Beware! Do not take Mortals as allies instead of Allah - The One True God

No master of a house would tolerate anyone else meddling with the affairs of his household, nor he would like any member of his household seeking advice or help from others bypassing him, thus challenging his authority. Likewise, how can God, the sole Creator of the Universe, the Omnipotent and the unchallenged Master of the Heavens and earth who created all the living organism and the entire celestial universe tolerate anyone taking human beings as their allies rather than Him. 

In verse 102 of Surah Al-Kahf (18:102) Allah warns disbelievers, and even the believers, who seek help from others and take them their allies other than One True God :

اَفَحَسِبَ الَّذِيۡنَ كَفَرُوۡۤا اَنۡ يَّتَّخِذُوۡا عِبَادِىۡ مِنۡ دُوۡنِىۡۤ اَوۡلِيَآءَ​ ؕ اِنَّاۤ اَعۡتَدۡنَا جَهَـنَّمَ لِلۡكٰفِرِيۡنَ نُزُلًا‏ 

"Do those who disbelieve think that they can take My servants instead of Me as allies? Indeed, We have prepared Hell as a lodging for the disbelievers."

This is the conclusion of the whole Surah and is connected with the subject matter of this Surah as a whole. The theme was enunciated at the beginning of the (Surah Ayats 1-8): The Prophet (peace be upon him) invited his people. (1) To give up shirk and adopt the doctrine of Tauhid instead. (2) To give up the worship of the world and to believe in the life of the Hereafter. But the chiefs of his people, who were puffed up with their wealth and grandeur, not only rejected his invitation but also persecuted and insulted those righteous people who had accepted his invitation. 

It is disheartening to see people, many believers included, still follow the deities other than Allah for the realization of their wants and to redress their grievances. We see people calling their deities as Problem Solvers, Helpers, Provider of means of sustenance. This is tantamount to shirk, asking mortals or even the dead, rather the Sole Provider of means of sustenance, Helper and Redressing grievances. While the non Muslims may do whatever they want and follow whomsoever they like, but it is unbecoming of believers to extend their hands in front of mortals instead of Allah.

Let us expand this verse and see how scholars interpret it:

Explanation and Context:

This verse serves as a strong warning to disbelievers who choose to ally themselves with others instead of Allah. It addresses the folly of relying on false deities, people, or entities for support and guidance in place of Allah.

• Disbelievers and False Allies: The verse begins with a rhetorical question highlighting the misguided belief of disbelievers who think they can find protection or help through allies other than Allah. This underscores the futility and danger of such alliances.
• Taking Servants as Allies: "My servants" in this context can refer to righteous people, prophets, or even angels whom disbelievers might mistakenly revere or rely on instead of Allah. The Quran condemns the practice of associating partners with Allah or seeking intermediaries.
• Consequence for Disbelievers: The verse concludes with a clear and stern warning: Hell has been prepared as a lodging for the disbelievers. This underscores the severe consequences of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and disbelief.

Related References from the Quran:

• Warning Against Shirk: The Quran frequently warns against associating partners with Allah. In Surah An-Nisa (4:48):

"Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin."

• False Deities and Intermediaries: The Quran rejects the notion of seeking help from others besides Allah. In Surah Al-Ahqaf (46:5):

"And who is more astray than he who invokes besides Allah those who will not respond to him until the Day of Resurrection, and they, of their invocation, are unaware."

• Consequences of Disbelief: The Quran emphasizes the severe punishment awaiting disbelievers in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:39): "And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs – those will be companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally."

Related References from Hadith:

• Reliance on Allah Alone: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of relying solely on Allah. In a hadith reported by Ibn Abbas, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"When you ask, ask Allah, and when you seek help, seek help from Allah. Know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you, and if they gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allah had already prescribed against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried." (Jami' at-Tirmidhi)

• Severe Punishment for Disbelievers: In a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"When the disbelievers (who will have hellfire as their abode) are gathered for reckoning on the Day of Judgment, they will be made to suffer from an unbearable thirst. They will ask for water, but their request will not be granted, and they will be dragged into the Fire." (Sahih Muslim)

Practical Lessons:

• Avoid Shirk: The verse serves as a reminder to avoid associating partners with Allah and to rely solely on Him for guidance and support.
• Recognize True Allies: Believers should recognize that their true ally is Allah alone. Seeking protection or help from false deities or intermediaries is not only futile but also leads to severe consequences.
• Heed the Warnings: The stern warning about Hell as a lodging for disbelievers underscores the importance of heeding divine guidance and avoiding actions that lead to such a dire fate.
• Strengthen Faith and Reliance on Allah: This verse and related references encourage believers to strengthen their faith and reliance on Allah, ensuring that their worship and supplications are directed solely towards Him.

In summary, Surah Al-Kahf (18:102) warns disbelievers against the folly of seeking allies other than Allah and highlights the severe consequences of such actions. The Quran and hadiths reinforce the importance of relying solely on Allah and avoiding shirk, emphasizing the severe punishment awaiting those who disbelieve and associate partners with Allah.

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: Specific Subject: Faith in Allah for more on Faith in Allah as derived from verses of Qur'an and Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Additionally, yo 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.

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.

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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 Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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This life too shall Pass - Are we ready for the life of the Hereafter (Scholars' Viewpoint)

Most of us would have listened to elders telling us "This too shall pass." This too shall pass is an adage about impermanence of Persian origin. It reflects the temporary nature, or ephemerality, of the human condition. But you will be amazed to know that Qur'an too talks of the temporary nature of life and that it too shall pass and will be replaced with a permanent life of the hereafter. Let us read the 45th verse of Surah 18. Al Kahf and see how life is metaphorically referred to the foliage that grows when it rains, and then dries up to nothing when there are no rains.

The 45th verse of Surah Al-Kahf (18:45) reads:

وَٱضْرِبْ لَهُم مَّثَلَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخْتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلْأَرْضِ فَأَصْبَحَ هَشِيمًۭا تَذْرُوهُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحُ ۗ 

وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ مُّقْتَدِرًا

"And present to them the example of the life of this world: [It is] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability."

Explanation:

The command to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to recite what has been revealed emphasizes the importance of conveying the divine message as it is, without alteration or omission. The Quran is the ultimate and final revelation from Allah, meant to guide humanity. It uses a powerful metaphor to describe the transient nature of the life of this world. Here is a detailed breakdown of its components and implications:

• Example of Rain and Vegetation: The verse starts by likening the life of this world to rain that Allah sends down from the sky. This rain causes vegetation to grow, symbolizing how worldly life flourishes temporarily. This imagery is also found in other parts of the Quran to illustrate the temporary and fleeting nature of worldly life.
• Growth and Flourishing: The vegetation that grows due to the rain represents the prosperity and abundance that people experience in their worldly lives. This growth is initially vibrant and lush, symbolizing the peak of worldly success and enjoyment.
• Decay and Transience: The verse then shifts to describe how this vegetation eventually becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. This symbolizes the inevitable decline and destruction of all worldly things. No matter how prosperous or beautiful something is, it will eventually fade away.
• Divine Power and Control: The verse concludes by reminding that Allah is ever capable over all things. This emphasizes that Allah has control over the cycles of growth and decay, prosperity and decline. It serves as a reminder of Allah’s omnipotence and the temporary nature of worldly life.

Context and Themes:

• Transience of Worldly Life: This metaphor is a recurrent theme in the Quran, where the transient nature of worldly life is often compared to natural phenomena like rain and vegetation. For example, in Surah Yunus (10:24):

"The example of [this] worldly life is but like rain which We have sent down from the sky that the plants of the earth absorb - [those] from which men and livestock eat - until, when the earth has taken on its adornment and is beautified and its people suppose that they have capability over it, there comes to it Our command by night or by day, and We make it as a harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday. Thus do We explain in detail the signs for a people who give thought."

• Reminder of the Hereafter: By illustrating the temporary nature of this world, the verse implicitly encourages believers to focus on the hereafter, which is eternal. This is a common message in the Quran, urging people to seek lasting success and rewards in the life to come rather than being overly attached to the fleeting pleasures of this world.
• Reflection and Gratitude: The verse encourages reflection on the cycles of life and the natural world as signs of Allah’s power and wisdom. Recognizing the temporary nature of worldly life should lead to gratitude for Allah’s continuous blessings and a focus on righteous living.

Contextual Explanation:

• Revelation and Recitation: The command to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to recite what has been revealed emphasizes the importance of conveying the divine message as it is, without alteration or omission. The Quran is the ultimate and final revelation from Allah, meant to guide humanity.
• Immutability of Allah’s Words: The phrase "There is no changer of His words" asserts the divine protection and preservation of the Quran. Unlike other scriptures that may have been altered over time, the Quran remains unaltered and protected by Allah. This is reinforced in other verses, such as in Surah Al-Hijr (15:9):

"Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian."

This underscores the eternal nature and the unchanging truth of Allah’s words.

• Dependence on Allah: The verse concludes by reminding that no refuge or protection can be found except with Allah. This implies the necessity of reliance on Allah alone for guidance, protection, and support.

Reference to the Context in Surah Al-Kahf:

• Story of the Cave (Ashab al-Kahf): Surah Al-Kahf tells the story of the youths who sought refuge in a cave to escape persecution for their faith. This narrative underscores the theme of seeking refuge in Allah and trusting in His protection and guidance.

The immutable nature of Allah’s words also serves as a reassurance to believers that the Quran’s guidance is constant and reliable, unlike the changing circumstances of the world.

• Guidance and Warning: The earlier verses in Surah Al-Kahf provide guidance and warnings to humanity. Verse 18:27 emphasizes the necessity of adhering to the revealed guidance in the Quran for navigating through trials and temptations.
• Message to the Disbelievers: The verse also serves as a message to disbelievers who may seek to challenge or change the divine message. It affirms that no one has the power to alter Allah's words, thus asserting the Quran’s authority and authenticity.

Theological Implications:

• Finality and Preservation of the Quran: The verse reinforces the belief that the Quran is the final and preserved word of Allah. This is a cornerstone of Islamic theology, ensuring that Muslims have a reliable and unchanged source of guidance.
• Reliance on Allah: The reminder that there is no refuge other than Allah stresses the importance of tawakkul (reliance on Allah). Believers are encouraged to seek protection and guidance from Allah alone.
• Prophetic Responsibility: The command to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to recite the revelations emphasizes his role as the messenger and the integrity with which he conveyed Allah’s message. It highlights the responsibility of the Prophet (ﷺ) and, by extension, the responsibility of all believers to uphold and transmit the Quran accurately.

Practical Lessons:

• Detachment from Worldly Attachments: Believers are encouraged to detach themselves from excessive love for worldly possessions and pleasures, understanding that these are temporary and fleeting.
• Focus on Eternal Values: The verse serves as a reminder to prioritize eternal values and invest in actions that will bring lasting rewards in the hereafter.
• Gratitude and Reflection: Reflecting on the natural cycles and Allah’s power should inspire gratitude and a deeper appreciation for the blessings provided by Allah.
• Preparation for the Hereafter: Recognizing the temporary nature of worldly life should motivate believers to prepare for the hereafter through good deeds, seeking Allah’s pleasure, and living a righteous life.

In summary, Surah Al-Kahf (18:45) uses the metaphor of rain and vegetation to illustrate the fleeting nature of worldly life, reminding believers of the importance of focusing on the eternal life of the hereafter and acknowledging Allah’s ultimate power and control over all things.

Having read this explanation, now let us listen to an incredible explanation of this verse by one of the most eminent scholars of present times, Nouman 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. 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 read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Compiled verses from Qur'an on specific subjects: Life

For compiled verses for more specific subjects, please refer to our exclusive reference page: "Selected verses from Al-Qurʾān about a specific subject." 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.

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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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Why the raising of the dead from graves in Qur'an is equated with swarms of Locust on the Day of Resurrection

Qur'an commences the life form of all creatures including the humans from the embryonic stage to the time of death. It mentions of a day when all dead will be risen from their graves like swarms of locust and will be paraded in for the Divine Court. This would be the Day of the Resurrection, when the fate of each individual will be decided based on one's deeds in the earthly world and directed as a reward to the Paradise or thrown into hell as punishment for not adhering to the Divine Commandments which have been conveyed to  them by the messengers and prophets of Allah and contained in the four Divine Scriptures, that is Psalms, Torah, Gospel and Qur'an.

Here a question arises why the raising of the dead from the graves is equated with the locust and not any other species? It must be understood that in Qur'an, the mention of various insects like fly or mosquito and other animals have been given for a specific reason. We will talk with reference to these insects and animals and birds in some other post. But now let us talk of the raising of the dead with the locust.

It is mentioned in the 6-8 verses of Surah 54 Al-Qamar - The Moon:

"So, O Prophet, turn away from them.5 The Day the Caller shall call them to a most terrifying event, the people shall rise out of their graves with awestruck looks as though they were scattered locusts. They will be rushing towards the Caller and the same disbelievers (who denied it in the world) shall say, "This indeed is a hard day!"

These verses paint a scene of that day which is fierce and grim, consistent with the ambience of the surah. They also warn of the closeness of the Last Hour, highlighted by the splitting of the moon in two. All of this fits perfectly with the rhythm maintained throughout the surah.

It is a scene full of quick movement, yet it is also prominent, with clear lines and features: multitudes of people are rising from their graves, like swarming locusts, yet their eyes are downcast, humble, fearful. They rush towards the one who calls them forward, but they do not know what they are called to, and they cannot be reassured. As this gathering continues to take place, and amidst all this humility, the unbelievers say in a tone of distress that reflects their dawning awareness of the hardship ahead of them: "Hard indeed is this day." (Verse 8) 

The dead so arisen will be reflecting disgrace and humiliation, for as soon as they arise out of their graves they would realize that it was indeed the same second life which they had been denying, for which they had made no preparation, and in which they would have to present themselves before their God as culprits.

The metaphor of locusts is used here to describe the chaotic and overwhelming nature of resurrection. Locusts often move in swarms, which can be both awe-inspiring and fearsome, symbolizing the mass resurrection where individuals rise from their graves in a hurried and spread-out manner, similar to a swarm of locusts.

The comparison to locusts serves to convey the visual impact and scale of resurrection, emphasizing the multitude and the rapid, uncontrollable nature of this event. The imagery evokes a scene of countless individuals rising simultaneously, underscoring the magnitude and the inescapability of the Day of Judgment.

Let us understand the magnitude of locust when they swarm in billions and destroy everything that come their way. The raising of the dead is equated with locust to tell those who say how would we and our ancestors who had been in billions could gather in a short time and get assembled at one place?

A massive swarm of locust (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Author: CSIRO , Source) 

Recent research benefiting from micro cameras conducted by a systematic observation of insects have given us an idea about the reason for the selection of locusts as an example. A large swarm can consist of billions of locusts spread out over an area of thousands of square kilometres, with a population of up to 80 million per square kilometre (200 million per square mile). When desert locusts meet, their nervous systems release serotonin, which causes them to become mutually attracted, a prerequisite for swarming. 

The enormity of locust swarm is indicative of rising of the billions of dead who lived since Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and Eve. This in fact is the reply to the infidels of the times of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who when listening to such parables raised eyebrows and said:

"When we die and become dust and bones, are we indeed to be resurrected?' and 'Our forefathers as well?' Say, 'Indeed, the former and the later [peoples] are to be gathered together for the appointment of a known Day.'" Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:47-50) 

"Does man think that We will not assemble his bones? Yes. We are Able even to proportion his fingertips." Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:3-4) - This verse emphasizes the completeness of resurrection, indicating that even the smallest parts of the human body will be reassembled. 

And for those who question the raising alive of the dead, it is clarified to them that in Surah Ya-Sin (36:78-79) - verses that highlight the power of Allah in resurrecting the dead, as He is the one who created life initially.:

"And he presents for us an example and forgets his own creation. He says, 'Who will give life to bones while they are disintegrated?' Say, 'He will give them life who produced them the first time; and He is, of all creation, Knowing.'" 

As can be seen each the above referred references highlights different aspects of the concept of resurrection, from the physical reassembly of the body to the power of Allah in bringing the dead back to life, to the chaotic and overwhelming nature of the event, depicted through the metaphor of locusts.

Readers would now be able to correlate the raising of the dead and the comparison with the swarms of locust. The Resurrection will thus be a day of utter confusion as billions and billions of bodies will be rising from their graves and heading to wards the parade ground of the Divine Justice. None would know what is in store for them and they will stand perplexed, confused and vey uncertain of their fate. May Allah help us to live a live in this earthly life as commanded by Him, so that we do not have to be ashamed of standing in front of our Lord on that fateful day.

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.

Please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q and A for more questions and answers. 

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 | Resource References: | 1 |  2  | 3 | 4 | 5 | 

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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What do we learn from the fate of the disgraced (like Pharaoh) who remain alive in corridors of history

Anyone or any nation or civilization that disobeys the Divine Orders and ridicule His prophets and messengers, are bound to doom and ultimately perish. But their remains remain alive as sign of wrath of Allah for those who defy Him and such signs continue to "live" in the corridors of history as a sign of warning for all posterity.

We share today the 92nd verse of Surah 10 Yunus which is about the drowning and then saving of his body on Divine orders as a warning for all future generations, that anyone who even thinks of defying the Divine orders should think twice before taking any act of perfidiousness, disobedience and disloyalty to the Master of the universe.

Although the verse being shared is about the fate of the mighty Pharaoh, it applies equally to all demagogues of the world today who think a little power in their hands can let them dominate the meek and weak. In recent history, we remember Hitler for the so called genocide of the Jews, and we condemn it from every muscle in our body, yet we keep our eyes closed when the same people of Israelites who were saved by Allah, wage a far torturous genocide of the Palestinians, a people who allowed Jews into the lands presently occupied by Israel. Do we forget what is still echoing in the corridors of history?

Before our readers move on to read our selected post, it may be added here that in all history books before Islam, it is said that Pharaoh drowned when the sea met again after the safe exit of the Israelites, the mention of Pharaoh in Qur'an differs and it is clearly said that though Pharaoh drowned, his body was expelled by sea to be preserved as a sign of warning for all posterity that Allah will never spare the disobeying and merciless worldly gods and will have their names echoing forever as long as the world lives.

* Scroll down for the lessons we should learn from the fate of the disgraced

فَالۡيَوۡمَ نُـنَجِّيۡكَ بِبَدَنِكَ لِتَكُوۡنَ لِمَنۡ خَلۡفَكَ اٰيَةً  ؕ وَاِنَّ كَثِيۡرًا مِّنَ النَّاسِ عَنۡ اٰيٰتِنَا لَغٰفِلُوۡنَ

(10:92) We shall now save your corpse that you may serve as a sign of warning for all posterity, although many men are heedless of Our signs.

Explanation Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi:

Even today the place, where the dead body of Pharaoh was found floating, is pointed out by the inhabitants of that region. It lies on the western coast of the Sinai Peninsula and is now known by the name of Jabl-i-Fir`aun (Pharaoh's Mount). There is also near it a hot spring called Hammam-i-Fir`aun (Pharaoh's Bath), which is situated at a distance of a few miles from Abu Zenimah, where, they say, Pharaoh's dead body was found lying.

If the Pharaoh who was drowned was Mineptah, who ruled over Egypt when Prophet Moses was sent to him, his embalmed dead body is still lying in the Cairo Museum. When Sir Grafton E. Smith removed the bandages from his mummy, a layer of salt was found on the body, which was a clear proof that he was drowned in the sea.

That is, "We show Signs to the people over and over again so that these should serve as warnings and be the means of teaching them lessons, but it is a pity that they do not learn lessons even from such Signs as the dead body of Pharaoh."

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: 

(So this day We shall deliver your (dead) body (out from the sea) that you may be a sign to those who come after you!) Ibn 'Abbas and others from among the Salaf have said: "Some of the Children of Israel doubted the death of Fir'awn so Allah commanded the sea to throw his body – whole, without a soul – with his known armor plate. The body was thrown to a high place on the land so that the Children of Israel could confirm his death and destruction." 

That is why Allah said, ("So this day We shall deliver your..") meaning that We will put your body on a high place on the earth. Mujahid said, (your (dead) body) means, 'your physical body. "

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

These words of God became true word for word and the corpse of the Pharaoh was not accepted by the sea after he had drowned in it. It was expelled by it as an exemplary sign of God’s scourge. Later the corpse was spotted by people and they saw with their very eyes the fate of those who show rebelliousness against God. On the western coast of the Sinai desert the sites of the “Mount of the Pharaoh” and the “Bath of the Pharaoh” are memorials of this incident. Even today people living in the area which is a few kilometers up north of Abū Zanīmah point out the place where the corpse was found. In current times, among the mummified bodies discovered in Egypt it is generally believed that one of them is that of the Merneptah Pharaoh. This dead body is preserved in a museum in Cairo and invites every eye to learn a lesson from it.

… The experts of archeology may differ about the corpse whether it is of the same Pharaoh or some other one yet this fourteen century old statement of the Qur’ān about the corpse is much more trustworthy than their conjectures. In this way, God made his dead body an exemplary sign for even the Pharaohs of today but this needs eyes for observation and there is nothing more rare in this world than eyes which have insight. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Tadabbur-i Qur’ān, vol. 4, 84)

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

His body would remain intact, uneaten by sharks or other sea creatures. It would not be allowed to drift with the waves, but would be saved so that his end would be known to all and sundry. It may be that when others see your body they will take heed and realize that defying God and His warnings brings certain doom. They do not turn to them with open hearts and minds, nor do they consider their significance, be they evident in the great universe or within their own selves.

Having gone through the historical perspective and mentioning the narration as given out in Qur'an, let us see what can we learn from this episode:

Pharaoh's refusal to heed the warnings of Moses (in fact the Divine Warnings conveyed to Pharaoh through Prophet Musa) and his stubbornness in holding onto power despite the plagues sent by God are often seen as examples of arrogance and hubris. This can serve as a lesson about the dangers of pride and the consequences of refusing to acknowledge one's mistakes.

The drowning of Pharaoh (and later expulsion of his body from the sea) and his army serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of oppression and injustice. It underscores the idea that those who oppress others will ultimately face their own downfall.  

The story highlights the power of faith and obedience to Allah. Moses and the Israelites trusted in promise of Allah and His deliverance, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This can be seen as a lesson in the importance of trust and obedience in one's spiritual journey.

The event is often interpreted as an act of divine justice. Pharaoh's oppression of the Israelites and his refusal to release them from slavery led to his downfall, illustrating the idea that ultimately, justice will prevail. 

 Today we see people of Kashmir and Palestine being denied justice and are forcibly being subjugated, tortured, denied of all human rights, to an extent of robbing them of their homes and denying food and water, even the much needed medical facilities for those who are victims of brute force and merciless bombing and inhuman treatment. 

The Exodus story serves as a symbol of liberation and redemption. The drowning of Pharaoh and the subsequent freedom of the Israelites represent the triumph of good over evil and the possibility of liberation from oppression. This should serve as a cue for those struggling for independence from the clutches of inhuman masters to continue to strive for their freedom, for one day all bondages are let loose, if one has faith in Allah and His promise of deliverance.

Let us then, sister and brothers in Islam, be faithful to Allah and do not extend our stature longer than ours and be always thankful to Allah, lest any act that smacks of disobedience or disloyalty have us stumbled to live in disgrace. 

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.

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 | Resource Reference: ChatGPT

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.

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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Can a faithful child Disobey his parents?

Parents in Islam assume a very exclusive and elevated status in Islam. Both parents, specially the mothers, are to be respected and never to be disobeyed, for it is the mother who carries her offspring for nine months in her womb and endures extreme discomfort during these nine months and undergoes extreme pain during the childbirth. She then feeds her offspring and raise her with her best love and care to a standing youth. The father too works hard and undergoes extreme hardships to make arrangements for the raising of his offspring at the cost of his discomfort and extreme body limits.

It is for this reason of bearing a child, raising him and educating him to be a good Muslim and valuable human being, that Allah has sent down many a instruction for being kind to one's parents. Likewise Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has on many a occasion directed his companions to be kind and respectful to their parents. 

*We have already written a number of posts on the subject which can be accessed from links  given below:

• Why Islam stresses on respect of parents
• Be good to your parents
• How should children honour their parents after their death (Hadith)

While so much is said about respect, kindness and obeying of one's parents, can their be an eventuality whereby a child could disobey his parents? This is a difficult question, but Allah gives out the answer to this question in the 8th verse of Surah 29 Al Ankabut being shared today:

وَوَصَّيۡنَا الۡاِنۡسَانَ بِوَالِدَيۡهِ حُسۡنًا​ ؕ وَاِنۡ جَاهَدٰكَ لِتُشۡرِكَ بِىۡ مَا لَـيۡسَ لَـكَ بِهٖ عِلۡمٌ فَلَا تُطِعۡهُمَا ؕ اِلَىَّ مَرۡجِعُكُمۡ فَاُنَبِّئُكُمۡ بِمَا كُنۡتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُوۡنَ‏ 

We have conjoined man to do good to his parents, but if they force you to associate with Me another (deity) whom you do not know (as such), you should not obey them." You have all to return to Me: then I shall tell you what you had been doing

Shirk, associating an deity with Allah or labelling someone as His son or His associate, is one of the biggest and unforgettable crime in the eyes of our Creator, the sole and unchallenged Master of the universe. He alone has created the entire universe, living creatures including man, and innumerous means of sustenance for everything that lives above and below the earth. Therefore, if someone adds any deity to His Lordship, He is utterly annoyed and displeased. Those who do so will be specially dealt with on the day of the Judgements and will be unpardonable no matter how good otherwise they have been in their earthly life.

Let us examine this verse in detail as explained by some of the eminent scholars and exegetes of Qur'an:

Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi:  

According to Muslim, Tirmidhi, Ahmad, Abu Da'ud and Nasa`i, this verse was Sent down in respect of Hadrat Sa`d bin Abi Waqqas. He was 18 or 19 years old when he embraced Islam. When his mother, Hamnah, daughter of Sufyan bin Umayyah (neice of Abu Sufyan), came to know that her son had become a Muslim, she said, "I will neither eat nor drink nor sit in shade unless you disown Muhammad. The rights of the mother are supermost even according to Allah's Command. Therefore if you disobey me, you will be disobeying Allah too." Hadrat Sa'd was perplexed and came before the Holy Prophet and told his whole story. At this, this verse was revealed. Possibly other young men who embraced Islam in the initial stage at Makkah were also confronted with similar situations. Therefore, the same theme has been repeated forcefully in Surah Luqman: 15 also.

What the verse means to impress is this: The rights of the parents, among the creation of Allah, are to be held as the supreme, but even if the parents force a person to adopt shirk, they should not be obeyed. The words, "If both of them force you to associate..." imply that a lesser pressure, or a pressure by either of them, deserves to be set aside much more promptly. The next sentence, ".... whom you do not know (as such)," is also noteworthy. This gives a sound reason for not obeying the parents in this regard. The parents certainly have the right that the children should serve them, respect them, and obey them in lawful things. But they do not have the right that one should obey them blindly against one's knowledge of the reality. Therefore, there is no reason why a person should go on following his parents' religion just because it is their religion. If the children come to know that their parents are following a false religion, they should give it up and adopt the right religion. and should not follow the wrong way whose falsehood has become clear to them even if the parents use every kind of pressure for it. When this is so in the case of even the parents, it should be so with every other person, too. No one deserves to be followed and obeyed unless one is sure that the person being followed is on the right path.  

"You have all to return to Me: then I shall tell you what you had been doing": That is, "The relationships of the world and their obligations are confined to the world. At last, the parents as well as the children have to return to their Creator, and before Him everybody will be held answerable only on the basis of his personal responsibility. If the parents have misled the children, they will be called to account . If the children have accepted deviation for the sake of the parents, they will be punished. And if the children adopted the right way, and showed no slackness in rendering the parents' lawful rights either, but the parents ill-treated them only for the reason that they did not join them in their deviation, they will not be able to escape Allah's punishment."

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: The Command to be Good and Dutiful to Parents 

Allah commands His servants to be dutiful to parents, after urging them to adhere to belief in His Tawhid, because a person's parents are the cause of his existence. So he must treat them with the utmost kindness and respect, his father for spending on him and his mother because of her compassion for him. 

Allah says: (And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them, but address them in terms of honor. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: "My Lord! Bestow on them Your mercy as they did bring me up when I was young.") (17:23-24) 

Although Allah orders us to show kindness, mercy and respect towards them in return for their previous kindness, He says: (but if they strive to make associate with Me, which you have no knowledge of, then obey them not.) meaning, if they are idolaters, and they try to make you follow them in their religion, then beware of them, and do not obey them in that, for you will be brought back to Me on the Day of Resurrection, and Allah will reward you for your kindness towards them and your patience in adhering to your religion. It is Allah Who will gather you with the group of the righteous, not with the group of your parents, even though you were the closest of people to them in the world. For a person will be gathered on the Day of Resurrection with those whom he loves, meaning, religious love. 

Allah says: (And for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall make them enter with the righteous.) In his Tafsir of this Ayah, At-Tirmidhi recorded that Sa'd said: "Four Ayat were revealed concerning me – and he told his story. He said: "Umm Sa'd said: 'Did Allah not command you to honor your parents? By Allah, I will not eat or drink anything until I die or you renounce Islam.' When they wanted to feed her, they would force her mouth open. 

Then this Ayah was revealed: (And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful to his parents; but if they strive to make you associate with Me, of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not.)" This Hadith was also recorded by Imam Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i. At-Tirmidhi said, "Hasan Sahih.

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

"[None has a greater right than God.] We have directed human beings to treat their parents with kindness but [at the same time clarified that] if they force you to associate someone with Me of which you have no knowledge": This an argument in favour of refutation of polytheism. Imām Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī writes:

The word علم here means “argument” and “proof.” As far as one God is concerned, it is an obvious reality that even a polytheist acknowledges. As far as His associates are concerned, it is the responsibility of those who regard them to be His associates to present a proof of this. In the absence of any such proof, it is not permissible for any reasonable person to become their servant by regarding them to be God’s partners. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Tadabbur-i Qur’ān, vol. 6, 19)

"Then do not obey them": Among the trials mentioned earlier, a big trial was that at times parents forced their children to obey them in matters of religion. Those who accepted the call of Muḥammad (sws) must have faced this trial as well. Thus the Qur’ān has made it evident that though the right of parents is an obvious fact, God has not granted them the right that they be obeyed in matters of religion without any reasoning or they compel their children in matters of religion.

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

The sūrah then refers to a type of test which we have already mentioned: that of ties and bonds with family and loved ones. It gives clear and decisive guidance in such a difficult situation. Parents are the closest of all relatives. They give much to their children. Hence, to be kind to one’s parents is a duty required of everyone. Indeed parents must be treated with love, respect, and care. Yet when it comes to one’s duty towards God, they cannot be obeyed in opposition to Him. The paramount bond is that with God. Hence, if one’s parents are unbelievers, they should be treated with care and kindness, but must not be obeyed or followed. Once this present life is over, all return to God.

So my dear sisters and brothers in Islam, despite the status of parents in Islam and the respect and obedience due to them, Oneness of Allah cannot be denied and anything tangent to this reality is not to be accepted at all. If parents pressurize their children for not accepting Islam, they can be disobeyed as per the Divine Directive above. However, even after entering the fold of Islam, one should never abandon one's parents and continue to respect them and be kind to them.

Remember, as mentioned in Qur'an, even Prophet Ibraheem (Abraham, peace be upon him) was admonished for praying in favour of his father who was a polytheist and refused to enter fold of Islam and continued to worship the idols. Likewise, when Prophet Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him) was onboard his ship, his arrogant son refused to come onboard and was drowning in the flood. Prophet Nuh wanted to save his son despite his disobedience to enter into the fold of Islam and was let to drown. So much is the punishment of not accepting Oneness of Allah.

And it is heartening to note that more and more non-Muslims, specially Christians, are entering the fold of Islam in huge number all over the world. The false concept of Trinity is finally crumbling and new reverts are finding message of Qur'an more logical than man made concept of the 4th century. In many cases, parents which were hostile to reversion of their offspring to Islam, later too reverted to Islam when they felt the strong ambiance of Divine faith from their offspring. 

Please read the revert experiences of some of the reverts as given in our reference page: Entering the fold of Islam - The revert experiences.

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: Religion

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

• Compiled verses from Qur'an on specific subjects: Life
• 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.

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

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.

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.

Read More