INCREASINGLY, ILLICIT SEXUAL RELATIONS, including extra-marital sex, or adultery, have become the norm in modern society. Free indulgence in promiscuous sex is seen as a healthy alternative to the so-called sexual repression associated with morality and family based societies. But God says: "And come not near unto adultery. Lo! it is an abomination and an evil way "(32). Murder, that is to say the unlawful killing of one human being by another, is recognized as a crime in all societies. However, the lawful killing of a human being for the commission of a crime, that is to say capital punishment has been made illegal in several countries today, and thus this has lead to the spread of insecurity and crime, resulting in the loss of innocent lives. The Qur'an exhorts:
And slay not the life which Allah hath forbidden save with right. Whoso is slain wrongfully, We have given power unto his heir, but let him not commit excess in slaying. Lo! he will be helped. (33)
The Qur'an also enjoins man to protect the property of the orphan, honor pledges, covenants, and contracts, and exercise justice and fairness in using weights and measures. Every individual bears responsibility for what he hears, or sees or feels. As humans, our lives have a purpose, our senses and actions carry liabilities and we are answerable for all experiences. The Qur'an tells us: "(O man), follow not that whereof thou hast no knowledge. Lo! the hearing and the sight and the heart - of each of these it will be asked " (36). A little discretion and reflection with respect to our thoughts and to what we hear and learn can help us avoid a great deal of misunderstanding and ill-feeling. This section is rounded off with the profound advice: "And walk not in the earth exultant. Lo! thou canst not rend the earth, nor canst thou stretch to the height of the hills " (37). These valuable exhortations are vital ingredient for the development of morally and spiritually balanced individuals and are, moreover, indispensable building blocks for the development of strong and enlightened societies.
The surah then turns on to an inspiring and reassuring discussion about God Almighty and His power and affinity with the believers. It touches on the natural physical world around us and the amazing harmony and rapport which distinguish its systems, movement, and existence. The infinite and incredibly complex universe, with its millions upon millions of stars, planets, and galaxies, is in constant motion, but this motion is so smooth and tranquil that every second that passes provides additional proof of the power and might of its Creator.
Another marvel of creation is the human body composed of hundreds of millions of cells which form a number of complex systems performing a wide range of vital well-integrated functions that make a man a central and effective force in shaping the destiny of the world. Does each of these cells realize the purpose of their existence or comprehend the functions they carry out? Do 'white cells' or 'red cells' have brains of their own that them what to do or how to behave? NO, it is Allah who controls them and who programmed them to perform a specific set of functions lasting for a determined period of time which could extend to whole generation. This marvel is duplicated, with the same efficiency and precision, in thousands of millions of human beings and has been done so hundreds of thousands of years.
Every atom in the vast cosmos, every cell, in every human being, and every creature is a testament to God's predominance and authority. Is it not proof of His incontestable supremacy and unparalleled power? This world cannot exist on its own, nor could it have come into existence of its own free will or voilition. It is totally and completely dependent on the power of God. Skeptics who choose not to believe in God or acknowledge His authority do Him no harm whatsoever.
We verily have displayed (Our warnings) in this Qur'an that they may take heed, but it increaseth them in naught save aversion. (41) Say (O Muhammad, to the disbelievers): If there were other gods along with Him, as they say, then had they sought a way against the Lord of the Throne. (42) Glorified is He, and High Exalted above what they say! (43) The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein praise Him, and there is not a thing but hymneth His praise; but ye understand not their praise. Lo! He is ever Clement, Forgiving. (44)
Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali
" A Thematic Commentary On The Qur'an "
Reflection and Commentary by Imam Dr Yusuf Ziya Kavakci,
[ part 4 ]
ayat 41- ayat 57
Reflection and commentary by Dr Lutfi ,
verse 31 to verse 35 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Aya_xWrE34
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