In answer to the video "Worst Creatures in Islam"
3:110 also says that this "best nation" was raised to benefit mankind. Harming mankind or causing it to reject Islam by portraying it in a light that isnt true to its message, is contrary to the purpose of that "best nation". That purpose of being beneficial for mankind can only occur by spreading the reality of Islam, remaining true to the divine covenant and bearing witness to it 3:103,22:78 by displaying outstanding moral qualities regardless who is addressed 4:135, transmitting this beneficial knowledge and not keep it for themselves, leading mankind to the straight path by it
81:27"It is naught but a reminder for the nations, For him among you who pleases to go straight".This is just as the Bani Israil were enjoined to do when God appointed them a living torch for mankind, yet failed 2:63-64,3:187,28:5,32:24. That among a chosen nation, chosen to fulfill a specific task, some will inevitably fail in their duty is again reflected in
35:32"Then We gave the Book as inheritance unto those whom We elected of Our servants. But of them are some who wrong themselves, and of them are some who follow the middle course, and of them are some who outstrip (others) through good deeds, by Allah's leave".That "best nation" must avoid participating in falsehood, responding to it with dignity 25:72,70:5"endure with a goodly patience" even in the midst of constant slanders
33:70"speaking the right word/qawl sadid".The phrase lit. means a saying that hit the mark IE truthful, relevant. Whenever hearing slanderous talk, they should never outright accept and propagate it but thoroughly investigate it before even considering it 49:6. These "best people" show the example by first nurturing their own spirituality and morality in order to protect themselves from spiritual harm 5:105, in contrast to the hypocrites who give moral lessons without themselves behaving rightously. They must develop their spirituality by ever remaining steadfast in their God-conscious mind-frame, making it the driving force behind every deed or word 5:93. Reflecting on one's past to prepare the future 36:45, then, after having done the work on one's self as obviously each one is responsible for his own salvation and will not gain anything from others pleading for him 4:109, guarding eachother from evil, hastening one another for good deeds, enjoyning every kind of small kindnesses. Here the Quran says al ma'un, which is the most basic, simple, and effortless things one cannot refuse to the other unless one is completely devoid of human decency.
These "best of creatures" hasten one another to truth, compassion, empathy, patience and peace among oneanother
90:17,3:104,200,4:114,9:71,103:3,107:3,7,93"and Allah loves those who do good (to others)".Even if they should individually be justified in holding grudges against an enemy that gives no regards to honor and sanctity, they should not reciprocate
5:2"Do not let your hatred of people who would debar you from the Sacred Mosque lead you into aggression; but rather help one another in furthering righteousness and piety, and do not help one another in furthering evil and aggression. Have fear of God, for God is severe in retribution".
They should overlook what happens to them personally so as to exemplify righteousness. In this way, they give a positive testimony for Islam, making it appealing to mankind.
The people of the book are praised for their righteousness when in times past, they had abided by these directives 3:114 but when they disobeyed, neglected and eventually rejected the commands aimed at safeguarding them collectively, and ceased promoting rectitude in their midst, starting with their religious leaders, then the evil spread among them and caused their spiritual collapse
5:62-3,79"And you will see many of them striving with one another to hasten in sin and exceeding the limits, and their eating of what is unlawfully acquired; certainly evil is that which they do...they used not to forbid each other the hateful things (which) they did".
These principles are summed up in the short sura Asr, which the early Muslims would include in many activities and even recite to eachother. Combining correct faith with good deeds, and among those good deeds specifically enjoyning others to the truth and steadfastness are the core directives God has inculcated in this short sura. By it, man learns to turn the passing time, which otherwise is man's physical and spiritual enemy, into a formidable platform where his greatest potential can be expressed to the fullest. These are the ingredients and attitudes transforming one into a life giving fountain. Even then, one can never become self-complacent and must remain on guard, as stated in the HB
Prov25:26"A righteous man slipping before a wicked man is like a muddied spring and a ruined fountain".
The consequences of social, political and religious deviation harm, not only those who have done injustice to themselves, but also equally jeopardise the well-being of those who have done no wrong, therefore all the believers should safeguard themselves against evil by observing the laws made by Allah, and should not passively observe the sinners violating that law. This is exemplified, again through the failure of the previously chosen nation of Israel, when the passive elements of the community not only did not prevent the evil ones from their wrongdoings, but also protested against those that tried stopping the transgressing group from persisting in sin
7:164"And when a party of them said: Why do you admonish a with a severe chastisement? They said: To be free from blame before your Lord, and that haply they may guard (against evil)".When the believers safeguard themselves and their brethren, they are preserved by Allah 16:128 from the calls of their vain desires and given the ability to clearly distinguish between good and evil
48:26,8:24-29"O you who believe! answer (the call of) Allah and His Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life; and know that Allah intervenes between man and his heart, and that to Him you shall be gathered. And fear an affliction which may not smite those of you in particular who are unjust..He will grant you a distinction and do away with your evils and forgive you".Correct behavior must be that of modesty and humility in society 17:37, restraining one's anger and pardonning men in the case of transient dissensions caused by the devil
3:134,4:149,17:53"speak that which is best; surely the Shaitan sows dissensions among them; surely the Shaitan is an open enemy to man"even when one's honor has been slandered with ignorance 24:22, never compromise one's uprightness of character and constancy in servitude to God, even moreso when confronting evil and hardships. This always results in a change for the better at least in one's own self and many times in the external conditions or the opposite party 13:22,41:34,42:40.
All prophets embodied that principle and the Prophet Yusuf's story exemplifies it at its best, as his forbearance during his ordeals and steadfastness upon the straight path, changed not only his circumstances for the better but also the conditions of those who once even opposed him. In 24:22 the believers are asked a rethorical question; if they like that God forgives their faults, why do they not forgive other people's faults? The believer must make due allowance for human nature and not be too harsh with those who err
7:199"khud al aafuw/".They should therefore not ask for the hastening of evil instead of the good on anyone 17:11, including on one who is currently perceived as an ennemy for he can very well reform himself and become a friend later 60:7 and even a brother in faith 3:103,8:62-3. The same principle is expounded in the HB in Solomon's wise utterings Prov25:21-2.
No comments:
Post a Comment