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Friday, 4 October 2024

Warning for those who are always begging from people (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Begging is the most undignified means of earning one's livelihood. There are people around us who find begging a better preposition to earn their livelihood than working and earn a respectful and dignified living. It wouldn't be wrong to say that for person who has no shame or dignity, begging is the best profession. I have seen beggars begging despite "earning" a handsome amount every day, which exceeds far from their daily requirements of sustenance. 

Always remember that their is a difference between a Dignified Poor and a Beggar. Read our following post to know the difference between a dignified poor and a beggar:


Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has strictly warned begging and has warned the beggars of very painful Divine wrath when all ends and Divine Court is established.

This Hadith is quoted in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Book 12 The Book of Zakat / كتاب الزكاة /  Chapter 35: It is disliked to beg from people / باب  كَرَاهَةِ الْمَسْأَلَةِ لِلنَّاسِ ‏ ‏‏ / as Hadith number # 1040a as under:

Hamza. son of 'Abdullah, reported on the authority of his father that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: When a man is always begging from people. he would meet Allah (in a state) that there would be no flesh on his face.

Arabic Text:
وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الأَعْلَى بْنُ عَبْدِ الأَعْلَى، عَنْ مَعْمَرٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مُسْلِمٍ، أَخِي الزُّهْرِيِّ عَنْ حَمْزَةَ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ لاَ تَزَالُ الْمَسْأَلَةُ بِأَحَدِكُمْ حَتَّى يَلْقَى اللَّهَ وَلَيْسَ فِي وَجْهِهِ مُزْعَةُ لَحْمٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Let us now present an Explanation of the Hadith:
  • The Consequences of Habitual Begging
    • The hadith emphasizes the negative consequences for a person who makes it a habit to beg from others unnecessarily. When someone continually seeks help from others, even when they do not truly need it, they degrade their own dignity and self-respect. The Prophet (ﷺ) warned that such a person will face a humiliating condition in the Hereafter, symbolized by the image of having "no flesh on his face."
    • In Islamic tradition, the face represents honor and dignity. Therefore, the loss of flesh from the face signifies a loss of honor, respect, and dignity. It is a metaphor for the humiliation and disgrace that the person will face before Allah on the Day of Judgment.
  • Dependence on Allah, Not People:
    • Islam encourages self-reliance, hard work, and placing one’s trust in Allah, rather than depending on people unnecessarily. While it is permissible to seek help when truly needed, begging without necessity is discouraged because it reflects a lack of trust in Allah's provision.
    • The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized that a person should strive to be independent and avoid burdening others if possible. This hadith is a reminder that one's honor lies in trusting Allah and working hard to meet one’s needs, rather than relying on others through begging.
  • Exceptions to the Prohibition on Begging:
    • It is important to note that Islam makes allowances for those who are in genuine need. The prohibition in this hadith applies to those who beg unnecessarily or as a habit, not to those who are truly impoverished and have no means of support.
    • There are other hadiths where the Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned specific cases where it is permissible to ask for help. For instance, those suffering from poverty, severe hardship, or being in a debt they cannot repay are not included in this warning.
  • Encouragement for Dignity and Self-Sufficiency:
    • The hadith aligns with the general teachings of Islam that encourage dignity, self-respect, and hard work. In another hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "It is better for any one of you to take a rope and bring a bundle of wood on his back (to sell it) than to ask someone who may give him or refuse to give him." (Sahih Bukhari 2074)
    • This hadith reinforces the idea that even menial labor is preferable to begging, as it preserves a person’s dignity and reliance on their own efforts.
Lessons from the Hadith:
  • Maintaining Dignity: Islam teaches believers to maintain their dignity and avoid unnecessary dependence on others. Habitual begging leads to a loss of personal and social honor and is discouraged.
  • Trust in Allah’s Provision: One should place their trust in Allah for their sustenance and strive to earn an honest living rather than relying on others for handouts.
  • Work over Begging: The hadith emphasizes that it is better to engage in work, even if it is hard or humble, rather than resorting to begging without a real need.
  • Warnings for the Hereafter: The loss of flesh on the face is a symbolic punishment, showing how those who habitually beg without need will face humiliation in the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that worldly actions have consequences in the Hereafter.
This hadith is a strong admonition against unnecessary and habitual begging, encouraging believers to maintain their self-respect, trust in Allah, and work for their sustenance. It highlights the value of dignity in Islam and teaches that one should not rely on others when they are capable of earning for themselves. It also conveys that those who engage in begging without need will face disgrace before Allah on the Day of Judgment, which is symbolized by the loss of flesh on their faces.
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 HadithHelp 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.

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.

Sunday, 29 September 2024

Lessons from Surah 49 Al Hujaraat (The Private Apartments) - The Surah of Manners

Every Surah / Chapter of Qur'an is based on a particular theme for the guidance of believers or even anyone including non Muslims reading Qur'an. These themes provide an insight to Divine Guidance and how to live in a society as per dictates of our Creator, Allah All Mighty.

Today we share the lessons we learn from Surah 45 AL Hujarat (The Private Chambers). This Surah contains instructions, manners and etiquettes to live a complete, clean and humble life in utter humility. That is why this Surah is also known as the Surah of Manners for it provides profound guidance on ethical behavior, social conduct, and interpersonal relations, particularly among Muslims. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining social harmony, treating others with respect, and fostering unity within the Muslim community.

Before we list down the lessons, let us understand what does the word Hujarat mean:

The word "Hujurat" (الحجرات) in Surah Al-Hujurat literally means "the rooms" or "chambers." It refers to the private rooms or apartments of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his wives. These chambers were part of the Prophet's mosque in Madinah, where his family lived.

The title of the surah, Al-Hujurat, is derived from verse 4, where the term "hujurat" is mentioned: "Indeed, those who call you, [O Muhammad], from behind the chambers (hujurat) - most of them do not use reason." (Qur'an 49:4)

This surah thus beside giving out some extremely useful lessons for our social life, it also mentions why this surah was revealed. In the pre-Islamic period, the coarse and rugged Bedouins of Arabia followed no etiquettes, specially when visiting someone's home. They would even barge into someone's house without seeking permission or would keep calling the name of the master of the house till he came out. The same happened to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as well. Therefore through this surah etiquettes of visiting the house of the Prophet ﷺ have been given out in the initial verses.

Hereinunder are key lessons we can learn from Surah Al-Hujurat:

* Note: We have given these lessons in jist form. For detailed exegesis of the surah, please read our earlier post: Surah Al Hujuraat الۡحُجُرٰتِ  (The Private Apartments): Exegesis of 49th chapter of Qur'an

Respect for Authority and the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him)
Verses 1-5 teach Muslims to approach matters involving Allah and His Messenger with utmost respect and care. They should not act impulsively or raise their voices above the Prophet’s voice, demonstrating reverence for the Prophet's authority.

Lesson: Respect for leadership and religious authority is crucial. Today, we can apply this to respecting scholars and leaders who guide us in religious matters.

"O you who have believed, do not put [yourselves] before Allah and His Messenger but fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing." (49:1)

Respecting Privacy
As mentioned in the premise above, etiquettes are taught how to visit the house of a Prophet of Allah or anyone, as mentioned in the following two verses:

(49:4) Surely most of those who call out to you, (O Prophet), from behind the apartments, are devoid of understanding.
(49:5) If they were patient until you went out to them, that would have been better for them. Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Verify Information Before Acting
Verse 6 warns against blindly accepting information from unreliable sources. It stresses the importance of verifying news to prevent harm and misjudgment.

Lesson: In today’s world of fast communication and social media, this verse reminds us to avoid spreading rumors or misinformation. Always verify facts before reacting or passing judgment.

"O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful." (49:6)

Promoting Reconciliation and Peace
Verses 9-10 emphasize the importance of resolving disputes and conflicts within the Muslim community. Believers should act as mediators and strive for peace and reconciliation.

Lesson: Muslims are encouraged to act as peacemakers, ensuring that disputes among fellow Muslims are resolved in a just and peaceful manner, and not to allow divisions to fester.

"The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy." (49:10)

Avoid Mockery, Defamation, and Slander
Verse 11 prohibits mocking or ridiculing others, as well as using offensive names or labels. It also cautions against defaming others, which destroys trust and respect within the community.

Lesson: We should treat others with dignity and refrain from insulting, mocking, or making fun of anyone, regardless of their social or ethnic background.

"O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them..." (49:11)

Avoid Suspicion, Spying, and Backbiting
Verse 12 strongly discourages believers from being suspicious of others, engaging in spying, or gossiping and backbiting, which are all destructive behaviors in relationships.

Lesson: These actions harm the social fabric and lead to mistrust and hatred. In daily life, we should avoid these negative habits and instead focus on building trust and respect.

"O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other..." (49:12)

Human Equality and the Dangers of Racism
Verse 13 is one of the most powerful statements on human equality in the Qur'an. It asserts that all people are equal regardless of race, ethnicity, or social status. The only measure of superiority is one's righteousness and piety (taqwa).

Lesson: This verse speaks against racism and tribalism. In the eyes of Allah, everyone is equal, and the only criterion that distinguishes people is their consciousness of Allah and good deeds.

"O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted." (49:13)

True Faith Requires Obedience to Allah
Verses 14-18 clarify that faith (iman) is more than just words; it requires sincere belief and action. True believers follow Allah’s commands and live according to His guidance, not merely claim to have faith.

Lesson: Claiming to be a believer is not enough; actions and sincerity matter. True faith manifests in behavior, such as fulfilling religious obligations and adhering to Islamic morals.

"The Bedouins say, 'We have believed.' Say, 'You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts." (49:14)

Surah Al-Hujurat provides timeless guidance on how to cultivate an ethical and harmonious society based on mutual respect, equality, and social justice. Its teachings are applicable in everyday life, urging believers to be conscious of their behavior toward others, foster unity, and maintain the integrity of their faith through sincere actions.

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 also refer to our reference pagesUnderstanding Al Qur'an  and Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Photo

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.

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.

Saturday, 28 September 2024

Who is a Dignified Poor “مسكين “and why should he be helped (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

The socio-economic system of Islam is one of the best of all the Divine religions for it ensures provision of means of sustenance to even the most poor and the wretched. Tthe concept of Zakat, the obligatory charity,  which is also one of the five pillars of Islam, ensures sharing the surplus beyond a prescribed limit and depositing it into the Bait al Mall, the state treasury. And it is from here that the state helps out the poor by dolling out monthly stipends.

Besides Zakat, it is the voluntary charity / Sadaqah that adds and supports the Zakat for one knows precisely who is poor in one's neighbourhood and helped directly. Here the concept of Dignified Poor “مسكين “ emerges, the rightful recipients of alms / charity and Sadaqah. So who are these special class of poor? Prophet Muhammad ﷺ explains. 

This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 24  Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat) / كتاب الزكاة / Chapter 53:  The Statement of Allah 'Azza wa Jall: "... They do not beg people persistently. ..." (2:273) And who may be considered to have enough to be content and abstain from begging" / باب قَوْلِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى: {لاَ يَسْأَلُونَ النَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا} وَكَمِ الْغِنَى) as Hadith 7150, given herein under:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The poor person is not the one who asks a morsel or two (of meals) from the others, but the poor is the one who has nothing and is ashamed to beg from others."

Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا حَجَّاجُ بْنُ مِنْهَالٍ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، أَخْبَرَنِي مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ زِيَادٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ لَيْسَ الْمِسْكِينُ الَّذِي تَرُدُّهُ الأُكْلَةُ وَالأُكْلَتَانِ، وَلَكِنِ الْمِسْكِينُ الَّذِي لَيْسَ لَهُ غِنًى وَيَسْتَحْيِي أَوْ لاَ يَسْأَلُ النَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا ‏"‏‏.‏

This hadith highlights that poverty is not simply defined by visible begging or asking for help. Instead, true poverty refers to the one who has little to nothing, but due to their dignity and self-respect, they are too ashamed to ask for help.

Explanation of the Hadith with Reference to the Qur’an
Several Qur'anic verses emphasize the importance of understanding the deeper reality of poverty and the obligations toward those who may not ask for help but are in need. Here are key references from the Qur’an that complement the teaching of this hadith:
  • Surah Al-Baqarah (2:273) – The Dignified Poor
    • Allah says in the Qur’an: “[Charity is] for the poor who have been restricted for the cause of Allah, unable to move about in the land. An ignorant [person] would think them self-sufficient because of their restraint, but you will know them by their [characteristic] sign. They do not ask people persistently. And whatever you spend of good – indeed, Allah knows of it.” (2:273)
    • This verse closely aligns with the hadith. It describes a group of poor people who, despite their dire need, do not openly ask for help. Their poverty may not be visible to everyone because of their self-restraint and dignity, but they are indeed deserving of charity. This highlights the importance of being aware of those in need who may not ask.
  • Surah Ad-Duha (93:9-10) – Do Not Repel the Needy
    • In Surah Ad-Duha, Allah commands: “So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him]. And as for the petitioner, do not repel [him].” (93:9-10) 
    • Although these verses advise not to turn away those who ask for help, they also imply the broader Islamic principle of kindness to those in need, whether they ask or not. The hadith complements this by reminding us that not everyone in need will ask, and we should look beyond those who are vocal about their needs.
  • Surah Al-Ma’arij (70:24-25) – Charity for the Deprived
    • Allah also says: “And those in whose wealth is a recognized right for the beggar and the deprived.” (70:24-25) 
    • In this verse, Allah describes the righteous as those who have allocated a portion of their wealth for those who ask (beggars) and those who are deprived but may not ask for help. This supports the hadith's idea that there are poor people who do not openly seek assistance, yet they are still in need. A believer is encouraged to identify and support these individuals.
  • Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9) – Giving Without Expectation
    • Allah praises those who give to the poor, even without being asked: “And they give food, in spite of love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'” (76:8-9) 
    • This verse emphasizes that righteous people give without expecting anything in return, and they give proactively to the needy. This includes those who may not have the courage to ask. The hadith reflects this principle by defining the "true" poor as those who may not openly request help but are still deserving of assistance.
Differentiation between a Beggar and a Dignified Poor
In the light of the above hadith and references from Qur'an, we can clearly draw a line between a beggar and a dignified poor. A beggar is a professional whose job is to beg. I have myself seen beggars counting money running into thousands, yet they they are there next morning again begging for money. In fact the money in their pockets or sacks full of it back in their rag tag abode is no use to them. It is just their habit to beg.

On the contrary, the dignified poor, the miskeens, even though have nothing in their pocket, will never beg for charity. They may be thankful to Allah even if a piece of morsel goes down in their stomach, and yet never complain, for they know they are being tested of their faith to its extreme limits and would try as much as they can to pass through.

In essence, this hadith and the corresponding Qur’anic verses remind us that poverty isn’t just about visible need or asking for help. True poverty may be hidden, and it is the duty of believers to seek out and assist those who are too dignified to beg, ensuring that their needs are met despite their silence.

So let us be watchful for the Dignified Poor, who may be living next door and yet have never begged for charity or food. Remember, there is a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as mentioned by Ibn 'Abbas informed Ibn az-Zubayr, "I heard the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, 'He is not a believer who goes to sleep with his stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry.'" This hadith points towards the dignified poor we should be mindful of and need our help, even a piece of date.
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 HadithHelp 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.

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.

How do we lose faith - Iman إيمان

Maintaining one's faith in Allah and Islam is one of the most difficult thing to do ever sine the advent of Islam and more so in the environment we live in today. In the initial verses of Surah Al-Hadid (Chapter 57 of the Qur'an), specially verses 11-19, the mention of believers and the hypocrites is made. Why not the unbelievers, one may ask? It is because we know exactly that the unbelievers do not believe in Islam and monotheism of Allah. But the hypocrites are most dangerous for they wear two masks: An outward mask of being a Muslim and inward mask that of unbelievers.

These dual faced people are those who have weak Iman / faith إيمان and because of this they lose the rigours of tests and trials a true believer goes through. Even in times of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ the hypocrites, specially in the city of Medinah, would outwardly claim to be Muslims but whenever a time of test came, they always abandoned Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and joined hands with the unbelievers.

So is the case even today. Many of the born Muslims have a very weak Iman and in their hearts there is always a tug of war going on between the truth and the otherwise. This is specially happening now with those Muslims who have gone to foreign lands and find themselves amid atheists and non believers, whose life is at tangent to the teaching of Islam. Coupled with the anti Islam propaganda, much talked of Islamophobia is taking a heavy toll on these Muslims who do not really know Islam well and get overpowered by their environment of "openness and lewdness" and start to lose their Iman. Thus they become similar to hypocrites who are outwardly Muslims, yet their hearts are far distant from the true Iman.

Let us now take a deeper look what the the initial verses of Surah Al-Hadid (Chapter 57 of the Qur'an) and see how fate of the hypocrites is being portrayed and the severe consequences on the Day of Judgement. In the initial verses, Allah reminds us of His supreme authority and dominion over all that exists, emphasizing His control over both the seen and unseen. These verses help us understand how Iman (faith) can be lost when we fail to recognize and internalize these fundamental truths. Here’s how these ideas relate:

Forgetting the Majesty of Allah
The surah begins with: "Whatever is in the heavens and earth glorifies Allah, for He is the Almighty, All-Wise." (57:1)

When a person loses sight of the constant glorification of Allah by all creation, they may begin to neglect their own relationship with Him. This forgetfulness can lead to heedlessness (ghaflah) and eventually weaken their iman, as they fail to see Allah’s presence in all aspects of life.

Becoming Detached from Allah’s Absolute Control
In verses 2-3, Allah is described as: "To Him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He gives life and causes death, and He is over all things competent." (57:2)

Forgetting that Allah alone has the power to give life, death, and sustenance can lead to dependence on worldly means. When people start attributing success and failure solely to themselves or to worldly factors, they might lose faith in Allah’s ultimate plan, leading to the weakening of their reliance (tawakkul) on Him.

Neglecting the Knowledge of the Unseen
Verse 4 mentions: "He is with you wherever you are." (57:4)

A person may lose iman when they forget that Allah’s knowledge encompasses everything, including what is hidden in their hearts. Losing sight of Allah’s omnipresence can result in carelessness toward personal deeds, both inward and outward, thereby weakening faith and connection to Allah.

Being Overwhelmed by Dunya (Worldly Life)
Surah Al-Hadid later discusses how the adornments and distractions of this worldly life can delude people: "Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another..." (57:20)

When one becomes overly attached to the fleeting pleasures and distractions of the dunya, the heart becomes distant from Allah, and this attachment can lead to a gradual erosion of iman.

Plight of Hypocrites on the Day of Judgement (Verses 11-19)
Then come the warning shots as mentioned in verses 11-19. Here the comparison of the believers and hypocrites is given. On that day the true believers will have their light shining before them while the hypocrites will have their fate no different than the disbelievers and Those who spend in charity will be repaid manifold and also be given liberal reward besides it:

(57:12) On that Day you will see believing men and women that their light will be running before them and on their right hands. (They will be told): “A good tiding to you today.” There shall be Gardens beneath which rivers flow; therein they shall abide. That indeed is the great triumph.

(57:13) On that Day the hypocrites, both men and women, shall say to the believers: “Look at us that we may extract some light from your light.” They will be told: “Go back and seek light for yourselves elsewhere.” Then a wall shall be erected between them with a door in it. On the inside of it there will be mercy, and on the outside of it there will be chastisement.

Many of our Muslim brethren going astray and are heedless about the gravity of losing Iman. They are on the verge of being a believer and a hypocrite, though unknowingly. This is the subject of an informational lecture by one of the most eminent scholars of present times, Nouman Ali Khan, who talks in detail as how do we lose faith and its consequences as mentioned in Suarah Al Hadid. Please watch the video:

About Nouman Ali Khan: Born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

Let us our brothers and sisters, specially those who have gone for higher studies and seeking employment un Non Muslim countries, be mindful of not losing faith despite an environment which entirely tangent to teachings of Islam. Many of our sisters immediately throw away their Hijab and enter into revealing attire and amalgamating into a life of lewdness and forgetfulness of their faith. By and by their Iman falls to a dreadful low level, which is what has been warned about.

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is our duty to convey only to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

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

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to IslamYou may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.
If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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

Friday, 27 September 2024

Who will be the lucky ones for whom the Paradise will be brought closer

Many a non Muslims often comment on the Divine wrath and object that "Allah of Islam" breeds violence and is heartless to the good and the kind. But if they ever try to read Qur'an they should be surprised that Allah is full of mercy and ever forgiver of the sins of all those who return to Him repenting and begging Him for His mercy and forgiveness. And Allah on umpteen number of times promises that He would forgive their sins provided they repent in absolute sincerity. But those stubborn and ungrateful who do not repent their sins due to their sheer arrogance, shall surely see the Divine wrath and will be thrown into the Hell.

We have already shared a number of posts on this very theme and shared the attributes of the lucky believers who will shown the way into the Paradise. Today we share yet another verse from Qur'an, the 32nd verse of Surah 50. Qaf (The letter Qaf) which mentions two types of people for whom the Paradise will be brought closer.

The 32nd verse is in fact continuation for the verse 31 which says:

وَاُزۡلِفَتِ الۡجَـنَّةُ لِلۡمُتَّقِيۡنَ غَيۡرَ بَعِيۡدٍ‏ 
And when Paradise shall be brought close to the God-fearing, and will no longer be far away,

That is, as soon as the judgment will be passed about a person from the court of Allah that he is righteous and worthy of Paradise, he will immediately find Paradise in front of him. He will not have to travel a distance on foot or by a conveyance to reach to it. There will be no interval between the pronouncement of the judgment and his entry into the Paradise. From this it can be judged how different the concept of space and time is between this world and the Hereafter. The concept of space and time that we are familiar in this world will become meaningless there.

And then the mention is made of the two types of believers for whom this promise is being made:

هٰذَا مَا تُوۡعَدُوۡنَ لِكُلِّ اَوَّابٍ حَفِيۡظٍ​ۚ‏ 
(50:32) it will be said: “This is what you were promised, a promise made to everyone who turned much (to Allah) and was keeper [of His covenant],

The word Awwāb أَوَّاب is very extensive in meaning. It implies the person who might have adopted the way of obedience and Allah's goodwill instead of the way of disobedience and the flesh, who gives up everything that is disapproved by Allah and adopts everything that is approved by him, who gets alarmed as soon as he swerves a little from the path of worship and obedience and repents and returns to the path of worship and obedience, who remembers Allah much and turns to Him in all matters of life. 

The word Hafeez حَفِيۡظٍ​ۚ‏ means the "one who guards. " This implies the person who takes care of the bounds and duties enjoined by Allah, who guards the trusts imposed by Allah and avoids the things forbidden by him, who keeps watch over his time, energies and activities to see that none of these is being misemployed or misused, who offers repentance, remains steadfast and keeps it. strong and intact, who examines himself over and over again to see that he is not disobeying his Lord anywhere in word or deed. [1]

Honour is shown with every word and move. Paradise is brought near so that they do not trouble themselves about going to it. The bliss of being accepted by God is extended to them there: "This is what you have been promised; this is for everyone who used to turn to God and to keep Him in mind, who used to stand in awe of the Lord of Grace although He is beyond the reach of human perception, and who comes before  Him with a heart full of devotion." It is those who are on high that state their qualities. Thus they realize that this is how they appear in God's records. Then they are admitted to heaven, in peace, a place from which they will not be turned out: "Enter paradise in peace; this is the day when everlasting life begins." An announcement is made on high, noting their position and making it clear that their share with God is unlimited: "There they shall have all that they desire, and We have even more for them." Whatever they may wish for will remain less than what is prepared for them. Since more' is given by their Lord, it must be limitless. [2]

This verse emphasizes the importance of two key qualities that lead to the reward of Paradise:
  • Repentance and devotion (Awwab): Those who continuously seek Allah’s forgiveness, recognizing their mistakes and returning to Him again again.
  • Guarding Allah’s commands (Hafeez): Those who preserve their faith, guard themselves from sins, and maintain their religious obligations with sincerity.
Reference to Hadith:
The concept of repentance and keeping one’s duties to Allah is supported by numerous Hadiths that highlight the virtues of both.
  • Hadith on Repentance (Awwab): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent." (Tirmidhi)

This hadith complements the concept of being an Awwab — someone who repeatedly returns to Allah through repentance. It shows that no matter how often a believer sins, the act of returning to Allah through sincere repentance is highly valued in Islam.
  • Hadith on Guarding Obligations (Hafeez): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Guard the commandments of Allah, and He will guard you. Safeguard His rights, and you will find Him with you." (Tirmidhi)

This hadith reflects the concept of being a Hafeez, where a believer is conscious of their duties toward Allah, safeguarding the obligations such as prayer, fasting, and other commandments.

Deeper Insights:
"This is what you were promised" refers to the promise of Paradise, which Allah guarantees to those who meet the criteria of being an Awwab and a Hafeez. These qualities of repentance and safeguarding one's duties show that Islam places a great emphasis on continuous effort and sincerity, rather than perfection. It's about constantly turning back to Allah and striving to guard one's faith.

Surah Qaf, verse 32, thus, emphasizes the qualities of repentance and protecting one’s religious obligations as key factors in attaining Paradise. The supporting Hadiths reinforce the idea that while all humans make mistakes, what truly matters is the continual return to Allah and commitment to safeguarding His commands. Those who embody these characteristics are promised the ultimate reward of Paradise.

If we start acting on all such promises made by Allah at various places in Qur'an, we can cleanse ourselves of all sins and ensure adherence to covenant made to Allah and be rest assured of promise of Allah of bringing Paradise close to us, In sha Allah.

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'anYou 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.

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.

Wednesday, 25 September 2024

The Questions that will be asked INSTEAD on the Judgement Day

Religions, specially the Divine religions, are not to be tackled on the interpretation of personal whims of those who want to score a point over the others. Unfortunately, Islam too, has become a playing field for many pseudo scholars who just to counter the view point of others, come up with explanations which are tangent to the teaching of Islam as drawn from the Divine Commandments. Such ill intended explanations more often than not confuse the ordinary believers and sometimes even mislead them from the truth.

In many countries of  such practices are on the increase and pseudo scholars are misleading with ideas very misleading and untrue. And there are some who go to the extent of labeling others as Kafir / disbelievers. They forget for a moment that on the Judgment Day, the questions asked in the Divine Court will baffle them and they will stand like criminals for their misleading deeds in their worldly life.

Hereinunder are some misleading concepts and other facets of life for which the questions will be asked INSTEAD:

The very person of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ - was he a Human or Light (Noor)
The the mainstream and traditional Islamic belief, based on the Qur'an and authentic Hadith, is that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  Like all previous prophets and messengers, he too was chosen by Allah to deliver the final revelation, the Qur'an, and he was an example for mankind. While the Qur'an and Hadith refer to him as a "light" (Noor) metaphorically, this refers to the guidance he brought, not his nature as a created being. But this metaphorical mention becomes a tool in the hands of some who interpret that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was not human, but made of light. 

To say that the Prophet was anything other than human goes against the clear teachings of the Qur'an. Therefore, the Prophet was not created as Noor in a literal sense, but as a human being who was given divine revelation.

Thus on the Day of Judgement, it will not be asked that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a human or a Noor (light). Instead it be asked whether you obeyed him or not?  

That is some Muslims are so engrossed in defending this absurd idea, they fail to concentrate on preaching their followers to follow the message Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was Divinely conveyed and he practically demonstrated these in his life, known as his Sunnah. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ strictly said before his death that he was leaving behind Qur'an and Sunnah for Muslims to follow. He never meant that Muslims should get into debates that create dissection in Islam.

How to wrap one's hands during the prayer / As Salat
Offering As Salat / prayer five times a day is obligatory for all adult / sane / healthy man and woman. There is no excuse from skipping any of the five prayers. However, it is generally seen that imams and pseudo scholars make it difficult for believers to concentrate on their prayers by repeatedly asking so called etiquettes of prayer like where the folded arms be during standing: Whether around the chest, above or below the navel.  Sometimes many a believers weak in faith bolt and leave praying after listening to so many versions. In fact one should be conditioned to offer prayer regularly no matter where arms are folded.

It will not be asked whether you put your hands around your naval or above it. Instead it will be asked Did you offer your prayers regularly?

Visiting graves of saints / Awliya and asking them for help
It will not be asked whether your wali and awliya listen to you in their grave and answer your call. Instead it will be asked did you accepted Allah as the only God with no associates or you found a via media to him through your worldly holy men or yo associated a human at part with him?


Wearing of attire to cover the Awrah
It will not be asked which attire you wore, western or eastern. Instead it will be asked did your dress cover your awrah or not?

We have already written a number of posts on the subject, some are listed below for explanation:
Questions about Huqooq Allah (حقوق الله - Rights of Allah) and Huqooq al-Ibad ( Rights of the Servants/People حقوق العباد)
We are more worried about Huqooq Allah (حقوق الله - Rights of Allah) and continue to follow or try to follow the five pillars of Islam and feel confident that we have performed our duty as is applicable to us. While questions will be asked about Huqooq Allah, it will also be asked whether  we fulfilled our obligations about Huqooq al-Ibad ( Rights of the Servants/People حقوق العباد)? It will be asked did you ensure your neighbour slept with a stomach full of food provided by  you or not?

* We will write a separate post on the subject in time

Wearing of different turbans representing different schools of thought
There were times when Muslims mostly wore white coloured prayer cap when going to masjids. But now we see a host of different coloured and differently styled caps and turbans to represent different schools of thoughts and referring to representing a particular religious saint or scholar. However, on the Day of Judgement it will not be asked which colour of cap or turban we wore. Instead it will be asked did we contributed towards unity of Muslim Ummah or were part of adding diversity?

Have we forgotten Surah 3. Al Imran, verse 103: 
"And hold fast, all of you together, to the cable of Allah, and do not separate. And remember Allah's favour unto you: How ye were enemies and He made friendship between your hearts so that ye became as brothers by His grace; and (how) ye were upon the brink of an abyss of fire, and He did save you from it. Thus Allah maketh clear His revelations unto you, that haply ye may be guided," 

Qur'an makes every aspect of our lives very clear while Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ it has been commanded by Allah. ﷺ substantiates it. Yet we remain ignorant and follow the pseudo religious pied pipers who mislead us and make difficult for us to understand Islam and follow as commanded by Allah.

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

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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