Believers! Speak words of appropriate justice

No system or community can exist if there does not exist justice. And when people stop speaking words of appropriate justice and let the deceit and injustice prevail, then even the mightiest of empires and civilizations crumble and leave behinds sorry tales.

In Islam, justice assumes a very cardinal importance and believers have been warned at many a place in Qur'an to stand up to justice and let no one betray his fellow brethren by deceit and ill will. We share today a very small verse, yet carrying a strong message for the believers to uphold justice. The 70th verse of Surah 33 Al Ahzab, given herein under, emphasizes the high moral and ethical standards that Muslims are expected to adhere to in their daily lives. Speaking the truth and acting justly in all matters, whether personal or social, is a fundamental aspect of faith.

The verse reads:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَقُولُوا۟ قَوْلًۭا سَدِيدًۭا 

O  believers! Be mindful of Allah, and say what is right

Explanation:

• "O you who have believed": This is a direct address to the believers (Muslims) who follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is a reminder for them to be conscious of Allah's commands and to act according to His will.
• "Fear Allah" (تقوى الله): This is a reminder for Muslims to maintain taqwa (God-consciousness) and to always be mindful of Allah's presence in their lives. It encourages believers to act in a way that is pleasing to Allah and avoid actions that would incur His displeasure.
• "Speak words of appropriate justice": 
• This part of the verse is about being truthful, fair, and just in one's speech. The believers are commanded to ensure that their words are in accordance with justice and integrity. It means speaking the truth, being honest, and avoiding slander, falsehood, and unjust speech. That means speaking in a straightforward manner, with no crookedness or distortion.
• It is a call to avoid any speech that could harm others, spread injustice, or mislead people. It reminds believers of the importance of integrity and justice in communication and relationships.

Historical Context:

This verse is often understood in light of events involving various groups at the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), including the hypocrites in Medina who would often engage in slander and false accusations. The verse encourages believers to rise above such behavior and maintain truthfulness in their words and actions.

The verse thus directs the believers to say only what is just, true and accurate. They should make sure of what they say and its effects, before they accept what the hypocrites and spreaders of lies say, and before they pay attention to any wild accusation or evil fabrication against the Prophet, their leader and guide. It directs them to say right words leading to right action. God takes care of those who make sure of saying what is right, proper and accurate, guiding their footsteps and making their deeds sound, producing good results. God also forgives the sins of those who say what is right and do righteous deeds, for even they are not immune to slips and errors. They are all human, and by nature humans err and need God’s forgiveness.

The verse serves as an ethical guideline for Muslims to ensure that their words align with righteousness, fairness, and truth. This guidance is timeless and relevant for all believers, as the integrity of one’s speech is an important aspect of both personal character and the broader social harmony in any community.

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 exclusive post on Selected verses from Qur'an on Justice / Rules of Islamic Law for more about Justice in Islam.

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 | 

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

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

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

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

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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Qisas (Retribution) and Diyat (Blood Money or Compensation) - understanding two pillars of Islamic Judicial System

Man has always liked violence and killing. Right from the earliest days of human life, the killing of Abel (Habil)  by Cain (Kabil) laid the foundation of killing for the sake of women which later spread over killing for usurping someone's wealth or position. We hear accounts of savagery when kings and their followers chanted and shouted as slaves were forced to fight the king's warriors and mercilessly butchered the undefended slaves for the pleasure of the kings. With now laws, such murders went on unabated for a long time, till sense better sense prevailed and murderers were brought to justice.

Islamic judicial system also lays down various punishments and modus operandi to bring justice to the families of those who have been harmed or killed, whether intentionally or otherwise. In this connection, today we share two terms that are often used to address cases of murder and physical harm. These two terms in Arabic are known as Qisas and Diyat. 

The concepts of Qisas (retribution) and Diyat (compensation or blood money) in Islam are central to the Islamic criminal justice system, particularly regarding cases of homicide, bodily harm, and injury. These concepts are derived from the Quran and the Hadith, and represent a balance between justice, mercy, and compensation. Here's an explanation of Qisas and Diyat in light of Islamic teachings:

Qisas (Retribution)

Qisas is the principle of "equal retaliation" or just retribution. In cases of murder or intentional bodily harm, the victim (or the victim’s family) has the right to seek retribution, which means the perpetrator may face a punishment that mirrors the crime committed. The idea of Qisas is rooted in justice, ensuring that the punishment fits the crime.

• Quranic Basis for Qisas:
• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:178): “O you who have believed, prescribed for you is legal retribution (Qisas) for those murdered—the free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. But whoever overlooks from his brother anything, then there should be a suitable follow-up and payment to him with good conduct. This is an alleviation from your Lord and a mercy. But whoever transgresses after that will have a painful punishment.”
• This verse establishes the rule of retribution (equal retaliation) but also encourages mercy and forgiveness, showing a balance between strict justice and leniency.
• Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:45): “And We ordained for them therein a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds is legal retribution (Qisas). But whoever gives [up his right as] charity, it is an expiation for him. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.”
• This verse emphasizes the proportionality of punishment in the case of bodily harm and affirms that forgiveness or compensation (charity) can replace retribution, which is seen as an act of piety.
• Hadith on Qisas:
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The people before you were destroyed because they used to inflict the legal punishments on the poor and forgive the rich. By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, if Fatimah (the daughter of the Prophet) did that (i.e., stole), I would cut off her hand." (Sahih Bukhari)
• This hadith reflects the principle of justice and fairness in Qisas, indicating that no one is above the law, regardless of their status.

Diyat (Blood Money or Compensation)

Diyat refers to the financial compensation paid to the victim or the victim’s family in cases of unintentional homicide or bodily injury, or as an alternative to Qisas in intentional harm cases. The purpose of Diyat is to provide a means of reconciliation and alleviate potential hostility between families while offering a fair and just compensation for the crime.

• Quranic Basis for Diyat:

Surah An-Nisa (4:92): “And never is it for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer by mistake—then the freeing of a believing slave and a compensation payment (Diyat) presented to the deceased’s family [is required], unless they give [up their right as] charity. But if the deceased was from a people at war with you and he was a believer, then [only] the freeing of a believing slave; and if he was from a people with whom you have a treaty, then a compensation payment (Diyat) presented to his family and the freeing of a believing slave…”

This verse establishes Diyat as the required compensation in cases of unintentional manslaughter, and it emphasizes the option for the family to forgive (as an act of charity) rather than take compensation or seek retribution.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:178): As mentioned above, this verse not only outlines the principle of Qisas but also indicates that the victim’s family may choose to accept Diyat instead of demanding retribution, showing flexibility and a path for forgiveness.

• Hadith on Diyat:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The Diyat (blood money) for a man is one hundred camels." (Sahih Muslim)

This hadith sets the standard amount for Diyat in the case of intentional or accidental killing. Over time, the amount of Diyat has been translated into monetary values based on local standards.

The Balance Between Qisas and Diyat:

Islam provides a system that balances strict justice with mercy and reconciliation. Here’s how these two concepts are applied:

• Qisas (Retribution):
• In the case of intentional murder or bodily harm, the victim’s family can seek Qisas, which means the perpetrator will face a similar punishment, such as execution for murder or similar injury for physical harm. 
• This is done to establish justice and deterrence, ensuring that the crime does not go unpunished.
• Diyat (Compensation):
• As an alternative to Qisas, the victim’s family can choose to forgive the perpetrator and accept Diyat (compensation). This can be a large financial sum or another agreed form of compensation. 
• Diyat is especially applied in cases of unintentional harm, where the intention was not to kill or injure, but an accident occurred.

Forgiveness and Charity:

Islam encourages forgiveness and mercy as a higher moral virtue. In many cases, the victim’s family is encouraged to forgive the perpetrator, which can lead to expiation of sins and greater reward from Allah. This forgiveness can be done with or without Diyat, depending on the family’s decision.

• Quranic Emphasis on Forgiveness: While Qisas and Diyat provide legal structures for dealing with crime, the Quran repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of forgiveness:

Surah Ash-Shura (42:40): "And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers."

This verse highlights that although retribution is allowed, forgiveness is highly encouraged, and those who forgive are promised a great reward from Allah.

Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:45): As mentioned earlier, the Quran speaks of retribution but adds that "whoever gives [up his right as] charity, it is an expiation for him," showing that pardoning is a means to cleanse one’s sins and earn divine favor.

• Hadith on Forgiveness: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) consistently encouraged forgiveness over retaliation:
• "He who shows no mercy to others, will not be shown mercy." (Sahih Muslim)
• "No one forgives except that Allah increases him in honor." (Sahih Muslim)

 These hadiths underline the higher spiritual reward for those who choose forgiveness over retribution.

Foregoing in view we learn that Qisas is the principle of equal retaliation or retribution in cases of murder or bodily harm. It ensures justice is served by mirroring the harm done to the victim. Diyat is the financial compensation given to the victim's family in cases of unintentional harm or when the family chooses to forgive instead of seeking retribution.

Islam promotes both justice and mercy, with forgiveness being highly encouraged, but not forced. The victim’s family has the right to decide between Qisas, Diyat, or forgiveness, depending on their circumstances and sense of justice. The system ensures fairness while allowing room for mercy, reconciliation, and spiritual growth through forgiveness. The combination of Qisas and Diyat reflects Islam's balanced approach to justice, protecting the rights of victims while encouraging mercy and social harmony.

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 | references: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A

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.

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Beware of a Day when there will be no barter exchange of sins with worldly wealth

The wrong doers, sinner, denier of prophets and messengers of Allah and the day the justice scales to be established on the Day of the Judgement generally seem oblivious of the Divine promise of a day when justice will be established and no one shall be wronged. And on that day, such deniers of Divine Commandments will realize how grossly misled they were and how they ruled the world using their wealth and mocked the messengers sent to them for their benefit.

The 54th verse of Surah 10 Yunus (Prophet Jonah, peace be upon him) carries a stern warning fo rall wrong doers, sinners and tyrants

وَلَوۡ اَنَّ لِكُلِّ نَفۡسٍ ظَلَمَتۡ مَا فِى الۡاَرۡضِ لَافۡتَدَتۡ بِهٖ​ؕ وَاَسَرُّوا النَّدَامَةَ لَمَّا رَاَوُا الۡعَذَابَ​ۚ وَقُضِىَ بَيۡنَهُمۡ بِالۡقِسۡطِ​ وَهُمۡ لَا يُظۡلَمُوۡنَ‏ 

(10:54) If a wrong-doer had all that is in the earth he would surely offer it to ransom himself. When the wrong-doers perceive the chastisement, they will feel intense remorse in their hearts. But a judgement shall be made with full justice about them. They shall not be wronged.

“And they will feel remorse”. When all of a sudden, they face the torment on the Day, which they had denied throughout their lives, and on that presumption had gone on doing wrong deeds. Not only this: they will also feel very sorry that they had denied the Messengers and brought baseless charges against them, who had warned them of it. Therefore when they witness it against all their expectations, they will find the ground slipping from under their feet and will feel utterly helpless and guilty in their minds because of the remembrance of their wrong doings and of the pricking of their conscience. In short, their condition will be that of a gambler, who turns a deaf ear to the counsel of his well wishers and stakes his all on mere speculation and goes bankrupt. But such a person has to blame none but himself only for his sad plight.

Let us further expand the meaning of the above quoted verses and its relevance for us:

• Desperation of the Wrongdoer: The verse begins by depicting how those who committed wrong (sins, disobedience to Allah, injustice to others) will, on the Day of Judgment, realize the enormity of their sins. If they possessed everything on earth—wealth, power, or any material resources—they would try to offer it as a ransom to escape the punishment. However, nothing in this world will be sufficient to save them once they face Allah's judgment.
• Intense Regret and Remorse: When the wrongdoers finally witness the reality of the punishment awaiting them, they will experience intense regret (Arabic: أسروا النَّدامة), which they will internalize. This remorse comes from their realization that they wasted their opportunities in life by rejecting the truth and committing sins. At this point, their regret will be of no benefit because the time for repentance and doing good deeds has passed.
• Judgment with Full Justice: Despite their remorse, justice will be served. The verse emphasizes that Allah will judge the wrongdoers with absolute fairness. The judgment will be based on their deeds, and no one will be treated unfairly. Allah is All-Knowing and Just, so everyone will be recompensed precisely according to what they deserve.
• No Injustice Will Be Done: The verse closes by reassuring that “they will not be wronged” (وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ). This highlights Allah's perfect justice—no one will be treated unfairly, and no soul will bear the burden of another. Each person will face the consequences of their own actions.

Broader Themes and Lessons from the Verse

• The Futility of Material Wealth: The verse shows that, in the Hereafter, all the wealth and material possessions of this world will be meaningless. The wrongdoer’s attempt to offer the entire world in exchange for freedom from punishment reflects the futility of materialism when facing Allah's judgment. Only righteous deeds, faith, and submission to Allah will matter on that day.
• The Importance of Repentance and Good Deeds: This verse serves as a warning to act now while there is still time. Wrongdoers will wish they had acted righteously, but once the Day of Judgment comes, regret will no longer benefit them. This underscores the importance of repentance (tawbah) and performing good deeds while alive.
• Divine Justice: The verse also emphasizes that Allah’s judgment will be completely just. No one will be punished unjustly or more than what they deserve. Similarly, no one will be deprived of any good they have done. Every deed, whether good or bad, will be accounted for.

Supporting Hadith

The idea of regret in the Hereafter and the futility of material possessions is echoed in several hadiths:

• Hadith on Regret in the Hereafter: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"The people of Hell will be made to feel remorse and regret, and they will say, 'Send us back so we can do good deeds, not the evil that we used to do.' But it will be said to them: 'No, it is just a word that they say, and in front of them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.'" (Surah Al-Mu’minun, 23:99-100; Sahih Muslim)

This hadith mirrors the concept of intense regret felt by the wrongdoers, as described in the verse. After death, the chance for redemption is lost, and all they can do is regret the missed opportunities to do good.

• Hadith on the Value of Righteous Deeds: The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned about focusing too much on the material world and neglecting one’s obligations to Allah. He said:

“Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your preoccupation, and your life before your death.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2417)

This hadith encourages believers to use their wealth, health, and time wisely for the sake of good deeds, as these are fleeting and will not be available after death.

Broader Implications in Today’s World

• Avoiding Materialism: In today’s world, people often pursue wealth and status at the expense of their spiritual well-being. This verse serves as a reminder that material possessions cannot save a person in the Hereafter. What truly matters are good deeds and faith in Allah.
• Being Mindful of Justice: The verse also reinforces the concept of justice. In a world where injustice is often prevalent, it reminds us that Allah’s justice is absolute and that all wrongdoers will be held accountable. Therefore, believers should strive to uphold justice in their own lives and actions.
• Urgency of Good Deeds: The message of the verse is to take advantage of the time given in this life to perform good deeds, repent for mistakes, and follow Allah’s commands. Procrastination in matters of faith and good deeds can lead to regret when it is too late.

In the light of explanation above, Surah Yunus, verse 54, offers a stark reminder of the Day of Judgment and the regret that wrongdoers will feel when they face Allah’s punishment. Their desperate attempts to ransom themselves with the wealth of the world will be in vain, as the time for repentance and good deeds will have passed. The verse emphasizes the futility of materialism in the Hereafter and highlights the need for repentance and righteous actions in this life. Furthermore, it reassures that Allah's judgment is perfectly just, and no one will be wronged in the least.

Remember, the above quoted verse takes us deep into the time when people are made to account for their deeds and their fate is determined. But such a ransom will not be accepted, even should it be offered. But before the verse is concluded, we see that what was supposed has come to pass and the whole matter is done and finished with. It has all come as a great surprise which leaves them powerless. The image here is one of gloomy faces, full of sadness, their lips unable to utter a word. 

Time is now to shun any thoughts of being superior to others and harming the weak and meek for self interests and thinking that since we have been blessed so much, we are among the blessed and we will continue to be placed at a higher pedestal even on the Day of Judgement. Or being satisfied that even if we were to be penalized on that day, we could barter trade our sins with what we owned in the world and get a free ticket to Heavens. Beware of such foolish thoughts for justice of Allah cannot be bought with money but with good deeds and by living a worldly life as prescribed for us in Qur'an.

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 like to read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Ref Page: Divine Court Rules

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

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

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

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

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

Read More

Glad tidings for those who respond to the call of their Lord

This worldly life of ours was not created to make merry, enjoy the abundant and unending means of sustenance and forget about our Lord who created all this for us. On the contrary, our Lord crated this universe full of resources to sustain us so that we are thankful to Him and bow our head in gratitude and utter humility. This theme has been repeated at a number of times in Qur'an .

We pick up the 18th verse of Surah 13. Ar Ra'd and understand the Divine promise for those who respond to the Divine call and those who do not: 

لِلَّذِيۡنَ اسۡتَجَابُوۡا لِرَبِّهِمُ الۡحُسۡنٰى​ؕ وَالَّذِيۡنَ لَمۡ يَسۡتَجِيۡبُوۡا لَهٗ لَوۡ اَنَّ لَهُمۡ مَّا فِى الۡاَرۡضِ جَمِيۡعًا وَّمِثۡلَهٗ مَعَهٗ لَافۡتَدَوۡا بِهٖؕ اُولٰۤـئِكَ لَهُمۡ سُوۡۤءُ الۡحِسَابِ ۙ وَمَاۡوٰٮهُمۡ جَهَـنَّمُ​ؕ وَبِئۡسَ الۡمِهَادُ‏ 

(13:18) There is good reward for those who respond to the call of their Lord. And those who do not respond to their Lord, (a time will come when) they shall offer all they have - even if they have all the riches of the world and the like of it besides to redeem themselves (from the chastisement of Allah). They will be subjected to a severe reckoning and Hell shall be their refuge. What a wretched resting place it is!

The verse contains two types of subjects: Those who respond to the Divine Call and those who do not. It will be seen that most part of the verse is about warning to those who do not heed to the Divine Call and have been warned of the consequences of their disbelief in the Lord of the entire universe. Let us try to understand the deep rooted meaning of this verse:

• Those Who Respond to Allah: The verse begins by referring to those who respond positively to Allah's call (i.e., follow His guidance and obey His commands). For such individuals, the best reward awaits them, which includes Allah’s pleasure, Paradise, and His infinite mercy.
• Those Who Do Not Respond: In contrast, the verse warns about those who reject or ignore Allah’s guidance. Even if they possessed all the wealth and riches in the world, they would not be able to ransom themselves on the Day of Judgment to escape punishment.
• The Worst Accountability: These people will face a severe and difficult accounting for their actions on the Day of Judgment. This refers to a detailed and harsh reckoning of their deeds.
• Their End is Hellfire: For those who rejected Allah's message, the verse ends with a grave warning: their ultimate destination is Hell, and it is described as a miserable and wretched resting place.

Lessons from the Verse:

• The verse contrasts the fate of the believers (those who respond to Allah) with that of the disbelievers (those who reject the message).
• It highlights the futility of worldly possessions in the Hereafter and the severity of rejecting divine guidance.
• The verse serves as a reminder to heed Allah’s call and follow His path to avoid the severe consequences in the Hereafter.

We learn from the Quran that the rebels of Allah shall have to render a reckoning, whereas there shall be a light reckoning from those who have been faithful and obedient to their Lord. In consideration of their loyal services, their cases will be dealt with leniently, and taking their general goodness into account many of their shortcomings will be forgiven.

That is whoever responds to Him will have a fine reward, and whoever turns away will face great suffering. So much so that the latter will want to offer the earth’s riches twice over, in order to release himself. But there is no chance of release. There is only an awful reckoning and a fitting abode in hell.

Here again the contrast is clear between those who respond to their Lord and those who do not. Between the rich reward and the awful reckoning, hell and its painful abode. This follows the same pattern of the sūrah in providing one contrasting image after another. 

This is further amplified by a tradition of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Aishah relates: I said, O Messenger of Allah, the most dreadful verse of the Quran is this: “Whoso shall commit an evil, he shall be punished for it. (Surah An- Nisa, Ayat 123).” The Prophet answered: O Aishah, don’t you know how Allah clears the accounts of His faithful and obedient servant. Whatever harm or trouble he receives in this world, even so much as the pricking of a thorn, is taken by Allah as atonement for one or the other of his sins. As regards to the Hereafter, everyone who shall be called upon to render an account of any sin, shall be punished for it. At this Aishah asked: Then what is meant by light reckoning in this verse: Whoso shall be given his “Book of Deeds” in his right hand, he will render a light reckoning? (Surah Al- Inshiqaq, Ayats 7-8). The Prophet (peace be upon him) answered: This means merely the presentation of his whole conduct, that is, all his deeds, good and bad, shall be presented before Allah but he shall not be called upon to clear the account of all his deeds; for the one who shall be called upon to clear the whole of his account, shall be totally ruined.

The same thing is happening even in this world. A master deals very leniently with his faithful and obedient servant and connives at his minor faults and even forgives his major faults in consideration of his meritorious services. On the other hand, if a servant is proved to be treacherous and dishonest, no consideration is given even to his services, and he is punished both for his minor and for major faults.

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 |

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

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

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

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

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

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Stern warning to those in positions of authority (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Not everyone gets a position of authority, may it be a small organization, a vast empire or a country to rule. Theses positions of authority are a sacred responsibility blessed by the Divine decree. Thus, when one is a chosen one to lead, he is expected to be just and honest in his dealings and looking after those under him specially when running a country with absolutely neutrality and high level consciousness so that none of his actions or decisions are hurting to his people or are detrimental to the norms of leadership.

However, history is replete with tyrants and heartless people who got the chance to rule their people but oppressed them while making merry themselves from the resources which should have been spent on the welfare of their people. It is for such people that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has warned them of such a  punishment that will haunt them in the life of the Hereafter - however some even suffer in their worldly life too.

This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 93  Judgments (Ahkaam) /  كتاب  الأحكام / Chapter 8:  The ruler not ruling in an honest manner / باب مَنِ اسْتُرْعِيَ رَعِيَّةً فَلَمْ يَنْصَحْ ) as Hadith 7150, given herein under:

Narrated by Ma'qil: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, 

"Any man whom Allah has given the authority of ruling some people and he does not look after them in an honest manner, will never feel even the smell of Paradise."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو نُعَيْمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الأَشْهَبِ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، أَنَّ عُبَيْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ زِيَادٍ، عَادَ مَعْقِلَ بْنَ يَسَارٍ فِي مَرَضِهِ الَّذِي مَاتَ فِيهِ فَقَالَ لَهُ مَعْقِلٌ إِنِّي مُحَدِّثُكَ حَدِيثًا سَمِعْتُهُ مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ مَا مِنْ عَبْدٍ اسْتَرْعَاهُ اللَّهُ رَعِيَّةً، فَلَمْ يَحُطْهَا بِنَصِيحَةٍ، إِلاَّ لَمْ يَجِدْ رَائِحَةَ الْجَنَّةِ

This hadith serves as a stern warning to those in positions of leadership or authority, emphasizing the heavy responsibility that comes with power. Leaders are entrusted by Allah with the well-being of their people, and failing to fulfill this trust through negligence, dishonesty, or oppression results in severe spiritual consequences.

Hereinunder are some of the factors that a ruler must bear in mind when entrusted with a position of authority:

• Accountability of Leaders: The hadith stresses that leadership is a form of trust (Amanah) from Allah. Leaders must act with justice, integrity, and sincerity, ensuring they look after the welfare of those under their authority.

"Will never even feel the smell of Paradise" signifies a profound loss and punishment for leaders who betray this trust, highlighting the gravity of neglecting responsibilities.

• Moral and Ethical Leadership: The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of moral and ethical leadership, where rulers and those in authority must prioritize the well-being of the people over personal gain. Dishonesty, corruption, and oppression are seen as major violations of this trust.

Connection with the Quran

This hadith is deeply connected with Quranic teachings regarding justice, the responsibility of leadership, and the rights of people under authority. Several verses in the Quran outline the principles of just governance and emphasize the duty of leaders to act with integrity and fairness.

• Justice and Fairness:
• Quranic Reference:
• "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing." (Surah An-Nisa 4:58) 
• Implication: Allah commands leaders and those in authority to fulfill their trusts (Amanah) and to judge with justice. This verse aligns directly with the hadith, emphasizing that leadership is a sacred trust from Allah, and it must be carried out with fairness and honesty.
• Accountability Before Allah:
• Quranic Reference: "Every soul is a pledge for what it has earned." (Surah Al-Muddathir 74:38)
• Implication: Every individual, including leaders, will be held accountable for their actions. Leaders are accountable not only for their personal deeds but also for how they manage the affairs of their people. The hadith highlights the severe consequences of failing in this responsibility, which is also implied in this Quranic verse.
• Avoiding Oppression:
• Quranic Reference: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both..." (Surah An-Nisa 4:135)
• Implication: This verse calls for unwavering commitment to justice, even if it goes against personal interests. Leaders must govern with impartiality and fairness, irrespective of a person’s social or economic status. The hadith complements this by warning that leaders who act dishonestly or unjustly will face severe spiritual consequences.
• Serving the People:
• Quranic Reference: "And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it]." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:42)
• Implication: Leaders are warned against concealing the truth or acting dishonestly. This applies not just to religious leaders but to all forms of leadership, where truthfulness and transparency are essential in serving the community.

Lessons and Reflections

• Leadership is a Trust: The hadith and Quran both emphasize that leadership is not a privilege to be abused but a trust from Allah. Leaders are custodians of the welfare, rights, and needs of the people under their authority, and failing to fulfill this trust has serious consequences in both this life and the Hereafter.
• Justice and Integrity: The essence of both the hadith and the Quran is that justice and integrity must be at the core of leadership. A leader’s role is to serve the people fairly and sincerely, without exploiting their position for personal gain or neglecting the needs of the people.
• Severe Consequences for Neglect and Corruption: The hadith specifically mentions the severe punishment of being deprived of even the "smell of Paradise" for those leaders who fail to act honestly. This highlights how grave the sin of corrupt or negligent leadership is in Islam. Such a person is warned of extreme loss in the Hereafter.
• Accountability on the Day of Judgment: Islam teaches that every leader, whether in a household, community, or nation, will be accountable for their actions. Allah will hold them responsible for how they managed their affairs, and there will be no escaping this accountability.

In light of this hadith and the Quran, leadership in Islam is regarded as a serious trust that comes with immense responsibility. Leaders are required to act with honesty, integrity, and justice, ensuring they serve their people with sincerity. The hadith’s stern warning about being deprived of Paradise for failing in this duty serves as a powerful reminder of the ethical and moral standards expected of leaders. The Hadith reinforces the Divine cautions as mentioned in Quran wherein many a verses repeatedly emphasize justice, accountability, and the fair treatment of all people, regardless of their status or circumstances.

These warnings are not only for leaders and people of position of authority, but even the ordinary  people who can make life of others happier of miserable by their good or otherwise conduct. Let us be conscious of the grave consequences of hurting others and be on the lookout of our actions which may hurt someone and become a cause for our punishment.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as 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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Two main obligations of Muslim Community: Fulfilment of Trust – Maintenance of Justice

Nations rise and fall due to quality or otherwise of their leaders and the lead. A nation of stags lead by a lion can lead the stags to glory, while a monkey in chair can dismember the unity of the lions. We have seen nations rising when they were led by selfless, honest, bold and competent leaders. And we also saw the same nations falling apart when greedy, dishonest and selfish leaders were in chairs.

History is replete with such examples as mentioned and the vicious cycle continues till date. It is heart wrenching to note that there have been some Muslim rulers who have defied the public trust and the justice and dishonoured their own people by usurping their rights. Unless the people handover their trusts to the honest, they cannot be sure of development and protection of their rights. This is the very theme of the 58th verse of Surah 4. An Nisa (The Women) beings shared today:

اِنَّ اللّٰهَ يَاۡمُرُكُمۡ اَنۡ تُؤَدُّوا الۡاَمٰنٰتِ اِلٰٓى اَهۡلِهَا ۙ وَاِذَا حَكَمۡتُمۡ بَيۡنَ النَّاسِ اَنۡ تَحۡكُمُوۡا بِالۡعَدۡلِ​ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ نِعِمَّا يَعِظُكُمۡ بِهٖ​ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ سَمِيۡعًۢا بَصِيۡرًا‏

(4:58) Allah commands you to deliver trusts to those worthy of them; and when you judge between people, to judge with justice. Excellent is the admonition Allah gives you. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.

Here the Muslims have been fore-warned that they should avoid those evils in which the children of Israel were involved. Their basic error was that during their degeneration they entrusted the positions of trust to incompetent people. They began to entrust positions of responsibility and religious and political leadership to inefficient, narrow-minded, immoral, dishonest and wicked people. As a result, the whole community became corrupt. The Muslims are being cautioned against this evil and enjoined to entrust positions of responsibility to qualified and competent people of good moral character.

Another evil that was prevalent among the Jews was injustice. They had lost the very sense and spirit of justice and become utterly unjust, openly dishonest, and sinfully obdurate and would commit acts of gross injustice without any pangs of conscience. The Muslims were personally having a bitter experience of this. The Jews were siding with the idolatrous Quraish against the Believers in one God though the lives of the two clearly showed "who was more rightly guided."On the one side, they saw the pure lives of the Holy Prophet and his followers; on the other, they witnessed the immoral lives of their enemies, who buried their daughters alive, married their step mothers and went round the Ka`bah in naked state. Still these "people of the Book" preferred the idolatrous people to the Believers and brazen-facedly declared that the former were more rightly guided than the latter. Allah warns the Believers against this sort of injustice and enjoins them always to say what is just and right and judge between the people with justice whether they be friends or foes.

Tafsir Ibn Kathir: (The Command to Return the Trusts to Whomever They Are Due) Allah commands that the trusts be returned to their rightful owners. 

Al-Hasan narrated that Samurah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«أَدِّ الْأَمَانَةَ إِلى مَنِ ائْتَمَنَكَ، وَلَا تَخُنْ مَنْ خَانَك»

(Return the trust to those who entrusted you, and do not betray those who betrayed you.) Imam Ahmad and the collectors of Sunan recorded this Hadith. This command refers to all things that one is expected to look after, such as Allah's rights on His servants: praying, Zakah, fasting, penalties for sins, vows and so forth. The command also includes the rights of the servants on each other, such as what they entrust each other with, including the cases that are not recorded or documented. Allah commands that all types of trusts be fulfillled. Those who do not implement this command in this life, it will be extracted from them on the Day of Resurrection. 

It is recorded in the Sahih that the Messenger of Allah said,

«لَتُؤَدَّنَّ الْحُقُوقُ إِلى أَهْلِهَا حَتَّى يُقْتَصَّ لِلشَّاةِ الْجَمَّاءِ مِنَ الْقَرْنَاء»

(The rights will be rendered back to those to whom they are due, and even the sheep that does not have horns will take revenge from the horned sheep.) Ibn Jarir recorded that Ibn Jurayj said about this Ayah, "It was revealed concerning `Uthman bin Talhah from whom the Messenger of Allah took the key of the Ka`bah and entered it on the Day of the victory of Makkah. 

When the Prophet went out, he was reciting this Ayah, (إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَن تُؤدُّواْ الاحَمَـنَـتِ إِلَى أَهْلِهَا Verily, Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those, to whom they are due). He then called `Uthman and gave the key back to him.' 

Ibn Jarir also narrated that `Umar bin Al-Khattab said, "When the Messenger of Allah went out of the Ka`bah, he was reciting this Ayah, (إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَن تُؤدُّواْ الاحَمَـنَـتِ إِلَى أَهْلِهَا Verily, Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those, to whom they are due). May I sacrifice my father and mother for him, I never heard him recite this Ayah before that.' It is popular that this is the reason behind revealing the Ayah (4:58). Yet, the application of the Ayah is general, and this is why Ibn `Abbas and Muhammad bin Al-Hanafiyyah said, "This Ayah is for the righteous and wicked,'' meaning it is a command that encompasses everyone.

 The Order to Be Just: Allah said, (وَإِذَا حَكَمْتُمْ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ أَن تَحْكُمُواْ بِالْعَدْلِ and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice.) commanding justice when judging between people. Muhammad bin Ka`b, Zayd bin Aslam and Shahr bin Hawshab said; "This Ayah was revealed about those in authority'', meaning those who judge between people. 

A Hadith states, «إِنَّ اللهَ مَعَ الْحَاكِمِ مَا لَمْ يَجُرْ، فَإِذَا جَارَ وَكَلَهُ اللهُ إِلى نَفْسِه»

(Allah is with the judge as long as he does not commit injustice, for when he does, Allah will make him reliant on himself.) A statement goes, "One day of justice equals forty years of worship.' 

Allah said, (إِنَّ اللَّهَ نِعِمَّا يَعِظُكُمْ بِهِ Verily, how excellent is the teaching which He (Allah) gives you!) meaning, His commands to return the trusts to their owners, to judge between people with justice, and all of His complete, perfect and great commandments and laws. 

Allah's statement, (إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ سَمِيعاً بَصِيراً Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer.) means, He hears your statements and knows your actions.

Muhammad Asad Explanation:

(BEHOLD, God bids you to deliver all that you have been entrusted with unto those who are entitled thereto, and whenever you judge between people, to judge with justice.) I.e., in the judicial sense, as well as in the sense of judging other people's motives, attitudes and behaviour. - The term amanah denotes anything one has been entrusted with, be it in the physical or moral sense (Razi). If one reads this ordinance in the context of the verses that precede and follow it, it becomes obvious that it relates to the message or - in view of the plural form amanat - to the truths which have been conveyed to the believers by means of the divine writ, and which they must regard as a sacred trust, to be passed on to "those who are entitled thereto" - i.e., to all mankind, for whom the message of the Qur'an has been intended. This, of course, does not preclude the ordinance from having a wider scope as well - that is, from its being applied to any material object or moral responsibility which may have been entrusted to a believer - and, in particular, to the exercise of worldly power and political sovereignty by the Muslim community or a Muslim state, to which the next verse refers.

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

The word “trusts” is used for things which are entrusted to a person. Here they refer to the responsibilities and posts created in a collective system. The implication is that the people to whom this kingdom was granted before the Muslims had proved to be thieves; however, Muslims must not be like them. Their foremost responsibility is that after acquiring this great gift, they should hand over the trusts of the nation to people on the basis of merit and strive to establish justice in its ultimate form in every walk of life. Imām Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī comments on this verse in the following words:

… This is a delineation of the most important aspect of the trust referred to as well as an explanation of the responsibility attached to political authority. The foremost responsibility of those who are blessed with political authority by the Almighty is that they should decide all disputes that arise among their people with justice and fairness. Justice means that there should be no discrimination in the eyes of the law between the various classes of society like the rich and the poor or the upper and the lower class. Justice should not be a commodity that can be bought or sold. Partiality and bias should not creep into it nor should indifference and apathy arise in dispensing it. No power or influence, greed or fear of any kind should affect justice in any manner. Whoever is blessed with political authority by the Almighty in this world has been blessed so that he may discharge justice. Therefore, this is his primary responsibility. A just ruler will receive a great reward from the Almighty, and an unjust one will be punished grievously [on the Day of Judgement]. Consequently, the verse says that this is an excellent admonition from the Almighty to the believers, who, therefore, must not show slackness in following it. The attributes of the Almighty mentioned at the end of the verse (one who hears and sees all things) caution us that even the most concealed injustice is in His knowledge. (Amīn Aḥsan Iṣlāḥī, Tadabbur-i Qur’ān, vol. 2, 323)

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

These are the main obligations placed on the Muslim community and these sum up its moral code: namely, fulfilment of trust and maintaining justice. The basic and most important trust is that which God has implanted in human nature. This is the one which the heavens, the earth and the mountains refused to accept, but which man undertook. It is that of willingly and deliberately recognising Divine guidance and believing in God. This is the trust that God has given to human beings alone in their very nature. Other creatures have been given faith without the need for any effort on their part. Thus, they recognise their Lord and worship Him without having to make any choice or exerting any special effort. It is man alone who has been given this task to fulfil on the basis of his guiding nature, knowledge, reasoning, will and effort. He will always receive God’s help in that: “As for those who strive hard in Our cause, We shall most certainly guide them to paths that lead to Us; for, indeed, God is with those who do good.” (29: 69)

This is, then, the first trust man has to fulfil. It is that which gives rise to all other trusts which God commands people to fulfil. An important one among these being to give testimony in favour of Islam. This takes the form firstly of striving hard within oneself so that one’s life, feelings, actions and behaviour become a practical translation of faith. Thus, when people praise a believer’s behaviour, values and manners and moral standards, they realise that it is only because he believes in Islam that he is able to attain such high standards.

Another way of giving testimony in favour of Islam is the realisation of just how much more profound and superior Islam is to other human beliefs. With this knowledge, a believer begins to call on people to believe in Islam, explaining its values and principles. It is not sufficient then for a believer to keep his faith to himself. He must fulfil his task of making it known, calling upon others to accept it. That is part of his trust and as such he should discharge it.

Testimony is further given by taking steps to help implement Islam as a code of living for the Muslim community, and in human life in general. To do this, believers should make use of every means available to them both as individuals and as members of that community. Such a practical implementation is the most important trust, second only to accepting the faith itself. No individual and no group are exempt from this trust. The Prophet says: “Jihād” continues until the Day of Resurrection.” Jihād in this sense is a fulfilment of a specific trust.

Another trust which is implied in the above is that of dealing with people and delivering to them whatever they have entrusted to us. That includes honesty in daily transactions, giving honest counsel to rulers and ruled, taking good care of young children, protecting the interests of the community and defending it against hostile forces and observing all duties and obligations outlined by the Divine code. All these are trusts that must be fulfilled.

The order to maintain justice is stated in the most general terms so as to make it obligatory between all people. It does not mean that justice should be confined to Muslims only, or to dealings between them and the followers of earlier Divine religions alone. Justice is due to every individual human being. The requirement to maintain justice only takes into account the fact that people are human beings, and that that alone qualifies them for just treatment. Hence, justice should be extended to all: believers and non-believers, friends and enemies, white and coloured, Arabs and non-Arabs, etc. The Muslim community, whenever it exercises power, is responsible for maintaining justice between them all. In fact, humanity has never experienced such justice except under Islamic rule, when Muslims were the leaders of mankind. Once Muslims lost that leadership, humanity has been unable to experience any similar justice that applies to all people, simply because they are human beings. Such administration of pure and complete justice is the cornerstone of Islamic government, and delivering trusts to their rightful owners is the basic characteristic of life under Islam.

The verse makes it clear that orders both to be true to one’s trust and to maintain justice between people are part of God’s admonition. Good and greatly beneficial indeed is whatever God directs and admonishes us to do. Besides, this is not a mere admonition; it is an order. God only describes it as admonition because that makes it easier to fulfil. Hearts and consciences accept admonition more readily, because its implementation appears to be more of a voluntary nature.

The final comment in the verse attaches the whole matter to fear of God and hope for His reward: “God hears all and sees all.” There is perfect harmony between the duties God imposes on Muslims and the requirements to fulfil trust and maintain justice on the one hand and God’s seeing and hearing everything on the other. God is certain to hear and see all matters related to the fulfilment of trust. Justice, on the other hand, requires good attention, sharp vision and proper evaluation and judgement, as well as taking into account all the relevant factors and circumstances so as to evaluate them properly. Moreover, the order to do both comes from the One who hears and sees all things.

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: Al Qur'an guides and helps those who sincerely seek Divine Guidance and Help.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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