Showing posts with label
Surah al-Ankabut [ The Spider ].
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Showing posts with label
Surah al-Ankabut [ The Spider ].
Show all posts
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
