Surah Al Nahl , 16....Epilogue

 Recitation Surah Al Nahl,[ ayat 90-105 ], Shaykh Muhammad Luhaidan,

...on repentance,man's free-will, and da'wah
[ tis is a free world..one can choose to go and break one's neck if one has the inclination or marry the same sex if one is crazy enough, or legislate upside down values for the masses..but remember this: one day one is accountable to HIM ]

As mentioned earlier, this surah is mainly dedicated to pointing out the numerous and wide-ranging bounties and blessings that God has granted to humans, foremost among these is the Qur'an itself, as a guide and a beacon. Several communities throughout human history, however, have chosen to ignore or not to acknowledge these favors, refusing to show any gratitude to God.

Allah coineth a similitude: a township that dwelt secure and well content, its provision coming to it in abundance from every side, but it disbelieved in Allah's favours, so Allah made it experience the garb of dearth and fear because of what they used to do. (112)

In cases where people have changed course after having been misled, and have come to recognize and reciprocate God's blessings with gratitude, God will always forgive them and take them back into the fold. It is comforting to know that His door is always open for those who repent and want a fresh start. "Then lo! thy Lord - for those who do evil in ignorance and afterward repent and amend - lo! (for them) thy Lord is afterward indeed Forgiving, Merciful "(119).

The surah then goes on to speak of Abraham, who was the elder of all God's prophets and a 'nation unto himself', a paragon of piety and steadfastness in the service of God and His message. Prophet Muhammad was intructed to follow in his footsteps. The surah then make a fleeting reference to the fact that the imposition of the Sabbath on the Israelites had been as a punishment for their internal wrangling, and internecine conflicts.  

The surah closes with a profound statement addressed to Prophet Muhammad emphasizing the fact that Islam is a faith built on understanding, reasoned discussion, intelligent argument and amicable persuasion. It is never to be spread by force or compulsion.

Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation, and reason with them in the better way. Lo! thy Lord is Best Aware of him who strayeth from His way, and He is best aware of those who go aright. (125)

Mastering this approach in da'wah, or propagation of Islam, requires not only a deep and earnest knowledge of the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet but also a good understanding of the intricacies of human nature.

Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali
[ 1917 - 1996 ]



Reflection and commentary by Imam Dr Kavakci,
part 9...