The Blog of aamsaafanquran

159- IT IS THROUGH THE MERCY OF ALLAH THAT YOU SOFTENED UP FOR THEM, FOR IF YOU WERE SEVERE AND HARSH HEARTED, THEY WOULD HAVE DISPERSED AWAY FROM YOU.  THEREFORE, PARDON THEM, ASK ALLAH TO FORGIVE THEM AND CONSULT THEM IN ALL MATTERS, BUT WHEN YOU DECIDE, THEN PUT YOU TRUST IN ALLAH, FOR ALLAH LOVES THOSE WHO PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM.

Allah the Highest bestowed some of His Mercy upon His prophet and messenger Mohamed, prayer and peace upon him.  This made Allah’s messenger kind and soft hearted, and which attached people to him, rather than disperse them.  Allah the Highest also described Mohamed, prayer and peace upon him, as being “MOST KIND AND MERCIFUL TO THE BELIEVERS”.  In the Quran, Allah the Highest: “THERE HAS COME TO YOU A MESSENGER FROM AMONGST YOURSELVES, WHO GRIEVES FOR YOUR DISTRESS, AND IS MOST KIND AND MERCIFUL TO THE BELIEVERS”.  (S: 9 A: 129)

This is part of Allah’s messenger’s supreme character, about which Allah the Highest said: “YOU ARE OF SUPREME CHARACTER”. (S: 68 A: 4)

Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, was heard saying in his Dawa: “Allah, you perfected my form, perfect my character”.  (A: 1; 403 2; 68,155)

Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, did not reprimand those who ran away or punish those who disobeyed his commands and left the mountain.  To the contrary, Allah the Highest commanded His messenger, prayer and peace upon him, to:

1-    Pardon them what they did.

2-    Ask Allah to forgive them, is a step further in the process of forgiveness.  This is because to pardon someone is one thing, but to ask Allah the Highest to forgive them, means that one’s heart and feelings towards them is back to what it was.

Also Allah the Highest is telling His, messenger prayer and peace upon him, to ask Allah to forgive them, means that Allah’s messenger has a special status with Allah the Highest.  Their asking for forgiveness is not like his asking for forgiveness for them.

3-    Consult them in all matters.  Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, consulted the Muslims before the battle of Ohud, and despite what happened, Allah the Highest is commanding His messenger to continue consulting them.

Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, consulted with the Muslims concerning the things which he did not have a direct command from Allah the Highest about, giving us an excellent example in democracy.

In the battle of Badr, Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, placed the Muslim army at a certain place, but a Muslim man advised a better position, to which Allah’s messenger moved the army.

When a large army of disbelievers marched towards Medina to eradicate all the Muslims, Salman El-Faresy advised the digging of a trench around the less protected parts of Medina.  Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, followed his advice and the Muslims dug the trench.

The Khalifas of Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, followed the same policy.  They consulted the Muslims in general, as well as the small number of Muslims who were companions to Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, for some of them might have heard something from Mohamed ,prayer and peace upon him, on the matter at hand, otherwise he might have a sound opinion himself.

Allah the Highest holds the Mashoura (consultation) between the Muslims very highly.  In Allah’s description of the righteous people, Allah the Highest said: “AND THEIR AFFAIRS ARE CONDUCTED BY MUTUAL CONSULTATION BETWEEN THEM”.  (S: 42 A: 38)

This is the basis of democracy, established more than 1400 years ago.  There were no political parties representing different sections of the society, with potentially differing or conflicting interests.  This democracy involved the whole nation, and consultation was with the whole nation, not only a section of it.

Abu Huraira said about Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him: “I did not see any one who consults his companions more than Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, did”.  (T: Jihad; 34)

When one is consulted, he/she is entrusted with giving the best and most unbiased opinion, to the best of their ability, without considering his/her personal interests and leanings.  Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, said: “He who is being consulted, is entrusted”.  (T: Zohd; 39 & D: Adab; 114 & Ma: Adab; 37 & Da: Sayr; 13 & A: 5:274)

Most rulers and people in places of authority in general, are surrounded by counselors.  There are often two types of counselors; those who give  good advice aiming at the wellbeing of every one, and others who just look after their own interest.  Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, said: “Allah did not send a prophet or appoint a viceroy, but will have two types of advisers; one enjoins and encourages him to do what is good and righteous, the other enjoins and encourages him to do what is evil.  Only those Allah protect are protected”.  (Bukhari; Ahkam)

Allah the Highest, meant to make His messenger, prayer and peace upon him, to be an example for us.  Although he received revelations and Allah the Highest guided him, yet he was commanded to consult with others.  There is no doubt that we need this even more now.  We need to consult with the knowledgeable and wise, of the decent, honest and righteous people, particularly whenever a Muslim becomes in a place of power and authority.

4-    BUT WHEN YOU DECIDE, THEN PUT YOU TRUST IN ALLAH, FOR ALLAH LOVES THOSE WHO PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM.

Once a decision is reached, after due consultation, then we should put our trust in Allah, carry this decision out and all should adhere to it. 

The Muslims should put their trust in Allah, after doing their best, and making sure that all angels are covered.  We have to do our part first, and make the best planning and preparations, then put our trust in Allah.  Putting our trust in Allah does not mean to do nothing and expect Allah the Highest to do it for you, but rather to do every thing one possibly can, then expect Allah the Highest to help you.  Allah the Highest said: “AND HE WHO PUT HIS TRUST IN ALLAH, ALLAH IS SUFFICIENT FOR HIM, FOR ALLAH WILL ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSE”.  (S: 65 A: 3)

Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, said: “If you put your trust in Allah, as much as He is worth, he would provide for you as He provides for the birds, they fly away hungry and return full”.  (T: Zohd; 33 & Ma: Zohd: 14 & A: 1; 30, 52)

We should note that the birds did not stay in their nests waiting for Allah’s provisions, but went away all day looking for food.

Allah the Highest promises those who put their trust in him, his support in this life and a great reward in the Paradise.  Allah’s messenger, prayer and peace upon him, said: “Will enter the Paradise seventy thousands of my Nation without being held to account for their actions”.  They said: “Who are they Allah’s messenger?”  He said: “They are those who do not enchant, do not get shaken by fear, do not seek to cauterise for treatment, and they put their trust in their Lord”.  (B: Teb; 17 & M: Eman; 372 & A: 1; 271,321)

Such is the great status of those who put their trust in their Lord, after having done their best.

B: Bukhari    M: Muslim     Mal: Malek    A: Ahmed   D: Abu Dawood     

Da: Daremy       Ma: Ibn Magah            N: Nesae          T: Termezi