Living The Quran
One Command
Al Qamar (The Moon) Chapter 54: Verse 50
 "Our command is but once, like the twinkling of an eye."
God's power accomplishes the greatest of events by the simplest
means. It takes just a signal or one word and everything, great or tiny,
is done. In fact there is nothing to distinguish great from tiny; it is
all part of how human beings see things. Nor is there a question of
time, not even the twinkling of an eye; it is merely a metaphor to help
people understand. Time is no more than a human conception that arises
from the position of the earth and its rotation. As far as God and His
plans are concerned, it has no significance.
The command is given just once and this entire universe comes
into existence. Similarly, any change in it can be accomplished. Just
one command and it will all go away as God wishes. In everything, the
command is given once only: bringing anyone into life, taking here or
there, causing it to die, bringing it back in some shape or form,
resurrecting all creatures from all generations to gather them for the
reckoning and reward. It is a once only command that requires no effort
or time, because it comes from the Almighty in due measure and with
perfect ease.
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Understanding the Prophet's Life 
Evil Inclinations
A very important aspect in
the jihad against the evil inclinations of the soul is the repelling of
any evil thoughts that pop into one's mind. Evil ideas occur to
everybody. The important thing is to cast them out as soon as they
appear and not to allow them to grow and flourish until the person
himself begins to desire or intend to do that evil act. When caught in
their early moments, there is no sin upon the person for what occurred
in his mind. A hadith, recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim, states:
"Verily, Allah has overlooked for my nation what their souls think about as long as they do not act on it or speak about it."
As one allows the evil thoughts to persist, the stronger they
become and the more difficult they are to overcome and defeat. If the
individual allows them to grow until they become true wants and
intentions, then he may commit a sin depending upon the entire situation
and what he does afterwards.
Compiled From:
"Purification of the Soul: Concept, Process and Means" - Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo, p. 348 |
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Blindspot!
Sense of Truth
Sincere advice and consultation (nasihah, shura)
that originate in knowledge and sincerity is meant to be an integral
part of Islamic ethos at almost all levels, within the family, in the
workplace, and the society at large. Commitment to truth and justice,
avoidance of rash judgements, and remaining patient in the face of
adversity must take a high priority in Islamic values.
Yet at times of conflict and situations when one is
exposed to divergent voices, the individual may find it hard to
determine the sense of truth, balance and justice in all of them.
This has now become a problem that Muslim societies face almost
everywhere. Questions also arise as to the relevance of the divergent
and self-assertive advice to the prevailing conditions and circumstances
of the generation, the youth and the society at large. One would expect
the media and organized education to provide the needed guidance on
matters of concern to the community. Media and education planners
should, perhaps take more specific measures to identify clear agenda on
civic education in their programmes. The schools may consider
introducing a subject on civic education that provide perspectives on
the ethical teachings of Islam, on nasihah, moderation, the
meaning of jihad, civil society matters and the crucial importance of
peace for economic development that informs and sensitizes the people on
what it takes to be a good citizen. Violence and senseless destruction
have taken a heavy toll on Muslim societies.
Compiled From:
"Shariah Law - An Introduction" - Mohammad Hashim Kamali, pp. 218, 219 |
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