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
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