The reason of mandatory punishment

Lesson # 1024 from Noble Quran

The reason of mandatory punishment

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verses – 68 & 69 of 75, Section – 9 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

68.  Had it not been for an ordinance of Allah which had gone before, an awful doom had come upon you on account of what ye took.  69.  Now enjoy what ye have won, as lawful and good, and keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.

68.  Law-laa  kitaabum-mi-nAllaahi  sabaqa  lamassakum  fiimaaa  ‘akhaztum  ‘azaabun  ‘aziim. 69.  Fakuluu  mimmaa  ganimtum  halaalan  tayyibaa.  WattaqUllaah.  ‘InnAllaaha  Gafuurur-Rahiim.

Lesson

It was explained earlier that Muslims should not think about temporary benefits of the world, but they should meditate about its result before doing every work. If the people of Makkah had won against Islam, it would be meant that the freedom of the power of human’s thinking would be crushed. Practical consequence of which would be that whosoever desired, had chosen the tenet of operating others with force; by collecting apparent power, own disciples and followers, wealth and riches, war equipment and munitions etc. and the Peace would have been lost from the world. And only this pastime would have prevailed that everyone had to think about other people and keep them under own influence.

But God Almighty finalized this decision in the Holy Qur’an that you should ruin the enemies of the freedom of human conscience. Being kind on them is just like destroying the humanity and introducing the law of bestiality.

God Almighty commands in this verse that freeing the captives after getting ransom was too much big mistake at such occasion that a very stern torment could come, because concession with those who break the principles of human nature; is a strong reason of mandatory punishment. If the anguish has not come, then its reason is that Allah Almighty has already decided. And those decisions have been hindering at this time against the anguish from God Almighty, which are as under:

·       This favor with the captives was not shown intentionally, because Allah Almighty had not commanded about it clearly that after getting ransom; freeing the captives is forbidden. So, it was an error during diligence; and there is no punishment due to error in diligence.

·       The torment will not be sent in the presence of the Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him).

·       The anguish will not come upon those people who beg pardon of God Almighty.

The Muslims were afraid of so much big menace and considered that they should not touch the wealth; which they received as ransom. Therefore, next; it is commanded: This error was not committed intentionally, so it is forgiven. That is good and lawful for you which you have already taken. Use it as you wish; and keep your duty to Allah Almighty in future. Have fear of God’s wrath. Beg pardon of Allah Almighty for that error which you have committed unknowingly. Be hopeful of the Mercy of God Almighty and believe that He forgives the sins and errors of those who repent and ask for His Mercy. And He bestows His blessing on His obedient servants.

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Pak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

Your desire and God’s desire for you

Lesson # 1023 from Noble Quran

Your desire and God’s desire for you

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verse – 67 of 75, Section – 9 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

67.  It is not for any Prophet to have captives until he hath made slaughter in the land. Ye desire the lure of this word and Allah desireth (for you) the Hereafter. And Allah is Mighty, Wise.

67.  Maa  kaana  li-Nabiyyin  ‘any-yakuuna  lahuuu  ‘asraa  hattaa  yus-khina  fil-‘arz.  Turiiduuna  ‘arazad-dunyaa,  wAllaahu  yuriidul-‘Aakhirah.  WAllaahu  ‘Aziizun  Hakiim.

Lesson

‘Asraa – (captives, prisoners), this word is plural of ‘asiir, which is a section of Adjectives, and it has been derived from ‘asrun. ‘Asrun means “to prison, to arrest, to capture”. ‘Asiir means “a captive, a prisoner”.

Yus-khina – (should tyrannize or make slaughter), this word is from ‘is-khaan, which is made from sakhan. Sakhan means “cruelty, strictness, severity and affliction”. ‘Iskhaan means “to tyrannize, to oppress”. Here it aims “after getting an opportunity, at first, one should inspire the enemy with fear, so that the quarrelsome and rebellious people cease violence and by taking it warning; they leave the stubborn”.

In the Battle of Badr, seventy grandeur chieftains of Qureish were killed by Muslims and their seventy great people were arrested by the Muslims. At that time, a decision was required that “how the captives must be treated? Whether they should be set free after taking wealth or be slaughtered?

In this connection; the Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) asked His Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) about their opinion. Majority of them said: The captive should be released after getting compensation. But Umar and Sa’-d bin Ma-‘aaz (may God be pleased with them) gave their opinion that these people have troubled the Muslims very much, if they are left alive, they will set up any temptation against the Muslims again. But mostly people of them did not consider it suitable that they must be slain, because, later on possibly some of them may embrace Islam. Some people gave their opinion; being kind naturally that they should be forgiven after receiving ransom money. Some of them thought that the Muslims need wealth and economic goods this time, it would be better if they are released after taking money.

Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) decided that everyone must be set free after taking compensation against life. Therefore, they acted upon this decision. But; because it was against the political expediency, so this verse was revealed and they were informed that such deed was not good.

Badr was first Battle of Muslims. It was demand of political prudence that such tormentor enemy must be punished more severely, due to which, no vicious person may interrupt in safety and peace of the world in future. And it was commanded that “taking possession of wealth may be useful a little and only for a few days, but consequence of setting the enemies free is not good. So, although some of them embraced Islam, but maximum of them attacked next year again and seventy Muslims were martyred (in the Battle of ‘Uhud). Allah Almighty saved the Muslims from manifest defeat with His Mercy, otherwise they had arranged for themselves complete destruction.

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Pak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

God is with the steadfast

Lesson # 1022 from Noble Quran

God is with the steadfast

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verse – 66 of 75, Section – 9 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

66.  Now hath Allah lightened your burden, for He knoweth that there is weakness in you. So if there be of you a hundred steadfast they shall overcome two hundred, and if there be of you a thousand (steadfast) they shall overcome two thousand by permission of Allah. And Allah is with the steadfast.

66.  ‘Al-‘aana  khafa-fAllaahu  ‘ankum  wa  ‘alima  ‘anna  fiikum  za’-faa.  Fa-‘iny-yakum-minkum-mi-‘atun-  Saabiratuny-yaglibuu  mi-‘atayn.  Wa  ‘inyyakum-minkum  ‘alfuny-yaglibuuu  ‘al-fayni  bi-‘IznIllaah.  WAllaahu  ma-‘as-Saabiriin.

Lesson

Saabiratun – (the steadfast person), it is a subject from the feminine, derived from the word sabar. Its masculine is Saabir, plural of which is Saabiriin. Sabar means “patience, endurance, and forbearance”. Neither being confused or agitated in difficulty and nor making a noise, is called Sabar. To continue trying to get something and leaving it not due to difficulties; is called sabar too. Doing and speaking good always; ceasing not intentionally this practice is also Sabar.

In the previous verse, there was a form of news, but in fact, there was given an order that the Muslims should not run away from fighting the ten-fold enemies against them. At that time, the Muslims had strong Belief and they were passionate. It was easy for them to obey such command. So, they used to obey, and God Almighty supported them; observing their endurance and firmness, and He caused to grow up their attempts.

After that, when; with the passage of time, those people had been aged, become feeble and weak, such tumult and passion, which did exist in the people earlier to them; fell somewhat and was not seen in new people and generation, then after observing their condition, their burden was lightened and the first command was changed. The same has been explained in this verse.

It is commanded: Because you have become lazier than early and now you are not more courageous as those people who were before you, therefore, certainly the first command would be unpleasant for you. Well! Now you are instructed that you should not run away from the front of your enemies who are double in power than you. You should be steadfast before them with bravery. If you would show courage, the help of God Almighty will be with you and you will achieve victory.

With effect from, the time after the Messenger of Allah Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him), this command is set up even today that if the Muslims’ manpower and strength is half than the enemy, the Muslims should face them bravely and should not run away showing the enemy back. If they did not do so, then they would be sinners.

It is the grade of the concession, but if the enemy is more powerful than double from the Muslims, and they (the Muslims) continue fighting against them; having trust in the help of Allah Almighty, then its degree is certainly higher.

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Pak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

An open sign of stupidity

Lesson # 1021 from Noble Quran

An open sign of stupidity

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verse – 65 of 75, Section – 9 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

65.  O Prophet! Exhort the believers to fight. If there be of you twenty steadfast they shall overcome two hundred, and if there be of you a hundred (steadfast) they shall overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they (the disbelievers) are a folk without intelligence.

65.  Yaaa-‘ayyuhan-Nabiyyu  harrizil-Mu’-miniina  ‘alal-qitaal.  ‘Iny-yakum-minkum  ‘ishruuna  saabi-ruuna  yag-libuu  mi-‘atayn.  Wa  ‘iny-yakum-minkum-mi-‘atuny-yag-libuuu  ‘alfam-minal-laziina  kafaruu  bi-‘annahum  qawmul-laa  yafqa-huun.

Lesson

Harrizu – (to exhort, strongly encourage or urge to do something), this word has been derived from tahriiz, origin of which is harzun. Harzun means “to decrease, to wane”, as though; tahriiz means “precautionary measures against decreasing, waning and being dissolved and weak; so that it is stopped, as; marz means any disease, but tamriiz means “to take care of a sick person i.e. to manage for keeping off the disease”. In the same way; tahriiz means “to stop the disease” necessary meanings of which will be that “to excite the people for adopting such policies, due to which; moving unto destruction is hindered”. During those days, fighting was necessary for saving the Muslims from destruction. Therefore, the Messenger of God Almighty (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) was commanded to exhort the Muslims for it.

As it has been described previously that when the people become so much stubborn that they wish to mislead the people with force; according to only their own way of life, and they are not ready to provide opportunity of seeking the Truth and after finding; believing in it, and they do not refrain from their stubbornness, but molest the seekers of the Truth and grip up their loins to tease the believers, then there is no way for the Muslims except fighting.

They will fight till the time, until the freedom of adopting their chosen religion is not attained and the mischievous people do not refrain from their wickedness. God Almighty has promised in the previous verse: Those believers who will be ready to fight against the tyrants wholeheartedly, God Almighty will help them.

It has been explained in this verse that it is the occasion at this time; that the enemies are bent on persecuting you unjustly and they do not withdraw from their wickedness. Therefore, you should be inclined for fighting entirely, because there is a principle with God Almighty: God helps those who begin their attempt and help themselves.

It is commanded: O Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him)! You should say to the believers! If you desire to be saved from the ruin then you must be inclined for fighting, because in it; there are benefits for you from beginning to end. If you are killed, you are martyrs, and if you succeeded then you are heroes and conquerors. So there is no reason of your cowardice.

If your enemies are ten-fold more than you, even then you should face them steadily, because after understanding; you are fighting for a great cause, whereas they are fighting without any cause, but only for the purpose that their leadership is established. It is an open sign of stupidity. Those people, who have so much low aim, cannot stay before the holders of the highest goal.  

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Pak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

God’s blessings upon the Messenger

Lesson # 1020 from Noble Quran

God’s blessings upon the Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him)

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verses – 63b & 64 of 75, Section – 8 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

63b.  If thou hadst spent all that is in the earth thou couldst not have attuned their hearts, but Allah hath attuned them. Lo! He is Mighty, Wise. 64.  O Prophet! Allah is Sufficient for thee and those who follow thee of the believers.

63b.  Law  ‘anfaqta  maa  fil-‘arzi  jamii-‘am-maaa  ‘allafta  bayna  quluu-bihim  wa  laakin-nAllaaha  ‘allafa  baynahum.  ‘InnaHuu  ‘Aziizun  Hakiim. 64.  Yaaa-‘ayyuhan-nabiyyu  hasbu-kAllaahu  wa  manittaba-‘aka  minal-Mu’-miniin.

Lesson

The last verses say that if the opponents request for conciliation, then you should be willing also for peace. At the time of agreement; you must not think: It is possible that the treachery may be in the hearts of opponents. Its cure is that you should draw your full attention toward God Almighty and think that; when He supported us in such arduous times against them, when the rebellious people had left no stone unturned to remove us, then, even again He will help us. And their tricks, schemes, rude conversation and secret conspiracies could not harm us earlier. While God Almighty defeated them and raised us, then they will not be able to damage us even in future.

Then, it was described that you were busy in fighting mutually yourselves. Allah Almighty established peace with His Mercy among you and then you were brimful in love of one another. After reminding this blessing, it has been commanded in this verse that “how much difficult was this work”? As it was made easier by the Grace of God Almighty earlier, in the same way, all difficulties will be easy in future too.

God Almighty addressed His Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him): O Prophet! Making settlement between them was not in your own power, and if you had spent entire treasures of the world, you could not have attuned their hearts. It was Allah Almighty, Who has attuned their hearts mutually with His Mercy; and leaving their enmity among themselves, they have been united altogether.

Now you must be sure that there is no other power which may stay against Allah Almighty. He is the Dominant over all. If He desired to show His Power, He May destroy the entire universe without any delay. He knows situation, condition and position of everything and every matter. As He is Mighty; along with it He is Wise too. Wherever He considers something suitable, there is no one who may prevent Him.

After that Allah, Almighty addressed and commanded: O Prophet (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him)! God is Sufficient for You. You should consider them God’s blessing which He has made the people obedient and followers of Yours. They will be useful for You in hard times. For their help also; God is Sufficient.

In fact, everyone would have to accept the Hand of any such Omnipotent in changing the condition of the Arab, Which has never been seen and nor can be seen in worldly and material things. This Omnipotent, this Power is Allah Almighty, the Most High. After so much clear proofs, it is impossible to disbelieve in Him.

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Pak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

It is better to come to the terms of treaty of peace

Lesson # 1019 from Noble Quran

It is better to come to the terms of treaty of peace

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verses – 63 & 63a of 75, Section – 8 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

62.  And if they should intend to deceive thee, then lo! Allah is Sufficient for thee. He, it is Who supporteth thee with His help and with the believers- 63a.  And (as for the believers) He hath attuned their hearts.

62.  Wa  ‘iny-yurii-duuu  ‘any-yakhda-‘uuka  fa- ‘inna  hasbakAllaah.  Huwal-laziii  ‘ayyadaka  binas-rihii  wa  bil-Mu’-miniin. 63a.  Wa  ‘allafa  bayna  quluu-bihim.

Lesson

It was commanded in the previous verse: If your opponents long for peace, you should be willing also for it, because actual object of Islam is not to fight, but it desires to maintain the freedom of publication of the religion and remove mischief, temptation, affliction, immorality and corruption.

If these matters are solved with mutual agreement, then there is no need of fighting. It has been described in this verse that on the request of peace, making a truce is anyhow better, but if there is any doubt that their aim is only to deceive you by requesting for peace, and heartily they have intention that they will continue opposing the Muslims silently by keeping them careless; under the pretext of peace, and continue troubling the Muslims internally, whereas externally, they will keep them putting blinds of peace, because the Muslims have been urged according to their religion that they should abide by the terms of peace honestly. Therefore, due to care about restrictions, neither they can commit against the terms of peace apparently; nor secretly. But we shall get more opportunities of molesting them with this pretext.

It is commanded that if their aim from signing a treaty for peace is that they; by keeping you ignorant, will continue opposing the terms of peace, and you feel threat of reaching such condition that due to treaty of peace; you may do nothing, whereas; they fasten their loins fearlessly for vexing you, then; even then it is better to come to terms.

They would never harm you with their deceivings and tricks. Your faithfulness and honesty is means of God’s favor. He is Sufficient for taking revenge of their deceiving from your side. Behold! How much did they molest you in the beginning? But Allah Almighty supported His Messenger (grace, glory, blessings and peace be upon Him) Himself; as well as; excited the Muslims for help. He put love and friendship for one another in their hearts, and they became brothers mutually themselves, whereas, earlier; they were enemies of one another.  

Before embracing Islam, there was limitless enmity between two big tribes of Arab, named “’Aws and Khizraj”. When they entered in Islam, they began to sacrifice their life and wealth mutually themselves. Like this, the people of Makkah gave up all previous battles after being Muslims. It was a Miracle of Islam; which appeared in the world. It joined the fighter people as of Arab, which was not in the power of any other except Islam.  

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Pak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)

The reason of enmity is selfishness only

Lesson # 1018 from Noble Quran

The reason of enmity is selfishness only

Surah ‘ANFAAL (SPOILS OF WAR) – Chapter – 8)

Stage – 2, Verse – 61 of 75, Section – 8 of 10 (Part - 10)

BisMIllaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahiim

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

61.  And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah. Lo! He, even He, is the Hearer, the Knower.

61.  Wa  ‘in-  janahuu  lis-salmi  fajnah-  lahaa  wa  ta-wakkal  ‘alAllaah.  ‘Inna-Huu  Huwas-Samii-‘ul-‘Aliim.

Lesson

Janahuu – {(if they) incline)}, this word has been derived from janhun, which means “to incline, to turn, to lean, to bow”. From the same origin, ‘ijnah is a word of command, which has been used next to it in the same verse (fajnah) i.e. you should incline.

Salmi – (the peace), from this origin; many other words have come out as “Muslim, Islam, Salaamat, Salaam, Tasliim” etc. All these kinds of words are used for “peace, truce, union, safety, obedience and abide by the law”. Here it aims “peace, and refraining from fighting”.

It was commanded in the previous verse that you should keep yourselves busy with preparation for fighting, because the people are zealous for opposing you and the reason of their enmity is their selfishness only, due to which; all mischief people have been committing in the world.  

Until the people do not accept this fact that every individual is independent about his fundamental article of religion, on the condition; that the faith is not the foundation of disturbance, persecution and mischief, by then, freedom lovers should keep themselves ready for fighting.

This indicates that aim of war in Islam is neither blood-shed and nor conquest, but to seize the enemies of peace and safety, so that safety and peace is established in the world, and every individual may be busy in search of the Right independently, and after finding the Truth, nothing may prevent him from choosing it. Therefore, it was found necessary that peace-lovers must be ready completely with war equipment, so that the mischievous people are kept under control.

It is the reason that God Almighty commands in this verse: If the mischievous people declare their thought of peace and incline to it that they will not prevent anyone with force from adopting the Just, and will not spread strife and contention, then you should incline also to peace, because when your goal can be achieved without bloodshed, then there is no need of bloodshed unnecessarily by you and nor God Almighty enjoined to do so.

For understanding the reality of Islamic Jihad, its purposes and strategic situation, one should focus on these verses. It seems clear that if the people incline to abide by the principles of living together, and no one tries to fill own thoughts in others with force, but is ready to help the seeker of the Truth in every matter, then there is no need of any war or quarrel.

There was at the lowest bloodshed in those battles; which were fought in the beginning of Islam, contrary to all other worldly wars. It is against the teachings of Islam to compel anyone that if he will not accept Islam, will be killed. However, the mischievous and those people, who were opponents of the freedom of humankind; were overpowered strongly and severely, and when they were seized, then they were ignored.

Transliterated Holy Qur’an in Roman Script & Translated from Arabic to English by Marmaduke Pickthall, Published by Pak Company, 17-Urdu Bazaar, Lahore, Lesson collected from Dars e Qur’aan published By Idara Islaah wa Tableegh, Lahore (translated Urdu to English by Muhammad Sharif)