust laws and practices. Islam emphasizes justice and fairness, and oppression is one of the most serious sins in this regard.
  • It will be rebellion against the Truth, if one transgresses the prescribed limits and enters into the bounds where he has no right. Likewise all such people as transgress the bounds prescribed for the servants of Allah and follow their own will, behave as masters in His Kingdom and encroach on the rights that belong to Allah alone, are really rebels against Allah.
4. Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah):
  • The verse condemns associating partners with Allah (شِرْك, shirk) as a grave sin. It specifically mentions associating with Allah something "for which He has not sent down any authority," emphasizing that there is no divine sanction or evidence for such practices.
  • Shirk is considered the most serious of all sins in Islam because it contradicts the fundamental belief in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid). This includes worshiping idols, saints, or any other beings or objects besides Allah.
  • At another place in Qur'an, Allah warns of associating others with Him: "Is it, then, in regard to Him Who watches over the deeds of every person that they are acting blasphemously by setting up His associates? Tell them: "Name those associates (if Allah Himself has made them His associates)! Or are you informing Allah of something the existence of which He does not even know?" Or do people arbitrarily utter empty words? Indeed, their foul contriving has been made to seem fair to the unbelievers and they have been barred from finding the Right Way. Whomsoever Allah lets go astray will have none to guide him." (Surah 13 Ra'ad, verse 33)
That is, the disbelievers are so audacious that they set up partners with Allah Whose knowledge is All-Comprehensive and Who is aware of even the minutest details of the good and bad actions of each individual. These are the audacious things they do. They ascribe partners and equals to Him. They believe that some of His creatures are a part and parcel of His Being, and have attributes and rights like Him. They presume that they shall not be called to account for whatever they do, even though they live in His kingdom.

5. Speaking Without Knowledge About Allah:
  • The phrase "speaking without knowledge about Allah" refers to making statements, claims, or assertions about Allah, His nature, His will, or His commandments without having the proper knowledge or authority to do so. In Islamic theology, this is considered a serious sin because it can lead to misunderstanding or misrepresenting Allah and His teachings.
  • Thus this part of the verse warns against saying about Allah what one does not know. This includes making unfounded claims about Allah’s nature, laws, or will, or inventing religious beliefs and practices without proper knowledge or evidence from divine revelation.
  • This is a significant admonition because it addresses the importance of seeking accurate knowledge and understanding of Allah's guidance, rather than following conjecture, hearsay, or personal desires.
In summary, the forbidden things are described in four categories: (1) what is shameful or unbecoming; the sort of things which have also legal and social sanctions, not of a local but of a universal kind; they may be called offences against society: (2) sins against self and trespasses or excesses of every sort; these are against truth and reason; here would come in indiscipline, failure in doing intangible duties not clearly defined by law; selfishness or self-aggrandizement, which may be condoned by custom and not punished by law, etc.- (3) erecting fetishes or false gods; this is treason against the true God; and (4) corrupting religion by debasing superstitions, etc.

Let us concentrate on each verse of the Qur'an and try to figure out the hidden meaning, for therein lies the Divine Wisdom which is always cautioning us to remain on the right course, the Siraat Al Mustaqeem, lest the Evil forces of Satan derail us and take us to the era of darkness yet again which existed before the advent of Islam.


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 Understanding Islam - Frequently Asked Q&A for knowing more about Islam. You may also refer to our other reference pages: Understanding Al Qur'an and General Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

Photo | References: | 1 | 2

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on FacebookYou may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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