THE LAST DAY OF JESUS (AS) ON EARTH

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

THE LAST DAY OF JESUS (AS) ON EARTH
(taken from Al deen Al Qaiyyimu)

In our last program, we saw where Jesus was preaching moral principles, and while he was popular with the multitude of the Israelites, the Chief priest and the Scribes were not favouring him very much. They considered him to be a problem as he was criticising their behaviour and teachings.

They were violating the laws of Moses, and he was trying to restore them; so they wanted to get rid of him.

Jesus had real problem to get dedicated workers for the cause of Allah, as he preached and taught the people. They listened to him but were not prepared to sacrifice their lives for the cause of Allah. Even his disciples were not very dedicated to his mission.

We saw this in his saying to them that all of them were going to forsake him in that crucial night. This included even Peter. So he said to them, after they had a meal together. All of you shall be offended because of me tonight.

Why did Jesus tell Peter that he (Peter) will forsake Jesus?

Jesus was aware that there was plan to take hold of him and to try to get rid of him. He was also aware of the fact that while his disciples were with him all the time they were not fully dedicated to his mission and did not really learn much from him.

For example, he once told Peter:

Get thee behind me, Satan; thou art an offense unto me; for thou
savorest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (Mt.17:23).

But was Peter the only one about whom Jesus was disappointed?

Jesus was not happy with the dedication to his mission from his disciples. Look at what he told them all:

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me. (Mt.17:24)

Again he said to them:

O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? (Mt.17:17)

We see the lack of dedication among the disciples when they were given some major responsibilities to undertake. Take for example while Jesus was praying in the garden.

While Jesus was in the garden worshipping Allah, what were the disciples who were with him doing?

Jesus went to worship the Lord in the garden of Gethsemane. He took with him three of the disciples and with a heavy heart, he ordered them to sit and keep watch while he went a little further and prayed as Muslims pray.

When Jesus made his supplications to the Lord, he came back and found the three of them asleep. He was not happy with them and said to them:

What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation. (Mt.26:40-41)

Then he went back again to worship, hoping that his disciples would listen to him and stay alert; but when he was finished and came back; he again found them asleep. He gave up on them and went back and continued to worship Allah. He said to them:

Sleep on now, and take your rest; behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of the sinners. (Mt.26:45)

Was Jesus really betrayed by one of his disciples?

The Qur'an has not mentioned anything about what happened to him, from the time of his preaching, his encounter with the chief priests and scribes, his arrest and trial. All it has mentioned is about the crucifixion.

What we know about the incidents which led to his end or disappearance can be understood from what is contained in the Gospels.

For example, he was identified by Judas, who betrayed him for a fee. Upon his betrayal, he was arrested; one of his disciples resisted his arrest; but Jesus ordered him to put away his sword.

Jesus was disappointed with the way the multitude was behaving against him so he said to them:

Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. (Mt.26:55)

What made the chief priests and scribes angry with Jesus?

Jesus was teaching humility; something the chief priests and scribes did not have. Look at what he taught them:

Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Mt.18:3-4)

Another example of how he dealt with them: They came to him and ask him something. Jesus replied as follows:

Ye have made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying: This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips but their heart is far from me but in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men…..
Then came the disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

So Jesus was all the time highlighting their evil and telling the multitude how their leaders were evil, and they did not like that at all.

What happened when he was arrested?

First of all, the disciples forsook him and fled.

Then all the disciples forsook him and fled. (Mt.26:56)

He was taken to the high priest, who was with the scribes and the elders.

And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. (Mt.26:57)
Peter followed and sat among the people; and the authorities were trying to find false witnesses to accuse him of treason, so that they can kill him. They found two false witnesses and as a result they began to torture him.

What did Peter do when he saw the people humiliating Jesus?

Peter found himself in trouble, as some of the women identified him as being one from among Jesus disciples. But Peter denied ever knowing Jesus and began to curse, as if he was cursing Jesus.

He said: I do not know the man. …Then began he to curse and swear, saying, I know not the man. Mt.26:74)

When he realised that Jesus had predicted that he will forsake his master, he went out and wept for what he did.

Was Jesus tried for whatever he was accused?

The Bible tells us about his trial as follows:

When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death; and when they bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate, the governor. (Mt.27:1-2)

He was taken before the governor; but he did not answer any of the questions that were posed to him. Instead of condemning him the governor was surprised that Jesus was able to hold his peace in spite of all the accusations that were levelled against him by the high priest and his men.

The governor realised that Jesus was a just person and that he was envied. To add to his own conviction, his wife sent a message to him telling him that he should have nothing to do with the condemnation of Jesus.

When the governor questioned the multitude as to who was the one to be released from prison the chief priest and his men urged the multitude to say Barabas, and not Jesus. The multitude did not want to hear anything about justice, etc. they simply said let him be crucified. Pilate washed his hands off the matter

But he was not tried for anything?

No, the high priest and his men just wanted to get rid of Jesus and the way they selected was to crucify him. So they began torturing him and began making preparation for his crucifixion.

They then proceeded to take him to the place where he was to be crucified. But he was unable to carry the cross, so they forced Simon to take the cross and carry it for Jesus. There is no record in the Bible that Jesus took back the cross.

Also, there is no record that he was kept close to Simon. As a matter of fact, he turned around and began speaking to the ladies who were following him. This is recorded in Luke 23:28, as follows:

Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children….

It because of all the turmoil and confusion, no one knows exactly who was put on the cross.

But there were guards and soldiers, and the high priests, etc. how could they have made a mistake and crucify another person?

There are many Christian sects that believe that Jesus was not crucified. Some of these are:

• The Basilidians, in the very beginning of Christianity denied that Christ himself suffered, but asserted that it was Simon who was crucified.
• The Corinthians also are of the same view.
• The Carpocrations also are of this view.

All those who believe that it was not Jesus who was crucified believe that it was one of his disciples, or some other person.

What does the Qur'an say about his crucifixion?

Allah tells us in the Holy Qur'an, the following:

They (Jews) boastfully say: We killed the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah. But they killed him not, nor crucified him. But so it appeared to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with not certain knowledge; but only conjecture to follow; for a surety they did not kill him. (4:157)

Why were there some doubts as to who was actually put on the cross?

There were some unusual developments at the time of the crucifixion. These are recorded in the Bible as follows:

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. (Mt.27:45)

Behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose. (Mt.27:51ff.)

But they would have known who was actually crucified, when they would have taken down the body?

The body of the one that was crucified was secretly taken away and buried in a private tomb. We find reference of this in Mathew. It says:

When the even had come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus disciple. He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. (Mt. 27:57-61)


Is it true then that no physical body was put in the tomb which was guarded by the high priests?

No body was put in the tomb in which the crucified person was supposed to be put. What Joseph did was to put a stone in front of it as though some one was put inside it.

Although the chief priest and the guards were there when they opened the tomb there was no one in it. So the guards were bribed to stay quiet about the whole matter. Mathew tells us about this in the following verses:

They gave large money unto the soldiers, saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. (Mt.28:12-15)

No one could have attested to the fact that it was Jesus who was crucified, as there was no evidence that he was put in the tomb, and when they finally went to open it, they found it opened with no one inside of it.

The Qur'an makes it absolutely clear that they did not harm Jesus although they believe they did; and the truth of this matter will one day come to light. Allah says:

They said: We killed the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah; but they did not kill him; nor did they crucify him; but so it was made to appear to them. And those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no certain knowledge; but only conjecture to follow. For a surety they did not kill him. Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise. And there is none of the People of the Book but must believe in him before his death. (4:157-159)

For us the important thing to keep in mind is what Jesus taught and what he stood for. This, unfortunately is not taken into consideration by those who claim to believe in him and love him.

Getting closer to Allah (swt)

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

Within the first revelation that Allah revealed are important lessons for mankind. Usually the first five verses are the ones that are normally referenced; however the latter verses contain a synopsis of the nature of human beings; they types of attitudes you will find amongst mankind; and the recipe for getting close to the Lord. Allah says;

‘Read in the name of Thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created - created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Read and Thy Lord is Most Bountiful,- He who taught (the use of) the pen,-taught man that which he knew not.

In this part of the Chapter, Allah informs us that we need to increase our knowledge about ourselves and the universe; if we are to be successful. This is because He tells us in other places that He has made available to us whatever is in the skies and the earth.

Allah then tells us about the misguided ones who never take time to reflect upon how they came into existence, but because of their material success they believe that they are great and important. He says;

Nay, but man doth transgress all bounds, in that he looketh upon himself as self-sufficient. Verily, to Thy Lord is the return (of all).

There are those who do not believe that they need to submit to Allah , and they despise those who may want to do so. Allah says:

Seest thou one who forbids a votary when he (turns) to pray? Seest thou if he is on (the road of) Guidance? - Or enjoins righteousness?

Some people do not give importance to the life that is to come. As a result they just think about this life and forget that one day they will no longer be here; and they should consider the fact that there may be consequences for actions done in this life. Allah tells us about all this in this Chapter. He says:

Seest thou if he denies (Truth) and turns away? Knoweth he not that Allah doth see? Let him beware! If he desist not, We will drag him by the forelock,- a lying, sinful forelock! Then, let him call (for help) to his council (of comrades): We will call on the angels of punishment (to Deal with him)!

Nay, heed Him not: but bow down in adoration, and bring thyself the closer (to Allah!)’

Allah shows us from the very beginning that we are in constant need of Him. We didn’t come into this world by chance. Allah created us from impure fluid and look at how He has allowed us to grow . He then informs us that this tiny insignificant speck has the capacity to become enlightened through esearch.

Although the first five Verses are very important, and contain the embodiment of man's activities in life, and his belief, the remaining verses, when expounded, create a feeling of responsibility in us. Allah references those, who through their status and wealth are of the belief that they are self sufficient.

Allah then makes mention of the different categories of people. There are the misguided ones who pay no heed to the commandments of Allah. Then there are some who try to misguide those who attempt to abstain from evil. Allah warns us that He is all seeing and conscious of what His slaves are engaging in. One day they’ll regret it. All your assets will be left behind. Think, if perchance the angel should come at this instant to take you back to your Lord, how will you feel. Will you think “I wasted my life” or will you be pleased to return to Allah .

On that Day a person will want to trade all his assets for a camel to make the journey to the point of assembly. What then is the real value of the material acquisitions that we run after? Allah references all these points for us in the very first revelation.

And after all these warnings and points of contemplation He gives us two simple words that will lead us getting closer to Him; wasjud waqtarib’ – prostrate, and bring thyself the closer (to Allah!). What else do we have to live for if not to get closer to our Lord? Prophet (saw) is reported to have said ‘the closest a believer is to His Lord is during prostration’.

Judge for yourself; are you close to your Lord in your intentions and actions? Or are you closer to the misguided ones. Get closer to Allah by leaving off everything and submitting whole heartedly to Him. May Allah make it easy for us and keep us far from those who try to prevent those from attaining closeness to Him.

Counting the blessings of Allah (swt)

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

Allah says in Surah An Nahl;

‘If ye would count up the favours of Allah, never would ye be able to number them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.’ (16:18)

Allah is telling us that it is near impossible to count the number of favours He has bestowed upon us. From a religious point of view we know that the favours from Allah can be of a material nature, spiritual nature and moral nature. The material blessings Allah bestows are given to all of His creatures, out of His Compassion. He connects Himself to His creation on the basis of His Divine Compassion. So, whether people realise the blessings they are receiving or not; whether or not they are thankful to Allah for His blessings, He still bestows out of His Grace and Mercy. Take for example the relatively simple action of breathing which is done tens of thousands of times a day. And this important action is done with relative comfort and at no cost.

Prophet Muhammad (saw) use to pray as follows; ‘O Allah! All praise is due to You, without being able to sufficiently thank You, nor ever wish to be cut off from You, nor ever feeling rich from relying on You our Lord!’

Prophet (saw) acknowledged that he could not have sufficiently thanked Allah for His many favours that He bestows. It is also reported that Prophet Dawud (as) used to say in his supplication; ‘O Lord! How can I ever duly thank You, when my thanking You is also a favour from You to me’. Allah answered him, ‘Now, you have thanked Me sufficiently, O Dawud’.

This teaches us that even the ability to thank Allah is also a favour and blessing that He has afforded us. Allah is the embodiment of wealth and we are all destitute. Allah is the Possessor of everything and we are in dire need of Him; and He is so Generous that whether or not we show gratitude to Him or not He still bestows upon us. And yet still there are the short-sighted people who believe that their blessings are as a result of their ‘hard work’.

As we have mentioned material blessings are bestowed on all, the Muslims as well as the non-Muslims. How then are we, the believers, different? And why then should we be thankful if everyone is being blessed in a similar manner by Allah . Some people use their material acquisitions for good and others for evil. Those who are guided and possess the understanding of using their wealth for good will gain benefit in both words, and they are the ones that are truly blessed. In connection with this Allah says

‘What is with you must vanish: what is with Allah will and we will certainly bestow, on those who patiently persevere, their reward to the best of their actions.’ (16:96)

So whatever little material blessings you have will vanish one day. The wise person will send a bit for “Allah to keep it”. Do not waste what He has blessed you with in this world. If you have this knowledge and act in accordance to it be extremely thankful to your Lord because not only has He blessed you with some material gain but He has also enlightened you in the appropriate manner of how to utilize it to it maximum.

Morally speaking Allah has blessed the Muslims in a special way in that we possess the strength that enables us to follow His Habeeb, Prophet Muhammad (saw). Prophet (saw) came to perfect moral character. The Arabs lived in a very barbaric manner before the advent of Islam. And these uncultured tribesmen began following him because of his moral character. And if you can uphold your morals be thankful to Allah because He has assured us of the just reward for the morally conscious ones.

Spiritually, Muslims are blessed in such a manner that no other nation possessed this unique blessing. When Hazrat Musa (as) and Isa (as) wanted to meet Allah they had to meet certain requirements and then ascend a mountain. We, ordinary slaves of Allah have the unique opportunity of meeting our Lord and Master a minimum of 5 times a day in the discipline of Salaat. As taught by our beloved leader, Allah comes between a Muslim and the Kaba when he/she stands for salaat. And in it we have the blessed opportunity of glorifying and praising Allah . And we can also beg of Him for forgiveness, comfort etc. So we see it is indeed a difficult task to quantify the blessings being bestowed upon us by the Merciful One. And He has also informed us about the blessings we can obtain in the next world if we adhere to His guidance. In Surah An Nisaa'He has mentioned 4 blessings;

‘All who obey Allah and the Apostle are in the company of those on whom is the Grace of Allah,- of the Prophets (Who teach), the sincere (lovers of Truth), the witnesses (Who testify), and the righteous (Who do good): Ah! what a beautiful fellowship! (4:69)

And to this if further strengthened by Prophet (saw) in the hadith; “amongst my followers some will have the status of the Messengers of the Bani Israel.” Can you imagine walking amongst the Messengers of Allah ?

A lot of emphasis is placed on material blessings; and to the true believer this is neither here nor there. What is important is for us to understand the importance of showing gratitude to Allah . Even though we can never count His favours upon us and even though we can never thank Him as He ought to be thanked still demonstrate submission and understanding.

Keep in mind you only have one life to live and we are not sure of what is in store for us tomorrow. So make use of the time as it comes and don’t wait until you’re older to “start following the religion”. Remember we will never have this time again so use it wisely. Make the effort, and leave the rest to Him and you will have no regrets on that Day. Whether or not you see or experience the favours being bestowed always remember that Allah will never let you down.

We beg of Him to forgive us bless us and bestow on us His Divine Grace and Mercy and may He enable us to rise with the righteous.

The Beauty of the Qur’an

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

There is no doubting the beauty of the Qur’an, and upon close examination of the Messages contained in each verse one will begin to see and understand why its beauty is unmatched.

One of the beauties of the Qur’an is that a person can connect the words in a verse and; with each way the words will be put together a person will get a different shade of meaning; and one of the mysteries of this Book is that one meaning will not contradict with the original meaning. For example, in the first verse in Surah Kahf. Allah says;

‘Praise be to Allah, Who hath sent to His servant the Book, and hath allowed therein no Crookedness’. (18:1)

The first part of the verse is clear, i.e. ‘Praise be to Allah, Who hath sent to His servant the Book’. As we all know Allah is The One Who revealed the Glorious Qur’an to His slave, Prophet Muhammad (saw).

When the latter part of the verse is studied, i.e. 'and hath allowed in it no Crookedness’. ‘La hu’ can mean "he" or "it". It is commonly translated to mean the Holy Qur’an; i.e. "it". So if we take the meaning to mean it, that part of the verse will mean that Allah has sent down the Qur’an and it contains no crookedness, defects, etc.

‘La hu’ in the above verse can also refer to Prophet Muhammad (saw). So if we read the and translate that "hu" to mean the Messenger (saw), it will read like this: Praise be to Allah Who hath sent to His Servant the Book; and you will not find in "him" any crookedness.

How will you know what or who Allah is referring to? Remember ‘the Qur’an explains itself’ so the other places in the Qur’an aid in your understanding. This is why no one is authorised to explain the Qur’an.

With reference to the verse quoted above if you want to find support that Allah is speaking of the Qur’an when He attested that it contained no crookedness we can look at the following verse;

It is the Quran in Arabic, without any crookedness therein; in order that they may guard against evil. (39:28)

If you want take the word La hu to mean the Prophet (saw) we can find support for this in the following verses;

‘And Verily, You (O Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character’. (68:4)
‘that Allah may forgive you your sins of the past and the future’. (48:2)

Look at this one word when expounded upon has so many dimensions.

It is important to understand the flawlessness of the Qur’an; and just as Allah produced a Book free from all kinds of defects; and the Messenger who brought the Book is also free from every form of defects, we too need to make our book, that we are producing (i.e. our book of deeds) pure and as free from as much defects as possible.

When a person requires a character certificate he needs to go to someone in authority such as a police officer. And in order for the policeman to produce the certificate he will go through the records to see whether there were any ‘defects or crookedness’ in the person’s life. So too, on the Day of Judgement; in order to get into Paradise your book will be brought forward to see whether you have defects or good in it.

Prophet (saw) is our leader and exemplar and he was sinless which means that his book will contain no wrong or reprehensive deeds. We must also aspire to purify our personalities so that on that Day our book will be one that we can feel proud of as a book free from records of crookedness will grant us access to the Garden of bliss.

May Allah enable us to understand more and more of His Glorious Words and may He grant us the ability to cultivate our personalities in accordance with what is permissible, so that our book of deeds will be one that contains neither crookedness nor defects.

Az Zahir – The Manifest One

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

Prophet Muhammad (saw) is reported to have said ‘There was Allah and nothing existed but Him. He existed from eternity and there was nothing else’.

Allah is Al Zaahir which means The Manifest One. It must also be noted that Allah cannot be encompassed. The universe cannot ‘contain Him’. For example His Divine Throne alone is more vast than the heavens and earth combined.

‘His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth,’

If Allah is so Vast and Great how then He can be manifested? How can He become apparent to us? Allah speaks to man about understanding Him materialistically from the point of view of the created things in the universe. He says in Surah Ikhlas;

‘And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him’

Nothing can be likened to Him, so it is impossible to conceptualize Him. This is why the Prophet (saw), when asked by a Bedouin ‘where is Allah', he pointed upwards because he did not want limit and conceptualise Allah to a particular space and time in the mind of the Bedouin.

It’s difficult to conceive the Personality of The Divine. Our limited sight cannot grasp Him as He says in His Words;

‘No vision can grasp him, but His grasp is over all vision: He is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things.’

We do not posses the capacity to behold His Divine Personality. What then does ‘The Manifest’ mean? If you want to see Allah; firstly, you must understand that you must work hard for it. What does ‘hard work’ necessitate? Prophet (saw) is reported to have said;

‘When the dwellers of Paradise will enter Paradise, someone will proclaim: ‘O Dwellers of Paradise, God wishes to fulfil what He promised you’. The companions asked: ‘What is that promise? Has He not filled up our Balance? Has He not brightened our faces and admitted us in the Garden? Has He not saved us from hell?’ At that time, the screen will be lifted and they will be gazing at the Glorious Lord. Nothing will be dearer to them at that time than His sight. This is the greatest reward. At that time they will forget every enjoyment and happiness. There is no limit to this happiness and no example.’

If you remember the women at the time of Prophet Joseph (as); they were so amazed and intoxicated with the sight of his flawless beauty; that they cut their hands in the process of cutting their meat; while simultaneously looking at Joseph (as). And this was a finite being, what about beholding the beautiful Countenance of Allah.

So, in order to access this blessing you must firstly be among the inhabitants of paradise. It is not mentioned in the Qur’an or the ahadith whether Allah will remove the veils between Himself and His servants during the actual judgement process. It is only mentioned that it would occur at the Celestial stage.

This is indeed the pinnacle of all blessings. The inhabitants of paradise will be lost away in the process of gazing at the grandeur of Allah. Nothing else will be of concern and value to them except the beauty of The Lord.

Look at what the little good you do in this world can bring you. Allah has reserved this special blessing for His righteous slaves. Keep persevering and one day, Insha Allah, we will have this blessed opportunity to witness the Divine Personality. Prepare and work towards being on of the blessed ones. All the trials and tribulations you face in this world; look at the end result it can bring if you act in appropriate manner.

We beg Allah to enable us to conduct ourselves in a manner that would qualify us all to be among the blessed and fortunate ones that will have the inequitable reward of beholding the Divine Countenance of the Most Merciful One.

The Status of Prophet Muhammad (saw) in creation

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

A recent (Islamic) publication, in its enthusiasm to label the celebration of the Prophet's (pboh) birthday as bida or innovation in religion, asserts that we are to “make no distinction between (sic) any of the Prophets”.

The topic of celebrating the birthday of the Holy Prophet (pboh) has been the subject of debate in this country (Trinidad and Tobago) as early as the 1930's. It was manifested in the public debates between Haji Ruknudeen and Maulana Nazir Ahmad Semab. Today, the matter is still being debated, with both sides believing that they, only are right, and the other side is misguided. Unfortunately this has become an instrument for disunity and division within the Muslim community as a whole, and even within families in the community.

Of particular note, in this most recent context is the relative status of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pboh), and there is need to establish some key points of reference from the Qur'an and Hadith regarding this assertion, which can by some interpretations border on blasphemy.

Firstly it is important to note that Allah has established rank and relative status among the Messengers that were sent to humankind. He says: ‘Those Messengers We endowed (with status) some above others.’ (2:253). In the case of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pboh) Allah has singled him out and presented him as someone truly superior and honored above all of creation. The Qur'an is replete with references to this point, and for example tells us explicitly;

It is those who believe in him and honor him. (7:157)
Verily, Allah and his Angels are sending blessing on the Prophet. O You who believe, send blessings on him and salute him with great respect. (33:56)
And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. (49:7)
We have exalted thy name (status). (94:4)
Verily you are on an exalted standard of character. (68:4)
And we have not send you (O Muhammad) but as a universal model for mankind. (34:28)
We have not sent thee but as a mercy to the worlds. (21:107)
Verily those who took the oath of allegiance to you, were indeed swearing allegiance to Allah. (48:10)

These references, and many like them, clearly establish the status of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pboh) above all other Prophets and all of creation. It is to be noted that this is unique to the Holy Prophet, and the followers of other Messengers were never ordered to observe such to the Messengers whom they were sent. To honor him with love and devotion is to do what has been ordained by Allah, and is not sinful as has been insinuated.

[This scenario also serves to establish the critical need for scholarship in Islamic Theology (in addition to Functional Literacy) by persons within the Muslim community who are so inclined. We must be mindful of the fact that an opinion is not a truth until it has been verified, and the Qur'an advocates research and inquiry, and our brethren may do well by themselves; and the community as a whole to heed this call.]

May Almighty Allah create in our hearts undying love for His Beloved as the Prophet (pboh) is reported to have said “Those who will love me from among my followers will be the people after me, of whom everyone will like that, he could see me, at the expense of his family and property”. (Sahih Muslim)


Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed

Constancy and Patience

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

Sometimes a person may have a lot of wealth stored away in a bank but he mat not have a cent in his immediate possession. This doesn’t mean that he is poor since there is some sort of savings stored away.

Keeping this in mind; sometimes we may feel a bit despondent when it comes to the spiritual aspect of our lives. We may wonder why we should attend our weekly zikir sessions when it could be easily done at home.

Before we expound on the above let us make a reference to the life of Prophet Moses (as). Moses (as) attained a very high status in the sight of Allah . He earned the title Kalimullah - The one who Allah spoke to. Moses (as) brought the law for the Israelites and the other Messengers that were sent to them were followers / upholders of the law. This was emphasized by Jesus (as) when he said “I came not to oppose the law but to uphold it”.

One day Moses (as) delivered a very inspirational and excellent sermon to his people and one of those present remarked that Moses (as) is possible the most knowledgeable person on the face of the earth. Moses (as) replied in the affirmative and thereafter Allah revealed to him that there was someone far more knowledgeable than Moses (as) and He instructed him to seek out this knowledgeable person called Khidr. During their travels Khidr revealed to Moses (as) that he didn’t possess the capacity to understand / learn from him and this became apparent during the three different situations they encountered (i.e. the boat, the boy and the wall). (Surah Kahf). Moses (as) displayed his impatience and ‘shortsightedness’.

Why mention this? We may feel at times that we know a lot and that we do a lot, and we are yet to see any benefit or results from our efforts. Always bear in mind that Allah is the One Who bestows and withholds. If perchance you achieve too much ‘religious experience’ early on, it can be harmful and detrimental to you. In Islamic Spirituality if you do a lot and see little or no immediate results then this could be a great blessing from Allah .

There are a lot of people who received religious experiences and behaved in an unfortunate manner and as a result they began to deteriorate and suffered. So while you may feel that all your efforts are in vain; always remember the concept of you savings in the bank; you are in fact storing it away, and it will be of immense benefit to you in the latter stages of your life.

Spiritual effort doesn’t warrant immediate beneficial results. Keep striving and Allah will bestow upon you when He sees fit; as He says in His Glorious Words:

‘Allah knoweth, and ye know not’. (16:74)

Prophet (saw) could not experience the true personality of Angel Gabriel when he first came to him at Mount Noor; because the space/time dimension was not able to accommodate the true personality of the angel. Wherever he looked he saw the presence of Gabriel.

It was only when Prophet (saw) was outside the dimension of space and time he as able to see the archangel in his true form. The same principle is applicable to our spiritual struggles. Our personality may not be fully mature to experience the spiritual realm. Tassawuf is one avenue of attaining knowledge of the unseen and we need to possess the capacity to deal with it.

However this doesn’t mean you should stop, keep on persevering with patience, for the love and pleasure of Allah. Ever time you do a little remember you are getting closer to your Lord.

Take for example the moon. The moon does not generate its own light. Instead it reflects the light of the sun and has the capacity of making bright the dark night. So too, we are tying to brighten up our dark spots by connecting to the light of our Prophet .

Just as the medication a person takes needs time to work so too the spiritual exercises we engage in requires patience and discipline; while it will help to improve our personalities. We are aspiring to get closer to Allah but this requires constancy and patience.

Make the effort and let Allah take care of the rest.

Lecture given on the auspicious occasion of Meelad Un Nabi

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

Text of lecture given by Maulana Dr. Waffie Mohammed
at the Hermitage Masjid
on the auspicious occasion of Meelad Un Nabi (27.02.2011)

Why did Allah send Prophet Muhammad (saw)? Was it to receive the Holy Qur’an on behalf of mankind? If Allah wanted He could have revealed the Book to each one of His servants. Prophet Jesus (as) received a Book, Moses (as), Abraham (as) and so on. So being the recipient of the Glorious Qur’an was not the only purpose of Prophet (saw).

In order for us to understand Muhammad’s mission we must make reference the beautiful Qur’anic ayat;Light upon Light!

This ayat contains a very important message as it highlights the true function of Prophet (saw). Allah is Light (Nur) and He sent Prophet Muhammad (saw) in the dimension of space and time to reflect the Light of Allah to the entire universe. This is possibly why he is called 'Rahmatul Lil Alameen’ – a mercy to the worlds. He is the only creature capable of reflecting the Light of Allah . Allah confirms this in Surah Maidah;

there hath come to you from Allah a (new) light and a perspicuous Book (5:15)

The ‘Light and Book’ mentioned in the above ayat are two separate entities. The Book refers to the Holy Qur’an and the ‘Light’ mentioned refers to the personality of Prophet (saw).

He was able to reflect Allah’s Nur so perfect that his Companions noticed that his personality was bright and shinning. For example Hazrat Jabir (ra) is reported to have said ‘I saw him sitting in a full moon night, he had on a red gown and between the moon and him; his face was the most handsome’.

When is a full moon it’s brightest? When the night is at its darkest and there are little or no clouds present. So to our beloved Messenger was so clean and free from any and all barriers that there was nothing preventing him from reflecting Allah’s light. His personality is like the beautiful full moon, visible from far and wide.

Try your best to remove all the ‘clouds’ from your personality and you will be able to reflect something of the Light of Allah from the physical source that is the personality of Prophet (saw). If we follow him we are suppose to be like the full moon, lighting up the dark spots of the world.

Prophet (saw) is constantly being replenished with the Light of Allah as Allah says;

‘Allah and His angels send blessings on the prophet: O ye that believe! send ye blessings on him, and salute Him with all respect’.

Ask yourself this question; at what stage of the moon would you like to be; the new moon barely visible or the full moon, bright, shinning and admired by all. Build and strengthen your relationship with him to benefit from the blessings being constantly and continuously sent to him. He was able to reflect the Light of his Lord and as such he was able to get closer to Him. If you wish to get closer to Allah then follow His Habeeb (saw).

May Allah make it easy for us and take care of our affairs in both worlds and may He cause our relationship with Prophet Muhammad (saw) to grow and become stronger insha Allah.

The Light of Prophet (saw)

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

We have recently witnessed the 12th of Rabi ul Awwal, the blessed birth date of our beloved Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (saw). As such there is something very special that we must know. Allah says in His Glorious Words;

‘there hath come to you from Allah a (new) light and a perspicuous Book’. (5:15)

According to the scholars and Masheikhs the ‘light’ that is mentioned in the above ayat is a reference to Prophet (saw). So Allah sent Prophet (saw) along with the Qur’an to mankind.

All Spiritualists believes that Prophet (saw) is nur (light). We see in the Seerah, for example that when the Prophets father, Abdullah (ra)was going to the residence of Amina (ra)to get married Qutaylah, the sister of Waraqah, was standing at the entrance to her house and when she saw Abdullah approaching she noticed that he had a brightened countenance and recounted that it seemed to shine from beyond this world. After a few days had passed she saw Abdullah and remarked to him ‘the light hath left thee that was with thee yesterday’. Later it would be noted that Amina was conscious of a light within her, and one day it shone forth from her so intensely that she could see the castles of Bostra in Syria.

Prophet Muhammad(saw)was existing in the form of light long before Adam (as) was created. Whenever Hazrat Moses (as) conversed with Allah his face remained shinning for a few days. Not so with Prophet(saw). His personality was always bright and shining. Allah confirms this in the beautiful ayat in Surah Noor;

‘Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth. the parable of His light is as if there were a Niche and within it a Lamp: the Lamp enclosed In Glass: the glass as it were a brilliant star: Lit from a Blessed tree, an Olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is well-nigh luminous, though Fire scarce touched it: light upon Light! Allah doth guide whom He will to His Light: Allah doth set forth parables for men: and Allah doth know all things’. (24:35)

‘Nurun ala nur’ – light upon light. This is what makes our beloved leader different and special. Prophet(saw)is a real reflection of the Light of Allah.

If you can, insha Allah, connect to Prophet(saw)spirituality you will see him as the source of light. Your tiny spark of light that is embedded in your personality can connect to the light of Prophet(saw)and it can grow and permeate all the cells your body.

All the Spiritual Tariqas (orders) goes back to Prophet Muhammad(saw)through their silsila (golden chain). He is the source of light, the direct Light of Allah is reflected on him and he is spreading it to the world;

‘and as one who invites to Allah’s (grace) by His leave, and as a Lamp spreading light’. (33:46)

He is so different and special that no matter how you attach yourself to him you will be blessed with brightness. Connect to him and strengthen your relationship with him and you’ll have no problems because on the Day of Judgement he will look for you, you won’t have to find him.

Make full use of this life because this is the only time you have the opportunity to recite the Words of Allah , worship Him and praise Him. The next stages are where you will reap the rewards for the work done in this world. Don’t destroy the good that you’ve done by backbiting, slandering etc. Build and store enough good for a pleasant journey.

Sheikh Bahauddin Naqshband (ra) has said that if anyone sees Prophet Muhammad(saw), that person will never enter hell. The body has 5 spiritual points and when activated you will begin to see different lights at each point. Each light takes you to a different Messenger. If you concentrate on the 5th point, which is at the top your head, you will see a green light. If you can see the green light you can connect to Prophet(saw).

Pay no heed to those who wish to discourage you. Do it silently and insha Allah you will benefit greatly. Connect to his blessed light. It sounds simple but it takes a lot of time. Those who have done it have no regrets. It’s something that has to be experienced because reason and logic cannot explain it.

May Allah make it easy for us and take care of our affairs in both worlds and may He cause our relationship with Prophet Muhammad(saw)to grow and become stronger insha Allah.

Darood O Salaam

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّى عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ

O Allah, bless Muhammad (saw)

We are in the blessed month of Rabi ul Awwal, the month in which our beloved leader, Muhammad Mustapha (saw) was born. As such, as true believers we are happy when occasions such as the Eid Milad un Nabi approaches because it allows us to recall something of the beautiful personality of Prophet (saw).

Allah says in Surah Imran;

“Allah did confer a great favour on the believers when He sent among them an apostle from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the Signs of Allah, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while, before that, they had been in manifest error.” (Chapter 3, verse 164)

We can see that this verse deals with some of the favours of the coming of Prophet (saw). Firstly, Prophet Muhammad (saw) came to tell the people about Allah. He also told the believers of the Greatness of Allah. He taught them how to purify themselves, outwardly and inwardly. Which other Messenger taught the people self purification? Some unbelievers began saying ‘what kind of Messenger is this, he is even teaching us how to use the toilet’. Prophet (saw) taught the believers how to read and understand the Book. Where in the Gospel can you find Jesus (as) receiving the message and teaching it to his followers? Which other Messenger took the time to teach their followers how to read, how to understand and how to derive benefit from the message? Prophet (saw) taught us how to utilize the message so that we can lead a successful life.

These are just some of the favours Allah mentions in the Qur’an concerning the coming of His Habib on earth. Prophet Muhammad (saw) is indeed a great blessing and favour for mankind.

Allah made Prophet Muhammad (saw) the recipient and the distributor of a very special blessing, which He has allocated for the believers. This unique blessing is that of the Darood. Which other Messenger was given a darood? Allah says in Surah Ahzab;

“Verily Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! send ye blessings on him, and salute Him with all respect.” (Chapter 33, verse 56)

‘Send blessings’ - is a verb in present / future tense. Therefore the blessings being sent are sent constantly and continuously.

Why is Allah doing this? Does Prophet (saw) need all these blessings? Also, according to the scholars because Allah commands the believers to send blessings on Prophet (saw), one must do it at least once in their lifetime in order to fulfil the command. This command given in the ayat above is different from that of salaat because salaat is associated with time.

Two things can be derived from the ayat mentioned above. Firstly, Allah and His Angels are sending blessings on Prophet Muhammad (saw). Secondly, Allah wants the believers to benefit from the blessings being sent and the way of doing so is to send salaat on Prophet (saw), and this is basically ‘Allahumma Sally Ala Muhammad’. ‘Salaat’ here does not imply worship. By sending salaat on him you are benefiting from the blessings coming from Allah .

Hazrat Anas (ra) narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah said: ‘He who reads a single Durood upon me, Almighty Allah blesses him ten times, ten of his sins are forgiven, and he is increased ten times in stages’.

Why did Allah order to send darood and salaam on Prophet (saw)? Some may argue that he is not physically alive so what good can come from it. Abu Huraira (ra) narrates that Prophet said: ‘If anyone of you greets me, Allah returns my soul to body and I respond to the greeting’.

So if I should say ‘Ya Nabi salaam alaika’ through the Grace of Allah, Prophet’s (saw) soul is reunited with his body in order for him to reply ‘Wa Alaika’. And this happens all the time, whenever we send salaat and salaam on him. So if I should send salaam on him and he responds every single time, then am I not then building a connection and relationship with him.

Sending salaat and salaam on Prophet (saw) is amongst the Sunnah of Allah , because He and His angels are practicing it all the time. Sunnah is what you say, do and allow, so therefore salaat and salaam on Prophet is one of the Sunnah of Allah . Some say that Allah’s is the manifestation of His Divine Attributes, but if He is doing something constantly then it is part of His Sunnah. So if Allah is doing it and you follow Him you are then aligning yourself with your Lord in a special way.

Darood is indeed a great gift and favour from our Lord. Imagine that we are engaging in something that Allah is also doing at the same time. He has made His Habib the ‘distribution centre’ of this special blessing.

Ubai bin Ka’ab (ra) narrates; ‘I said, O Messenger of Allah, I supplicate often, so how much of my supplication should I devote to you? He replied, as you desire. I said, a quarter of it? He said as you desire, but if you were to increase upon this, it would be better for you. I said, half of it? He said, as you desire, but if you were to increase upon this, it would be better for you. I said, two-thirds of it? He said again, as you desire, but if you were to increase upon this, it would be better for you. Finally I said, and if I dedicate my supplication in its entirety to you? He said, then your needs will be satisfied, and your sins forgiven’.

We can see that one can benefit tremendously from sending salaat and salaam on our beloved leader. Not only in this world but also the next because on that Day instead of looking for help, the Messenger (saw) will be searching for you as he will be doing for all his followers. The matter is in your hands.

O Allah, convey blessings and peace always and forever
upon Your Beloved, the best out of all of Creation, Hazrat Muhammad Mustapha (saw)

Persevering with patience

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

As believers we must always bear in mind that, when dealing with others we must show some level of patience. When Allah gave the command to all present to prostrate before Hazrat Adam (as) Satan refused. At that moment Allah could have taken Satan to task for disobeying, however He gave him an opportunity to explain his defiant action.

When Allah made it known to Satan that he was wrong he made a dua to Allah and he was given respite. Look at the patience Allah showed to this rebellious creature. And He is The Lord and Master of every single thing.

Allah gave us many lessons in the Qur’an about the importance of demonstrating patience. One of the most popular and potent lesson is the life of Joseph (as). From the beginning, both Joseph (as) and Jacob (as) knew what the end could have possibly been and yet still they bore the trials with patience and submitted humbly to Allah .

When Jacob (as) learnt of the loss of his treasured son he said; “Sabrun Jameelun” – “(for me) patience is most fitting: it is Allah (alone) Whose help can be sought.”

It is difficult to restrain oneself at times because, sometimes emotion takes precedent over the action of the brain. There are certain cells located in the heart that are responsible for the emotional reaction humans demonstrate. So, sometimes before you think you may act instead. These actions originate from the heart.

Allah wants us to establish restraint in all situations. This can only be done if one has complete faith and trust in Him. If you know that Allah loves you, and whatever He allows to happen to you is because of a specific reason then you will understand that in the end He will never let you down. It is out of love that He is allowing certain things to happen. Always remember that Allah knows best and our knowledge is limited.

Demonstrating patience is easier said than done. For example if one looks at the life of Hazrat Umar (ra), you’ll see there were times where he reacted out of haste and after regretted it. Try to culture the emotive responses by refraining from acting in haste.

The brothers of Joseph (as) acted in haste; they didn’t show patience and they acted for themselves. They failed to remember that Allah is All Knowing and All Seeing; as He says in Surah Al An'am;

‘and with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He and He knows whatever there is in (or on) the earth and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but He knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a clear Record’. (6:59)

If something is going to happen to you Allah knows about it and He sees how you are responding. So be careful when something causes you to become emotional. Stay silent because per chance you may act in haste and in a displeasing manner.

Prophet Muhammad (saw) is the best of all creation and look at the discipline and patience he demonstrated, to his family, Companions and non-Muslims. Take for the example the hadith narrated by Hadrat Abdullah bin Abil Hammad (ra). He narrated: “before his Prophet hood I bought something from the Holy Prophet (saw). As my money fell short I requested him to wait at the spot and promised to come back in a while. But the matter slipped out of my mind somehow and after three days when I returned to the spot I found the Holy Prophet still waiting there. He only said, “You put me to great trouble. I have been waiting for you here for three days”.

Look at the patience and calmness he demonstrated. This is our leader and exemplar. When you look at his life you can’t help but wonder how refined and perfect he cultured his personality. It’s difficult to fathom.

Patience is something that Allah recommends for us in Surah Luqman;

‘and bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee’. (31:17)

If we, as Muslims, demonstrate patience when dealing with others you will see a huge difference. We know we are the best of people but we have to show this to others, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. And look at what Allah says about those who preserve with patience;

“Surely the patiently enduring will be paid their wages in full without reckoning”. (39:10)

Sabrun Jameelun is easy to translate in English but difficult to infuse it into our actions. It’s something that will take time and effort.

One of the hallmarks of impatience is ignorance and Allah has told us how to deal with such people;

‘and the slaves of the Most Beneficent (Allah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the ignorant address them, they say 'Peace'. (25:63)

Put your faith and trust in your Loving, Merciful Lord; especially when the trials come your way. He allows everything to happen, the good and the perceived bad, and there’s reason and wisdom behind it. Make the effort and let Allah take care of the rest.

The Qur’an to Mankind

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

Is there anything special about the Qur'an?

There are many things special about the Qur'an. Some of these are:

No creature in the universe can produce a book like it; as it contains a record of what happened in the past; predictions of what is to come in the future; it has many unique functions, in addition to the laws of guidance for man to live a successful life in this world as well as in the next. About the nature of the text Allah says:
If the whole of mankind and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of the Qur'an, they could not have produced something like it; even if they were to back up each other with help and support. (17:88)

It is a complete code of life. Allah says:
And We have sent down unto thee (O Muhammad) a Book explaining all things. (18:69)

As it is a unique Book given only to man; and is the Word of Allah, even the angels and the Jinns come and listen to it, when it is being recited by human beings. About this Allah says:
Say; it has been revealed to me that a company of Jinns listened to the Qur'an; they said: We have really heard a wonderful recital; it gives guidance to the Right. (72:1-2)

Prophet Muhammad (pboh) once explained to a Companion who informed him that one night while he was reading the Qur'an, his horse began stamping and moving around, but when he stopped reading the horse became calm. Then when he started to read again the horse again became restless, and when he stopped the horse again became calm. The Prophet (pboh) told him that it was the angels who used to come to listen to the recitation of the Qur'an.

The Qur'anic words have special vibrations, more powerful than the most powerful of bombs; that is possibly one reason why Allah says:
Had We sent down this Qur'an on a mountain, verily, you would have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of Allah. (59:21)

The Qur'an has special healing powers, and those who know prescribe and use some of the verses to cure many kinds of ailments. About its healing powers Allah says:
We send down (stage by stage) in the Qur'an, that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe. (17:82)

The Qur'an is the book of wisdom, and if properly read and studied, it takes away the ignorance of a person and make him wise. Allah says:
These are the Verses of the Book of Wisdom (10:1)

Recitation of this Book forms an invisible protection against becoming a disbeliever, and also from the mischief of the Satan. Allah says:
When you recite the Qur'an, We put between you and those who believe not in the Hereafter an invisible curtain. (17:45)

Allah has issued a challenge to the entire world; i.e.
produce a Chapter like it if you think that you are wise.(2:23)


Muslims are therefore, very blessed to have been the recipient of this divine book. Prophet Muhammad (pboh) is reported to have said:
A reciter of the Qur'an belongs to the family of Allah, and is His sincere servant.

When the Qur'an is being recited the vibrations contained in the words impact on those who recite as well as those who listen to the recitation. It purifies them and polishes their souls. The Noble Messenger is reported to have said:
Rust falls on the heart as it falls on iron. When asked: how can the rust of the heart be removed? He replied: By reciting the Qur'an and remembering death.

Recitation of this Holy Book does not only help us in this life; it will be one of our greatest helper in the Next. The Prophet (pboh) is reported to have said:
Prophets, angels or anybody else cannot be better intercessors in ranks than the Qur'an.


Allah calls the Qur'an, the Book of Wisdom (10:1); Could you give some reasons why Allah says so about it?

The Qur'an tells us all that we need to know about ourselves, the universe and Allah Himself. For example it says about the universe the following:

The universe was created; it did not come into existence by chance. About its creation He says:
It is Allah Who created the skies and the earth and all that is between them. (32:4)

He began the universe as a single cell which later burst open and its fragments formed the skies and the earth. In this connection the Qur'an records the following:
Do not the unbelievers see that the skies and the earth were a closed up mass? Then We opened them out. (21:30)

He created the skies, the earth and the space and put each thing in its proper location with its own function. He says:
With power and skill did We create the skies, for it is He Who creates the vastness of space. And We have spread out the earth; how excellently We spread it out. (51"47-48)

Allah explains in the Qur'an that the earth is subjected to serial time; the cosmos is conditioned by cosmic time. Regarding the cosmos, He says:
It is He Who created the skies and the earth in six cosmic days. (11:7)
Verily, a day in the sight of the Lord, is like a thousand years of your reckoning. (22:47)
The angels and the Spirit ascend unto Him in a Day the measure of which is fifty thousand years. (70:4)

Regarding the serial time which is used to compute months and years of the earth and all that is on it, Allah tells us about this in the Qur'an in the following verses:
It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory, and the moon to be a light; and measured out stages for it; that you might know the number of years and the count of time. (10:5)
The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year); so ordained by Him, the day He created the skies and the earth. (9:36)


So Allah gives us much information in the Qur'an about the origin and working of the universe and nature; did He tell us anything about what will ultimately happen to it in the future?

We know that, right now we are living in an expanding universe; we also know that at some point in time, the universe will begin to contract. About this process, Allah has mentioned much in the Qur'an. For example He says:
When the sky is cleft asunder; when the stars are scattered; when the oceans are suffered to burst forth; and when the graves are turned upside down; then shall each person know what he sent before (him) and what he left behind. (82:1-5)
The day We shall roll up the skies, like a scroll rolled up for books (completed); even as We produced the first creation; We shall produce a new one. This is a promise We have undertaken and We shall fulfil it. (21:104)

About what will happen to the earth, Allah tells us:
One day, the earth will be changed to a different earth; and so will be the skies; and men shall be marshalled forth, before Allah, the One the Irresistible. (14:48)


Did Allah tell mankind anything about his origin and end in the Holy Qur'an?

Yes, Allah tells us in the Holy Qur'an, that He created the human species different from the way He created the rest of the animals. For example, He says that He created all the animals from water. The verse of the Holy Qur'an which tells us about this is as follows:
Allah created every animal from water. Of them are some that creep on their bellies, some that walk on two legs; and some that walk on four. Allah creates what He will; for verily; Allah power over all things. (24:45)

About the creation of man, He says:
He began the creation of man with clay; and his progeny from a quintessence of the nature of fluid despised. (33:7-8)

So Allah began the human species with the creation of Adam and Eve, and from them came the progeny through the process of procreation, as we all know. The Qur'an tells us about conception and the different stages in the development and growth of the foetus. Allah says:
man, if you have doubt about the resurrection, then know that, We created you out of dust; then out of a sperm; then out of a leech-like clot; then out of a morsel of flesh; partly formed and partly unformed; in order that We may manifest our power to you. And We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term; then do We bring you out as babes; then (foster you) that you may reach your age of full strength; and some our are called to die; and some are sent back to the feeblest old age. (22:5)

Allah also tells us that the creation of the entire human species is like the creation of one person. He says;
And your creation and your resurrection, is just like the creation of one individual. (31:28)

We know that every person is just a different combination of the genes and chromosomes contained in a single cell. So that, the creation of the entire human species, is just like the creation of a single cell with the changing combination of the genes and chromosomes resulting in a different person.

About the end of man, Allah tells us that he shall be returned to the earth and then resurrected. He says:
From the earth We created you; and into the earth shall We return you; and from it shall We bring you out again. (20:55)

Allah tells us in the Qur'an, not only about our origin, but what will ultimately happen to us.

You said that the Qur'an has given us the necessary information of everything we ought to know about ourselves, the universe and about God. What did Allah tell us about Himself in this great Book?

Allah tells us about Himself, the following:

No creature is like Him. In other words; the Creator is different from every creature.
No vision can grasp Him; but He sees all things.
All creatures are in need of Him; but He is not in need of any creature.
Everything exists in His knowledge.
He is the greatest; as He functions through all His Divine Attributes at one and the same time to all His creatures.
He connects Himself to His creatures through the Attribute of Compassion.
He is Eternal
He does suffer from the defects that human being experiences
He is closer to us than we can imagine.
We are all returning to Him
Some will be able to meet Him; and some will not.
He is our Sustainer, Protector, etc.
He can do whatever He pleases.

Charging up the soul

 

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

There is no doubt that Allah is All Wise and His knowledge encompasses all. Things. Allah has created us out of clay, and there is a reason for it. He knows all the reasons but we can understand one thing. The clay body is the best material selected by our Lord to contain that spark of light that is more powerful than electricity. Had the body been created out of a different substance what would have happened to this special spark of light?

He has created us in such a way that we have a proper vessel that can contain this special bit of energy and it has no adverse effects of any kind on the carrier. One of our purposes of us being in this world is to ‘charge up’ this spark of light just as a power pack is charged up via electricity. Every soul is like a power pack that needs to be fully charged. If this is achieved when the soul is reunited with the body on the Day of Judgement it will be a full source of energy that will enlightened the body. In relation to this Allah says in Surah Imran;

‘On the Day when some faces will be (lit up with) white’. (3:106)

We need to charge up this power pack and keep it bright and shinning to reflect the Light of Allah on earth; and if this is achieved the light of that soul will permeate the cells of the body. When this happens the fire of hell will not be able to burn such a body since the light of the soul is much more intense than hell fire.

If you keep at it and allow the light of the soul to keep the body bright and shinning you will be a special person. As Allah says in His Holy Words ‘on the Day when some faces will be white’. Prophet Muhammad (saw) was able to cultivate his light to such an extent that his personality was constantly bright, so much so that the light of the sun was less in comparison to his light. This is possibly why his body never cast a shadow, because the light that his personality reflected was grater and brighter than any other sources of light such as the sun.

His Companions testified to this on numerous occasions. For example Hazrat Aisha (ra) swore by Allah that his face was brighter than that of a full moon. How fortunate indeed were these Companions, to have a little glimpse of this blessed and unique personality.

It is reported in ahadith that if a person is blessed with a vision of Prophet (saw) that person will not enter Jahanam. Islamic Spirituality teaches us that we can establish a conscious relationship with him. If you develop yourself properly you can have vision of him. But first you have to work hard. You need to activate and develop the spiritual points of the body and thereafter you can make contact with the spiritual personality of Prophet (saw).

Work continuously to build the energy of your soul so that when it re-joins the body you will be amongst the blessed ones to have a brightened countenance, and you will be fit to meet your Lord and enter into the Garden. Work hard to polish your soul so that its light will permeate every cell of the body. Satan's mission is to put the dark spots around the soul to block out the energy / light; so remain focus and committed through the adversities.

Let us make a conscious effort, every single day, to make right the conditions surrounding us that will allow our ruh to grow and spread. We beg Allah to make this exercise easy for us and may He keep us far away from the heedless ones and the ones who understand not. May Allah bless us and protect us.

The end will be better than the present

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّ حِيْمِ

There is a something in life we need to understand; Allah says in His Holy Words;

‘and verily the Hereafter will be better for thee than the present’. (93:4)

The akirah is usually translated to mean the hereafter. This is a fact, however in this ayat and in others akirah can also mean the end of your life in this world. Why? Everyone will understand that while you’re growing and developing you will face challenges and difficulties, and it will not be easy. What is important for us to understand at this is stage is that Allah identifies in the Qur’an when the difficulties and trials come we should not ‘give up’ and get frustrated but instead know that there is in fact a purpose and reason for it. Allah says;

‘after a difficulty, Allah will soon grant relief.’ (65:7)

And He has emphasises this. We can conclude that in the earlier stages of your life you will face difficulties but if you put your faith and trust in Allah He will make it easy for you and take care of you. This is possibly one reason why Allah has given us the life story of Prophet Joseph (as). Look at all the trials and hardships he underwent, through no fault of his. These were trials that Allah exposed him to. And look at how beautiful the latter part of his life was after he bore the tribulations and demonstrated true submission to his Lord.

Allah says

‘and surely, we shall try you’. (47:31)

You will face trials and hardships’ and Prophet Muhammad (saw) is even reported to have said that when Allah loves you He tries you. Every believer must understand that in the earlier stages of your life it could be challenging and difficult. This is Allah’s way. He even subjected Prophet to trials both in the personal and public life, and he is the Beloved of Allah . And if Allah can try His Beloved what about us?

We want to please our Lord and earn His blessings and favours so when we are tried we must never give up but reside our faith and trust in Him.

Allah says in Surah Muhammad

‘O ye who believe! If ye will aid (the cause of) Allah, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly’. (47:7)

Some people believe that as soon as you ask Allah for something, such as help, it should be given immediately. Always remember that Allah knows best. He is all Wise. We only see in the short term and Allah sees everything. Only Allah truly knows.

The true believers are taught to say “I put my affairs in Allah ”. Let Allah take care. He wants us to show Him that we are worthy of His love and blessings.

Take for example the creation of gold. In order to acquire this precious metal it has to undergo a series of process where it is heated and beaten in order to achieve the desired shape and quality. If you want to present yourself as a beautiful ornament to your Lord prepare for the “heating and beaten”. And rest assure that Satan will be the one to test your patience and perseverance.

Allah gave Prophet (saw) the consolation in Surah Dhuhaa;

'Thy Guardian-Lord hath not forsaken thee, nor is He displeased. And Verily the Hereafter will be better for thee than the present. And soon will Thy Guardian-Lord give thee (that wherewith) thou shalt be well-pleased. Did He not find thee an orphan and give thee shelter (and care)? And He found thee wandering, and He gave thee guidance. And He found thee in need, and made thee independent'. (93:3-8)

All the trails he went through as such a young boy and when he began his mission it got worse. His job was to deliver the message regardless of the environment, and Allah took care of him and we too must take solace in that Allah will never abandon us.

When the trials and tribulations come always remember that your Lord will never let you down. And He has taught us to supplicate to Him (through dua). Humbly beg Him. Seek repentance, forgiveness and whatever you want from Him. He will never turn down your dua. Only Allah knows when something is best for you, so He may choose to delay your request or simple wait to give you something much better.

Beg your Lord to make the trials easy. Put your faith in Him and He will take care of your affairs. A lot of us have faith in Him but we go to Him last. We try to exhaust all possible means first and when they appear to have fail then we go to Allah . Go to Him first and He will never let you down. That is guaranteed. One hope is that the future will be better than the past. Whether it is the latter part of our life in this world or the hereafter, He will take care of us.

May Allah make the trials and tribulations that He has decreed for us easy and bearable. May He guide us to behave in the same exemplary manner that our leader, Prophet Muhammad (saw), showed when he was faced with hardships during his mission. And may Allah enable us to rise with the righteous servants on the Promised Day, insha Allah.