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
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