Can faith be forced?

Faith is a deeply rooted belief and trust in the existence, oneness, and power of One True God, we Muslim call Allah. It encompasses several essential aspects that shape an individual's understanding and relationship with Allah. To help people feel the enlighten of true faith, that is belief in One True God without any associates, countless number of prophets and messengers were chosen and sent to different people to understand and absorb the enlightenment of faith. 

But we are also witness to the fact that while a small majority accepted the Divine wisdom and accepted the reality of a One True God while others confronted the prophets with anger, arrogance for they never wanted to part with their centuries old beliefs and "faith" in their gods. If Allah wanted His commandments and wisdom be accepted, He could very simply do it and with just one Divine nod, the entire people could come running to enter the fold of the Divine faith. But this never happened.

We see prophets being tortured, even thrown into burning fire, pelted and stoned and even mercilessly killed by people averse to accepting the true Divine faith. Here the question arises: Couldn't prophets "enforce" faith? Well, the inability of prophets to enforce faith can be understood as part of a larger Divine plan that emphasizes freedom, personal responsibility, and the importance of genuine, voluntary belief. Unlike a very popular perception by non-Muslims that attribute spread of Islam through sword, it would be seen that were it be true, every Spanish would have been a Muslim after almost 800 years long Muslim rule over Spain or almost a similar time span of Musljjm rule over India, where the majority of Indians remained Hindu under the rule of Muslims.

Even father of revered Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) could not convince his father to accept the will of Allah and follow the true path, ;leaving idolatry (Lot, Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him) also could not convince his son and likewise Prophet Lut (Lot, peace be upon him) could not convince his wife to follow faith of Allah. Abu Talib, the beloved uncle of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who protected his orphan nephew against the cruelty of non-Muslims of his tribe, did not enter fold of Islam despite being uncle of a prophet.

Let us then examine some reasons why prophets did not enforce the Divine faith on the people they were sent to, for they always told their people that they are only messengers to bring Divine message to them and were not in any way demagogues or brute force to change their hearts and minds by force:

• Free Will: One of the core aspects of many religious teachings is the concept of free will. People are given the choice to believe or not believe, to follow guidance or reject it. If prophets were to force people into faith, it would contradict the idea of personal choice and responsibility, which is a foundational principle in many religious frameworks.
• Role as Guides, Not Enforcers: Prophets are often seen as role models or guides, offering wisdom, guidance, and knowledge. They are not meant to force change, but to inspire through example and communication. Their role is to invite others to faith, not to coerce or compel belief.
• Test of Faith: In many religious traditions, the challenges of life and the exercise of faith are seen as tests. Prophets help people navigate these challenges, but they cannot take away the need for individuals to make their own decisions about faith.
• Respect for Human Dignity: Many traditions hold that forcing someone into faith undermines the dignity and autonomy of that individual. Genuine faith, in this view, can only come from a heart that freely chooses to believe.
• Diverse Reactions to Divine Messages: Even with clear messages and miracles, people may still respond differently to prophets. Some may embrace the message, while others may reject or distort it. This shows that belief and faith are personal and deeply influenced by a range of factors, including personal experience, culture, and inner convictions.

Let us now listen to eminent Muslim scholar of present times, Nouman Ali Khan, explaining the "why" that irritate some minds on the subject:

About Nouman Ali Khan: Born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

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 to convey only 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.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. 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.

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

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.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, Twitter, 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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How do we lose faith - Iman إيمان

Maintaining one's faith in Allah and Islam is one of the most difficult thing to do ever sine the advent of Islam and more so in the environment we live in today. In the initial verses of Surah Al-Hadid (Chapter 57 of the Qur'an), specially verses 11-19, the mention of believers and the hypocrites is made. Why not the unbelievers, one may ask? It is because we know exactly that the unbelievers do not believe in Islam and monotheism of Allah. But the hypocrites are most dangerous for they wear two masks: An outward mask of being a Muslim and inward mask that of unbelievers.

These dual faced people are those who have weak Iman / faith إيمان and because of this they lose the rigours of tests and trials a true believer goes through. Even in times of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ the hypocrites, specially in the city of Medinah, would outwardly claim to be Muslims but whenever a time of test came, they always abandoned Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and joined hands with the unbelievers.

So is the case even today. Many of the born Muslims have a very weak Iman and in their hearts there is always a tug of war going on between the truth and the otherwise. This is specially happening now with those Muslims who have gone to foreign lands and find themselves amid atheists and non believers, whose life is at tangent to the teaching of Islam. Coupled with the anti Islam propaganda, much talked of Islamophobia is taking a heavy toll on these Muslims who do not really know Islam well and get overpowered by their environment of "openness and lewdness" and start to lose their Iman. Thus they become similar to hypocrites who are outwardly Muslims, yet their hearts are far distant from the true Iman.

Let us now take a deeper look what the the initial verses of Surah Al-Hadid (Chapter 57 of the Qur'an) and see how fate of the hypocrites is being portrayed and the severe consequences on the Day of Judgement. In the initial verses, Allah reminds us of His supreme authority and dominion over all that exists, emphasizing His control over both the seen and unseen. These verses help us understand how Iman (faith) can be lost when we fail to recognize and internalize these fundamental truths. Here’s how these ideas relate:

Forgetting the Majesty of Allah

The surah begins with: "Whatever is in the heavens and earth glorifies Allah, for He is the Almighty, All-Wise." (57:1)

When a person loses sight of the constant glorification of Allah by all creation, they may begin to neglect their own relationship with Him. This forgetfulness can lead to heedlessness (ghaflah) and eventually weaken their iman, as they fail to see Allah’s presence in all aspects of life.

Becoming Detached from Allah’s Absolute Control

In verses 2-3, Allah is described as: "To Him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He gives life and causes death, and He is over all things competent." (57:2)

Forgetting that Allah alone has the power to give life, death, and sustenance can lead to dependence on worldly means. When people start attributing success and failure solely to themselves or to worldly factors, they might lose faith in Allah’s ultimate plan, leading to the weakening of their reliance (tawakkul) on Him.

Neglecting the Knowledge of the Unseen

Verse 4 mentions: "He is with you wherever you are." (57:4)

A person may lose iman when they forget that Allah’s knowledge encompasses everything, including what is hidden in their hearts. Losing sight of Allah’s omnipresence can result in carelessness toward personal deeds, both inward and outward, thereby weakening faith and connection to Allah.

Being Overwhelmed by Dunya (Worldly Life)

Surah Al-Hadid later discusses how the adornments and distractions of this worldly life can delude people: "Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another..." (57:20)

When one becomes overly attached to the fleeting pleasures and distractions of the dunya, the heart becomes distant from Allah, and this attachment can lead to a gradual erosion of iman.

Plight of Hypocrites on the Day of Judgement (Verses 11-19)

Then come the warning shots as mentioned in verses 11-19. Here the comparison of the believers and hypocrites is given. On that day the true believers will have their light shining before them while the hypocrites will have their fate no different than the disbelievers and Those who spend in charity will be repaid manifold and also be given liberal reward besides it:

(57:12) On that Day you will see believing men and women that their light will be running before them and on their right hands. (They will be told): “A good tiding to you today.” There shall be Gardens beneath which rivers flow; therein they shall abide. That indeed is the great triumph.

(57:13) On that Day the hypocrites, both men and women, shall say to the believers: “Look at us that we may extract some light from your light.” They will be told: “Go back and seek light for yourselves elsewhere.” Then a wall shall be erected between them with a door in it. On the inside of it there will be mercy, and on the outside of it there will be chastisement.

Many of our Muslim brethren going astray and are heedless about the gravity of losing Iman. They are on the verge of being a believer and a hypocrite, though unknowingly. This is the subject of an informational lecture by one of the most eminent scholars of present times, Nouman Ali Khan, who talks in detail as how do we lose faith and its consequences as mentioned in Suarah Al Hadid. Please watch the video:

About Nouman Ali Khan: Born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

Let us our brothers and sisters, specially those who have gone for higher studies and seeking employment un Non Muslim countries, be mindful of not losing faith despite an environment which entirely tangent to teachings of Islam. Many of our sisters immediately throw away their Hijab and enter into revealing attire and amalgamating into a life of lewdness and forgetfulness of their faith. By and by their Iman falls to a dreadful low level, which is what has been warned about.

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 to convey only 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.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. 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.

Photo | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

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.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, Twitter, 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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Believers! Take a Reappraisal of your Faith - much too often

The foundation pillar of any religion hinges on firm and unwavering faith. Though many believers have this resolve embeded into them, yet adulteration injected into one's mind by fortune seeker scholars, imams and pseudo scholars sometimes taints one faith and derail them from the true path as shown in Qur'an and practically demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad sws.  In fact these adulterations in Islam have become so pronounced, specially many Asian countries, that one wonders whether one is truly following the "Original" Islam as practiced during times of Prophet Muhammad sws and the period of first four caliphs of Islam?

Like adulteration in the food or drugs by adding sub standard material making these of poor quality, the same is true for the religions. Opportunity seekers fabricate the original Divine text and give them misleading meaning and putting across cleverly to those illiterate followers, illiterate here also include otherwise well educated who have never tried to understand the religion by personal research and following some of the authenticated research work and exegesis of Qur'an.

Hereinunder are some simple questions one must keep asking oneself off and on and ascertain whether any adulteration has not entered in his mind and pulling him away from the straight path - the Siraat al Mustaqeem?

• Do I only follow the Qur'an and authentic sunnah?
• Many of us will answer in affirmative. But would it be really true since our actions and way of life is mostly tangent to commandments of Allah as contained in Qur'an and Sunnah. Many of us, specially the born Muslims, are still enslaved to following customs and traditions of bygone days that persisted before the advent of Islam.
• Do I practice Islam the way Prophet practiced?
• I feel ashamed when I watch videos that have no relevance to Islam and nor were practiced or recommended to be followed.
• The fake religious mentors indulge into practices which even non Muslims do not. These fake people dress like unmanly attire, their followers pour on them rice, chocolates, flowers or even loads of money while these recite verses from Qur'an with twisted meaning. There are these fake people who say they have currents filled in their bodies and anyone who touches them will have these holy currents transformed in to them and they will be filled with Islamic light.
• These unholy and un-Islamic teachings mostly happen in Asian countries and beside mostly illiterates, even some very well read also join in these rituals and think they have been blessed.
• Do I avoid fabricated and false Hadith (story telling)?
• Islam is a straight forward religion with clear commandments, easy to understand and follow. Yet there are people who fabricate Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad sws and turn these into stories to attract their followers. 
• Do I avoid worshipping the dead saints?
• This is one of the most dreaded menace that has crept into way of life of many countries of Asia. So called devotees flock the graves of holy men and even prostrate in front of their grave with the hope of having their wishes answered since they believe that these holy men are still alive in their graves and act as an intermediary to convey their requests to Allah.
• These shrines in fact are means of thriving business by the managers of these shrines as poor people donate their hard earned money money boxes, which amount to hundreds of thousands each day.
• Do I seek help from Allah alone as only Allah can grant us our wishes?
• Following the last point above, many believe that they cannot communicate to Allah directly and thus find intermediaries to route their requests through the mockers and fake holy men.
• Many followers of such fake holy men believe that what they are blessed with is due to their mentors who are a means of communication with Allah. 
• Those who do it, in fact step into domain of shirk as only Allah can listen to us without any intermediary as it is said in Qur'an: Allah is closer to your jugular vein, so ask me and I will answer your wishes.
• Do I practice Tawheed in its purest form and avoid shirk?
• Tawheed is the central tenet of Islamic belief, which means the oneness and uniqueness of Allah in all aspects—His Lordship, His names and attributes, and His right to be worshiped alone. To practice Tawheed in its purest form means to ensure that your belief and actions reflect complete devotion to Allah without associating partners with Him.
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever dies while still invoking anything other than Allah as a rival to Allah, will enter Hell." (Sahih Bukhari)
• This hadith emphasizes the seriousness of Shirk and the need to avoid it in all forms.
• Whereas Shirk is the opposite of Tawheed and is considered the gravest sin in Islam. It means associating partners with Allah or attributing to others the rights that belong solely to Allah.
• Shirk involves openly associating others with Allah in worship or believing in multiple gods. For example, praying to idols, saints, or other beings besides Allah.
• Therefore, I must ask myself do I commit shirk by praying or sacrificing for anyone besides Allah, such as dead saints or other deities?
• Do I REALLY Trust in Allah instead of Taweez / Amulets?
• Hidden Shirk is even more subtle, like relying on charms, amulets, or good luck symbols, believing they have power apart from Allah.
• Do I believe in the power of charms, superstitions, or people’s influence instead of trusting only in Allah?
• Am I performing my prayers regularly and with sincerity? 
• Prayer / As Salat is obligatory five times a day on all adult, sane and healthy man and woman in Islam. It is to be ascertained whether we pray to Allah to please Him or do we offer prayer as a show off so that people consider us a pious and devoted man?

In view of the above, every Muslim must take a reappraisal of his or her faith through a process of deep reflection, self-examination, and spiritual growth. Reappraising faith means taking a sincere look at one's beliefs, actions, and connection with Allah, and striving for improvement in light of Islamic teachings. Here are some steps and ways to undertake a meaningful reappraisal of one's faith:

Reflect on the Purpose of Life (Tafakkur)

Islam emphasizes constant reflection on the purpose of life, the hereafter, and the role of faith in guiding daily decisions. A Muslim should ask themselves, "Why am I here? What is my ultimate purpose?"

• Quranic Reflection: 
• Surah Al-Mulk (67:2): “He who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed…”
• Reflecting on these questions helps Muslims realign their actions and intentions with the ultimate goal of pleasing Allah and preparing for the hereafter.

Evaluate Your Connection with Allah (Taqwa)

Taqwa (God-consciousness) is the cornerstone of a believer's relationship with Allah. A Muslim should assess how conscious they are of Allah’s presence in their life. This can be done by evaluating one's worship (such as prayer, fasting, and charity) and reflecting on the sincerity of one's intentions.

• Questions for reflection:
• How often do I remember Allah (through dhikr and prayer)?
• Am I performing my prayers regularly and with sincerity?
• Am I conscious of Allah in my private and public life?
• Quranic Reflection: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2): "This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah."

Reassess Your Deeds (Muhasabah)

Muhasabah refers to self-accountability or taking oneself to account. This means regularly reflecting on one’s actions and deeds to determine whether they align with Islamic teachings.

• Hadith Reflection: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The wise person is the one who holds himself accountable and works for what comes after death.” (Tirmidhi)
• Regularly asking oneself:
• Am I fulfilling my obligations to Allah, such as prayer, fasting, and charity (zakat)?
• Am I being kind, just, and merciful in my dealings with others?
• Am I seeking to avoid sins, both major and minor?

This form of daily self-reflection allows a Muslim to stay on the path of righteousness and constantly improve their character and actions.

Seek Knowledge (Tafaqquh)

To take a meaningful reappraisal of faith, a Muslim should seek knowledge of the Quran, Sunnah, and Islamic teachings. The more one understands the depth of the religion, the easier it becomes to practice it with conviction.

• Hadith Reflection: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." (Ibn Majah)
• Seeking knowledge can involve:
• Studying the Quran and reflecting on its meanings.
• Learning about the life and example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
• Reading about Islamic ethics, morality, and spiritual development.

Renew Intentions (Niyyah)

Islam places great emphasis on the intention (niyyah) behind actions. A Muslim should regularly reassess their intentions to ensure they are seeking Allah’s pleasure in everything they do.

• Hadith Reflection: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Actions are but by intentions, and every man shall have only that which he intended.” (Sahih Bukhari)
• Evaluate whether daily actions, work, and worship are being done purely for Allah's sake, or whether there are worldly distractions. Correcting one’s intentions can renew one’s faith and bring them closer to Allah.

Strengthen Acts of Worship (Ibadah)

Acts of worship are the pillars of faith. A Muslim should reassess the quality and consistency of their worship:

• Prayer (Salah): Are my prayers focused, and am I performing them on time?
• Fasting (Sawm): Am I observing fasts beyond Ramadan for spiritual growth?
• Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah): Am I giving in charity, and am I conscious of the needs of others?
• Supplication (Dua): How often do I turn to Allah for guidance and help?
• Quranic Reflection: "And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me." Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186):

Correct and Purify the Heart

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the condition of the heart in relation to faith. A Muslim should take time to cleanse their heart of pride, jealousy, anger, and arrogance. Faith resides in the heart, and its purification is critical for sincere belief.

• Hadith Reflection: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Verily in the body is a piece of flesh which, if sound, the whole body is sound, and if corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Truly it is the heart.” (Sahih Bukhari)
• Reappraising faith requires checking for spiritual diseases in the heart and striving to fill the heart with love for Allah, gratitude, humility, and sincerity.

Repent and Seek Forgiveness (Tawbah)

Islam emphasizes the importance of continuous repentance (tawbah). A Muslim must regularly seek Allah’s forgiveness for past sins and make sincere efforts to avoid repeating them.

• Quranic Reflection: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'" Surah Az-Zumar (39:53)
• True repentance involves recognizing one’s mistakes, feeling genuine regret, and making a firm intention not to return to those sins.

Evaluate Relationships with Others

Islam places great emphasis on the rights of others, such as family, friends, and society. A Muslim should reassess their relationships with others to ensure they are fulfilling their obligations.

• Hadith Reflection: "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Sahih Bukhari)
• Are you treating others with kindness, fairness, and respect? Are you maintaining ties of kinship (silat ar-rahm)? Taking stock of relationships helps in spiritual growth.

Engage in Community Service

Part of reappraising one’s faith is looking at one’s role in the broader Muslim community and society. Serving others and being an active member of the community is highly encouraged in Islam.

• Hadith Reflection: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others." (Tabarani)
• Engaging in acts of charity and service not only helps others but also strengthens personal faith by acting on Islamic values.

Set Spiritual Goals and Plan for Improvement

Once a reappraisal of faith is complete, it’s essential to set practical spiritual goals for improvement. This could include:

• Increasing the amount of Quran read daily.
• Performing voluntary prayers (Sunnah and Nafl).
• Engaging more in remembrance of Allah (dhikr).
• Improving character by being more patient, forgiving, or charitable.
• Setting achievable goals and striving to improve consistently helps deepen faith and maintain closeness to Allah.

You may like to listen to a very informative lecture by eminent scholar Dr. Omar Suleiman on the subject of How To Practice Daily Self Accountability:

Reappraising one’s faith in Islam is a continual process of self-reflection, worship, and spiritual growth. It involves evaluating one’s relationship with Allah, reassessing deeds, improving intentions, and ensuring that actions align with Islamic principles. Through sincere reflection, repentance, and striving to improve, a Muslim can renew their faith and strengthen their bond with Allah, ultimately fulfilling the purpose of life in a more meaningful and dedicated way.

So when do we start our reappraisal, brothers and sisters in Islam?

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.

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.

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Compiled verses from Qur'an on specific subjects: Faith in Allah 

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. 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.

Follow @IslamUltimate

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.

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A verse from Qur'an that captures the profound faith of a believer in the face of adversity

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.

You may also refer to our Selected verses from Sūrahs of Qur'an to highlight important topics with detailed explanation and Reference Page on Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

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Every Muslim should remember this Hadith as it sums up definition and meaning of Islam

It is the psyche of the man to go for summarized solutions and answers as lengthy answers are seldom read in complete. Today we shar e a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which sums up the definition of Islam, faith, and an indication to the signs of the end days. I read it (and also watched the video given at the end of the post) and found it extremely informative and am sharing it so that Muslims should read this hadith time and again so that meaning of Islam and faith is crystal clear to them and may come handy when explaining Islam to non Muslims in just few words, words that were carefully chosen by our revered Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

This Hadith is quoted in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: The Book of Faith (#1) / كتاب الإيمان  / Chapter # 1 Explaining Al-Iman (Faith), Al-Islam, and Al-Ihsan, and The Obligations of Al-Iman With Affirmation of The Qadar of Allah, Glorious And Most High is He. And Explaining The Evidence For Declaring One's Innocence Of One Who Does Not Believe In Al-Qadar, And Having A Harsh View Of His Case / باب بيان الإيمان والإسلام والإحسان ووجوب الإيمان بإثبات قدر الله سبحانه وتعالى وبيان الدليل على التبري ممن لا يؤمن بالقدر وإغلاظ القول في حقه‏‏‏) as Hadith number # 8a as under:

It is narrated on the authority of Yahya b. Ya'mur that the first man who discussed qadr (Divine Decree) in Basra was Ma'bad al-Juhani. I along with Humaid b. 'Abdur-Rahman Himyari set out for pilgrimage or for 'Umrah and said:

Should it so happen that we come into contact with one of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) we shall ask him about what is talked about taqdir (Divine Decree). Accidentally we came across Abdullah ibn Umar ibn al-Khattab, while he was entering the mosque. My companion and I surrounded him. One of us (stood) on his right and the other stood on his left. I expected that my companion would authorize me to speak. I therefore said: Abu Abdur Rahman! There have appeared some people in our land who recite the Qur'an and pursue knowledge. And then after talking about their affairs, added: They (such people) claim that there is no such thing as Divine Decree and events are not predestined. He (Abdullah ibn Umar) said: When you happen to meet such people tell them that I have nothing to do with them and they have nothing to do with me. And verily they are in no way responsible for my (belief). Abdullah ibn Umar swore by Him (the Lord) (and said): If any one of them (who does not believe in the Divine Decree) had with him gold equal to the bulk of (the mountain) Uhud and spent it (in the way of Allah), Allah would not accept it unless he affirmed his faith in Divine Decree. 

He further said: My father, Umar ibn al-Khattab, told me: One day we were sitting in the company of Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) when there appeared before us a man dressed in pure white clothes, his hair extraordinarily black. There were no signs of travel on him. None amongst us recognized him. At last he sat with the Apostle (peace be upon him) He knelt before him placed his palms on his thighs and said: Muhammad, inform me about al-Islam. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Al-Islam implies that you testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, and you establish prayer, pay Zakat, observe the fast of Ramadan, and perform pilgrimage to the (House) if you are solvent enough (to bear the expense of) the journey. He (the inquirer) said: You have told the truth. He (Umar ibn al-Khattab) said: It amazed us that he would put the question and then he would himself verify the truth. He (the inquirer) said: Inform me about Iman (faith). He (the Holy Prophet) replied: That you affirm your faith in Allah, in His angels, in His Books, in His Apostles, in the Day of Judgment, and you affirm your faith in the Divine Decree about good and evil. He (the inquirer) said: You have told the truth. He (the inquirer) again said: Inform me about al-Ihsan (performance of good deeds). He (the Holy Prophet) said: That you worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, for though you don't see Him, He, verily, sees you. He (the enquirer) again said: Inform me about the hour (of the Doom). He (the Holy Prophet) remarked: One who is asked knows no more than the one who is inquiring (about it). He (the inquirer) said: Tell me some of its indications. He (the Holy Prophet) said: That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and master, that you will find barefooted, destitute goat-herds vying with one another in the construction of magnificent buildings. He (the narrator, Umar ibn al-Khattab) said: Then he (the inquirer) went on his way but I stayed with him (the Holy Prophet) for a long while. He then, said to me: Umar, do you know who this inquirer was? I replied: Allah and His Apostle knows best. He (the Holy Prophet) remarked: He was Gabriel (the angel). He came to you in order to instruct you in matters of religion.

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو خَيْثَمَةَ، زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، عَنْ كَهْمَسٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ بُرَيْدَةَ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ يَعْمَرَ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُعَاذٍ الْعَنْبَرِيُّ، - وَهَذَا حَدِيثُهُ - حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، حَدَّثَنَا كَهْمَسٌ، عَنِ ابْنِ بُرَيْدَةَ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ يَعْمَرَ، قَالَ كَانَ أَوَّلَ مَنْ قَالَ فِي الْقَدَرِ بِالْبَصْرَةِ مَعْبَدٌ الْجُهَنِيُّ فَانْطَلَقْتُ أَنَا وَحُمَيْدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ الْحِمْيَرِيُّ حَاجَّيْنِ أَوْ مُعْتَمِرَيْنِ فَقُلْنَا لَوْ لَقِينَا أَحَدًا مِنْ أَصْحَابِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَسَأَلْنَاهُ عَمَّا يَقُولُ هَؤُلاَءِ فِي الْقَدَرِ فَوُفِّقَ لَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ دَاخِلاً الْمَسْجِدَ فَاكْتَنَفْتُهُ أَنَا وَصَاحِبِي أَحَدُنَا عَنْ يَمِينِهِ وَالآخَرُ عَنْ شِمَالِهِ فَظَنَنْتُ أَنَّ صَاحِبِي سَيَكِلُ الْكَلاَمَ إِلَىَّ فَقُلْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ إِنَّهُ قَدْ ظَهَرَ قِبَلَنَا نَاسٌ يَقْرَءُونَ الْقُرْآنَ وَيَتَقَفَّرُونَ الْعِلْمَ - وَذَكَرَ مِنْ شَأْنِهِمْ - وَأَنَّهُمْ يَزْعُمُونَ أَنْ لاَ قَدَرَ وَأَنَّ الأَمْرَ أُنُفٌ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَإِذَا لَقِيتَ أُولَئِكَ فَأَخْبِرْهُمْ أَنِّي بَرِيءٌ مِنْهُمْ وَأَنَّهُمْ بُرَآءُ مِنِّي وَالَّذِي يَحْلِفُ بِهِ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عُمَرَ لَوْ أَنَّ لأَحَدِهِمْ مِثْلَ أُحُدٍ ذَهَبًا فَأَنْفَقَهُ مَا قَبِلَ اللَّهُ مِنْهُ حَتَّى يُؤْمِنَ بِالْقَدَرِ ثُمَّ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبِي عُمَرُ بْنُ الْخَطَّابِ قَالَ بَيْنَمَا نَحْنُ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ذَاتَ يَوْمٍ إِذْ طَلَعَ عَلَيْنَا رَجُلٌ شَدِيدُ بَيَاضِ الثِّيَابِ شَدِيدُ سَوَادِ الشَّعَرِ لاَ يُرَى عَلَيْهِ أَثَرُ السَّفَرِ وَلاَ يَعْرِفُهُ مِنَّا أَحَدٌ حَتَّى جَلَسَ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَأَسْنَدَ رُكْبَتَيْهِ إِلَى رُكْبَتَيْهِ وَوَضَعَ كَفَّيْهِ عَلَى فَخِذَيْهِ وَقَالَ يَا مُحَمَّدُ أَخْبِرْنِي عَنِ الإِسْلاَمِ ‏.‏ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ الإِسْلاَمُ أَنْ تَشْهَدَ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ وَتُقِيمَ الصَّلاَةَ وَتُؤْتِيَ الزَّكَاةَ وَتَصُومَ رَمَضَانَ وَتَحُجَّ الْبَيْتَ إِنِ اسْتَطَعْتَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلاً ‏.‏ قَالَ صَدَقْتَ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَعَجِبْنَا لَهُ يَسْأَلُهُ وَيُصَدِّقُهُ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَأَخْبِرْنِي عَنِ الإِيمَانِ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ أَنْ تُؤْمِنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلاَئِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ وَتُؤْمِنَ بِالْقَدَرِ خَيْرِهِ وَشَرِّهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ صَدَقْتَ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَأَخْبِرْنِي عَنِ الإِحْسَانِ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ أَنْ تَعْبُدَ اللَّهَ كَأَنَّكَ تَرَاهُ فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ تَرَاهُ فَإِنَّهُ يَرَاكَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَأَخْبِرْنِي عَنِ السَّاعَةِ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ مَا الْمَسْئُولُ عَنْهَا بِأَعْلَمَ مِنَ السَّائِلِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَأَخْبِرْنِي عَنْ أَمَارَتِهَا ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ أَنْ تَلِدَ الأَمَةُ رَبَّتَهَا وَأَنْ تَرَى الْحُفَاةَ الْعُرَاةَ الْعَالَةَ رِعَاءَ الشَّاءِ يَتَطَاوَلُونَ فِي الْبُنْيَانِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ انْطَلَقَ فَلَبِثْتُ مَلِيًّا ثُمَّ قَالَ لِي ‏"‏ يَا عُمَرُ أَتَدْرِي مَنِ 

السَّائِلُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قُلْتُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَعْلَمُ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ فَإِنَّهُ جِبْرِيلُ أَتَاكُمْ يُعَلِّمُكُمْ دِينَكُمْ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

You may like to view the video explaining the same Hadith:

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, read this (or listen to the video) time and again and let our children also read it time and again until the meaning of Islam and faith becomes crystal clear to us, In sha Allah.

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.

Please also refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah / Hadith of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. 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.

Photo | Source of Hadith

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

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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.

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Qur’an provides guidance to those who believe in the "Ghaib"

Belief in the unseen is one of the most difficult things to perceive. Yet, men since time immemorial have BELIEVED that there is Deity mightier than all that created this universe and controls the movement of everything in it. How do we develop this understanding, otherwise called Belief and Faith? For one thing, Divine revelations were passed on to some of the most pious and character strong men, we know as prophets and messengers. 

When these Divine revelations came to be known to the man, many believed while many did not. Those who believed found the relevance of what was said and what they saw around them. The celestial world above, the dawn of day and night, change of weather and growth of plants and all living beings all started to make sense that all that was seen was being managed and controlled by a power mightier than all, matchless to any earthly being. We thus came to know that there exists One Supreme Being, as mentioned in the successive Divine Scriptures, that is the Master of the entire universe.

On the contrary, there were many who did not believe in there being a Super Power because it was not seen anywhere. The present-day atheists are this branch of people who want scientific proof of everything. In fact, they "rubbish" the divine Scriptures for these do not prove anything scientifically. But what they fail to understand is that Divine Scriptures are not books of sciences but books of SIGNS. However, those with wisdom read the Godly signs and realize the reality of One Singular Deity that controls the world. We also come to know the reality of angels, heavens, and fate of earlier people who believed and those who did not. Through these Divine Books we come to know creation of man, their enticement by Satan and expulsion thereof to the earth.

Here one thing more emerges that is sometimes questioned: What is Ghaib and is it Ghaib for the Creator of the universe as well?  The 3rd verse of Surah 2. Al Baqarah (The Cow) answers this question. First read the verse and its explanation and then we conclude with a plausible answer. In fact, this verse is continuation of the second verse of the Surah which says: This is the Book (Qur'an)about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah. Now connect this verse with the 3rd verse:

الَّذِيۡنَ يُؤۡمِنُوۡنَ بِالۡغَيۡبِ وَ يُقِيۡمُوۡنَ الصَّلٰوةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقۡنٰهُمۡ يُنۡفِقُوۡنَۙ‏ 

(2:3) for those who believe in the existence of that which is beyond the reach of perception, who establish Prayer and spend out of what We have provided them,

(For those who believe in the existence of that which is beyond the reach of perception) The second condition for obtaining guidance from the Qur'an is that one must believe in the "unseen" -- those realities which cannot be perceived by the senses and which do not come within human experience and observation, e.g. the essence and attributes of Allah, Angels, Revelation, Heaven, Hell, etc. These things must be taken on trust from the experts (Prophets) just as we do in many cases in the physical world. Therefore, only such a person, who believes in the "unseen", can benefit from the Guidance of the Qur'an. As for the one who believes only in those things which can be seen, tasted and smelt, or can be measured and weighed, cannot get any guidance from this Book. 

(who establish Prayer) The third condition to benefit from the Qur'an is that one should be willing and ready to put into practice the teachings of the Qur'an. As the Salat (Prayer) is the first and foremost obligatory duty enjoined by the Qur'an, it is the practical proof and permanent test of the sincerity of one's Faith. Therefore, after a person's profession of Islam, the moment he hears the call to the Prayer (which sounds regularly five times a day from every mosque in the Muslim world), he should join the congregation for the Salat, because this determines whether he is sincere in his profession or not. If he does not attend to the call and join the congregation, it is an indication that he is not sincere in his profession. It must also be noted that "iqama-tus-Salat¦(the establishment of Prayer is the comprehensive term. It means that Salat should be performed in congregation and that permanent arrangements should be made for it in every habitation; otherwise, Salat will not be considered to have been established, even if every inhabitant of a place offers the Salat individually.

(and spend out of what We have provided them) The fourth condition to benefit from the Qur' an is that one should be willing to part with one's money according to the instructions of the Book in order to render the rights of Allah and Man and should make monetary sacrifices for the cause of Islam which he has accepted.

Muhammad Asad Explanation:

Al-ghayb (commonly, and erroneously, translated as "the Unseen") is used in the Qur'an to denote all those sectors or phases of reality which lie beyond the range of human perception and cannot, therefore, be proved or disproved by scientific observation or even adequately comprised within the accepted categories of speculative thought: as, for instance, the existence of God and of a definite purpose underlying the universe, life after death, the real nature of time, the existence of spiritual forces and their inter-action, and so forth. Only a person who is convinced that the ultimate reality comprises far more than our observable environment can attain to belief in God and, thus, to a belief that life has meaning and purpose. By pointing out that it is "a guidance for those who believe in the existence of that which is beyond human perception", the Qur'an says, in effect, that it will - of necessity - remain a closed book to all whose minds cannot accept this fundamental premise.

Ar-rizq ("provision of sustenance") applies to all that may be of benefit to man, whether it be concrete (like food, property, offspring, etc.) or abstract (like knowledge, piety, etc.). The "spending on others" is mentioned here in one breath with God-consciousness and prayer because it is precisely in such selfless acts that true piety comes to its full fruition. It should be borne in mind that the verb anfaqa (lit., "he spent") is always used in the Qur'an to denote spending freely on, or as a gift to, others, whatever the motive may be.

Yusuf Ali Explanation: 

All bounties proceed from God. They may be physical gifts, e.g., food, clothing, houses, gardens, wealth, etc. or intangible gifts, e.g., influence, power, birth and the opportunities flowing from it, health, talents, etc. or spiritual gifts, e.g, insight into good and evil, understanding of men, the capacity for love, etc. We are to use all in humility and moderation. But we are also to give out of every one of them something that contributes to the well-being of others. We are to be neither ascetics nor luxurious sybarites, neither selfish misers nor thoughless prodigals.

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

The actual words are: يُؤۡمِنُوۡنَ بِالۡغَيۡبِ. In the opinion of this writer, the particle ب denotes a ظرف (nomen locus). The implication is that they profess belief while remaining in الْغَيْبِ. This means that they are not slaves to what can be observed or is tangible; they have a spiritual and intellectual existence and hence do not insist that they will only accept those facts which they can behold. They tread their way in the light of their intellect and they accept all those things to which their intellect testifies or nature points to and in order to fulfil the obligations entailed by professing faith in these realities are also ready to go as far as to sacrifice their material needs to fulfil them.

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

The most essential quality of the God-fearing believers is their conscious, active moral unity that enriches their souls with profound belief in the imperceptible, or ghayb, dedication to their religious obligations, recognition of all God’s messengers, and unshakeable certainty in the hereafter. Such are the ingredients that make the Muslim faith a complete whole and distinguishes believers from unbelievers. Such a thorough outlook is worthy of God’s final message to man, which was intended as a focus and a guide for all human endeavour on this earth. Man is called upon to adopt this message and lead a complete and wholesome life, guided by its light which shapes man’s feelings, actions, beliefs and ways of living and behaviour.

Concluding remarks: It may be added here that some question the word "Ghaib" and ask is there anything which beyond the perception of even God? Nay, it is not. In fact, whenever the word Ghaib is used in Qur'an, it means things hidden from man or from his perception. Nothing can be hidden from the Deity Who creates everything. So, the realm of Ghaib is from the perspective of man and not God.

After having read this verse, and connecting it with the previous verse, it can be concluded that Qur'an provides guidance to those who are:

• Conscious of Allah
• Believe in the existence of that which is beyond the reach of perception
• Establish Prayer
• And spend out of what We have provided them

Are we, my brothers and sisters in Islam among these, with true faith and belief in Allah?

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.

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.

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Compiled verses from Qur'an on specific subjects: Life

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Social Relations and Etiquettes 

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Al Qur'an guides and helps those who sincerely seek Divine Guidance and Help.

You may refer to our reference page: Important DOs and Don'ts from Qur'an to read more directives on the subject.

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Importance of charity in Islam

You may refer to our reference page: Faith in Allah to read more directives on the subject.

You may refer to our reference page: Believers!! Beware of the Rules of the Divine Court on the Day of Judgement to read more directives on the subject. 

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from the following sources: 

• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Muhammad Asad Translation
• Yusuf Ali Translation
• Translation Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• Qur'an Wiki
• Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle
• Towards Understanding the Quran

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.

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.

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