Beware of the Divine wrath that befalls upon the whole population indiscriminately (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

The Lord of the worlds has created the entire universe to function as per His designs and directives. No one is allowed to exceed the limits as set forth by Allah, the One and the Only One True God and the sole Creator of the entire universe, of which we the humans on this planet of earth are but a fraction of the whole. Allah has sent down His messengers and prophets to every land and every people who not only conveyed to them the set of instructions as to how abide by the Divine Commandments, but also warned them  of severe consequences if any individual, society or a nation violates these.

The living examples of people of Lot (Prophet Lut, peace be upon him) when the Divine wrath befell on them in form of burning rocks when they refused to give up their practice of homosexuality. 

* You may read our previous post: Prophetic Supplication of Prophet Lot (Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) when the revered prophets in desperation called upon his Lord to help him against the wicked

There have been other examples of defiance of prophets of Allah by people of Ad and Thamud who too were destroyed by the Divine wrath, And when the Divine wrath befalls, everyone, guilty or otherwise perishes.

This is the message contained in the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 92 Afflictions and the End of the World /  كتاب الفتن / Chapter 19:  If Allah sends a punishment upon a nation / باب  إِذَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِقَوْمٍ عَذَابًا الْمَاءِ‏ ) as Hadith 7108, given herein under:

Narrated Ibn `Umar:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If Allah sends punishment upon a nation then it befalls upon the whole population indiscriminately and then they will be resurrected (and judged) according to their deeds. "

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عُثْمَانَ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، أَخْبَرَنَا يُونُسُ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، أَخْبَرَنِي حَمْزَةُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ ابْنَ عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ إِذَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِقَوْمٍ عَذَابًا، أَصَابَ الْعَذَابُ مَنْ كَانَ فِيهِمْ، ثُمَّ بُعِثُوا عَلَى أَعْمَالِهِمْ ‏"‏‏.‏

The hadith highlights a concept related to collective punishment and individual accountability. This hadith is understood in the context of both the Qur'an and other Hadiths. Let’s break down its meaning and implications with supporting evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah.

1. Understanding Collective Punishment:

The hadith suggests that when Allah sends a punishment upon a nation, it can affect everyone within that community, regardless of whether they are righteous or wicked. This concept is echoed in various parts of the Qur'an.

• Qur'anic Evidence: 
• In Surah Al-Anfal (8:25), Allah says: "And fear a trial which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively, and know that Allah is severe in penalty." 
• This verse warns the believers to avoid actions that could lead to a punishment that affects everyone, not just the wrongdoers. 
• This verse, along with the hadith, highlights the reality that when a society or nation collectively engages in wrongdoing or fails to prevent evil, Allah’s punishment may encompass the entire community. This serves as a warning to the believers to not be complacent or silent in the face of widespread corruption or immorality.

2. Individual Accountability After Death:

While the collective punishment might befall an entire community in this world, individual accountability remains in the Hereafter. The hadith states that despite the indiscriminate nature of worldly punishment, each person will be judged based on their own deeds after resurrection.

• Qur'anic Evidence: 
• In Surah Al-Muddathir (74:38), Allah says: "Every soul, for what it has earned, will be retained."
• Similarly, in Surah Al-Zalzalah (99:7-8), Allah says: "So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it." 
• These verses clearly affirm that each individual will be judged according to their deeds, regardless of what punishment they may have faced in the world.

3. Supporting Hadiths:

• Another hadith reported by Imam Al-Tirmidhi (Hadith 2168) and others mentions the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saying: "When people see an oppressor but do not prevent him, it is likely that Allah will punish them all."

This hadith emphasizes the responsibility of individuals within a community to prevent wrongdoing, reinforcing the idea that neglecting this duty may lead to collective punishment.

• In Sahih Bukhari, there is a hadith narrated by Zainab bint Jahsh: "The Prophet (peace be upon him) came to me in a state of fear and said, 'La ilaha illallah (there is no god but Allah)! Woe to the Arabs from the evil that has drawn near! Today a hole has been opened in the wall of Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog) like this.' Then he made a circle with his thumb and index finger." She asked, "Shall we be destroyed even though there are righteous people among us?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, "Yes, if evil increases."

This hadith reinforces the notion that even the presence of righteous people may not prevent collective punishment if the society as a whole engages in widespread corruption or evil.

4. Balancing the Concepts: The combination of these teachings highlights a balance in Islamic theology:

• Worldly Consequences: Communities and nations may face collective consequences for widespread wrongdoing.
• Individual Judgement: In the Hereafter, each person will be judged and rewarded or punished based on their individual actions, regardless of the collective punishment they faced in this life.

5. Practical Lessons:

• Active Participation in Good: The teachings encourage believers to actively promote good and prevent evil within their communities.
• Personal Piety and Responsibility: Even if a person lives in a corrupt society, they are encouraged to maintain their piety and trust that they will be judged fairly by Allah in the Hereafter.

The hadith thus underscores the dual aspects of collective punishment in this world and individual accountability in the Hereafter. While entire communities might suffer for collective wrongdoing, in the afterlife, each person will be judged according to their own deeds. This teaching emphasizes the importance of both communal responsibility and personal righteousness in Islam.

Let us not live in the fallacy of the notion that we have been absolved of the original sin any sin more sin that we will commit will be condoned automatically due to Divine mercy. Beware of such falsehood being spread and be ready to face the consequences of all sins committed individually and be ready to be taken to task on the Day of Judgment. Qur'an and Hadiths warn us in very plain and open words to save ourselves from sinning, and if we do not repent and seek Divine Forgiveness while we are alive, then be ready to face a very harsh punishment in the life of the Hereafter.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of  and that 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

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above and explanation augmented by ChatGPT. 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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Utter losers worship others than Allah with lame excuse of being closer to Allah

Faith defines clear lines and directions of worship and devotion. That is it gives the clear direction that leads to  Allah, the One and Only One Creator of the entire universe, and the Ultimate Truth. Despite clear instructions in Qur'an to worship Allah alone and not to take humans as His associates or to find in them a way to reach Allah, for Allah is nearer to one's jugular vein and is always listening to those calling upon him.

It is utterly disturbing to see that a large section of believers, specially in some Asian countries, are misled by the pseudo religious scholars and imams not to approach Allah directly and tell them to find those who know Qur'an better to "route through them their grievances" to Allah for Allah listens to the pious and knowledgeable. This utterly tangent to the teachings of Qur'an and falls into the realm of Shirk. In fact this is what the disbelievers of Makkah did in the formatting days of Islam and would tell Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

We share today the third verse of Surah Az-Zumar which warns the disbelievers and everyone who takes protectors beside Allah with the lame excuse of getting close to Allah. This verse reinforces the importance of exclusive devotion to Allah and warns against associating partners with Him or relying on intermediaries for spiritual closeness. It serves as a reminder that only Allah has the authority to accept or reject worship and that He will decisively address any deviations from the true path.

Surah Az-Zumar (The Troops) is the 39th chapter of the Quran. Verse 3 of this surah reads:

أَلَا لِلَّهِ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْخَالِصُ ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ مَا نَعْبُدُهُمْ إِلَّا لِيُقَرِّبُونَآ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ زُلْفَىٰٓ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَحْكُمُ بَيْنَهُمْ فِى مَا هُمْ فِيهِ يَخْتَلِفُونَ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِى مَنْ هُوَ كَـٰذِبٌۭ كَفَّارٌۭ

Indeed, sincere devotion is due ˹only˺ to Allah. As for those who take take protectors besides Allah, ˹saying,˺ “We worship them only so they may bring us closer to Allah,” surely Allah will judge between all1 regarding what they differed about. Allah certainly does not guide whoever persists in lying and disbelief.

In this verse, several important concepts are highlighted:

• Pure Monotheism: The verse emphasizes that worship should be dedicated solely to Allah, the One God. It stresses that true devotion and religious practice should be centered on the exclusive worship of Allah.
• False Intermediaries: The verse criticizes those who worship other deities or take protectors (such as idols or other beings) besides Allah. These people believe that these intermediaries will help them get closer to Allah, which is a misunderstanding of the concept of monotheism.
• Divine Judgment: The verse assures that Allah will ultimately judge between those who adhere to pure monotheism and those who deviate by worshiping intermediaries. This judgment will clarify the truth and address any discrepancies in religious practices.

As explained above, this verse highlights key themes of monotheism and the exclusive worship of Allah, and these themes are echoed throughout the Quran. Here’s a deeper look at this verse with references to similar verses:

Key Themes and Similar Verses in Qur'an

• Exclusive Worship of Allah: 
• Surah Al-Baqarah 2:163:
• "And your God is one God. There is no deity except Him, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate."
• This verse affirms the oneness of God and emphasizes that He alone deserves worship, aligning with the notion of pure monotheism in Surah Az-Zumar.
• Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4:
• "Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'" 
• This surah reinforces the concept of Allah's unique oneness and His exclusivity in being worshiped.
• Rejection of Intermediaries
• Surah Al-Ankabut 29:17:
• "You worship instead of Allah only idols, and you only invent falsehood. Indeed, those whom you worship instead of Allah have no power to provide for you. So seek from Allah provision and worship Him and be grateful to Him. To Him you will be returned."
• This verse condemns the worship of idols and emphasizes that only Allah has the power to provide and deserves worship.
• Surah Al-Zumar 39:7: 
• "If you disbelieve – indeed, Allah is Free from need of you. He does not approve for His servants disbelief. And if you are grateful, He approves it for you. No bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you concerning that in which you used to differ." 
• This verse highlights Allah’s independence from His creation and asserts that He alone is worthy of gratitude and worship.
• Divine Judgment
• Surah Al-Baqarah 2:281:
• "And fear the Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be compensated for what it earned, and they will not be treated unjustly."
• This verse speaks about the Day of Judgment when Allah will judge people according to their deeds, resonating with the assurance in Surah Az-Zumar that Allah will judge those who have deviated from true monotheism.
• Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69:
• "And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good."
• This verse underscores that Allah will guide those who sincerely strive towards Him and will be the ultimate judge of their intentions and actions.

Hadiths attributed to Prophet on the same theme:

• Hadith on Monotheism:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of monotheism in numerous hadiths. For instance, he said, “Whoever says ‘There is no god but Allah’ and dies on that, will enter Paradise”. This hadith underscores the centrality of declaring Allah’s oneness and worshiping Him alone.

• Hadith on Shirk (Associating Partners with Allah):

The Prophet Muhammad said, “The most grievous sin is to associate partners with Allah, to kill a soul which Allah has forbidden except for a just cause, and to be disobedient to one's parents”. This highlights the severity of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and aligns with the Quranic teaching in Surah Az-Zumar 39:3 about the exclusive right of Allah to be worshiped.

• Hadith on Intercessors:

The Prophet Muhammad clarified that no one can intercede on behalf of another without Allah’s permission. He said, “No one can intercede with Allah except with His permission”. This aligns with the Quranic verse which addresses the false belief that intermediaries can bring people closer to Allah. In Islam, intercession is only possible with Allah’s permission, and it does not contradict the fundamental belief in Allah’s sole right to be worshiped.

• Hadith on Idolatry and Intermediaries:

In a hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad said, “Avoid the seven destructive sins.” The companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what are they?” He replied, “Shirk (associating partners with Allah), magic, killing a soul which Allah has forbidden except in justice, consuming interest, consuming the property of an orphan, fleeing from the battlefield, and slandering chaste, innocent women” (Sahih Muslim 89). This hadith reinforces the rejection of any practice that involves associating partners with Allah or relying on intermediaries for worship.

• Hadith on Judgment Day:

The Prophet Muhammad taught that on the Day of Judgment, Allah will judge every individual based on their deeds. He said, “Allah will keep His servant under His shade on the Day when there is no shade but His”. This reinforces the idea that Allah alone will judge people and will address any deviations in worship or belief, consistent with Surah Az-Zumar 39:3.

• Hadith on Accountability:

The Prophet Muhammad also said, “The first matter that the servant will be questioned about on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is correct, then the rest of his actions will be correct; and if it is defective, then the rest of his actions will be defective”. This hadith emphasizes personal accountability and aligns with the Quranic principle that Allah will judge the sincerity and correctness of worship.

The verse of Surah Az-Zumar stated above in the light of other shared verses from Qur'an and Hadiths thus emphasizes the importance of worshiping Allah alone and condemns the use of intermediaries in religious practice. Similar verses throughout the Quran reinforce these concepts by affirming Allah’s exclusive right to worship, rejecting the worship of false deities, and assuring divine judgment on the Day of Resurrection.

Let us not derail us from the Sirat al-Mustaqim "الصراط المستقيم"  (the Straight Path) as shown to us through Qur'an and many a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Let us not fall into the trap of the Satan and evil forces that takes us away from Allah and then urging us to protectors other than Allah to reach Him. This is pure shirk and has no place in Islam. We worship only and only One True God, we call Allah in Islam. 

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

Please refer to our exclusive reference pages: 

• Who are the Utter Losers (in worldly life and the Hereafter) in the light of Qur'an and help for more verses on the subject.
• Please refer to our Reference Page: Understanding Shirk - Grave sin of Associating Partners with Allah to know about Shirk and why it is the unpardonable act by Allah

In addition, 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 | 

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 of Prophet Lot (Lut عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

The most difficult task given to humans by Allah has been the task of prophethood. The prophets who were assigned this most tedious assignments were subjected to extreme intimidation, negation, harassments, besides even being man handled and threatened with their lives. Prophet Lot (Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was also one of the prophets who was sent to a people who had a wicked character and were engaged in the sin of same sex, that is what the gays and lesbians are today. Verses 160-175 of Surah Ash-Shu'araa narrates the story of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, his address to his people, they disbelieved and as a result faced destruction.

Note: It may be added for information of our readers that Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is said to be nephew of Prophet Abraham (Ibraheem عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Prophet Abraham himself is said to have been a descendant of Nuh through his son Shem.

Continuing with the height of wickedness of his people, and when it reached to an unbearable limit, the revered prophet supplicated to Allah for his and family's protection by saying:

رَبِّ نَجِّنِىۡ وَاَهۡلِىۡ مِمَّا يَعۡمَلُوۡنَ‏ 

(26:169) My Lord, deliver me and my family from their wicked deeds."

To fully understand verse 169 of Surah Ash-Shu'ara (26:169), it's important to consider it within the broader context of the Surah and the story of Prophet Lot (Lut).

Context of Surah Ash-Shu'ara

Surah Ash-Shu'ara recounts the stories of various prophets to illustrate their struggles, their call to righteousness, and the eventual consequences faced by their communities when they rejected divine guidance. The Surah uses these narratives to emphasize the themes of divine justice, the importance of heeding prophetic messages, and the consequences of moral corruption.

The Story of Prophet Lot (Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is a key figure in this Surah, particularly in the sections related to the destruction of his people. Here's a more detailed context:

• The People of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ's Immorality: The people of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ were engaged in grave sins, including sexual immorality and rejecting the teachings of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. Their behavior was considered abominable, particularly the practice of same-sex relations, which was widely condemned in the Quran.
• Mission of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ: He was sent to guide his people back to righteousness, but they persisted in their sinful ways and even threatened him with violence. Despite his efforts, his message was met with resistance and hostility.
• Divine Punishment: As a result of their persistent wickedness, Allah decreed the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This punishment was a manifestation of divine justice against the moral corruption that had taken root.

Verse 169 in Context

In the context of the Surah, verse 169 is part of plea of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ for mercy amidst the impending destruction:

• Before the Verse: Prior to verse 169, the Surah describes how Allah had sent angels to Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ to inform him of the forthcoming punishment and to instruct him to leave the city with his family. The narrative highlights the sinful nature of Lot's people and the divine decision to destroy them.
• After the Verse: After this plea, the narrative continues with the actual destruction of the cities. Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and his family are instructed to leave quickly, and the punishment is executed as foretold.

Significance of the Verse

• Plea for Protection: Plea of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ in this verse reflects his concern for the safety of himself and his family in the face of divine retribution. It underscores the importance of seeking Allah’s protection in times of crisis.
• Human Concern: The verse humanizes Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, showing his deep care for his loved ones and his hope for divine mercy, even in the face of judgment.
• Divine Justice: It emphasizes that divine justice is not arbitrary but responds to the moral state of a society. The destruction of Lot's people was a direct consequence of their refusal to repent and their continued sinful behavior.

In summary, verse 169 of Surah Ash-Shu'ara is a poignant moment in the story of Prophet Lut  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, capturing his earnest request for divine protection for himself and his family amidst the impending divine punishment of his community. It serves as a reminder of the themes of divine justice and mercy in the Quranic narrative.

This also guides to make supplications as made by the prophets for our safety against the wicked and the bad character people and demagogues to invoke mercy of Allah lest harm comes to us and our families.

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 | Resource References: | 1 | 2 | 

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. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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Anger Management as taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ : What to say when one is angry

Anger is defined as an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong. Anger can be a good thing. It can give you a way to express negative feelings, for example, or motivate you to find solutions to problems. To be angry is to be furious. People who get angry a lot have a short temper. This is a word for a common emotion: being mad or enraged. People get mad all the time, about traffic, homework, parents, children, and even the weather. 

It is generally seen that many a  man cannot control their emotions and exhibit an explosive outburst when being antagonized. In fact when a person is angry, he is temporarily robbed of the ability to think straight and takes erratic decisions for which he feel sorry for himself when the anger has subsided. The emotional and reactive outbursts in most cases cause losing friends and relatives, even business deals, and have very negative and deep impact on one's own life and health. 

In Islam, any unusual negative response to a situation is attributed to the work of the Satan and the evil forces, for these evil forces are all the time on the lookout of people who can be easily tempted to show their emotional response easily. Under such situations, one must immediately try to disengage from a situation and act upon the advice of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

This Hadith is mentioned Jami` at-Tirmidhi  (48 -  Chapters on Supplication / كتاب الدعوات عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم / Chapter # 51 What One Says When Angry / باب مَا يَقُولُ عِنْدَ الْغَضَبِ  ) as Hadith number # 3452:

Mu`adh bin Jabal narrated :

that one of the two men cursed the other next to the Prophet (ﷺ), until anger could be recognized in the face of one of them. So the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Verily, I know a statement, that if he were to say it, his anger would leave: ‘I seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, the rejected (A`ūdhu billāhi minash-shaiṭānir-rajīm).’”

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا مَحْمُودُ بْنُ غَيْلاَنَ، حَدَّثَنَا قَبِيصَةُ، أَخْبَرَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الْمَلِكِ بْنِ عُمَيْرٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي لَيْلَى، عَنْ مُعَاذِ بْنِ جَبَلٍ، رضى الله عنه قَالَ اسْتَبَّ رَجُلاَنِ عِنْدَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم حَتَّى عُرِفَ الْغَضَبُ فِي وَجْهِ أَحَدِهِمَا فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ إِنِّي لأَعْلَمُ كَلِمَةً لَوْ قَالَهَا لَذَهَبَ غَضَبُهُ أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ حَدَّثَنَا بُنْدَارٌ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، بِهَذَا الإِسْنَادِ نَحْوَهُ ‏.‏ قَالَ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ صُرَدٍ قَالَ وَهَذَا حَدِيثٌ مُرْسَلٌ ‏.‏ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي لَيْلَى لَمْ يَسْمَعْ مِنْ مُعَاذِ بْنِ جَبَلٍ مَاتَ مُعَاذٌ فِي خِلاَفَةِ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ وَقُتِلَ عُمَرُ بْنُ الْخَطَّابِ وَعَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي لَيْلَى غُلاَمٌ ابْنُ سِتِّ سِنِينَ وَهَكَذَا رَوَى شُعْبَةُ عَنِ الْحَكَمِ عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي لَيْلَى وَقَدْ رَوَى عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي لَيْلَى عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ وَرَآهُ وَعَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ أَبِي لَيْلَى يُكْنَى أَبَا عِيسَى وَأَبُو لَيْلَى اسْمُهُ يَسَارٌ وَرُوِيَ عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي لَيْلَى قَالَ أَدْرَكْتُ عِشْرِينَ وَمِائَةً مِنَ الأَنْصَارِ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

This hadith offers insight into the Islamic approach to managing anger. The advice given by the Prophet (ﷺ) is deeply rooted in the Quranic teachings. Here are some Quranic verses that relate to this hadith:

Relevance to the Quran

• Seeking Refuge from Shaitan:
• Surah Al-A'raf (7:200): "And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaitan, then seek refuge with Allah. Verily, He is All-Hearer, All-Knower." 
• This verse explicitly instructs believers to seek refuge in Allah when tempted by Shaitan, which can include moments of intense anger.
• Controlling Anger:
• Surah Al-Imran (3:134): "Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good." 
• This verse praises those who restrain their anger and forgive others, showing the importance of controlling one's anger in Islam.
• Shaitan’s Influence: 
• Surah Al-Isra (17:53): "And say to My servants that they speak that which is best. Indeed, Shaitan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Shaitan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy." 
• This verse indicates that Shaitan seeks to sow discord among people, which can often manifest through anger and arguments.

Practical Application

• Managing Anger: The hadith provides a practical tool for managing anger by seeking refuge in Allah from Shaitan. This not only helps in calming down but also brings a spiritual perspective to the situation.
• Recognizing Shaitan’s Role: Understanding that Shaitan can influence our emotions and actions helps in addressing the root cause of anger. By seeking refuge in Allah, a believer acknowledges Shaitan’s role and takes a step towards self-control.

Spiritual and Psychological Benefits:

Reciting "A`ūdhu billāhi minash-shaiṭānir-rajīm" serves as a reminder of Allah’s presence and helps divert the mind from the immediate cause of anger to a more peaceful state. It’s a form of mindfulness and spiritual grounding.

The hadith narrated by Mu`adh bin Jabal emphasizes the importance of controlling anger and provides a specific method to achieve it through seeking refuge in Allah from Shaitan. This practice is supported by various Quranic teachings that highlight the virtues of restraint, the detrimental role of Shaitan, and the effectiveness of seeking Allah’s protection. By implementing this prophetic advice, a believer can achieve greater emotional control and spiritual well-being.

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  for more Hadiths on the General Subjects.

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: Pixabay

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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What are the prohibited timings for offering Obligatory and Voluntary prayers / As Salat

Man has been worshipping visible objects since time immemorial. These visible objects may take the shape of man made idols or celestial objects like the sun, moon or even the fire. But in Islam, and also like all Divine religions, the believers worship the unseen God, Who resembles like no other and is hidden from our eyes. Muslims, therefore, worship Allah, the One True God, five times a day with the belief that they are being watched and listened to by Allah.

However, the mode and timings of worship of Muslims differ from all others, even the people of the Book. And there is a reason for that. In Islam, there are specific times during the day when it is prohibited to perform Salat (prayer). These times are based on the movements of the sun and are avoided to prevent any resemblance to sun worship, which was a common practice in pre-Islamic times. Here are the three main times when Salat should not be offered.

The prohibition of offering Salat (prayer) during certain times of the day is rooted in both the Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) and, to some extent, can be inferred from the Quran. Here's an explanation of these timings and their basis in Islamic teachings:

Obligatory Prayers

Times when Obligatory prayers / Salat cannot be offered (in the light of Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

• When the Sun is Rising:
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Do not pray at the time of the rising of the sun or at the time of its setting."
• Reason: This time is avoided because it resembles the times when sun worshipers would worship the sun, thus preventing any similarity with their practices.
• When the Sun is at its Zenith (Midday):
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The sun rises between the two horns of Satan, and when it is at its zenith, Satan is present."
• Reason: This is a brief period when the sun is at its highest point in the sky before it begins to decline. Praying at this time is prohibited to distinguish Islamic practices from those of sun worshipers.
• When the Sun is Setting: 
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Do not pray at the time of the rising of the sun or at the time of its setting."
• Reason: This time is also avoided for the same reason as sunrise, to prevent any resemblance to sun worship.

Let us share the complete Hadith as mentioned in Sahi Muslim 612, wherein 'Abdullah b. 'Amr b. al-'As is quoted to have reported::

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about the times of prayers. He said: The time for the morning prayer (lasts) as long as the first visible part of the rising sun does not appear and the time of the noon prayer is when the sun declines from the zenith and there is not a time for the afternoon prayer and the time for the afternoon prayer is so long as the sun does not become pale and its first visible part does not set, and the time for the evening prayer is that when the sun disappears and (it lasts) till the twilight is no more and the time for the night prayer is up to the midnight.

Arabic Text:

وَحَدَّثَنِي أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يُوسُفَ الأَزْدِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا عُمَرُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ رَزِينٍ، حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ، - يَعْنِي ابْنَ طَهْمَانَ - عَنِ الْحَجَّاجِ، - وَهُوَ ابْنُ حَجَّاجٍ - عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِ، أَنَّهُ قَالَ سُئِلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَنْ وَقْتِ الصَّلَوَاتِ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ وَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْفَجْرِ مَا لَمْ يَطْلُعْ قَرْنُ الشَّمْسِ الأَوَّلُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الظُّهْرِ إِذَا زَالَتِ الشَّمْسُ عَنْ بَطْنِ السَّمَاءِ مَا لَمْ يَحْضُرِ الْعَصْرُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْعَصْرِ مَا لَمْ تَصْفَرَّ الشَّمْسُ وَيَسْقُطْ قَرْنُهَا الأَوَّلُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْمَغْرِبِ إِذَا غَابَتِ الشَّمْسُ مَا لَمْ يَسْقُطِ الشَّفَقُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْعِشَاءِ إِلَى نِصْفِ اللَّيْلِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Additional Prohibited Times for Non-Obligatory Prayers:

• After the Fajr Prayer Until the Sun Rises:
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "There is no prayer after the Fajr prayer until the sun rises." (Sahih Bukhari 586, Sahih Muslim 612)
• Reason: To emphasize the importance of the obligatory Fajr prayer and to prevent any confusion with non-obligatory prayers.
• After the Asr Prayer Until the Sun Sets: 
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "There is no prayer after the Asr prayer until the sun sets." 
• Reason: To emphasize the importance of the obligatory Asr prayer and to prevent any confusion with non-obligatory prayers.

Inferences from the Quran:

While the Quran does not explicitly list these specific times, it provides general guidance about prayer times and emphasizes regularity and consistency in offering prayers. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqara (2:238), it mentions: "Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salat (the prayers) especially the middle Salat (i.e., the best prayer - 'Asr). And stand before Allah with obedience."

The specific prohibition of performing Salat during certain times is based primarily on the Hadith, reflecting the Prophet Muhammad's guidance to distinguish Islamic practices from those of sun worshipers and to maintain the sanctity of obligatory prayers. By adhering to these guidelines, Muslims ensure their prayers are offered in a manner that aligns with the prophetic traditions and avoids any association with non-Islamic practices.

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.

Photo | Source of Hadith:  Sahi Muslim 612a

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat - Prayers for more on As Salat.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explanation and Context:

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

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

Related References from the Quran:

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

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

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

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

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

Related References from Hadith:

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

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

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

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

Practical Lessons:

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

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please refer to our exclusive page: Specific Subject: Faith in Allah for more on Faith in Allah as derived from verses of Qur'an and Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

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

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Nobody has ever eaten a better meal than earned by working with own hands (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

The virtue of earning by one's own hands is highly emphasized in Islamic teachings, reflecting the value placed on hard work, self-reliance, and lawful earnings. Even prophets have been working with their own hands to earn a livelihood for their families. A wrinkled, charred and hardened hand is far better than an extended hand to beg to earn a living. 

However, this does not necessarily mean that one has to toil the earth or cut or lift heavy stones to earn a living. An work done by hands which fetches Halal income falls in the same category. 

We share today a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which emphasises the need to earn one's own meal by working with own hands rather than doing nothing and begging people for food. The hadith narrated by Al-Miqdam, as recorded in Sahih Bukhari, says:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Nobody has ever eaten a better meal than that which one has earned by working with one's own hands. The Prophet (ﷺ) of Allah, David used to eat from the earnings of his manual labor."

This hadith highlights the superior quality of food and sustenance earned through personal effort and manual labor. It also sets a precedent by mentioning Prophet David, a revered figure who earned his livelihood through his craftsmanship. The above said Hadith is the continuation of expansion of Divine Commandments given in the Qur'an. Let us expand the Hadith:

Explanation in Light of the Quran

• Emphasis on Earning Lawfully: The Quran stresses the importance of earning a livelihood through lawful means and working hard.

"And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Indeed, Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing." Surah An-Nisa (4:32)

This verse emphasizes that everyone should strive to earn their livelihood through their own efforts and not covet what others have.

• Prophet David's Example:

"And We certainly gave David from Us bounty. [We said], 'O mountains, repeat [Our] praises with him, and the birds [as well].' And We made pliable for him iron, [Commanding him], 'Make full coats of mail and calculate [precisely] the links, and work [all of you] righteousness. Indeed I, of what you do, am Seeing.'" Surah Saba (34:10-11)

This verse highlights that Prophet David (Dawud) was blessed with the skill of working with iron, making coats of mail, and earning his livelihood through his labor.

• Importance of Honest Labor:

"Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned. Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people."

This verse reinforces that each person is responsible for what they earn, whether good or bad, and emphasizes personal accountability and the value of honest work.

• Benefit of own efforts and endeavours:

"And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives." Surah An-Najm (53:39)

This verse emphasizes that human beings will only benefit from their own efforts and endeavors, underlining the importance of working hard and striving to earn a livelihood. 

Practical Implications

• Self-Sufficiency: The hadith encourages self-sufficiency and the dignity of labor. Muslims are encouraged to work hard and earn their livelihood through honest means rather than relying on others or unlawful sources.
• Value of Manual Labor: The example of Prophet David demonstrates that even prophets engaged in manual labor, highlighting its value and importance. This teaches humility and the nobility of all forms of honest work.
• Economic Justice: The Quran and hadith together promote economic justice by encouraging lawful earning and discouraging envy and covetousness. This helps create a fair and just society where everyone works for their share.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself worked as a shepherd and later engaged in trade before receiving prophethood. His life exemplifies the dignity and virtue of earning through honest and hard work.

The hadith thus underscores the virtue of earning one's livelihood through hard work and manual labor, exemplified by Prophet David. This principle is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize lawful earning, personal accountability, and the dignity of honest labor. Together, these teachings encourage Muslims to value and engage in productive work, fostering a society built on fairness and self-sufficiency.

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.

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

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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