Beautiful recitation by Shaykh Faisal Rashood, of selected ayat from 98 - 112,
AS WE APPROACH THE END of the surah, we find that it links back to its beginning by consoling the Prophet and lifting up his spirits.
Is it not a guidance for them (to know) how many a generation We destroyed before them, amid whose dwellings they walk? Lo! therein verily are signs for men of thought. (128)
The battle between good and evil is eternal. Despite the fall and destruction of many heedless civilizations and communities, and despite the fact that truth has not been obliterated, human societies continue to deviate and rebel against God and challenge those who believe in Him.
In my own short lifetime, I have seen people pay with their lives to uphold the truth, and I have seen tyrants hold sway in defiance of God and His guidance. The ebb and flow of victory and defeat is part of the nature of life on earth and only the fittest will survive. "He sendeth down water from the sky, so that valleys flow according to their measure, and the flood beareth (on its surface) swelling foam - from that which they smelt in the fire in order to make ornaments and tools riseth a foam like unto it - thus Allah coineth (the similitude of) the true and the false. Then, as for the foam, it passeth away as scum upon the banks, while, as for that which is of use to mankind, it remaineth in the earth. Thus Allah coineth the similitudes." (al-Rad : 17)
This battle between good and evil take place according to certain fundamental objective laws and rules that favor neither tyrants nor martyrs. The surah conveys this fact by saying: "And but for a decree that had already gone forth from thy Lord, and a term already fixed, the judgment would (have) been inevitable (in this world) " (129). The surah goes on to offer solace and comfort to the Prophet urging him to show resilience and devotion to God, glorify Him and appeal for His help and support. Occupying one's life in service to God leaves little time to be wasted on futile or trivial activities.
In words reminiscent of those in verses 97-98 of al-Hijr [ "Who set some other god along with Allah. But they will come to know. (96) Well know We that thy bosom is times oppressed by what they say, But hymn the praise of thy Lord, and be of those who make prostration (unto Him) " ] , and to enable him to withstand the agony and pain of the treatment he received from his people, the Prophet was instructed to:
Therefor (O Muhammad), bear with what they say, and celebrate the praises of thy Lord ere the rising of the sun and ere the going down thereof. And glorify Him some hours of the night and at the two ends of the day, that thou mayst be well pleased. (130)
Successful leaders [ like the prophets who had a mission to carry out ] overcome opposition by rising above material gain, enhancing their relationship with God and drawing strength from worshiping Him. "And strain not thine eyes toward that which We cause some wedded pairs among them to enjoy, the flower of the life of the world, that We may try them thereby...." (131)
Although unbelievers often appear to gain a far greater share of the wealth and material prosperity in the world, this holds little real value in the sight of God and , one day, it will all come to nothing.
We saw this in verse 73-74 of Maryam which say:
And when Our clear revelations are recited unto them, those who disbelieve say unto those who believe: Which of the two parties (yours or ours) is better in position, and more imposing as an army? (73) How many a generation have We destroyed before them, who were more imposing in respect of gear and outward seeming! (74)
'Umar al-Khattab, a senior Companion of the Prophet, was reported to have expressed pain and bitterness at seeing the Prophet sitting on a straw mat while Persian and Roman emperors lived in opulence and luxury. The Prophet however informed him that these rulers were receiving their rewards in this life while he was working for the rewards of the hereafter. "...The provision of thy Lord is better and more lasting "(131).
Muhammad was then directed to:
And enjoin upon thy people worship, and be constant therein. We ask not of thee a provision: We provided for thee. And the sequel is for righteousness. (132)
Muslim homes are places where God is constantly praised and remembered. They provide an atmosphere of love, devotion to God and decency where families can be raised to serve God Almighty and please Him. While most people vie for material pursuits and self-aggrandizement, and are prepared to risk their honor and sanity for trivial and puerile objectives, believers strive for spiritual fulfillment and a higher quality of human life.
" A Thematic Commentary On The Qur'an "
Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali
[ 1917 - 1996 ]
Commentary by Shaykh Nasir Jangda :
verse 121 to verse 123 :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tQOxKqjeOU
verse 124 to verse 128 :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jybpM6wzGVg
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