Why the wrongdoers are robbed of Humility and punished - Selected verses from Al Qur'an

We live in this world with all type of people around: honest and humble, hypocrites and the cruel and oppressor. While one can feel a radiance of humility from the honest, we feel a strange strong smell of arrogance and heartlessness from the oppressors. Ever wondered why?

In stead of I answering the question, let me quote a verse from Al Qur'an which would tell you why. This is the 57th verse of Surah Aal-E-Imran, the 3rd chapter / Surah of Al Qur'an shared herein under:

The Verse

“As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, He will give them their full rewards. And Allah does not love the wrongdoers (ẓālimīn).”

Note: This verse is also part of our reference post Warning Shots of severe consequences for the Oppressors and dispensers of injustice mentioned in Al Qur'an. Refer to this page to know the other verses on the subjects.

What the Verse is Saying

This verse makes a clear moral divide:

• Believers with righteous deeds will be fully rewarded
• Wrongdoers (ẓālimīn) will be deprived of Allah’s love

That is the greatest loss is not punishment alone for the wrongdoers, it is being cut off from Allah’s love. And when the heart is devoid of love of Allah, one becomes stubborn, cruel and heartless. Such people who love to torture and oppress others for in their hearts love of Allah does not reside, therefore flowing tears from the eyes of the oppressed do not move them.

Who Are the “Ẓālimīn” (Wrongdoers)?

In the Qur’anic sense, they include those:

• Who reject truth knowingly
• Who oppress others
• Who act with arrogance and فساد (corruption)
• Who persist in wrongdoing without repentance

Examples from the Past who did not allow love of Allah reside in their hearts and faced Divine Consequences

These are those people or even communities who reject the Divine path which makes their hearts hardened for the light of truth does not reach their hearts. Such are the people who are robbed of softness of their hearts, and thus humility. These are often mentioned in Al Qur'an repeatedly. Some are mentioned below:

• Pharaoh (Fir‘awn)
• Pharaoh is notorious for Enslavement of Bani Israeel بني إسرائيل and killing of innocent children for he proclaimed himself as a god as a symbol of his extreme arrogance: “I am your lord most high.”
• His stubbornness, arrogance and self centeredness hardened his heart to be inclined to the love of God.
• For this brutal behaviour of his, he was drowned in the sea along with his army of which he was proud of and from which it wielded his power and arrogance.
• The mention of Pharaoh which exhibits tyranny and arrogance lead to humiliation and destruction
• Nation of Nūḥ (Noah)
• For over 900 years Prophet Nūḥ persuaded his people to obey Allah and leave their stubbornness. But they mocked truth and persistently denied existence of God.
• Therefore they were drowned in the great flood and only those survived who listened to him and accepted the existence of God. It was unfortunate that son of Nūḥ did not listen to his father and was too perished in the flood.
• Nations of ʿĀd and Thamūd Both these nations prided in their strength and rejecting clear signs of God. They were thus destroyed by violent winds and ear tearing blast.
• People of Lūṭ (Lot) and Shuʿayb Defied Divine commandments, exhibit moral corruption and economic justice. Thus their people were destroyed

A Deeper Understanding of Devoid of love of Allah and “Divine Wrath”

When people become heartless and commandments of Allah do not find a way into their hearts, Allah too devoid them of humility, add more to their arrogance and false pride which finally invites Divine wrath for them and they are destroyed.

It is not only complete destructing of such people always. Sometimes they are robbed of Barakah (blessings) or inner emptiness of their hearts, which gradually results into their downfall. From high positions of power of strength, they fall to the earth duly exposed of their hollowness and utterly humiliated.

The Most Important Application

Let us not only look back for this verse is not just about “them”—it is about us. We need to ask ourselves:

• Do I oppress others—even in small ways?
• Do I justify my wrong actions?
• Do I ignore truth when it challenges me?
• Do I find hollowness in my heart or absence of even iota of goodness?
• Do I feel happy seeing people in misery and under burden of oppression?

If the answer is yes, we need to repent immediately and let love of Allah enter into our hearts to make us humble and caring. For if we continue with our oppressive actions and wrongdoings, let us be ready for the Divine wrath which may befall unannounced.

Remember: The line between “believer” and “ẓālim” is drawn by actions and sincerity

A Powerful Reflection

The verse ends with: “Allah does not love the wrongdoers”

Think about that a person my be powerful, successful and admired. Yet if he is oppressive, he is living without divine love - and that is the greatest loss.

So let us not focus only on who was punished… Focus on what made them deserving of punishment—

so we too never fall into the same category of wrongdoers and oppressors.

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

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

You may refer to more Selected Verses from Surah 3. Al-i'Imran (The Family of Imran) already published

You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages: 

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

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

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

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

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

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

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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Prophetic Supplication (Dua / دُعا) - attributed to Prophet Zechariah for Goodly and Pious Offspring

One of the greatest blessings of Allah is pious and goodly offspring, something that is the earnest desire of every parent. The pious and obedient offspring act as the light of their parents' eyes, especially as they age. But if the offspring turn out to be rude, arrogant and disrespectful, the whole life of parents turns into misery and living becomes a bane.  

Even prophets have been mentioned in Qur'an and other Divine Scriptures supplicating for goodly offspring. Today we share the 38th verse of Surah 3. Al-i'Imran: 38 in which Prophet Zechariah (زَكَرِيَّا علي السلام) has been mentioned supplicating to the Lord of the universe for grant of goodly offspring. 

It may be mentioned here that the birth of Mariam (Mary, the mother of Jesus), of Yahya (John the Baptist), the precursor of Jesus, and of Jesus, the prophet of Israel, whom Israel rejected, occurred in that order chronologically, and are told in that order. They are all inter-connected. Zakariya prayed for no ordinary son. He and his wife were past the age of parenthood. Seeing the growth of Mary, he prayed for some child from Allah, - "from Thee, a progeny that is pure". To his surprise, he is given a son in the flesh, ushered in by a special Sign. Details in the explanation of the verse below:

هُنَالِكَ دَعَا زَكَرِيَّا رَبَّهٗ​ ​ۚ قَالَ رَبِّ هَبۡ لِىۡ مِنۡ لَّدُنۡكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً​ ​ ۚ اِنَّكَ سَمِيۡعُ الدُّعَآءِ‏ 

(3:38) Then Zechariah prayed to his Lord: 'O Lord! Grant me from Yourself out of Your grace the gift of a goodly offspring, for indeed You alone heed all Prayers.'

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: (The Supplication of Zakariyya, and the Good News of Yahya's Birth):

When Zechariah, also spelt Zakariyya, who had Maryam (Mary, mother of Jesus) under his care, saw that Allah provided sustenance for Maryam, when he visited her in her seclusion, by giving her the fruits of winter in summer and the fruits of summer in winter, he was eager to have a child of his own. By then, Zakariyya had become an old man, his bones feeble and his head full of gray hair. His wife was an old woman who was barren. Yet, he still supplicated to Allah and called Him in secret. 

Since Zechariah was special to God, his supplication was immediately accepted and an angel appeared right there at the place of his supplication and broke him the good news of a son being born to him. This mentioned right in the next verse:

فَنَادَتۡهُ الۡمَلٰٓـئِكَةُ وَهُوَ قَآئِمٌ يُّصَلِّىۡ فِى الۡمِحۡرَابِۙ اَنَّ اللّٰهَ يُبَشِّرُكَ بِيَحۡيٰى مُصَدِّقًۢا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللّٰهِ وَسَيِّدًا وَّحَصُوۡرًا وَّنَبِيًّا مِّنَ الصّٰلِحِيۡنَ‏ 

(3:39) As he stood praying in the sanctuary, the angels called out to him: 'Allah gives you good tidings of Yahya (later John the Baptist), who shall confirm a command of Allah, shall be outstanding among men, utterly chaste, and a Prophet from among the righteous.'

(3:40) Zechariah (flabbergasted by such news and) exclaimed: 'My Lord! How shall I have a son when old age has overtaken me and my wife is barren?' He said: Thus, shall it be; Allah does what He wills.' and thus God granted Zechariah a son despite his old age and despite the barrenness of his wife. Thus, Yahya was born just six months before Jesus (peace be upon him). Yahya was born a son, destined to be a chaste leader and Prophet.

The purpose of sharing this supplication is for those who married people who for some reason lose hope of having an offspring born to them. If one sincerely prays with complete faith in Allah, the supplication never goes unanswered. And as is evident from the verses stated above, the most appropriate time to draw near the angels and to invoke and supplicate before the Almighty is that of the prayer.

We must never lose hope and get dejected if our supplications do not materialize for Allah knows the best for us. Waiting is just part of the Divine tests that are given to gauge the firmness of faith of His servants. Pray that we are never put to test and that Allah grants our wishes for us to be ever grateful to Him.

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 Invocations / Dua " دُعا " from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

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.

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 following sources: 

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

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.

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

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

Allah loves those who restrain their anger, and forgive others

Anger is one of the weakest human character, which is more often than not expressed in its utter harshness and loudness. Generally those who are rich or in power get intimidated instantly when they do not see the weaker side bowing to their viewpoint. The instant outburst of anger can some times turns into a very violent expression which may entail physical harm of the weak.

When a person is angry,  he is generally observed to have no control over emotions and logical thinking and sometimes this weakness of man leads him to very a the low state of character. It is for this reason anger management has become a vast subject today and in the corporate world managers and management are given courses on how to suppress and "manage" anger for it may have serious consequences on the growth of business.

There is more stress today on "Assertive Anger" today which means thinking before you speak, being confident in how you say it, yet open and flexible to the 'other side'. It means being patient; not raising your voice; communicating how you are feeling emotionally, and really trying to understand what others are feeling.

Cognizant of this great weakness of man, believers have been cautioned by Allah to restrain their anger and should try their best to forgiving others rather than taking revenge, for which they be ashamed after their anger has subsided.  Remember this was said more than 1400 years ago on which research is being carried out extensively these days. 

We share the 134th verse of  Surah 3. Al-i'Imran which not only focuses on restraining anger, but aslo forgiving others. In fact the verse has three Divine advices to the believers and it is said that Allah loves these good doers: (1) Who spend in the way of Allah both in plenty and hardship, (2) Who restrain their anger, and (3) Who forgive others. 

Let us see its explanation and tafsir:

الَّذِيۡنَ يُنۡفِقُوۡنَ فِى السَّرَّآءِ وَالضَّرَّآءِ وَالۡكٰظِمِيۡنَ الۡغَيۡظَ وَالۡعَافِيۡنَ عَنِ النَّاسِ​ؕ وَاللّٰهُ يُحِبُّ الۡمُحۡسِنِيۡنَ​ۚ‏ 

(3:134) who spend in the way of Allah both in plenty and hardship, who restrain their anger, and forgive others. Allah loves such good-doers."

Tafsir Ibn Kathir:

(Those who spend (in Allah's cause) in prosperity and in adversity) in hard times and easy times, while active (or enthusiastic) and otherwise, healthy or ill, and in all conditions, just as Allah said in another Ayah,

(Those who spend their wealth (in Allah's cause) by night and day, in secret and in public) [2:274] These believers are never distracted from obeying Allah, spending on what pleases Him, being kind to His servants and their relatives, and other acts of righteousness. 

Allah said, (who repress anger, and who pardon men;) ﴿3:134﴾ for when they are angry, they control their anger and do act upon it. Rather, they even forgive those who hurt them. 

Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet said:

(The strong person is not he who is able to physically overcome people. The strong person is he who overcomes his rage when he is angry.)

(He who gives time to a debtor or forgives him, then Allah will save him from the heat of Jahannam (Hell-fire). Behold! The deeds of Paradise are difficult to reach, for they are on top of a hill, while the deeds of the Fire are easy to find in the lowlands. The happy person is he who is saved from the tests. Verily, there is no dose of anything better to Allah than a dose of rage that the servant controls, and whenever the servant of Allah controls it, he will be internally filled with faith.)

Imam Ahmad recorded that Sahl bin Mu`adh bin Anas said that his father said that the Messenger of Allah said, (Whoever controlled rage while able to act upon it, then Allah will call him while all creation is a witness, until He gives him the choice of any of the Huris (fair females with wide, lovely eyes - as mates for the pious) he wishes.)

Allah said: (who repress anger) meaning, they do not satisfy their rage upon people. Rather, they refrain from harming them and await their rewards with Allah, the Exalted and Most Honored. 

Allah then said, (and who pardon men;) They forgive those who treat them with injustice. Therefore, they do not hold any ill feelings about anyone in their hearts, and this is the most excellent conduct in this regard. 

This is why Allah said, (verily, Allah loves the Muhsinin (the good-doers)).

Yusuf Ali explains that another definition of the righteous (vv. 134-35). So far from grasping material wealth, they give freely, of themselves and their substance, not only when they are well-off and it is easy for them to do so, but also when they arc in difficulties, for other people may be in difficulties at the same time. They do not get ruffled in adversity, or get angry when other people behave badly, or their own good plans fail. On the contrary they redouble their efforts. For the charity-or good deeds-is all the more necessary in adversity. And they do not throw the blame on others. Even where such blame is due and correction is necessary, their own mind is free from a sense of grievance, for they forgive and cover other men's faults. This as far as other people are concerned. But we may be ourselves at fault, and perhaps we brought some calamity on ourselves. The righteous man is not necessarily perfect. In such circumstances his behaviour is described in the next verse.

Javed Ahmed Ghamidi notes that (who spend in all circumstances) in spite of this vastness, a person can buy Paradise by spending in the way of God. Not to mention the fact that this vastness of Paradise is only a parable. Its actual expanse is beyond our imagination.

(whether they are in ease or in hardship and [even if they encounter any excesses from those upon whom they spend,] they curb their anger and forgive people) This is said because generally the rich who have money do not have the heart to spend it; so by scolding those who ask on their wrong attitude they earn punishment instead of reward even for such a generous act.

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

They “restrain their anger, and forgive their fellow men.” Fearing God also works in this respect, providing similar motives and leaving similar effects. Anger is a human reaction which is normally combined with or followed by a fit of temper. It is both natural and essential to man. However, it can only be overcome through that higher perception made possible by the positive effects of fearing God and the spiritual strength which man achieves through looking up to horizons which are far superior and more sublime than man’s own needs and interests.

 

Restraining anger is only the first stage; it is not sufficient on its own. A person may restrain his anger but harbour a grudge. His outward fury becomes a deeply- seated, inward rancour. Needless to say, anger and fury are preferable to harbouring grudges and rancour. The Qur’ānic verse emphasises that the God-fearing do not allow their anger to become a grudge. They forgive others and do not harbour any ill feelings. When anger is deliberately restrained it becomes a burden, a fire which burns internally sending its smoke over man’s conscience in order to blur his vision. Forgiveness, however, ensures a release from that burden. It gives peace of heart and conscience, as well as an easy movement in a more sublime world.

 

“God loves the benevolent.” Those who spend their money at times of prosperity and hardship are benevolent. Similarly, those who do not hesitate to forgive others after having been angered by them are also benevolent. The Qur’ānic verse tells us that God loves all who are benevolent. Use of the term “love” here is significant. Its pleasant, friendly, bright and compassionate shades are in perfect harmony with the pleasant and honourable atmosphere of help and forgiveness.

 

Because God loves the benevolent and the good turns they do, those who love God also love to be benevolent. They have the best of all motives. The final comment is, then, not only an inspiring description, it is a statement of fact.

 

The community which enjoys God’s love and, in turn, loves God and in which forgiveness replaces anger and rancour is a strong, brotherly and closely-knit community. 

Please listen to very elaborate explanation of the ayat by eminent Muslim scholar Nouman Ali Khan:

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and help us to act upon the commandments of Allah contained therein. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others life miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

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.

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.

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 following sources: 

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

In addition the 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.

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

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