Quran Study Group
-
Peace be with you all,
What is ad-deen?
The best source to find explanation is , of course, the Quran. So let?s have a look at its verses and think?How many deens?
It seems that there are many deens mentioned in the Quran. They can be divided into
a) deen associated with God only, and here there are many attributes/ names
Alladeenu lillahi (2193, 1102)
Alldeena ? islamu (319)
deeni alhaqqi (929, 933, 4828, 619) no al- !? because of grammar?
Aldeeni alqayyimu (936, 1240, 3030) straight, firm, preserved, sustained (qaama)
aldeeni haneefan (3030)
addeenu alkhalisu (393)Please notice that in the majority of cases such deen is with al- (the definite article) (exceptions, e.g. 929)
b) there are also deens associated with others
Of ?the People of the Book?
324 This because they say "The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days" For their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion (deenihim)
3032 Those who split up their deen (Religion), and become (mere) sects/ parties,- each party rejoicing in that which is with itself! (3033- it is associated with idolatry)
Of Mushriks
933 It is He Who hath sent His Messenger with guidance and deeni alhaqqi (the Religion of Truth), to proclaim it over addeeni kulluhi (all religion), even though the Pagans may detest (it).
Of Arabu
4916 Say "What! Will ye instruct Allah about your religion? But Allah knows all that is in the heavens and on earth He has full knowledge of all things (4917 submission to God is not their favour to Him but it is His mercy to make them guided)- ?Individual? deen (?)
3914 God is the only One I serve, devoting my deen to Him
1096 for you- your deen, for me- my deen
In those cases, most occurrences of deen are without al- (the definite article)
Ad-deen
associated with God
729 ad-deen only to God alone (khalasa pure, unmixed, free, alone, exclusive, sincere?)
Sent through rasul together with hudan (guidance), to be victorious over other deens (516)
933 It is He Who hath sent His Messenger with guidance and deeni alhaqqi (the Religion of Truth), to proclaim it over addeeni kulluhi (all religion), even though the Pagans may detest (it). Also 4828
516 ad-deen must come to pass (it will be victorious)
619 It is He Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, that he may proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it). (6113 promises believers help from God and victory)
1101-3 when the final victory comes from God, people will accept ad-deeni Allahi in groups/ big numbers
1652 ad-deen always for God only (wasiban= to come, to be, to dawn/ start ?)
392-3 Verily it is We Who have revealed the Book to thee in Truth so serve Allah, offering Him sincere devotion./ Is it not to Allah that sincere devotion is due? But those who take for protectors other than Allah (say) "We only serve them in order that they may bring us nearer to Allah." Truly Allah will judge between them in that wherein they differ. But Allah guides not such as are false and ungrateful.3911 ad-deen to serve God Say "Verily, I am commanded to serve Allah with sincere devotion;
3914 Say "It is Allah I serve, with my sincere (and exclusive) devotion
4014 even when others dislike it
4065-66 and associated with submission
no ad-deen without God?s leave
4221 What! have they partners (in godhead), who have established for them some religion without the permission of Allah? Had it not been for the Decree of Judgment, the matter would have been decided between them (at once). But verily the Wrong-doers will have a grievous Penalty.
985 serving God by obeying His deen, being a truthful (hanifan)Communal thing
Abraham and Ismail (112 asked for ?a community of submitters? from his descendants. Jacob admonished his children that ?God has pointed out ad-deena for you so do not to die except as submitters? (2133)
2134 each community of believers is responsible for their deeds only
3032 human deens divided (parties, sects) and unite only in case of troubles
4213 make no divisions in ad-deen (+4214?Natural? thing
2278 no harrajin (difficulty, oppression, doubt, sin, disobedience) in ad-deen (here vs millah ibrahima!)
3030 ?the natural instinct (of ad-deeni hanifan) placed into people by God?Connected with submission to God alone/ only or being a muslimun
Again, Abraham and Ismail prayed for ?a community of submitters? (112. Abraham himself submitted to God (1131) and so his children and Jacob (1132)
Ad-deen is islam - submission to God?s will (319-20)
3911-12 commanded to obey God?s deen and to be a muslimeen
4065-66 ad-deen and submission (Muhammad?s ?shahadah?, the same as Abraham?s!)ad-deen is unchangeable
3030 God?s khalki (creation/ measure/ proportion/ sth determined) never changes
4213 The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah - the which We have sent by inspiration to thee - and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein to those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him).Ad-deen in case of troubles
1022, 2965 In cases of difficulty (the rough sea) people promise to obey ad-deen but fail to keep their word after they are saved
Also 3032-34 plus the element of division
3131-32Establishing ad-deen
2256 there should be no compulsion in ad-deen. People are free to choose if they want to follow it since they are shown all signs and given the faculty of reasoning and free will to choose.
829 people tell lies/ are wrong about ad-deen (also 957)
320 believers can show others (eg. People of the Book, unlearnt) the message and discuss with them but not make them submit.
There are enemies of ad-deen (446)
2193, 839, 936 ad-deen is opposed to fitnah and the deeds of zaleemun (zalama; oppressionors, evil-doers, those in darkness, ignorance) ; believers are asked to fight them until ad-deen (and justice, peace, etc) is re-established but within limits and in accordance with the law of equality (2194)
912 the defence of deen only in case of an attack or a breach of an oath/ pledge/ covenant
608 Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them for Allah loveth those who are just.
609 Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith, and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them (in these circumstances), that do wrong.Teaching/ spreading ad-deen
Believers are obliged to help those who ask for help in ad-deen, with the exception of breaking a peace treaty while doing so (871) otherwise fitnah will prevail.
911 if disbelievers repent and establish Salat and Zakat- they are ?brethrens in ad-deen?
9122 believers themselves should devout their time and efforts to study ad-deen and share their knowledge with others
335 ?brothers in ad-deen? and names (?)Ad-deenu alqayyimu
936 12 months and 4 ?sacred? months
1240 not serving idols (Joseph?s story)
3030 God?s khalki (creation/ measure/ proportion/ sth determined) never changes
3043 But set thou thy face to the right Religion before there come from Allah the Day which there is no chance of averting on that Day shall men be divided (in two).
985 obeying God, following ad-deen, establishing Salat and zakat, being truthful (hanifan)Ad-deen to be obeyed before the Judgement Day
3043 But set thou thy face to the right Religion before there come from Allah the Day which there is no chance of averting on that Day shall men be divided. (ad-deen is always undivided)When looking at the context of the deen verses, one may notice that they often appear when God?s unity or power are emphasized; here are some of the contexts
God?s power and ad-deen
2255 before 2256- no slumber, no sleep, no fatigue; encompasses, preserves and guards everything; no intercession but with His permission.
326 God of Power- maalik (with alif- just as in 14- maaliki yaumi addeeni) (after 324- false deen of People of the Book)
445 But Allah hath full knowledge of your enemies Allah is enough for a protector, and Allah is enough for a Helper. (before 446- Jews ridicule ad-deen)
840 If they refuse, be sure that Allah is your Protector - the best to protect and the best to help.
913 only God to be feared
1240 ?the command is for none but God?, whatever He has not issued people should not believe in (e.g. idols)
1648-50 + 52
2274-77 God powerful
2278 God the best Protector and HelperGod?s oneness and ad-deen
318 before 319- There is no god but He That is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise.
448 (after 446) idolatry (such as ?slandering ad-deen? and changing the revelations) is not forgiven by God
730 misguided people take others (shayatina) as their guides and protectors (idolatry)
930-33 others being followed besides God (Izra, Jesus, priests)
1240 not serving idols (Joseph?s story)
1651 only One God to be obeyed and feared
2271-73 serving powerless idols
392-3 people take helpers besides God to take them near Him
4213-15 ad-deen vs polytheism (divisions within, following others? desires)In the Quran, we may find a definition of ad-deen, even if it only a ?negative? definition
What is not ad-deen then? The whole sura 107 tells us that. In opposition we may say what ad-deen IS
Treating orphans well
Feeding the poor
Following Salat
Not showing off
Supporting neighbours (?) (the communal aspect?)It is also worth noticing that even though most translators let their imagination run wild and translate deen into many different equivalents, the most popular one is still ?religion?. However, there is a difference between deen and other Arabic words, also translated as ?religion?, eg. millah, ibadah, sibghatun.
Millah (2130) esp 2278 (din vs millatah!)
Usu connected with Abraham (2130, 135) so maybe ad-deen when associated with God, millah when associated with a prophet?
Ibadah (212
Sibghatun (213After looking closer at the Quran, I must admit that I feel I understand better what ad-deen is, and what ad-deen isn?t. However, I am still unable to give any equivalent for the translation purposes?
I wonder what your impressions are? Please share
With peace,
P.s. I used translations in the quotes but try to look at Arabic versions to when studying these...
- ?Individual? deen (?)
-
Peace all,
In the previous post I elaborated a little about ad-deen. Now it is time for "yaumi ad-deeni". )
The common assumption is that ?yaumi ad-deeni? and the Last/ Judgement Day are the same. I do not think so. First of all, why then different names being given to them in the Quran, such as ?yaumi al-ahiri? or ?yaumi yubas?tuna? (1536)? Of course, it may be because they refer to different aspects of the same day/ time (judgement, resurrection of the dead, etc) but is it only? Let us look at the Quran?
The first context (after sura 1, of course) is when Iblis refuses to prostrate before Adam. As a consequence of his disobedience, Iblis is banished from Paradise and cursed
1535
"And the curse shall be on thee till the day of Judgment."
"You have incurred My condemnation until the Day of Judgment."
Wa-inna AAalayka allaAAnata ila yawmialddeeniHowever, Iblis asks Rabb to postpone his ?curse? till later, i.e. till the time of the resurrection
1536 (Iblis) said "O my Lord! give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are raised."
Qala rabbi faanthirneeila yawmi yubAAathoona
1537 (Allah) said "Respite is granted thee
Qala fa-innaka mina almunthareena
1538 "Till the Day of the Time appointed."
Ila yawmi alwaqti almaAAloomiA similar context/ situation and the name nomenclature can be found in 3878-81
3878
"And My curse shall be on thee till the Day of Judgment."
"You have incurred My condemnation until the Day of Judgment."
Wa-inna AAalayka laAAnatee ila yawmialddeeniMy conclusion thus is that ?yaumi ad-deeni? will happen/ start to happen BEFORE the resurrection and (logically and chronologically) before the Judgment.
The next context is about Abraham talking to his father and his people. He assures of his submission to Rabbi al-a?alameena and expresses hope that God will forgive his mistakes
2682
"And who, I hope, will forgive me my faults on the day of Judgment.
"The One who hopefully will forgive my sins on the Day of Judgment.
Waallathee atmaAAu anyaghfira lee khatee-atee yawma alddeeniSince we can ask for God?s forgiveness at any time of our lives, Abraham, the prophet, certainly cannot be an exception to this rule. At the time of Judgment it will be too late to change anything in our lives?
Later, Abraham prays to God to make him one of the righteous and the inheritors of Jannah (2683-85) and then mentions ?yaumi yubaathoona?, clearly associated with the resurrection and judgement2687 "And let me not be in disgrace on the Day when (men) will be raised up;-
Wala tukhzinee yawma yubAAathoona
2688 "The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail
Yawma la yanfaAAu malun walabanoona
(?)It seems that again those days are not identical.
The next context brings ?yaumi ad-deeni? closer to the commonly-believed Judgment Day
3720
They will say, "Ah! Woe to us! This is the Day of Judgment!"
They will say, "Woe to us; this is the Day of Judgment."
Waqaloo ya waylana hathayawmu alddeeniHowever, I think that the resurrected admit that the day/ time of ad-deen is established and thus they will be summoned to answer for their deeds and punished (3721-26).
3726 Nay, but that day they shall submit (to Judgment);
Bal humu alyawma mustaslimoonaVerse 26 emphasizes the fact that everybody, even disbelievers, will be submitted (remember ad-deen itself? Equaled with submission to the only God, the Almighty?)
In 516 the Quran assures us that ?ad-deen will certainly come to pass/ happen?. Then it says
5112
They ask, "When will be the Day of Judgment and Justice?"
They question the Day of Judgment.
Yas-aloona ayyana yawmu alddeeniDisbelievers question the arrival of that time when ad-deen will prevail and naturally, it will bring their judgment and punishment too (5113).
Then we have sura 56. Before the context is obviously about the Hereafter. However, verse 56 is just a general statement at the time of ad-deen, God?s justice will prevail and naturally, those guilty of associating anything with Him and not submitting to Him before will ?reap what they have sown?. (?nuzuluhum? may be also translated ?what they have prepared for themselves?)
5656
Such will be their entertainment on the Day of Requital!
Such is their share on the Day of Judgment.
Hatha nuzuluhum yawma alddeeniEspecially, when we look at what follows (56 57- 74)- verses that emphasize God?s (not only creative) Power that encompasses everything and everybody. That?s ad-deen the whole creation submitted to God only. (5660 ?nothing can stop us?)
And again remember what ad-deen is and what ad-deen isn?t (sura 107). In 7022-35 the Quran offers us a description of believers, one of their traits is
7026
And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment;
They believe in the Day of Judgment
Waallatheena yusaddiqoonabiyawmi alddeeni?adhabun? (judgment) is mentioned only in the next verse- which seems a chronological order rather than a description of the same day/ time.
Sura 74 do indeed talk about the Hereafter again but when ?yaumi ad-deeni? is mentioned, it is what the disbelievers are to say when confronted with the reality of the punishment. In retrospection, they admit not following ad-deen and believing in its time
7446
"And we used to deny the Day of Judgment,
"We disbelieved in the Day of Judgment.
Wakunna nukaththibu biyawmi alddeeniSura 82 is the most important one, especially that it gives 3 occurrences of the word ?deen? and also offers a definition of ?yaumi ad-deeni?!
Firstly, we are told that disbelievers, those who deny ad-deen (829) will be punished with Fire/ Hell
8215
Which they will enter on the Day of Judgment,
Will incur it on the Day of Judgment.
Yaslawnaha yawma alddeeniHowever, ?yaslawnaha? (sala) has the meaning of ?enduring the heat (of the fire), burn, roast? , not ?entering?. Even if ?entering? is correct, then have a look at the following verses
8217
And what will explain to thee what the Day of Judgment is?
Awesome is the Day of Judgment.
Wama adraka ma yawmu alddeeni8218
Again, what will explain to thee what the Day of Judgment is?
What a day; the Day of Judgment!
Thumma ma adraka mayawmu alddeeniAnd most importantly
8219
(It will be) the Day when no soul shall have power (to do) aught for another For the command, that Day, will be (wholly) with Allah.
This is the day when no soul can help another soul, and all decisions, on that day, will belong to God.
Yawma la tamliku nafsun linafsinshay-an waal-amru yawma-ithin lillahiThat?s the definition we are looking for! ?Yaumi ad-deeni? is when to God only, the Almighty, the Powerful, all decisions belong. That?s ad-deen in ?full swing?. Of course, that will happen at the end of time as we know it, and what will follow will of course be the resurrection and the judgment and the punishment/ reward. But ?yaumi ad-deeni? itself does not seem to be about the judgment?
And the last occurrence
8311
Those that deny the Day of Judgment.
They do not believe in the Day of Judgment.
Allatheena yukaththiboonabiyawmi alddeeniAnd here again, just as in sura 51 for example, the context may be that of the Hereafter but the verse is a general statement.
Let me now summarize
Ad-deen is associated with
God only
Total submission to God
God?s PowerAt the moment there may be other deens but finally only ad-deeni Allahi will prevail. The time when this will happen is ?yaumi ad-deeni?. It is not ?day?, because our human measures won?t apply to it. Of course, the time of ad-deen will encompass Resurrection and Judgment Days/ time but it will be established before them (as suras 15 and 38 suggest).
What do you think?
With peace,
-
Peace with you all,
It seems that not many are willing to comment on the previous posts Shall I take it as agreement, disagreement, or indifference? I thought that the QSG project would be a shared effort of us all... ?
Anyway, my impressions on hmd
HMD (http//www.openburhan.com/ob_main_frame.html)
Hamd is for Allah only
2267, 4131, 61, 1173, 141, 148, 1675, 181, 2224, 2264, 2870, 3018, 3112, 3126, 341, 346, 351, 3515, 3929, 4142, 5724, 606, 641, 646, 858,
Also it is emphasized at the same time that God is free of all needs/wants (i.e. hmd is voluntary) as well as He is the Powerful Creator, the Possessor, the Judge and the One to be returned to.
Thus those who try to usurp the hmd for themselves will be punished
3188 Think not that those who exult in what they have brought about, and love to be praised for what they have not done,- think escape the penalty. For them is a penalty Grievous indeed.
RK Those who boast about their works, and wish to be praised for something they have not really done, should not think that they can evade the retribution. They have incurred a painful retribution.Hamd is from
malaikah
230, 1313, 3975, 407, 425,the guided ones (in paradise)
743, 1010, 3534, 3974,believers (in general)
9112, 3215, 1103 (or just Muhammad?),Ibrahim
1439,Nuh and his followers
2328,Dawood and Sulayman
2715,Muhammad
1598, 17111, 20130, 2558, 2759, 2793, 2963, 3125, 4055, 5039, 5248,even inanimate entities- thunder (1313)
Generally everything praises God
1744, 641,In some contexts also hmd is connected with ?alm (knowledge)
2715 We gave (in the past) knowledge to David and Solomon And they both said "Praise be to Allah, Who has favoured us above many of his servants who believe!"
346 And those to whom knowledge has come see that the (Revelation) sent down to thee from thy Lord - that is the Truth, and that it guides to the Path of the Exalted (in might), Worthy of all praise.The luck of knowledge make people unwilling to express hmd for God
3929 Allah puts forth a Parable a man belonging to many partners at variance with each other, and a man belonging entirely to one master are those two equal in comparison? Praise be to Allah! but most of them have no knowledge.
3125 If thou ask them, who it is that created the heavens and the earth. They will certainly say, "Allah". Say "Praise be to Allah!" But most of them understand not.I think that in the case of inanimate objects and "everything" (1744, 641) it means that they are submitted to God already, thus expressing hmd. Also they ways of expressing hmd may not be understandable for us (thus, there are many ways of praising God). People, as the ones that have been given free will and the choice, must decide if they want or not to submit and hmd God.
The phrase from 12 ?Alhamdu lillahi rabbi alaalameena? is repeated in
645, 1010, 37182, 3975, 4065, (4536),With the above-mentioned connection with 'alm and a previous analysis of alameena it seems that 12 can indeed mean " Praise be to God, the rabb of those who know/ knowledgable." What do you think?
In connection with this apparently easy-to-grasp concept I have two doubts
in 1752 are there disbelievers or believers who will praise God at the moment of resurrection? (If it is disbelievers it is then another proof that only after knowledge/ certainty comes to them, they are willing to praise God- the importance of knowledge in the process of belief and praise; if it is believers, then as in 9112 etc).
How do you understand that verse?
1779 Wamina allayli fatahajjad bihi nafilatanlaka AAasa an yabAAathaka rabbuka maqaman mahmoodanBecause the translation given on the burhan site, as well as Khalifa's, make no sense... e.g. And pray in the small watches of the morning (it would be) an additional prayer (or spiritual profit) for thee soon will thy Lord raise thee to a Station of Praise and Glory!
Looking forward to your comments,
With peace,
-
Peace Wakas,
I am simply confused by the translations Plus I think there may be something more in the verse I mean the meaning of "mhmd." There is the discussion on the forum about names, particularly Muhammad was he a person or is it an adjective describing a believer etc.
And there is a similarity of this verse and another about "makam ibrahima" (2125, 397) ...
Looking forward to your comments
With peace,
-
peace sister Layla,
maqam = stance/standing (its non-literal meaning)
2125, 397, 5107, 1071, 1414, 1779, 1973, 2658, 2739, 37164, 4426, 4451, 5546, 7940
mahmoodan = one who praises or gives thanks (or praised/thanked, I'm not sure about the grammar/direction of this comment)
Perhaps mhmd is the stance/standing worthy of attaining/receiving?
Wakas
-
Layla Hanifa You said
"...As for the coherence, the order of surahs, verses, words in the Quran is not accidental..."
1 How do You know that the order of suras is correct? By hadiths? Dictionnary?
2 Why GOD the Almighty revealed the Quran in a different order to Muhammad and so why we have a different order in our hands?
If You respond me, please, don't quote hadiths & others sources, coz the only source I accept is The Holy Quran.
Regards. )
-
Peace be upon you all,
I am back again ) and would like to continue the trip along the Quranic verses ) and to share a few thougths with you concerning "al-muttaqeena."
Muttaqeena- who are they?
The root of the word is waqa? (Omar, DOQ, pp.618-619). The word is usually translated into ?God-fearing?, ?righteous?, ?those who fear Allah?, ?the Allah.fearing?, ?those who restrain themselves?, ?those who act aright?, ?those who do their duty?, ?those who guard against evil.? It can be found in the following verses
Verses in the Quran where ?al-muttaqeena? appear
(underlined translations of the word)266 So We made it an example to their own time and to their posterity, and a lesson to those who fear Allah. (+263 remembering what was revealed- a way to become a ?mutaqeen?)
2241 For divorced women Maintenance (should be provided) on a reasonable (scale). This is a duty on the righteous.
2180 It is prescribed, when death approaches any of you, if he leave any goods that he make a bequest to parents and next of kin, according to reasonable usage; this is due from the Allah.fearing.
2194 The prohibited month for the prohibited month,- and so for all things prohibited,- there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, Transgress ye likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.
376 Nay.- Those that keep their plighted faith and act aright,-verily Allah loves those who act aright.
3115 Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knoweth well those that do right.
3133 Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous,-
3138 Here is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who fear Allah.
527 Recite to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam. Behold! they each presented a sacrifice (to Allah. It was accepted from one, but not from the other. Said the latter "Be sure I will slay thee." "Surely," said the former, "(Allah) doth accept of the sacrifice of those who are righteous
7128 Said Moses to his people "Pray for help from Allah, and (wait) in patience and constancy for the earth is Allah's, to give as a heritage to such of His servants as He pleaseth; and the end is (best) for the righteous.
94 (But the treaties are) not dissolved with those Pagans with whom ye have entered into alliance and who have not subsequently failed you in aught, nor aided any one against you. So fulfil your engagements with them to the end of their term for Allah loveth the righteous.
97 How can there be a league, before Allah and His Messenger, with the Pagans, except those with whom ye made a treaty near the sacred Mosque? As long as these stand true to you, stand ye true to them for Allah doth love the righteous.
944 Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day ask thee for no exemption from fighting with their goods and persons. And Allah knoweth well those who do their duty.
9123 O ye who believe! fight the unbelievers who gird you about, and let them find firmness in you and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.
1149 Such are some of the stories of the unseen, which We have revealed unto thee before this, neither thou nor thy people knew them. So persevere patiently for the End is for those who are righteous.
1545 The righteous (will be) amid gardens and fountains (of clear-flowing water).
1631 Gardens of Eternity which they will enter beneath them flow (pleasant) rivers they will have therein all that they wish thus doth Allah reward the righteous
1630 To the righteous (when) it is said, "What is it that your Lord has revealed?" they say, "All that is good." To those who do good, there is good in this world, and the Home of the Hereafter is even better and excellent indeed is the Home of the righteous
1985 The day We shall gather the righteous to ((Allah)) Most Gracious, like a band presented before a king for honours
1997 So have We made the (Qur'an) easy in thine own tongue, that with it thou mayest give Glad Tidings to the righteous, and warnings to people given to contention
2148 In the past We granted to Moses and Aaron the criterion (for judgment), and a Light and a Message for those who would do right
2434 We have already sent down to you verses making things clear, an illustration from (the story of) people who passed away before you, and an admonition for those who fear ((Allah)).
2574 And those who pray, "Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous."
2690 "To the righteous, the Garden will be brought near,
2883 That Home of the Hereafter We shall give to those who intend not high- handedness or mischief on earth and the end is (best) for the righteous.
3828 Shall We treat those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, the same as those who do mischief on earth? Shall We treat those who guard against evil, the same as those who turn aside from the right?
3849 This is a Message (of admonition) and verily, for the righteous, is a beautiful Place of (Final) Return
3957 "Or (lest) it should say 'If only Allah had guided me, I should certainly have been among the righteous!
4335 And also adornments of gold. But all this were nothing but conveniences of the present life The Hereafter, in the sight of thy Lord is for the Righteous
4367 Friends on that day will be foes, one to another,- except the Righteous
4451 As to the Righteous (they will be) in a position of Security
4519 They will be of no use to thee in the sight of Allah. it is only Wrongdoers (that stand as) protectors, one to another but Allah is the Protector of the Righteous
5031 And the Garden will be brought nigh to the Righteous,- no more a thing distant.
5115 As to the Righteous, they will be in the midst of Gardens and Springs
5217 As to the Righteous, they will be in Gardens, and in Happiness
5454 As to the Righteous, they will be in the midst of Gardens and Rivers
6834 Verily, for the Righteous, are Gardens of Delight, in the Presence of their Lord.
6948 But verily this is a Message for the Allah.fearing.
7741 As to the Righteous, they shall be amidst (cool) shades and springs (of water)
7831 Verily for the Righteous there will be a fulfilment of (the heart's) desires.Who are ?al-muttaqqena??
The initial definition of ?al-muttaqeena? is given in the Quran itself, sura 2 verses 2-5
22 This is the Scripture in which there is no doubt, a guide for the righteous.
23 Those who believe in the unseen, and hold the contact-method, and from Our provisions to them they spend.
24 And those who believe in what was sent down to you, and what was sent down before you, and regarding the Hereafter they are certain.
25 These are the ones guided by their Lord, and these are the winners.So there are the following elements that make one a ?muttaqeen?
- belief in al-ghayb (Unseen)
- upholding salat
- spending from what they have
- belief in what has been revealed
- certainty about in al-ahira (Hereafter)
Such a person is said to be ?on the guide? from God and promised a final reward to be among ultimate winners.
Another explanation is given e.g. in 50 31-33
5031 And Paradise is brought near to the righteous, not far off.
5032 This is what you have been promised, for every obedient, steadfast
5033 The one who feared the Almighty while unseen, and came with a repenting heart.Further, e.g. in 51 15-21, where ?al-muttaqeena? are said to be ?good-doers? (muhsinina), who slept little, asked for forgiveness, gave to those in need, and were watchful to ayats from God (internal and external).
Please, notice that similar concepts appear in those descriptions (even though these are just a few examples), namely obedience, fulfilling obligations/ covenants (here translated as ?being steadfast?), al-ghaib, spending from what one has, repentance/ asking for forgiveness.
It is worth noticing that ?al-muttaqeen? is not a person who is perfect, free of error; otherwise there would be no need for him/her to ask for forgiveness, repent, or to follow a guide.
However, from 22 one can deduce that only on the condition that one is a ?muttaqeen? the Quran will serve as a guide to him, a guide without any doubt. Otherwise, the Book will be full of contradictions and unclear. Look also at 3138. The Quran is called there ?hudan (guidance, guide) wa maw?izatun (enlightment, instruction)? for ?al-muttaqeena? whereas for (common) people (nas), it serves only as a proclamation, statement, clarification (bayanun). A similar differentiation is done in 4520, where the Quran is said to be ?just? an insight/ physical evidence (basairu) for (common) people (nas) but a hudan (guidance) and rahmatun (mercy) for those ?who have faith with certainty? (= al-muttaqeena? See 24) Verse 2434 speaks of ?ayats that make things plain? and an ?admonition/ instruction/ enlightment/ lesson? (maw?izatun) for ?al-muttaqeena.? For al-muttaqeena, the Quran is
Hudan from God (22, 312
Good news for them (1997)
Maw?izatun (clarifying revelations, instruction, enlightenment) (2434)
Dhikratun (694
Dhikr that they will be rewarded (3849)It is interesting that while describing ?al-muttaqeena? in sura 2, the Quran mentions the important and oft-discussed concept of Salat. Also later in the sura, look at 2238-239. In the context of discussing obligations upon ?al-muttaqeena? regarding divorcees and widows, right in the middle of the topic, there we have
2238 Preserve the contact-methods, and the middle contact-method, and stand devoutly for God.
2239 But if you are in a state of worry, then you may do so while walking or riding. If you become secure, then remember God as He has taught you what you did not know.Some assume that verses 50 39-40 and 5117-18 talk about salat too, since they give the times usually ascribed to the ?timed duty,? namely before the dawn and before the setting of the sun and during the night. However, while reading the context around those verses, one can hardly see any salat mentioned.
From the verses and contexts that speak of ?al-muttaqeena? and salat, as well as others, we can see that salat must be connected with fulfilling obligations and duties, one of the crucial features of a ?muttaqeen,? not with some kind of a ritual.
Al-muttaqeena are also described as muhsinina (5116, 7744) and muslimina (6835) but also opposed to al fujjari (382 and mujrimina (6835).
Generally speaking, al-muttaqeena are
Trustworthy (376)
Kind and humble (5226)
Steadfast (5032)As for their other qualities, they
Don?t bear false witness (2572)
Ignore vain talk (2572)
Fullfil their obligations (376, 5032)
Provide for divorced wives (2241)
Write a will (2180, mentioned also in 2240)
Fullfil treaties, even with mushriks (94, 97)
Strive on the path of God with money and lives (944)
Fight off alkufari when attacked (9123)
May fight back if oppressed, even in ?sacred months? (2194)
Lead a righteous life (376)
Don?t seek exaltation on earth (2883)
Don?t spread corruption (2883)
Give to charity in good and bad times (3134), e.g. for beggars and the needy (5119)
Suppress anger (3;134)
Forgive people (3134) (story of Adam?s sons 527-32)
From them God accepts offerings/ deeds (527)
Remember God (3;135)
Believe in God?s revelations (4369)
Guided by God (3957) and protected (4519)
Listen to God?s revelations and act upon them (2573)
Posses intelligence (3829)
Servants of God, absolutely devoted to Him, Iblis has no power over them (1539-42, 4369, 5033)
Pray to God to let them and their families be among muttaqeena (2574)
Implore God (522
Ask (God) for forgiveness if wrong (3135, 5032) and repent (2570-71, 5032)
Never despair of God?s mercy (3953-55)
Do not persist in sin knowingly (3135, 2573)
Observe ayats from God and learn from them (3137)
Ultimate victory is with them (7128, 2883)
Redeemed by God (2571)
Alahirati (hereafter) better for them (4335)
On the Day, will remain friends of one another, no grief, no fear (4367)
Will be gathered in a group before God (1985)
Their reward will be the Paradise encompassing the heavens and the earth (!) (3133, 3136) 1545- 49, 1630-32, 2575-77, 2690, 3849- 54, 4367-73, 4451-57, 5031-35, 5115, 52 17-28, 5454, 6834, 7741-44, 78 31-36Being a ?muttaqeen? is not restricted only for the present or the time of the revelation of the Quran. They were also among followers of previous scriptures too (3113-115) . They recited (rehearsed?) God?s ayats, obeyed, believed in God and the Last (ahiri) Day, advocated righteousness, forbade evil, did righteous deeds for which they will be rewarded. The concept of other revelations (24) returns here too, especially that we are told that also Moses and Aaron were given furqan (criterion, statute book) and dhi?an (light, beacon) and dhikran (message, reminder) for ?al-muttaqeena? (214.
I think that understanding who a ?muttaqeen? is may be crucial for a further study of the Quran and comprehending basic notions, such as salat.
Looking forward to your comments!
p.s. Is there ANY link between ?mustaqeena? (16) and ?muttaqeena?? Apart maybe from the fact that ?al-muttaqeena? are said to be already ?on? the guidance from God, just as those who are already ?on? the Straight Path in sura 1?
p.s. 2 what do you think is al-ghaib?
p.s.3 Sohail, sorry I haven't addressed your questions... inshallah, I will have more time now to do so )
-
Salaamun alaikum Layla,
You have succeeded where I was afraid to tread, the huge expanse of the 'mutaqeen' subsystem ! Well done, I certainly got a clearer idea just by reading the compiled contexts !.
1/5 has 'mustaqeeM', not 'mustaqeeN', so I don't there's a link though.
As far as I can see an al-mutaqqi is one is mindful of his/her duty with a view towards preservation off self and society.
thanks and peace.
