How did God respond to prayer of Prophet Ibraheem (Abraham) - with a stern caution for the disbelievers

The creation of the universe by our Creator was not mere cosmetic Divine feat. It was created to show man the magnitude of powers and abilities of God so that they take heed and believe in him. For this, many prophets were sent to different nations, but most mocked the prophets and the Divine message they brought to them. Even Prophet Ibraheem (Abraham عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was mocked by the polytheists and idol worshippers when he told them that they idols the make with their own hands are but lifeless pieces of stone.

Herein under we share a prayer of Prophet Ibraheem which he made after laying the foundation and four walls of present day Ka'bah (the cubicle in the center of Masjid al Haram in Makkah). Since these four walls represented a direction where every Muslim around the world were to face and pray. When Prophet Ibraheem had finished with his work, he made a supplication to God to preserve this place forever.

The prayer made by Prophet Ibraheem is mentioned in verse 126 of Surah Al Baqarah (The Cow), the second surah of Al Qur'an, given herein under along with the Divine response to it. This a very important verse of Al Qur'an which carries a life long message for all those who still disbelieve in One True God.

The Verse

وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمُ رَبِّ ٱجْعَلْ هَـٰذَا بَلَدًا ءَامِنًۭا وَٱرْزُقْ أَهْلَهُۥ مِنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ مَنْ ءَامَنَ مِنْهُم بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرِ ۖ قَالَ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَأُمَتِّعُهُۥ قَلِيلًۭا ثُمَّ أَضْطَرُّهُۥٓ إِلَىٰ عَذَابِ ٱلنَّارِ ۖ وَبِئْسَ ٱلْمَصِيرُ

"And [mention] when Abraham said, 'My Lord, make this city [of Mecca] secure and provide fruits to its people—those among them who believe in Allah and the Last Day.' He answered, 'And as for those who disbelieve, I will let them enjoy themselves for a little while; then I will force them to the punishment of the Fire, and wretched is the destination'".

Context of the verse

2:126 is from Surah Al-Baqarah. It records a supplication made by Prophet Ibrahim. This verse appears in a passage (2:124–129) about Prophet Ibrahim's role as a model of faith and the establishment of the Kaaba as a center of worship. The sequence is significant:

• 2:124: Allah appoints Ibrahim as a leader (imam) after testing him.
• 2:125: The Kaaba is declared a place of worship and security.
• 2:126: Ibrahim prays for the security and prosperity of the city.
• 2:127–129: Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail raise the foundations of the Kaaba and pray for future generations.

Thus, verse 2:126 is part of a larger narrative about building a community founded on faith, peace, and devotion to Allah.

The explanation should be read in conjunction with detailed tafsir given at: Surah Al Baqarah - The Cow: 2nd Chapter of Quran (Exegesis Section 2). The explanation herein under is only a bird eye of the verse.

Explanation of the Verse

1.    What is Ibrahim asking for? His prayer has two requests:

• Security "My Lord, make this a secure city..." That is he asks that the city (understood to be Mecca) be a place of peace, where people can live and worship without fear.
• Provision "...and provide its people with fruits..." - that is he prays for material well-being and sustenance.

Notice that Ibrahim initially qualifies this second request: "...whoever among them believes in Allah and the Last Day." He asks that believing people receive these blessings.

The Ibrahimic wisdom One may also notice that Prophet Ibrahim (علیہ السلام) did not pray for the land of Makkah to be made fertile, but suggested in his prayer that the fruits might come to Makkah from somewhere else as an import. 

• He probably intended that his descendants should not get unduly absorbed in agriculture, for his purpose in founding the settlement was that his people لیقوموا الصلاۃ "should be steadfast in the prayers." In other words, he wanted the essential function of his descendants to protect "the House of Allah" and to engage themselves in acts of worship. Otherwise, he could have prayed for Makkah itself to be made fertile, and Allah would have granted the prayer as easily.
• And if we correlate this prophetic wisdom to present days, we will find that there still is no vegetation, even water, enough for inhabitants of Makkah today. To this are added millions of pilgrims who visit Makkah each year. Yet provisions are brought in along with water in so much abundance that it suffices the entire people and pilgrims present at any time of the year, specially during the days of Hajj (the annual pilgrimage) when millions of pilgrims are present in Makkah at one time.

Ibn Kathir notes that this was a supplication for Makkah to be a place free of fear and terror. Allah fulfilled this by making the Kaaba an area where even the surrounding areas were in danger, but those who entered Makkah were protected. Ibrahim also asked for fruits to feed its people, asking Allah to limit this blessing to those who “believe in Allah and the Last Day”.  

2.    Allah's response Allah broadens the scope of the prayer:

"And whoever disbelieves—I will grant him enjoyment for a little..."

This is a profound theological point: Allah explains that His provision in this world is not limited to believers. He gives food, health, wealth, rain, and opportunities to believers and non-believers alike. Worldly blessings are expressions of His generosity and wisdom, not necessarily indicators of a person's spiritual standing. However, the verse continues by distinguishing between temporary worldly enjoyment and ultimate accountability in the Hereafter.

One of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi explains this part of the verse as under:

When Abraham prayed to Allah to provide his descendants with the necessities of life, he excluded from his prayer the would-be transgressors, because Allah had excluded them from His promise of leadership. Allah, however, removed his misunderstanding immediately, saying, "There is a great difference between the two things. While the righteous leadership will be bestowed upon the true believers only, the necessities of life will be given to both the believers and the unbelievers." It also implies that the possession of wealth is not the standard to judge whether Allah is pleased with one or not. If one is given abundance of wealth, it does not necessarily mean that Allah is pleased with him and considers him to be worthy of leadership as well.

Notable Muslim scholar of 14th century Ibn Kathir notes: Allah is incredibly Merciful and Sustaining, granting worldly provision, wealth, and enjoyment even to the disbelievers. However, this provision is brief and temporary. After a brief period of worldly enjoyment, the disbeliever's fate is absolute and eternal torment in the Hellfire. 

The main lessons

This verse teaches several principles:

• Peace and security are blessings to pray for.
• Material provision is a blessing from Allah.
• Allah's mercy in this world extends to all people.
• Worldly success is not, by itself, proof of Allah's approval.
• Every person remains accountable for their response to faith.
• Why is it sometimes quoted to non-Muslims?

The verse is occasionally shared in interfaith discussions because it highlights an important Quranic principle:

Allah's worldly mercy is universal: The Quran consistently teaches that Allah provides for all humanity, regardless of belief. Elsewhere, it says:

"There is no creature on earth except that its provision is upon Allah." (Surah Hud 11:6)

This can help correct the misconception that Islam teaches Allah cares only for Muslims. According to the Quran, sunlight, rain, sustenance, and countless other blessings are given to humanity broadly.

However, Quran 2:126 is not a verse that Muslims are instructed to "oft repeat" specifically to non-Muslims. The Quran does not single it out for that purpose. If someone cites it in conversation, it is usually to illustrate:

• Allah's generosity toward all people.
• The distinction between worldly blessings and eternal reward.
• The shared spiritual heritage of Prophet Ibrahim, who is revered in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
• How should we reflect on it today?

This verse invites several reflections:

• Pray for peace before prosperity. Ibrahim first asks for security, then for provision. A society without safety cannot truly flourish.
• Recognize Allah's universal mercy. Every blessing we enjoy—food, health, family, opportunities—is part of Allah's sustaining care.
• Avoid judging people by material success. Wealth or comfort is not necessarily a measure of spiritual worth.
• Use worldly blessings responsibly. Since provision is a gift, it should lead to gratitude, generosity, and remembrance of Allah.

Ultimately, Quran 2:126 presents a balanced vision: seek a peaceful and prosperous society, appreciate that Allah's mercy encompasses all people in this life, and remember that the lasting distinction between people lies not in what they possess, but in how they respond to Allah's guidance and live their lives accordingly.

You may watch the video below in which prominent Muslim scholar Nauman Ali Khan explains the above quoted verse:

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 refer to more Selected Verses from Surah 2 Al Baqarah (The Cow)  already published

You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages: 

• Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
• Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
• 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 | 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 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, 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.

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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How to better benefit from the month of Ramadan

Month of Ramadan is once a year opportunity for the believers to get close to Allah by fasting, an act of worship which is exclusively to please Allah. In this month, the life style of the Muslims undergoes a phenomenal change whereby they abstain from all Halal things which are otherwise allowed to them during the remaining eleven months of the year. This month comes both in winters and summers owing to alignment of Lunar Calendar in Islam. 

It is Divinely said in In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185):

"Ramadan is the month in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights the new moon of the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship, and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful."

This verse is often interpreted as describing the blessings, ease, and mercy that Allah provides to His believers during the month of Ramadan. Let’s break down the specific meanings related to "ease and mercy" that Allah intends:

Ease in Fasting:

• Allah does not intend for you hardship: The verse directly states that Allah’s intent in prescribing fasting during Ramadan is not to make things difficult for His believers, but rather to make it easy for them. While fasting can seem physically demanding, the rewards and spiritual benefits make it easier for a believer who is sincere in their faith. The overall goal is to spiritually strengthen the individual, not to burden them. Allah has created the fast in such a way that the believer can endure it, and through His mercy, makes it possible for them to achieve the reward.
• Flexibility for illness or travel: The verse also specifies that those who are ill or traveling are permitted to postpone their fast to a later time, highlighting Allah’s mercy and ease. This flexibility ensures that those who may not be able to fast during Ramadan due to health or travel are not unduly burdened, but rather allowed to make up the fasts later.

Ease in the Process of Repentance and Forgiveness:

• Spiritual Mercy: Ramadan is a month of intense worship, prayer, and reflection, where Allah’s mercy is abundant. The fast itself serves as a means of spiritual purification. In many hadiths, it is mentioned that during Ramadan, Allah’s mercy is poured out, and believers who seek forgiveness are granted it.
• Forgiveness for Sins: Ramadan is seen as a time when Allah’s mercy is especially prevalent. It’s a time when sins are forgiven, prayers are accepted, and the believer can purify themselves. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and hoping for reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 38). This hadith shows Allah’s mercy and His willingness to forgive those who strive in worship during Ramadan.

Spiritual Benefits and Ease of Worship:

• Closer Connection to Allah: During Ramadan, believers engage in more prayer (such as Taraweeh), recitation of the Qur'an, and acts of charity. Allah provides ease in this spiritual growth. The act of fasting itself purifies the soul and allows for a deeper connection with Allah. The peace and tranquility of Ramadan make it a time when a believer can engage in worship more readily, as the distractions of daily life are minimized.
• Increased Reward for Acts of Worship: Allah’s mercy in Ramadan also includes multiplying the rewards of good deeds. The rewards for acts of worship, such as prayer, charity, and fasting, are heightened during Ramadan. This makes it easier for the believer to earn great rewards in a relatively short period of time.

Implications of not observing Ramadan in its true spirit

When Allah has promised so much ease and concessions to us, we would utter losers if we do not draw maximum benefit from the mercy of Allah by fasting the way it is meant for us. This calls for a complete transformation of our lifestyle during this sacred month and leave every thins that takes us away from remembrance of Allah. Let us have a brief look at our acts which we keep doing even when fasting and thus fail to receive mercy of Allah for Allah does not require of us to abstain from eating and drinking.

• Sleeping the day altogether: Many a fasting brothers and sisters elect to sleep over the entire day, if not committed in their work, in order to evade the rigours of being hungry and thirsty. This certainly is not the spirit of fasting for it robs us from remembrance of Allah, reciting Qur'an and other forms of worship.
• Busying oneself with mobile apps / games: Many youngsters are often seeing playing games on computers and cellular phones to preoccupy them  and kill time. There are apps of Qur'an and Sunnah which we could listen to instead that not only spiritually nurtures us but also helps to understand Islam much better.
• Watching films on TV / Netflix: Films on TV and channels like Netflix are easy means of whiling away time in between the Sahoor (the pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (the meal of breaking fast at sunset). Imagine this time being devoted to reciting Qur'an or offering voluntary prayers (Nafl) and thus bagging immense dividends from Allah as promised by Him.

We could go on and on for such activities wasted away in leisure rather than activities that go by the spirit of Ramadan and harnessing oneself from every act that may take us from the pleasure of Allah.

For now, we share a very informative lecture by one of the most eminent scholars of present times, Nouman Ali Khan, who elaborates the verse quoted above and advises the Muslim brethren specially the youth as how to spend the day while fasting. 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 listen to this video again and again and really understand how Allah wants us to be His servants and how we should always be looking towards him, and no one else, for our worldly needs. If we can really absorb the meaning of this verse into ourselves, we will never go astray or be misled by worldly desires or following the priests and imams or asking from the dead saints.

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 like to refer to our reference page: Ramadan: The Month of Fasting and Blessings to know more about Ramadan. Also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

Photo |  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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What you really need to know to better benefit from fasting in the month of Ramadan

There is no Islamic month other than the month of Ramadan which most eagerly awaited by the Muslims all over the world. And their eagerness is justified for the reason that month of Ramadan is not only one of the five Pillars of Islam, but its reward is directly given by Allah for fasting in Ramadan is a form of worship directly between the fasting believer and his Creator, Allah Jalla Jalaluhu “ﷻ”. 

Before we share a very informative and befitting video on the month of Ramadan, let us hurriedly run over a few spiritual, emotional, and social reasons for why Muslims so eagerly wait for the month of Ramadan:

Spiritual Significance: 

Ramadan is considered the holiest month in Islam. It's a time for Muslims to strengthen their faith and draw closer to Allah (God). It is believed that during Ramadan, the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, making it a time of deep reflection and devotion.

Fasting as a Spiritual Practice: 

Fasting during Ramadan (known as Sawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. This practice teaches self-discipline, patience, and empathy for those who are less fortunate. Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and other physical needs. It's not just about abstaining from food but also about purifying one's soul and seeking forgiveness.

Increased Rewards: 

Muslims believe that acts of worship and good deeds performed during Ramadan are multiplied in reward. This makes it a particularly precious time for worship, prayer, and charity. It is a time to earn the mercy and blessings of Allah.

Community and Togetherness: 

Ramadan fosters a strong sense of community. Muslims come together to break their fast at Iftar (the meal at sunset), and many gather for Taraweeh prayers at night. There’s also a strong tradition of charity during Ramadan, as people are encouraged to give to those in need.

Personal Reflection and Improvement: 

Ramadan is often seen as an opportunity for personal reflection, to evaluate one’s life, and to make positive changes. The month offers a chance for Muslims to improve themselves spiritually, mentally, and physically, making it a deeply transformative experience.

Gratitude and Humility: 

Experiencing hunger and thirst throughout the day reminds Muslims of the struggles faced by the less fortunate. This cultivates a sense of gratitude and humility, as well as an increased commitment to acts of charity, such as giving Zakat (almsgiving).

In short, Ramadan is eagerly awaited because it's a time for deep spiritual growth, devotion, and connection with both God and the community. It holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims, who see it as a time to cleanse the soul and renew their faith.

You are now requested to watch a video by eminent Muslim scholar Nauman Ali Khan speaking on the importance and benefits one accrues form fasting in the month of Ramada. You will regret not knowing this before Ramadan:

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.

Photo | 

To know more about Ramadan, please refer to our exclusive page: Ramadan: The Month of Fasting and Blessings (Reference Page)

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, 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.

Read More

Who is Shaytan (Satan) and what is his machinating strategy

We all aware of an invisible being called Shaytan or Satan or the Devil and simply attribute anything evil to this character that exists since the creation of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and his wife. Let us today in our this post talk about this being, his machinating strategy and agenda against the entire mankind till the end of this universe. 

Shaytan (also spelled Sahitan) is the Arabic term for "Satan" or "the Devil" in Islam. In Islamic theology, Shaytan is a supernatural being, a jinn, who rebelled against God (Allah). His main agenda is to lead humans astray, away from the worship and obedience of Allah. This is based on the Islamic narrative of the creation of humanity, where God created the first human, Adam, and ordered all the angels to bow to him. Shaytan, who was a jinn, refused to bow, citing his superiority over Adam, as he was created from smokeless fire, while Adam was created from clay. As a result, Shaytan was cast out of Paradise.

At that time, Shaytan confronted the God Almighty and promised him that: "Because You have sent me astray, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].'" Surah Al-A'raf (7:16-17) 

* Also read our post: Beware: Procrastination is Satanic

His main role is as an antagonist in the Qur'an, where he attempts to tempt humans into disobedience. He uses various strategies, such as whispering evil thoughts, instilling doubt, and enticing people to sin. He is seen as the eternal enemy of humanity and is particularly concerned with leading people into wrongdoing by encouraging pride, arrogance, and desires that go against the teachings of Islam.

Shaytan's agenda in Islam is:

• To divert humans from worshiping Allah: 
• He tries to distract believers from fulfilling their purpose of worship and submission to God. 
• Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught his followers to seek refuge from Satan’s evil whispers, particularly before beginning certain important acts like prayer, eating, or entering the home. 
• In one of his Hadiths, the revered Prophet ﷺ cautioned: "When one of you enters his house, let him say: 'Bismillah' (In the name of Allah), for when he says it, Satan will not enter with him." (Sahih Muslim)
• He also recommended reciting certain supplications for protection from Satan, such as saying "A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan) before various activities.
• To tempt and incite people to disobey Allah: This is the first thing Satan did and enticed Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit by enticing them with sweet flavored words as mentioned in Qur'an: "Then Shaytan whispered to them to reveal to them that which was concealed from them of their private parts and said, 'Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you become angels or become of the immortals.'" Surah Al-A'raf (7:20-22). Deceived by his explanation of the Divine order, both Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, resulting in their fall from grace and ouster from the Paradise to earth.
• To spread corruption and evil: Shaytan encourages immoral behavior, lies, and deception.
• To instill doubt: He tempts people with doubt about their faith or Allah’s commands, leading them to question what is right and wrong.
• To weaken faith: Shaytan aims to make people lose their connection to Allah, tempting them to neglect their religious duties like prayer, fasting, and charity. This is mentioned in Qur'an: "Satan has overcome them and forgotten the remembrance of Allah. Those are the party of Satan. Verily, it is the party of Satan that will be the losers." Surah Al-Mujadila (58:19)
• To instill pride and arrogance among people: 
• Satan’s refusal to bow to Adam was a result of his arrogance and pride. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned against the dangers of pride, which is a trait that Satan tries to instill in humans.
• Prophet Muhammad, ﷺ, once said: "No one who has an atom's-weight of pride in his heart will enter Paradise." (Sahih Muslim) This warning was a reminder to Muslims to avoid arrogance, as it is one of Satan’s primary tools to lead people astray.

The Ultimate Satanic Betrayal 

While in this world, Shaytan is always enticing people, specially believers, away from the worship of Allah and into a life of lewdness and making them sinful and thus liable for Divine admonishment and chastisement. Having deceived people in this world, the bombshell awaits in the afterlife when Shaytan will simply shrug his shoulders when seeing people being punished for a way of life he enticed people into.  On that day, he will simple absolve him from the blame of deceiving people. 

This is exactly what has been mentioned in Qur'an: "And Shaytan will say when the matter has been decided, 'Indeed, Allah had promised you the promise of truth, and I promised you, but I betrayed you. And I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me. So do not blame me, but blame yourselves.'" Surah Ibrahim (14:22)

In summary, Shaytan is depicted in the Qur'an as a deceiver, misleader, and enemy of humanity. His influence is presented as a constant challenge for believers, who are urged to seek protection from his whispers and to remain steadfast in their faith and obedience to Allah. The Qur'an emphasizes that humans have the free will to resist Shaytan's temptations by turning to Allah for guidance and strength.

How to Repel Satan’s Influence?

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized that performing righteous actions, such as prayer, charity, and recitation of the Qur'an, helps protect against Satan’s influence.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "When the son of Adam recites a verse of prostration and prostrates, Satan withdraws, weeping, and says: 'Woe to me! The son of Adam was commanded to prostrate, and he prostrated, so he will have Paradise. But I was commanded to prostrate, and I refused, so I will have Hell.'" (Sahih Muslim)

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of being aware of Satan's presence and influence in everyday life. His teachings highlight the constant battle between good and evil, encouraging believers to be vigilant, seek protection through supplication, and act righteously to guard themselves against the whispers and traps of Satan. The ultimate defense against Satan, as emphasized by the Prophet, is complete reliance on Allah and striving to live a life of sincerity, humility, and worship.

While many consider them too weak against the Satanic machinations, it must be understood that Shaytan's power is limited in Islam; he cannot force anyone to do anything but can only suggest and tempt. Muslims are taught to seek refuge in Allah from Shaytan’s whispers and to be vigilant against his attempts to lead them astray. One of the most common phrases used by Muslims to protect themselves from Shaytan’s influence is "A'udhu billahi min ash-shaytan ir-rajim - أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم" ("I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil").

This in brief is the true nature of ouster of Shaytan from the Divine court and descent to earth. You may now listen to a very informative lecture and an incredible explanation of Shaytan by Ustadh Nauman Ali Khan:

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 listen to this video again and again and really understand how Allah wants us to be His servants and how we should always be looking towards him, and no one else, for our worldly needs. If we can really Ingrid the meaning of this verse into ourselves, we will never go astray or be misled by worldly desires or following the priests and imams or asking from the dead saints.

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. 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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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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Role of "Good" Muslim women in their Marriage

Marriage in Islam is considered a sacred and important institution. It is not just a social contract, but also a moral and spiritual bond between a man and a woman. The concept of marriage in Islam is based on mutual love, respect, and compassion, and it is seen as a means of fulfilling one's natural desires in a lawful and ethical way. In fact, marriage in Islam is viewed as a way to build a family, maintain social stability, and seek tranquility. The Quran mentions marriage as a way to find peace, love, and mercy in each other (" And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you compassion and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect." Quran 30:21). It also emphasizes the importance of procreation, with the intention of raising children in a nurturing, moral, and religious environment.

In our previous post: Understanding the misunderstood concept of "Superiority"  of men over women in Islam, we shared the answer to the misnomer that many have about the so called "superiority" of men over women in marriage. In that we shared the 34th verse from Surah 4 An Nisa (The Women) which had two parts as under:

اَلرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُوۡنَ عَلَى النِّسَآءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللّٰهُ بَعۡضَهُمۡ عَلٰى بَعۡضٍ وَّبِمَاۤ اَنۡفَقُوۡا مِنۡ اَمۡوَالِهِمۡ​ ؕ فَالصّٰلِحٰتُ قٰنِتٰتٌ حٰفِظٰتٌ لِّلۡغَيۡبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ اللّٰهُ​ ؕ وَالّٰتِىۡ تَخَافُوۡنَ نُشُوۡزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوۡهُنَّ وَاهۡجُرُوۡهُنَّ فِى الۡمَضَاجِعِ وَاضۡرِبُوۡهُنَّ​ ۚ فَاِنۡ اَطَعۡنَكُمۡ فَلَا تَبۡغُوۡا عَلَيۡهِنَّ سَبِيۡلًا​ ؕاِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلِيًّا كَبِيۡرًا‏ 

(4:34) Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other, and because they spend out of their possessions (to support them). Thus righteous women are obedient and guard the rights of men in their absence under Allah's protection. As for women of whom you fear rebellion, admonish them, and remain apart from them in beds, and beat them. Then if they obey you, do not seek ways to harm them. Allah is Exalted, Great.

In the first part, "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other, and because they spend out of their possessions (to support them)" It was clarified that men are placed as caretaker of their wives by providing them financial support to run the household and all other related matters like paying bills, ensuring provision of healthcare for the spouse and the children and grooming of children by providing them good education and related requirements. In fact, more than a caretaker, man are "burdened" with a great responsibility. The post ended with an informative explanation by eminent scholar Nauman Ali Khan.

Today, we will try to explain the second part of the above quoted verse reads:

"Thus righteous women are obedient and guard the rights of men in their absence under Allah's protection. 

The verse starts with the word: Good / righteous women. The word "good" has been used by Allah for the reason that good married women establish their household being God fearing for any act of theirs which is tangent to Commandments of Allah and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would make them liable to disobedience to Divine commandments.

The term "good women" (الطَّائِعَاتُ) refers to women who are obedient to their husbands in accordance with Islamic principles and are mindful of their duties within the marriage. Their obedience is understood to include being faithful, protecting the household, and guarding what is entrusted to them during the husband's absence.  The key aspects of "good women" in this verse include:

• Devout obedience to Allah and their husbands: They are women who respect the role of the husband as the protector and provider within the marriage, and they work to maintain harmony in the relationship.
• Guardianship of what Allah has entrusted to them: This refers to the protection of the family, the home, and the husband's rights during his absence.
• Maintainer of Peace and Tranquility: The peace and tranquility in a household largely depends on the lady of the house. In fact she is the one who controls the thermostat and keeps the temperature in the house under control. Men by nature are aggressive and when burdened with the responsibility of maintaining the household financially, they have to undergo the rigours of ermining money outside. These hardships make them worrisome many a times and enrages them when they find their household is already running in high temperature. This leads to disagreements and misunderstanding between the two spouses. It is here the woman of the house has to control the anger and keep a cool atmosphere, badly needed for a happy home.

Narrating the stature of a good woman, Ibn Kathir, one of the most renowned exegete of Qur'an in his tafsir of Surah An Nisa, quotes Imam Ahmad who recorded that 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Awf said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

إِذَا صَلَّتِ الْمَرْأَةُ خَمْسَهَا، وَصَامَتْ شَهْرَهَا، وَحَفِظَتْ فَرْجَهَا، وَأَطَاعَتْ زَوْجَهَا، قِيلَ لَهَا: ادْخُلِي الْجَنَّةَ مِنْ أَيِّ الْأَبْوَابِ شِئْتِ

(If the woman prayed her five daily prayers, fasted her month, protected her chastity and obeyed her husband, she will be told, 'Enter Paradise from any of its doors you wish.')

This is the good / righteous woman mentioned in above quoted verse.

And if the woman of the house is unable to take stock of things and disobeys her husband with her rebellious attitude, the verse spells out guidance for men on how to deal with marital discord. 

"As for women of whom you fear rebellion, admonish them, and remain apart from them in beds, and beat them. Then if they obey you, do not seek ways to harm them. Allah is Exalted, Great."

This part of the verse touches on the concept of resolving conflicts within marriage, advising men to approach disobedience (Nushuz) in a series of steps. That is if a wife is being disobedient (referring to major disobedience, not minor issues), the husband is instructed to first advise her, then refrain from sharing the bed, as a last resort, establish a form of physical discipline that is non-abusive and meant to correct behavior. 

However, the "beating" is understood in the context of a very controlled and non-abusive action (using a small stick, for example, and with the intention of correction, not harm). The objective is to resolve conflict and restore peace in the relationship. It does not mean beating one's wife on petty matters. Qur'an lays down the methodology of punishing only a rebellious wife in three stages as mentioned above. One should not straightaway start beating his wife, for even beating a wife is least liked in Islam.

The Prophet ﷺ cautioned, “Do not beat your wives in a way that causes harm.” (Sunan Abu Dawood). This shows that, while there is a mention of the husband's authority to address serious issues in the marriage, it is to be done with care, not as an act of oppression or cruelty. The hadiths related to this verse also stress the importance of good treatment and the prohibition of harm. The marriage relationship in Islam is one of mutual support and care, with men fulfilling their roles as providers and protectors, and women fulfilling their roles as caretakers and supporters, always aiming for harmony and equity within the family structure.

The verse concludes with an emphasis on reconciliation and the cessation of any punitive action if the wife returns to obedience. If the woman returns to obedience, then the Quran emphasizes that all conflicts should be put aside, and the husband should not act against her.

You may now listen to the explanation of the second part of the verse as explained by Ustah Nauman Ali Khan:

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.

Photo | Resources: Ibn Kathir

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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Understanding the misunderstood concept of "Superiority" of men over women in Islam

Qur'an is the final Divine Scriptura from Allah and each word contained therein is embodiment of the Divine Wisdom, sometimes hard for ordinary men and women to understand and interpret. Due to their inability to grasp the depth of Divine Wisdom, they usually misunderstand the true perspective of a particular ayat (verse). This is specially so for the many a non Muslim who try to find faults in the Qur'an to question the Divine Wisdom. At the same time, many a Muslims too cannot interpret many verses and thus cannot defend Qur'an when so confronted with the non Muslims.

In the Western world, there is a concept of equality of all genders and no one accepts the hegemony of the other in day to day matters of life, specially in case of marriage. Islam on the other hands lays down explicit delineation of responsibilities for both men and women and treats them equal in many ways. Like for instance, unlike the perception prevailing in the West that women are oppressed in Islam, the women in Islam have been given an exclusive status and have the right to inherit property (something that was un heard of at the time of beginning of Islam and was even laughed at by followers of other religions. In Christianity, the right to inheritance came many centuries later. Women in Islam can do business and can even choose their own spouse. Though, it is a different thing that many a illiterate Muslims or those who are still bounded by old traditions find such "freedom" to women tangent to their family traditions.

With this premise in background, we share today the 34th verse of Surah 4. An Nisa, which is mostly misunderstood and is labelled as unjust for it infringes upon the concept of equality practiced by the West:

اَلرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُوۡنَ عَلَى النِّسَآءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللّٰهُ بَعۡضَهُمۡ عَلٰى بَعۡضٍ وَّبِمَاۤ اَنۡفَقُوۡا مِنۡ اَمۡوَالِهِمۡ​ ؕ فَالصّٰلِحٰتُ قٰنِتٰتٌ حٰفِظٰتٌ لِّلۡغَيۡبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ اللّٰهُ​ ؕ وَالّٰتِىۡ تَخَافُوۡنَ نُشُوۡزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوۡهُنَّ وَاهۡجُرُوۡهُنَّ فِى الۡمَضَاجِعِ وَاضۡرِبُوۡهُنَّ​ ۚ فَاِنۡ اَطَعۡنَكُمۡ فَلَا تَبۡغُوۡا عَلَيۡهِنَّ سَبِيۡلًا​ ؕاِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلِيًّا كَبِيۡرًا‏ 

(4:34) Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other, and because they spend out of their possessions (to support them). Thus righteous women are obedient and guard the rights of men in their absence under Allah's protection. As for women of whom you fear rebellion, admonish them, and remain apart from them in beds, and beat them. Then if they obey you, do not seek ways to harm them. Allah is Exalted, Great.

The verse is often misunderstood within the context of family structure in Islamic tradition. We have already shared the viewpoint of some of the eminent Muslim scholars / exegetes in one of our earlier posts when presenting the Tafsir / exegesis of Surah An. Nisa. Readers my consult the explanation / interpretation of the verse at: Surah An Nisa: 4th Chapter of Qur'an (Part I)

We today share the interpretation of this verse, followed by a very enlightening interpretation of the verse at the end f the post by one of the eminent Muslim scholars of present times.

The term "Qawwamoon (قَوَّامُوۡنَ)" (translated as protectors or maintainers) refers to the responsibility men have in providing for and protecting their wives and families. This is because, in Islamic law, men are generally responsible for the financial upkeep of the family. This includes their wives' needs, housing, food, and clothing. In this regard, qawwamah signifies a role of leadership within the family, but it also implies responsibility and care.

The verse makes it clear that one of the reasons men are designated as "maintainers" is because they spend their wealth for the benefit of their wives. In Islam, men are expected to provide for their family financially, and this is a crucial part of their role.

The mere mention of "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel over the other" is often taken by some of the critics of Islam and proponent of gender equality is taken in the negative and is interpreted as women being slaves or subservient of men, and their husbands as in this case. But every verse of Qur'an should be taken with reference to the context and the mere fact that these are the directions of of our Creator cannot be wrong or usurping the rights of women. 

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "The best of you are those who are the best to their wives." (Tirmidhi). This hadith emphasizes that while men have been given the responsibility of provision and maintenance, they must do so with kindness and respect.

In fact, this verse places a heavy responsibility on men to take care of their women. This is not only a responsibility but a heavy burden on them for after marriage men have to fulfill all needs of their wives and cannot absolve themselves from this responsibility. Even if the wife is earning some money or getting income from somewhere, men cannot ask their wives to share the income of their wives to run the households. It is their money and it is up to them to use that whether to assist their husbands in running the households or on themselves.

To summarize the concept of men being the "maintainers" or "protectors" of women is closely tied to the broader Islamic principle of mutual rights and responsibilities within marriage. It emphasizes that men are entrusted with the financial and protective duties toward their wives, but this is not an authoritarian role. Instead, it comes with the expectation of kindness, care, and respect, ensuring that the husband fulfills his obligations in a just and responsible manner.

The reference to "because Allah has made one of them to excel over the other" refers to the natural differences in physical and social roles. Men have been assigned the responsibility of financial provision, while women have been assigned the role of managing the household and, in many cases, the nurturing of children. It does not imply superiority of men over women but rather assigns roles based on the natural capacities of each. 

I found this photo on internet (without reference to its source) - I am sharing as says it all as for superiority of man over woman

This is the first part of the verse.

In the second verse, women are also admonished to be faithful to their husbands and if they do not obey them their are penalties placed on them and men are allowed to make sure that if they have fulfilled all their obligations towards their wives and they are still unfaithful then they must be properly administered by gradually schooling them. We will share this part in one of our next posts.

We now share an incredible explanation of this verse by one of the most eminent scholars of present times, Nouman Ali Khan. In this enlightening khutbah, Nouman Ali Khan delves into the misunderstood Quranic verse 4:34, often misinterpreted as the "Ayah of hitting women." He unpacks its true meaning, focusing on the Quran’s emphasis on care, responsibility, and mutual respect in marital relationships.

Highlighting the concept of men as maintainers and the spiritual and moral roles of women, he addresses misconceptions and provides a balanced understanding of the verse. Drawing from the Prophet Muhammad's example, the khutbah serves as a reminder to embody kindness, justice, and harmony within family dynamics, aligning personal actions with the teachings of the Quran.:

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 listen to this video again and again and really understand how Allah wants us to be His servants and how we should always be looking towards him, and no one else, for our worldly needs. If we can really Ingrid the meaning of this verse into ourselves, we will never go astray or be misled by worldly desires or following the priests and imams or asking from the dead saints.

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.

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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.

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