I enjoy TJ Winter aka Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad's discourse on Ridha. He is from Cambridge University.
Contentment / Acceptance are poor 'transliteration ' of the Arabic term 'Ridha'. Ridha is an important 'Key To The Garden'. It underline the meaning of ' submission ' as in Islam, and the Shahadah, " La ila haillallah , Muhammadarasullallah "
To be in a 'state of ease' with the things unfolding around us on a daily basis. To wake up in the morning, with much relief and remembrance and 'astaghafirullah', and to be open with what God has in 'store for us on our plates today'. It is a special , profound 'state of mind' to be in..........a special gift.
The post-modern man, most often than not, believers and non-believers alike, without much exception, assume that the soul is his, and will be with him automatically at the break of dawn. It never occurred to him that there is possibility it might not be allowed back from it's nocturnal journey to Him. Such has our spiritual degradation gone down the lane, in the sand of time. To be modern is to be heedless of important minute detail such as this.
[ here TJ Winter discusses Ridha from the 'macro' as well as the 'micro' perspective, from the perspective of the ummah as a whole as well as at the individual level ]
Part 1 :-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN0_WD-fpEQ
Part 2 :-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euN5NvxjaaY&spfreload=5
Part 3 :-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LVfQug9aN0
Part 4 :-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=PGfPvCaDj7g&feature=endscreen
...the beauty of being ummah of sayyidina muhammad is still that they are all in the 'supertanker'; no doubt it is slow to change direction suddenly; the crews are seasick; and some are just holding on to the ship but not out into the sea; whilst the rest are already in the lifeboats and numerous others already swimming in the water.
....the dalai lama has conceded that homosexuality is permissible in buddhism and the christians are inventing new forms of worship every other year.
.....our ship are going to sail thru the stormy water. With time some of the rest are just going to join us since we are the only ship still afloat.
Part 5 :-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQNk_B6fOik
...we tend to think that this present time is a catastrophe for all of us but actually it is a gem, a diamond somewhat needing a wee bit of some polishing.....
...of you have one billion dollars, you cannot sleep at night because someone down the millionaire's row has two ! we are not in this 'ball-game' thank God...this 'dunya' is like salt water, the more we drink, the more thirsty we get....
Fraternity, cooperation, and mutual kindness, induced by faith in God, are best safeguards against the arrogance of wealth and the degradation of poverty. The surah urges Prophet Muhammad and all humankind with him:
So set thy purpose resolutely for the right religion, before the inevitable day cometh from Allah. On that day mankind will be sundered- (43) Whoso disbelieveth must (then) bear the consequences of his disbelief, while those who do right make provision for themselves - (44)
Within this context, the surah goes on to talk about the perennial struggle between right and wrong, belief and unbelief. As Muhammad had embarked on delivering God's message, and was facing up to the obstacles created by his enemies, the surah told him: "Verily We sent before thee (Muhammad) messengers to their own folk. They brought them clear Proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty)Then we took vengeance upon those who were guilty (in regard to them). To help believers is ever incumbent upon Us. "(47)
With this clear assurance, how can the Muslims , who accounts for one fifth of the current world population, sustain all these military, cultural, and moral setbacks and humiliations? Why have they come to this low point?
The fact is that Muslims have been acting in contravention of the basic laws of human nature and society. They have all but lost their unity, civilized comportment, and self -confidence. In contrast to many other societies, Muslims appear the more lethargic and backward. The solidarity brought about by Islam has been fading away and remains mostly superficial. Such a community would hardly merit promotion and support. In ancient history, God scattered the Israelites and made them subservient to idolatrous communities. False and hollow faith does not earn God's succor , but things could change; the more the Muslims improve their lot the sooner they would meet with the elusive victory.
Muslim societies today are archetype of political, economic and social chaos and confusion. Success would not come to such a disorganized and fragmented nation. But Islam shall endure.
This surah contains a most profound statement asserting that Islam will endure until the end of time, and that it would do so through a community of human beings who would uphold and defend it. It says: "But those to whom knowledge and faith are given will say: The truth is, ye have tarried, by Allah's decree, until the Day of Resurrection. This is the Day of Resurrection, but ye used not to know. "(56)
The Muslims nation will, therefore, endure for as long as mankind exists in this world. Its setback will be temporary. We ought to be certain that, as the nation upholding God's final message, ours shall ultimately prevail, and this thought should spur us on to consolidate our resources, resume our prominent position in the world and restore our nation's former glory.
That would be a most appropriate ending for humankind's existence on earth, as the surah's closing statement to Prophet Muhammad seems to suggest: : "So have patience (O Muhammad)! Allah's promise is the very truth, and let not those who have no certainty make thee impatient." (60)
Perseverance is required to sustain victory, and cultivate and nurture its dividends.
Insyaallah.
" Thematic Commentary On The Qur'an "
Shaykh Muhammad al Ghazali
[ 1917 - 1998 ]
Recitation, whole surah Ar-Rum, by Shaykh Mishary Rashid al-Afasy,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOEjGZMJlKo
Commentary by Dr Shaykh Dr Haitham al Haddad
Lecture 12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5GSfOxUPgM
Lecture 13
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieQJnCt-HBA
Wonderful recitation of surah ar-Rum by Shaykh Fares Abbad,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCls-n2dGwo
The Qur'an urges the pursuit of knowledge in order to enhance faith and eradicate the poison of skepticism and agnostic tendencies. Nevertheless, there will always be people who would ".. know only some appearance of the life of the world, and are heedless of the Hereafter. "(7)
This type of person is widely familiar in today's society, the main reason being the marginalization of God's revelation due to the incompetence of its inheritors and their inability to promote and deliver its message to the rest of the world. Materialistic philosophies and ideologies dominate man's thinking today but have failed to satisfy his intellectual curiosity or fulfill the demands of human nature.
A healthy human person would recognize God and be ever drawn to Him. Even when distracted he would endeavor to return to the proper track. However, human beings are liable to be overcome by selfishness, dissension, and negligence and thrown off course, but the Qur'an would not leave them to their own devices.
On the contrary, the Qur'an repeatedly calls on human beings to return to their pristine human nature. It says:
Turning unto Him (only); and be careful of your duty unto Him and establish worship, and be not of those who ascribe partners (unto Him); (31) Of those who split up their religion and became schismatics, each sect exulting in its tenets. (32)
Dissension is a human characteristic induced by the desire for self -expression and dominance, and is often associated with a pride and complacency. It occurs among religious as well as secular communities and groups. It is a phenomenon known throughout human history, past and present. However, this should not be confused with differences and disagreements arising from the exercise of ijtihad by scholars, experts, practitioners of Islamic law, or among the various schools of fiqh which have emerged within Islam.
Differences of interpretation should not necessarily lead to rancour and division. Those who adopt differing approaches and formulate divergent views on matters which are open for debate should be credited for their efforts, whether their conclusions are right or wrong.
Taking such legitimate differences further by fuelling schism, factionalism, and dissension can only lead to weakness and destruction.
In an extended passage, the surah dwells on the the crucial effects of good and bad fortunes on individuals and communities. At times of crisis, people may become closer to God, but as soon as the ordeal is over, many forget and deny God's grace.
And when harm toucheth men they cry unto their Lord, turning to Him in repentance; then, when they have tasted of His mercy, behold! some of them attribute partners to their Lord (33) So as to disbelieve in that which We have given them. (Unto such it is said): Enjoy yourselves awhile, but ye will come to know. (34)
This could only be repugnant neglect or shameful treachery. When blessed with good fortune, some people take it for granted and neglect to use it for a good purpose, but as soon as they are disadvantaged, through ill-health or decline of wealth, they fall into despair and lose hope completely. They feel they have lost something which is theirs by right, forgetting that the apportionment of fortune is up to God Almighty. The surah says:
And when We cause mankind to taste of mercy they rejoice therein; but if an evil thing befall them as the consequence of their own deeds, lo! they are in despair! (36) See they not that Allah enlargeth the provision for whom He will, and straiteneth (it for whom He will). Lo! herein indeed are portents for folk who believe. (37)
Human beings are required to show gratitude for the good they receive and perseverance during times of hardship. They should accept God's judgement and behave towards others accordingly. God says:
So give to the kinsman his due, and to the needy, and to the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek Allah's Countenance. And such are they who are successful. (38)
Poverty and wealth have been the scourge of humankind since life began. The drive for capital accumulation in a world of finite resources together with the political realities of today's modern societies is causing extraordinary pressures to be placed upon them such that humanities is being pulled apart in extreme directions not only by an inevitable class struggle but by volatile forces beyond its control. The surah continues:
Corruption doth appear on land and sea because of (the evil) which men's hands have done, that He may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return. (41)
Fraternity, cooperation, and mutual kindness, induced by faith in God, are best safeguards against the arrogance of wealth and the degradation of poverty. The surah urges Prophet Muhammad and all humankind with him:
So set thy purpose resolutely for the right religion, before the inevitable day cometh from Allah. On that day mankind will be sundered- (43) Whoso disbelieveth must (then) bear the consequences of his disbelief, while those who do right make provision for themselves - (44)
" A Thematic Commentary On The Qur'an "
Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali
Commentary by Shaykh Dr Haitham al Haddad
Lecture 8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P_gwkUwI5Q
Lecture 9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3rkO8GJOMY
Lecture 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PTeQ5y8DFI
Lecture 11
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrKyfLnE9gU
" The sparrow, my dear friend, is not equal to the eagle....."
Malaysia is famous for abundance of oil palm trees and rubber trees. Not philosophers and thinkers....
More so of the Islamic kind.Yet when we do have one, we dump him out like as if philosopher/thinker of that calibre do grow on trees in abundance. In this hot humid weather here, it is not amenable to serious 'independent thinking', let alone 'thinking aloud'.
That was what happened to Prof Sayyid Muhammad Naguib al-Attas some 10-12 years back. The good professor was expounding in 1978, about the ailment beseeching the Muslims globally, ie ' the loss of adab', the inherent failure within the ummah to recognize true scholarship and wisdom and to put them in the rightful place.
This ailment within the ummah, ironically came to haunt him some 20 years later, when he was deemed to be lukewarm in 'fanning and glorifying' the political bosses of the day', and his tenure as the foundation dean of Institute of Islamic Thought and Culture [ ISTAC ] was prematurely terminated by UIAM chancelor, a political appointee.
I do not want to name names but in Malaysia when you leave the leadership of universities to politicians , that is what happened. We do get professors promoted not because they 'produce' and 'write' independently but on the basis of 'technical know who', and whether one is deemed 'safe and benign politically' and who 'fans' the best. From these groups we get half baked VC's who specialize in the knowledge and wisdom of 'which is the best side of the apple' that need to be polished!....and very little to contribute in term of vision.
Over the years the result is obvious.....mediocrity of the Malaysian kind in all spheres. Mediocre heads chose mediocre teachers and promote them. Mediocre teachers produce mediocre students and graduates. Mediocre graduates go on in life to become mediocre leaders.
On a more global scale, now let us reflect on what Prof Naguib had said on this state of "loss of adab" which seem to beseech us as an ummah, and this was in a paper presented way back in 1978 :
http://leedsmuslim.blogspot.com/2012/11/knowledge-and-adab-by-syed-muhammad-al.html
Shaykh Hamzah Yusuf's interview with Prof Sayyid Naguib al Attas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5pyXqZq4E0
In essence, surah al-Ankabut is all about life's never ending trials [..fitnah ]. We are tried differently according to our social standing in life, our financial constraints, IQ, EQ, talents and capabilities. Pa' Mat Nyadap from Padang Pa' Amat, Pasir Putih whose only talent is his ability to look after his cows in the field has a different arrays of test and trials from the Sultan in his state or his Mentri Besar [ Chief Minister ].
While Pa' Mat has to grapple with mainly the fortitude and the 'sabr' required to deal with the level of poverty in his life, he does require some modicum of knowledge backed by the most minimum of divine wisdom that percolates down to him via his equally 'intellectually and financially challenged parents', to go through his day to day 'trials and tribulation', and yet keep his nose 'just above' existence level. The Mentri Besar and the Sultan, both well endowed to the brim, have more arrays of tests and trials set up for them. Trials of poverty and trial of excesses of influence, wealth and power, are worlds apart. Similarly, the Prime Minister of Malaysia has to answer more 'questions' than the 'office boy' manning his office in Putrajaya.
On the surface, all appear glittering like 'gold' in the lives of the rich, powerful and famous, but beneath the superficialities, lies the responsibilities , fully decked with 'trials'.
Life is a Trial [ Fitnah ] in whatever angles and ways one can look at it.
You are a king, thousands at your beck and call.
The sun seem to be never setting down on your life.....but your trial is bigger.
Pharaoh, was a 'King of kings' in term of absolute power and wealth. Both got the better of him. He failed his 'tests' miserably and had the single distinction of being named several hundred times in the Qur'an for eternity and already 'confirmed and reserved' for eternal damnation..
Qarun, likewise will also head that way. All the 'Bill Gates of the world', have a different set of trial from Pharaoh.
IQ, EQ, hard work, wealth tries one in a different way.
Is the zakat enough for your stature of wealth?
Did you pound the ground just now with much pride?
Was it rudeness to the poor butler or was it just your style of talking straight?
I have a billionaire friend once who confided to me; " Howk, it is easy at your level to have to pay zakat one or two thousand ringgit a year. But at my level, having to see and part with millions RM yearly , every year, can be a source of heartache. "
I respect him for his honesty. Put yourself in the position of al-Waleed, flying around in private Boeing, and yatch as big as the Queen E, surrounded by dozens of very hot,beautiful and alluring young ladies everywhere you move, tugging at your trousers and your pocket, then you will get the picture....
The fitnah for scholars can be even greater...
Are you selling short God's words for a few gold coins?
That 'fatwa' you just blurted out, was it sincere?
Who is more fearful to you?... God or the Prince?
If so, why didn't you advice the Prince to behave appropriately?
On a scale of 10, where are you as a scholar?
..and lastly don't for a moment think that just because you are the ordinary bloke on the street you are not tested.
What have you done with your time?
What have you done with your wealth?
Are your children and your wives God-fearing?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_vzhahFZdo&noredirect=1
Beautiful Recitation of Surah Al Ankabut-The Spider- By Shaykh Nadir al-Qallawi with English translation,read by, Bilal Abdul Karim
http://vimeo.com/5699784
The surah cites criticisms by idolaters who asked Muhammad to perform miracles to support his claims. It says:
And they say: Why are not portents sent down upon him from his Lord? Say: Portents are with Allah only, and I am but a plain warner. (50) Is it not enough for them that We have sent down unto thee the Scripture which is read unto them? Lo! herein verily is mercy, and a reminder for folk who believe. (51)
The Qur'an itself is Muhammad's enduring miracle. Its influence and impact on man and human civilization have been, and will continue to be , profound. The Qur'an has been the mainstay of the Muslim world community. It represents a unique link between the human and the divine which makes life in this world meaningful and worth living and striving for.
Qur'anic observations with respect to scientific and physical phenomena have astonished scientists and scholars throughout history. The Qur'an is a book that has produced a fresh and energetic civilization which has restored to humankind its dignity, purpose, and honor. It charts a way of life that has given humanity real and profound hope, as well as the will to explore, build, produce, and advance in order to improve the quality of human life on this earth and ensure man's salvation in the hereafter. The conflict between good and evil is a long drawn-out struggle. The lack of faith in God spurs the impatient unbelievers to precipitate His punishment. The surah says:
They bid thee hasten on the doom (of Allah). And if a term had not been appointed, the doom would assuredly have come unto them (ere now). And verily it will come upon them suddenly when they perceive not. (53)
The early Muslims were driven from Makkah and had to leave all their possessions behind. But God compensated them in full and gave them a new homeland. The surah affirms that:
O my bondmen who believe! Lo! My earth is spacious. Therefor serve Me only. (56) Every soul will taste of death. Then unto Us ye will be returned. (57) Those who believe and do good works, them verily We shall house in lofty dwellings of the Garden underneath which rivers flow. There they will dwell secure. How sweet the guerdon of the toilers, (58) Who persevere, and put their trust in their Lord! (59) And how many an animal there is that beareth not its own provision! Allah provideth for it and for you. He is the Hearer, the Knower. (60)
Modern civilization is built on materialism which rejects religion and denies accountability in the hereafter. This is the exact opposite of what true Muslims believe, because to them the hereafter is as real as the life they live today, of not more so. The surah says: " This life of the world is but a pastime and a game. Lo! the home of the Hereafter - that is Life, if they but knew. "(64)
The surah ends on a warning and a promise:
Who doeth greater wrong than he who inventeth a lie concerning Allah, or denieth the truth when it cometh unto him? Is not there a home in hell for disbelievers? (68) As for those who strive in Us, We surely guide them to Our paths, and lo! Allah is with the good. (69)
" A Thematic Commentary On The Qur'an "
Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali
...............................
" Every soul will taste of death. Then unto Us ye will be returned. "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoaE2H6gZU8
[ Shaykh Khalid Yasin on Death ]
Recitation of surah al-Ankabut by Shaykh Maher al-Muiaqly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZhC20P2qO8
THE SURAH IDENTIFIES TWO DISTINCT reactions from the People of the Book towards Islam and the Muslims. The first reaction is to recognize Islam and tolerate the Muslim way of life; to these the Muslims are instructed to reciprocate the respect and tolerance shown them. The second reaction is antagonism and the Muslims are taught to beware such aggressive attitudes to Islam and to take care in dealing with those who hold them, not taking their sincerity and trust for granted. The surah gives the Muslims a general direction as to how to deal with these two groups. It says:
And argue not with the People of the Scripture unless it be in (a way) that is better, save with such of them as do wrong; and say: We believe in that which hath been revealed unto us and revealed unto you; our God and your God is One, and unto Him we surrender. (46) In like manner We have revealed unto thee the Scripture, and those unto whom We gave the Scripture aforetime will believe therein; and of these (also) there are some who believe therein. And none deny Our revelations save the disbelievers. (47)
Any objective and fair study of the relationship between the world of Islam and the world of the Judeo-Christian religions over the last fourteen centuries should be able to identify the causes of the hostilities and bloody confrontation that have existed between them. It should be possible to apportion blame for the antagonistic and aggressive realities that have dogged their relationship. Before the emergence of Islam, the Romans , as bearers of the Cross, had swept across the lands of western Asia and north Africa. However, on learning of Islam, large parts of the same area came under its influence with very little resistance. Four centuries later, the Crusaders of south western Europe initiated fresh hostilities against the Muslim world, prosecuting a futile campaign which ran for more than two centuries.
In modern times, it was Christian Europe again which embarked on a large scale colonization of Muslims lands and territories, bringing about the destruction of the Islamic nation and fragmentation of the Muslim world. This began with the British domination of the Indian sub-Continent, followed by the French invasion of Egypt and Algeria [ to be followed later by the rest of the Arab Maghrib ] in the early nineteenth century. By the turn of the twentieth century, Britain was occupying Iraq, the eastern and southern Arabian coasts, Palestine, and Egypt whilst Italy had invaded Libya and Abbyssinia. Well into the twentieth century the European domination of the Muslim world was complete. Who has been the aggressor and who has been the victim in all these unfortunate and deplorable confrontations? Which has been the aggrieved party?
Today Muslims are reasserting themselves and are striving to rediscover and establish their true Islamic identity. Why should they be deprived of their rights or prevented from determining their own future? Why should they be labeled 'militant' or 'fundamentalist' , 'retrogressive or 'terrorist'?
Muslims believe that the words of the Qur'an are the literal words of God and convey the truth. They wish to abide by God's rules and laws as expounded by the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad. Why should this be a cause of concern or alarm to any other group or society? There is no justification for the vilification of Islam and the derision and abuse that is directed at the Qur'an and the Prophet both in the West and by its "comrades" and "supporters" in the Muslim world. God says to Muhammad:
And thou (O Muhammad) wast not a reader of any scripture before it, nor didst thou write it with thy right hand, for then might those have doubted, who follow falsehood. (48) But it is clear revelations in the hearts of those who have been given knowledge, and none deny Our revelations save wrong-doers. (49)
Islam is again today the target of much misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and opposition. The is no doubt that there are powers in the world today that do not wish for Islam to prosper or spread, but spread it will !
" A Thematic Commentary On The Qur'an "
Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali
[ 1917 - 1998 ]
Tafseer and commentary by Mufti Menk [ part 4 ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhenbskUKp8
For most, 'JIHAD', is a faraway, nebulous and ancient concept. Buried in the sand of time some 1450 years ago. In this 21st century, the 'crusade' has ended centuries ago. Islam is not under seige.
But for a group of young, angry men though, the spirit of 'jihad' is very much alive, even today, and especially today.
USA, a country that has more than one hundred and twenty bases, at the last count,all overseas, mostly in or near so-called 'Muslim' countries, to this small group of men, is at war with Islam. Full-stop and no pretenses. Moussa al-Zemmouri , ex-Guantanamo, is one of those young men, who thought so, other wise he would not have risked his life going to Afghanistan.
Moussa al-Zemmouri's recitation of ayat 1 to ayat 15 of surah al Ankabut is halting and not smooth, but in his imperfection one can discern his inner anger and sadness, perhaps.
Let us listen to him.......
THIS SURAH CAME to put all these matters in a proper perspective. It opens by saying:
Do men imagine that they will be left (at ease) because they say, We believe, and will not be tested with affliction? (2) Lo! We tested those who were before them. Thus Allah knoweth those who are sincere, and knoweth those who feign. (3)
The world today seems to have come full circle. There is no place or role for God in contemporary civilization. Muslims today find themselves on the verge of undergoing the same test that Muhammad and the early Muslims
had undergone, and it is expected of them to repeat their successes.
In the opening passage God says: " And whosoever striveth, striveth only for himself, for lo! Allah is altogether Independent of (His) creatures " (6) . Towards the end God gives this profound pledge: "As for those who strive in Us, We surely guide them to Our paths, and lo! Allah is with the good " (69 . For any nation to assume the leadership of mankind legitimately, hope and trust in God's support and guidance are vital requirements. The surah says:
Of mankind is he who saith: We believe in Allah, but, if he be made to suffer for the sake of Allah, he mistaketh the persecution of mankind for Allah's punishment; and then, if victory cometh from thy Lord, will say: Lo! we were with you (all the while). Is not Allah best aware of what is in the bosoms of (His) creatures? (10)
Some believers grow impatient and demand God's support and victory prematurely. Others give up and lose heart. But the surah reminds them of the stoicism of Noah who spent nine hundred and fifty years striving to teach and discipline his people.
[ ..at the end he had only around 80 followers on the Ark after 950 years of solid daawah! prophet Noah unfortunately did not have the priveledge of Steve Job, Bill Gates and the utube to help him at that time, but neither did he have CNN, CNBC,BBC or Aljazira working against him as well...Editor's footnote ]. Some of them lose sight of reality and grow impetuous and irrational in their representation and defense of Islam. Such people should reflect on the approach of prophet Abraham, as given in this surah. He relied on persuasion and rational argument, saying to his people: "...Ye serve instead of Allah only idols, and ye only invent a lie. Lo! those whom ye serve instead of Allah own no provision for you. So seek your provision from Allah, and serve Him, and give thanks unto Him, (for) unto Him ye will be brought back " (17). The surah adds:
See they not how Allah produceth creation, then reproduceth it? Lo! for Allah that is easy. (19) Say (O Muhammad): Travel in the land and see how He originated creation, then Allah bringeth forth the later growth. Lo! Allah is Able to do all things. (20)
In some societies, people allowed their animal instincts to rule over them and became obsessed with sexual and sensual gratification to the point of perversion. The people of Lot, for instance, for sodomy was a common public practice, are a case in point. The surah tells us that Lot tried very hard to dissuade his people from pursuing these vile practices:
And Lot! (Remember) when he said unto his folk: Lo! ye commit lewdness such as no creature did before you. (28) For come ye not in unto males, and cut ye not the road (for travellers), and commit ye not abomination in your meetings? But the answer of his folk was only that they said: Bring Allah's doom upon us if thou art a truthteller! (29)
It is interesting to note how fast contemporary civilization is going down the same road. Sexual morality in the West is in complete chaos. Permissiveness have become the norm. The status and role of the family and the institution of marriage are being seriously eroded and the repercussions of this state of affairs for Western civilization as a whole are ominous.
The surah goes on to talk of the fate of other nations who had rebelled against God and rejected His guidance saying: " So We took each one in his sin; of them was he on whom We sent a hurricane, and of them was he who was overtaken by the (Awful) Cry, and of them was he whom We caused the earth to swallow, and of them was he whom We drowned. It was not for Allah to wrong them, but they wronged themselves "(40). Human power cannot stand up to the might of God; just as a spider's web has no chance of resisting a strong wind. " As for these similitudes, We coin them for mankind, but none will grasp their meaning save the wise "(43)
The dedicated believers must show tenacity and trust in the future, whether it is this life or the life to come.
" A Thematic Commentary On The Qur'an "
Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali
[ 1917 - 1998 ]
Mufti Ismail Menk's tafseer of ayat 41 onwards,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mY1YVotbW0
