Sunday, April 25, 2010

Tafseer of Surah Kahf verses 45-49 and Muslims Character Chapter 3

Tafseer Surah Kahf: Verses 45-49
Research done and presented by sisters Amina and Shaheena

An explanation of the verses follows:

Verse 45 talks about rain water which is sent from the skies, gives life to the Earth-growth of vegetation, and then it dries up, the wind blowing it away. Rain water is a good thing in itself, but is temporary and we cannot build solid foundations on it. It is absorbed by the Earth, produces the green grass and vegetation which fluorishes for a time. Soon these decay, and become a dry stubble, which the slightest wind from any direction can blow away like a thing of no importance. The water is gone and so has the vegetation to which it had shown a temporary luxuriance. The verse compares this with the life of this world as compared to the inner, real life- the hereafter.

Verse 46 introduces the Hereafter and discusses the material wealth of this world, giving examples of its adornments and what we will be able to take with us in the Hereafter. The next verse introduces the Day of judgement, when the mountains will be moved and the Earth exposed. Allah will gather us all on that day, leaving none. The following verses paint the picture of what the day will be like-we will be standing in lines and Allah will say: Well, you see that you have returned to Us as We created you at first although you claimed that We had not fixed a time for the fulfilment of our promise of meeting with Us. We will be standing without any possessions and attachments from worldly life. Allah in this way clarifies this for the skeptics and convinces them of the reality.

Allah continues in verse 49 to explain the events of the day. Each person's book of records will be opened where everything will have been recorded and this will be a great shock to the sinners. Where there is punishment, it will have been earned by the wrong-doer's own deeds.

Seperate note (MK): It is worthwhile to ponder the effect the meaning of these verses have in our everyday lives. Taking the sacred and applying it to the mundanity of everyday life. The Quran can only truly become relevant for us if we practice it, apply it or relate to it in our everyday lives.

Muslim's Character: Chapter 3

The aim of this chapter and the book in general is to impress on us the importance of having a good character in Islam. It is absolutely fundamental to us being Muslims, and being used as a tool to becoming greater Muslims. The better we get at enhancing our character, the better Muslims we become and the rewards can and will be seen in this world and the next.

Usama bin Shareek says:

“We were sitting in the presence of the Messenger of Allah so quietly as if birds were perched on our heads.

Nobody had the courage to open his mouth. In the meanwhile some people came and asked: “Amongst the slaves of God who is the dearest to Him.” The Prophet replied: “One who has the best moral character.”-(lbn Haban)

Another tradition has it:

“They asked what is the best thing given to man ?” He replied: “Best moral character.”-(Tirmizi)

The Prophet was asked: “

Which Muslim has the perfect faith ?” He answered: “He who has the best moral character.”(Tibrani)

Abdullah bin' Amar has reported:

I have heard the Prophet as saying: 'Should I not tell you who amongst you is the most likeable person to me and who will be the nearest to me on the Day of the Judgment' He repeated this question twice or thrice. The people requested him to tell them about such a person. He said 'He who amongst you has the best moral character.'"(Ahmed)

In another hadith, he has said:

“On the Day of the Judgement there will be nothing weightier in the balance of a Mo’min than the goodness of character. Allah dislikes an obscene and a rude talker and the bearer of a good moral character reaches to the level of the observer of the prayer and fasting, on account of his character.”(Imam Ahmed)

A point which Muhammad Al Ghazali makes is that these teachings would not feel out of place coming from the mouth of any philosopher looking to create moral reform. But this was coming from a man (SAW) looking to establish a new faith… and his focus was not on the rituals of worships and other rites which come with religion… it is established at the fundamental level of being a good person, to one’s self and especially to others.

I think it’s important here to point out the social element which comes into play here. In our modern context, in the era of growing popularity of Social Media and interacting at a deeper level with a greater amount of people. These teachings become even more important for us to take into account and practice.

Another point is made that in all the things the Prophet (SAW) taught and was involved in, issues of establishing the rites of Islam, establishing a government and being involved in wars. He (SAW) always made the point that there was nothing weightier on their balance on the day of Judgment than good character.

Hazrat Anas has reported:

“Allah's Messenger has said: 'A slave achieves, by means of the goodness of his character, great position and high honour in the Hereafter, though he may be weak in matters of worship; but on account of his wickedness of character he is thrown in the lowest recesses of the Hell.” -( Tibrani ).

Hazrat Ayesha narrates:

“I have heard the Prophet as saying: 'Momin, by goodness of his character, achieves the high position of the one who observes fast and offers prayers.”-(Abu Dawood).

Ibn Umar is reported to have narrated: “I have heard the Prophet as saying :

'A Muslim who observes moderation in matter of worship, on account of the goodness of his character and decency achieves the position of that man who observes fast and recites Allah's verses during prayers in the night.” -(Ahmed)

Abu Huraira has quoted the Prophet as saying:

“A Momin's nobility is his religiousness, his tolerance is his intelligence, and his lineage is his goodness of character.” -(Hakim)

Abu Zar has narrated: “Successful is the man who had purified his heart for faith, kept his heart on the right lines, his tongue was truthful, his self was content, and his nature was on the right path.” -(Ibn Haban)

The point which comes through here is that of Goodness of Character trumping that of the great acts of worship. Now we must not lower our view of these forms of worship, but understand that these forms of worship will mean nothing in the sight of Allah if we do not have a good character and strive to become even better.

Mere teachings and commands of Do's and Don’ts do not form the foundation of good moral character in a society, because only these things are not sufficient for developing these good qualities in the human nature; a teacher may merely order to do such and such things and not to do such and such things and the society becomes a moralist society.

The teachings of good conduct which is fruitful requires long training and constant watchfulness.

The training cannot be on the right lines if the example before the society is not such that commands full confidence, because a person having a bad moral character cannot leave a good impression on his surroundings.

The best training can be expected only from such a man whose personality, by the force of its morality, would create a scene of admiration in the beholders. They would sing praises of his nobility and feel the irresistible urge to benefit from the example of his life. The world would spontaneously feel the urge to follow his footsteps.

For nourishing and developing more and more excellent good character among his followers it is necessary that the leader must possess higher and nobler character and attributes than his followers.

The holy Prophet himself was the best example of the good moral character, to emulate which he was giving a call to his followers. Before advising them to adopt a moral life by giving sermons and counsels, he was sowing the seeds of morality among his followers by actually living that kind of life.

Abdullah Ibn Amar says:

“The Messenger of Allah (p. b. u. h.) was neither ill-mannered nor rude. He used to say that the better people among you are those who are best in their moral character.” -(Bukhari)

Hazrat Ayesha says: “

If there were two alternatives, the holy Prophet used to adopt the easiest alternative, provided there was no sin in it. If that work were sinful, then he used to run away farthest from it. The prophet did not take any personal revenge from any body. Yes, if Allah's command were to be disobeyed, then his wrath was to be stirred. Allah's Messenger did not beat anybody with his own hands. neither his wife nor a servant. Yes, he used to fight in the wars in the cause of Allah.” -(Muslim)

Anas has narrated:

“I was walking with the Prophet. He had wrapped a thick cloak round his body. One Arab pulled the cloak so forcefully that a part of his shoulder could be seen by me, and I was perturbed by this forceful pulling of the

Cloak . The Arab then said: '0 Muhammed! Give me some of my share from the property which Allah has given you.' The Prophet turned towards him and laughed, and gave orders for a donation being given to him.” -(Bukhari)

Hazrat Ayesha has reported that Allah's Messenger has said:

“Allah is soft-hearted. He likes soft heartedness. And the reward which He gives for soft-heartedness does not give for hardness, nay, such a reward He does not give for any thing.” -(Muslim)

In another tradition it is stated: “Softness in whichever thing it may be, will make that thing beautiful. And from whichever thing softness is taken out, it will become ugly.”

Jarir narrates that the Prophet has said:

“The reward which Allah gives for soft-heartedness He does not give it for folly; and when Allah makes any slave His favourite, He gives him softness. Those families that are devoid of softness become deprived of every virtue.” -( Tibrani )

Abdullah bin Harith has reported that he did not see anybody smiling more than the Messenger of Allah. -(Tirmizi)

Hazrat Ayesha was asked what did Prophet do at home?

She replied:” He used to be in the service of his home people; and when the time of prayer came he used to perform ablutions and go out for prayer.”-(Muslim)

Anas has narrated: “Allah's Messenger had the best manners of all the persons. I had an adopted brother, whose name was Abu Umair. He had a sick sparrow, who was called 'Nagheer'. Allah's Messenger used to be playful with him and ask him : '0 Abu

Umair! what has happened to your Nagheer'. “ - (Bukhari)

Of the habits and traits of the Prophet one trait was very well known that he was extremely philanthropic. He was never miserly in anything. He was very brave and courageous. He never turned away from Truth. He was justice. loving. In his own decision he never committed any excesses or injustice. In his whole life he was truthful and an honest trustee.

The same Quran, the same Criterion, the same Yasin, the same Taha

Allah has commanded all the Muslims to follow the excellent habits and the best traits of the Prophet and to take guidance from the holy life of the holy Messenger.

“Surely there is in the person of Allah's messenger an excellent example for you - for every person who has hope in Allah and the Hereafter and remember, Allah, reciting His name many times.”

Once he (SAW) received seventy thousand dirhams. They were placed before him on the mat. He distributed them standing. He did not refuse a single beggar till he finished the entire amount.

A man approached him and requested for something. He said: “At present I do not have anything, buy something in my name, and when we will get some money we will pay for it.”

Hazrat Umar stated: “Allah has not made it compulsory for you to do a thing on which you have no power or control.” This saddened the Prophet.

One Ansari said: “O Messenger of Allah! Spend and be not afraid of the straitened circumstances imposed by Allah.” The Prophet smiled and his face shone resplendently. He said: “I have been commanded to do this only.”

On the Prophet (SAW)’s philanthropy The lesson we can learn from this is simple… we should give of our wealth without the worry of our wealth decreasing. Have firm belief that Allah (SWT) provides everything. What we have is only on loan from him, in fact us giving the money away is nothing great. The wealth is not ours to begin with. Nothing is ours, it’s all on rent from Allah(SWT). Make no mistake where everything you have comes from. This is why gratitude is so important. Making Shukr for everything you have. It is all a test.

Any person who adopted his companionship or anybody who came to him for his need, he used to advise him to be patient, till he was satisfied. If anybody asked anything from him, he gave it to him or else talked to him so lovingly that he came back satisfied. The river of his kindness was flowing for every body. For his companions he was a guardian, and in matters of Truth all were equal in his eyes.

He was good-looking, decent, humble and soft hearted. He was not a narrow-minded and a hard person. Quarrelling

was not his habit. He never spoke obscene words. To condemn others or to praise some one excessively was beyond the

pale of his character. He expressed indifference towards unnecessary things, but he was never given to pessimism.

Optimism is our obligation. Nabi (SAW) was always optimistic and we should follow his sunnah.

Some Examples of how the Prophet (SAW ) behaved towards others…

Jarir bin Abdullah says: “Since the time I became a Muslim, the Prophet did not prevent me from entering (the house); whenever he looked at me, he smiled.”

He used to exchange repartees with his companions, mix up with them freely, and tried to be nearer to them. He played with their children and took them in his lap. Invitation from free men, male or female slaves, or poor persons were acceptable to him. He visited the ailing and

invalid persons in the far-flung areas of Medina. He accepted the excuses of the really helpless people.

Anas says that if any person who whispered anything into his ears, he never removed his ear from his mouth unless the whisperer himself withdrew his mouth. Whenever anybody held his hand, he never tried to withdraw his hand unless the other man withdrew his. He always used to be the first to salute anyone who met him or to be first to shake hands with his companions. He never stretched his legs in the midst of his companions so that they may not be inconvenienced.

Whoever came to him was duly respected by him. Many times he used to spread his cloth for the visitor, and used to place the cushion which was in his use behind the visitor's back. If the visitor were reluctant to lit on the cloth, he used to insist.

He gave new family names to his companions. In their honour, he used to all them by beautiful names. He never used to interrupt anybody's talk till the speaker either stopped or stood up.

He treated his relatives kindly, but he did not give them preference over better persons.

Abu Qatawa has reported that when a delegation of Najashi came to the Prophet, he rose for serving them. His companions told him that they were sufficient to serve them. He replied:

“They had honoured our companions, therefore I personally want to serve them.”

Abu Usama has narrated that once the Messenger of Allah went among his companions leaning on a cane and his companions stood up. The Prophet said: “Do not stand up. Do not adopt the system of these Non Arabs who stand up to pay respect to one another.”

He said:“I am a slave of Allah; I eat as other people eat, and I sit as other people sit.” When he rode a mule, he allowed some one else to ride behind him. He used to visit poor invalids. He allowed he beggars to sit in his meetings. He mixed up freely with his companions. Where the meeting was over, he used to sit there.

The Prophet once performed Hajj on a cheap Saddle on the back of a camel on which an old, torn cloak was spread, whose cost could be at the most four dirhams. He said: “O Allah I This is my Hajj in which there is neither hypocrisy nor show.”

When Makkah was conquered and the Muslim soldiers entered the city, the Prophet was riding a camel and his head was bowed down in humility, so much so that it appeared that his head was touching a part of the saddle.

He was of a quiet nature. He never talked without necessity. And if anybody talked with a wry face, he used to be indifferent to him and ignored him.

His smile was his laughter. His talk was straight and direct, in which there was no excess. His companions, in his honour and in following him, considered it sufficient to smile in his presence.

His meetings manifested a spirit of tolerance, trusteeship, honesty, virtue and righteousness. Voices were not raised there and no back-biting was allowed therein.

Whenever he opened his mouth to speak, his companions used to keep silent, as if birds were perched on their heads.

When he walked, it was with a balanced gait. There was neither fright nor haste in his gait, nor was there laziness.

Ibn Abi Hala says: “His silence was on account of tolerance, far-sightedness, estimation and thinking and contemplating.”

Hazrat Ayesha says that he talked in such a way that if anybody wanted to count the words, he could do so.

The Messenger of Allah liked fragrance and used perfumes many times.

The world was presented to him with all her allurements and amusements. Victories were won by his armies, but he was indifferent to luxuries and pleasures. He died in such a condition that his armour was pledged to a Jew.

And from these examples we can see a picture of just how great Nabi (SAW) was. Lessons learnt in terms of dealing with relatives, being less prone to arrogance and pomp, Always smiling and the importance of the Smile in the character of a Muslim. Both Nabi (SAW) and his companions use to do it. On being silent and the reasons behind it. Saying only what is necessary and important and kind. And finally, on his attitude to the allurements of this world. We should adopt that. Should the luxuries we enjoy be taken away, how would we feel? The ultimate should be that we do not care… as it was only on loan to us anyway, and we should show gratitude that we had it in our lives in the first place.

May Allah(SWT) grant us the ability to live in Muhammad(SAW)’s perfect example and to continue to strive in attaining this perfection till the day we die. Aameen.


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