SURAH 2: AL-BAQARAH |
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1-3 Allah, the Wise and the Knowing has said: “The guidance you long for (1/5), is preserved in this Book (15/9) wherein there is no uncertainty, ambiguity or psychological perplexity. This Book shows to the Muttaqeen the path leading to the ultimate destination prescribed for humanity. The Muttaqeen are those who wish to avoid pitfalls of the wrong path, who believe in the unseen (which becomes comprehensible through reflection on the Quran), and are confident that the right path will lead to the destination even though the former may be obscured initially.” In
order to achieve this objective, they establish the Niz’am-us-Sal’at
in which all human beings follow the Laws of Allah,
and after retaining that much which is necessary to meet their basic
needs (2/219), they keep the remaining material resources open for the
needy ones for their nourishment. 4
The Muttaqeen believe
in all the truths revealed to you (O Nabi!)
and those revealed to the Anbia
who came before you. (The latter are, however, no longer in their
original or unadulterated form). Believing in these truths (which are
now all in the Quran) implies believing in the fact, which is corroborated by
historical evidence, that whenever Allah’s
Plan has been followed, the same beneficial results have been achieved,
namely, a blissful life free of anxiety. They, therefore, believe that
now, again, adherence to the Laws of Allah
will bring about the same good results and their striving in the present
will make the future bright, and that this process of evolution will
continue even beyond death (57/12, 66/8). 5
The Muttaqeen are
blessed ones who lead their lives according to the Laws of Rabubiyyat
and whose efforts eventually bear fruit (23/1-11, 31/2-5). They wish to
follow the right path, warding off dangers inherent in taking the wrong
path. 6
As opposed to Muttaqeen,
there are K’afireen
who see the right path clearly, yet do not adopt it, being impelled by
their obstinacy, jealousy, vanity, and vested interests (2/89-90, 109,
27/14, 35/42-43, 47/32). They do not follow this path themselves, and
also prevent others from following it (6/26, 41/26, 43/32). Whether or
not the K’afireen
are warned about the disastrous consequences of following the wrong
path, it is the same for them. They will never adopt the right path
(36/70). 7
As a result of their outlook and actions, the K’afireen
lose their capacity for observation and comprehension. They, thus,
deprive themselves of the real joys of life, falling headlong into the
inferno of devastation. Indeed how pathetic is their end! 8 While the Muttaqeen and K’afireen accept or reject the truth openly, the Mun’afiqeen pay lip service to the truth of the Divine Code, the Law of Mukaf’at and life Hereafter, without believing in it. 9 They adopt two faced tactics towards Allah’s System and delude themselves into thinking that they are deceiving the Momineen who establish it. But if they were to reflect, they would realise that, in fact, they deceive only themselves. 10 Leading such a life results in a diseased mind and Allah’s Law is that He furthers such a mind. This situation compels them to persistent lying and what a torturous life they have to live in. 11 When they are asked not to spread Fas’ad (disorder) in society, they retort audaciously: “We do not spread fas’ad (disorder); rather we are the Musliheen i.e. those who promote order.” Beware! they, indeed, are the mufsideen who spread disorder. 12
It is amazing that these people fail to realise how the
discrepancy between their word and deed exposes their true self. 13
When it is said to them that they should also adopt and follow
the Divine Code as the Momineen
have done, they reply: “They are simpletons who do not understand what
is in their interest, and who forego present opportunities and benefits
in the false hope of constructing an ideal society. Should we too become
simpletons like them?” Beware! it is these Mun’afiqeen
who do not know what is in their interest and who are, indeed,
simpletons, since they do not even understand that to forego permanent
advantages for temporary gains is not a good trading. 14-15
Such is the duplicity of the Mun’afiqeen
that when they are with the followers of the Divine Code, they aver that
they too believe in the same truths, but when they meet their
ring-leaders in privacy, they say: “We are, in fact, with you. It is
only for the sake of appearance that we meet them. In reality, we mock
them by pretending to be on their side.” If they could only see that,
in accordance with Allah’s
Law of Mukaf’at, they mocked none but themselves ! Intoxicated with power, the Mun’afiqeen
let themselves loose in the whirlpool of perfidy. 16
These people fancy that they are very clever since their
deceitful ways bring them temporal returns; and feel smug about their
profitable trading. But, in fact, no one is more mistaken than they are,
because they have exchanged the wrong path for the right one. Such
trading cannot eventually prosper because the wrong path can never lead
to the ultimate destination prescribed for humanity. 17-18
These pursuers of temporary and
easy gains may be compared to one who, in the dark night of the jungle,
lights a fire to find the way and the fire brightens the surroundings
momentarily, but when it goes out, he finds himself in total darkness.
In other words, the glitter of quickly-acquired gains initially dazzles
the eyes like the fire in the wilderness. However, the brightness is
followed by a darkness which renders one incapable of seeing, hearing or
understanding (8/22). There is, then, no way left whereby such a person
can return to the right path. 19-20
Hypocrisy may lead to some gains,
but these gains are always mixed with losses, as a cloud which brings
life-giving rain is also accompanied by darkness, thunder and lightning.
The Mun’afiqeen
desire to profit from the rainfall but to be secure from the havoc
caused by thunder and lightning, they stuff their fingers in their ears
believing that they will not perish if they can shut out the terrifying
noises of the storm. They are unable to perceive that they cannot
protect themselves from lightning by simply shutting their ears, as Allah’s
Law of Mukaf’at encompasses all those who deny the truth (7/183, 29/54, 79/36,
82/16).
It needs also to be remembered that though lightening can
sometimes show the way to a traveller lost in the wilderness on a dark,
stormy night, it is not a sure guide since it occurs only in flashes,
each flash being succeeded by darkness deeper than before. Likewise,
human intellect, brightens the path only momentarily. It is the Divine
guidance which provides constant light to those who tread the right
path. If We had wished, We could dispossess the Mun’afiqeen of all means of acquiring knowledge (namely, the faculty of perception and hearing), so that they could not benefit from the means of nurture provided by nature. But we did not do this. We have prescribed Laws for all events in the universe and We do not infringe upon these Laws even though We have the power to do so. 21 Therefore, O Mankind! do not be deceived by the glitter of secular systems (17/18-20). It behoves you to adhere to the Laws of that Creator and Sustainer Who created you and your ancestors, and Who has brought the human race to the present state of evolution through various stages despite the destructive forces of nature (7/172). This is the only way you can shield yourself from the hazards of the journey. 22
You will find protection from life’s pitfalls only within the
universal system of Rabubiyyat
according to which Allah made
the earth a resting place for you and scattered various planets in the
atmosphere which remain in their orbits through mutual gravitation. Allah
also caused rain to come down from the sky so that means of nourishment
could be provided for you. It is evident that all means of sustenance
have been given to you unearned but Allah
alone is the owner and master of these means and you are permitted only
their use. Therefore, take care lest you make human beings masters of
these means. If you were to do this, it would be tantamount to Shirk,
or setting up rivals to Allah. 23 If after reviewing such persuasive arguments and clear evidence, you are still in doubt and perplexity about the truth or falsity of this Book (Code of life) which We have revealed to you through our Rasool, then there is a simple way to resolve this problem. Produce only one Surah like any Surahs from this Book (11/13, 10/38). If you cannot do this single-handedly, ask various thinkers in your society to co-operate with you in producing the like of just one Surah – accept this challenge to prove, if what you say is true. 24 But if you will not accept our challenge – and, for sure, you will not – and continue in your opposition, all of you – common and elite, leaders and followers alike – will fall into an inferno of devastation along with your wealth and glory. This devastation may occur through a war in which fire is kindled by human hands wielding destructive weapons or through an evil political system. In any case, this is the hell which those who deny and defy this Code of life have prepared for themselves (104/5-9). 25
In this turmoil, there is no cause for anxiety for those who
believe in the Divine Laws and in life’s higher values, and who follow
the plan designed by Allah for the actualisation of their potentialities. O Rasool!
tell them that they will, thereby, lead a life of bliss both here and in
the Hereafter. This promise of joy and success is not exclusive to your
present community. Whenever and wherever any community followed the
right path the outcome was similar (24/55, 39/74). Similar actions
always lead to similar consequences though forms of these may vary
according to the dictates of time. In the society to be formed by Momineen,
others who are like them in purity of conduct will become their
companions. As long as this society remains steadfastly rooted in the
foundations of the Divine Laws, it will continue to prosper and be safe
from disorder and disintegration. 26
We have likened such a society to a succulent garden Jannat,
and We have used analogies of delicious fruits for the rewards of good
deeds, since profound truths can best be explained only by perceptible
similitude. Hence Allah’s
Omnipotence is not compromised if He explains abstract truth in concrete
terms and if need arises will not hesitate to use any simile even that
of a humble creature such as a mosquito. Those who believe that the
revelation is from Allah will find these similes to be profoundly true whereas those
who deny this basic truth, will find faults with them and question Allah’s
motives for using them. It is not difficult to see how different
conclusions can be derived from the same premises depending upon one’s
mode of thinking, and how one can make the same premise the basis for
following either the wrong or the right path. those who follow the wrong
path do not wish to live within the limits prescribed by the Divine
Laws. 27 These people repudiate wholly the responsibilities vested in them by Allah’s Law of Universal Rabubiyyat and violate their covenant with the Divine System (9/111). By severing human relationships (13/21, 13/25) they fragment humanity into pieces on the basis of unnatural racial or national distinctions. They make individual self-seeking their primary motto in life, even though Allah’s System of Rabubiyyat demands that human beings should respect the bonds of humanity (2/213, 10/19, 31/28). They, thus, create disorder in society and eventually cause destruction. 28 Ask these people: “How can you deny the Divine Laws when your own existence is its living testament. Howsoever you reflect, you will have to acknowledge the fact that there was a time when there was no sign of life on earth (76/1). Then life appeared, and, going through stages of its evolution, reached the point when homo-sapiens emerged. Now you became conscious human beings worthy of being addressed as ‘You’ (32/9). From this process of creation it becomes clear that life was not created by you, but by Allah. Why should it then be difficult for Him to bring you back to life (44/56, 40/11) after you die? Life continues beyond death so that one’s deeds can be judged according to the Law of Mukaf’at. You cannot escape from the jurisdiction of this Law.” 29
This Law has been ordained by Allah
Who created you and also provided the means for your nourishment. If you
reflect you can see how numerous planets are functioning harmoniously in
the space (57/1-2). This is also happening in accordance with Allah’s
Laws Who has full knowledge about the latent potentialities and
requirements of everything. The purpose underlying the working of the universe is that human beings may be facilitated in following the right path (53/31, 11/7). In order to grasp this point it is essential to understand what constitutes the uniqueness of Man and his place in the creation. The story of Adam, which is narrated metaphorically, is, in fact, the story of mankind itself. In this story, Adam stands for Man, his mate for Woman, Malaika for forces of nature, Iblees (or Shait’an) for baser human desires which become a powerful impediment in the way of accepting or following the Divine Guidance. 30-31 When the time came for the homo-sapiens to dwell on earth succeeding earlier inhabitants (15/27), the Malaika were taken by surprise, because, until then their was no creature in the universe which could dare defy the Divine Laws (16/49-50). Man was given autonomy and freedom of the will which implied that he could even disobey the Laws of Allah. The Malaika therefore, said: “O Allah! what kind of creatures is this who is now being settled upon the earth? This creature will rebel against Your Law and, thereby, cause bloodshed and disorder. Contrariwise, we are always engaged in performing the duties entrusted upon us and do our utmost to manifest the beauty and symmetry of Your System.” Hearing this the Creator of the Universe said: “You do not know (the potentialities of Our new creations,) but We know them fully.” Each creation knows only its own functions but is unaware of how other things operate. Man, on the other hand, has been endowed with the capacity to acquire knowledge of how other things function and inter-relate, and how new things can be formed by combining existing elements. The Malaika were then asked: “Do you also have such a capability?” 32 The Malaika whereupon, said: “Your Plan extends much beyond the limits of our vision. We only have the knowledge which has been given to us, and do not have the capacity to acquire any more. You have complete knowledge of the entire Universe and only You know Your Plans.” 33
Thereupon Allah asked
Adam to tell the Malaika what
he knew, and when Adam informed them as to how the things function in
the universe, He addressing the Malaika
said, “Didn’t I tell you that We know all about Our creations and
creatures which you cannot know. We also know how you are functioning at
present and what your latent potentialities are.” 34 Hearing this, the Malaika bowed before man but Iblees did not do so and chose to be defiant and thus became one of those who deny the truth. 35 When Man was made a settler upon the earth, at first his needs were very limited and the means of nourishment were plentiful (20/118). The system which prevailed at that time had no distinction of yours and mine, and the means of sustenance were available everywhere, satisfying every one’s needs. There was thus no conflict, no differences and no dissension amongst human beings who lived like one family (2/213, 10/19). They were warned: “If you start mutual conflict, this paradisaic life will be taken away from you and you will find yourselves involved in a grim and bitter struggle simply to secure means of survival. This will create chaos.” 36
However, driven by their selfishness, human beings began to live
according to their own self-made system. As a result of this they lost
their blissful life. Humanity was split into different races, tribes and
nations with enmity amongst them, and resources provided for
humanity’s survival and development were usurped by those with the
greatest power. But human beings had to live on earth for a long time and everyone needed means of subsistence. Was there then no solution for this problem which human beings had created for themselves? 37
Indeed there was a solution, but Man could not discover it
through his intellect alone, since human reason, while it could show him
the ways to safeguard his individual interest, could not persuade him to
be heedful of humanity’s security and survival. Mankind could regain
its blissful life only through Divine Guidance. Surely He is
Oft-Returning and Raheem. 38-39 When Man lost his blissful life, he was told, “Do not be despondent. We shall send you Our Guidance through Our Rusul (7/35) and those who will order their lives in accordance therewith, will suffer no fear and sorrow (20/123-24). On the other hand, those who reject Our Guidance would lead a life of constant torment in this world and beyond.” This then is a symbolic narrative of Adam’s life and what it means. 40 A living illustration of the principle explained above i.e. the people following the Divine Laws shall prosper and those deviating from them will be ruined, is the Bani-Isr’ael who are (O Rasool) vehemently opposing these Laws at this time. Say to them: “Recall that period of your history when you led your lives according to Allah’s Laws, how happy, successful and eminent you were then. But when you discarded the right path, you also witnessed the consequences which were disgrace and ignominy (2/61). Now, once again, you have the opportunity to regain your lost paradise if you wish to do so. If you fulfil your covenant with Me (by adherence to My Laws) you will see that I will reciprocate by fulfilling the assurances given to you (9/111). This necessitates that you dispel the fear of ungodly forces from your heart and only submit to My Laws, fearing the disastrous consequences of repudiating them.” 41 This would entail that you believe in this Code of Laws (Quran), that we have revealed (through this Rasool). Allah had made certain promises with you – and these promises are contained in your scriptures – but these promises were not fulfilled since you did not keep your covenant with Allah. Now, the Quran reaffirms those promises which will be fulfilled if you act in accordance with the Divine Laws. You, therefore, ought to have accepted the Quran eagerly, but, on the contrary, you took a lead in opposing it. We know that you have certain material advantages due to your religious leadership (10/69-70, 56/80-82), but the benefits you would derive by following this Code would far exceed your present gains. Hence you must live in accordance with it. 42 At present you tend either to conceal the truth (2/159) or (by mixing Divine Revelation with your self-made traditions) to confound the truth with falsehood in such a manner that what is false appears to be true. You do all this knowingly for your vested interests. 43
Abandon this course of action and (after adopting the Quran
as your Code of life) establish Niz’am-us-Sal’at, keeping open to mankind the means for its development. You will,
thus be amongst those who submit to Divine Laws (19/119, 89/29). 44
One of the results of your following the wrong path is that
strange contradictions and hypocrisy have appeared in your life. You
counsel others to do good and be broad-minded (2/177) but when it comes
to your own selves
you forget it. You claim that you follow the Book of Allah.
Ask yourselves if Allah’s
Book would teach you to follow such a path. 45-48
The Development of your
potentialities and the correct ordering of your life is possible only
if, you adhere to the Niz’am-us-Sal’at (2/153) with steadfastness and courage. Since you have become
habituated to following the easy way of your self-made Shari’at, you will find
the path of Deen difficult to
travel. But if you keep in mind that you will eventually have to
confront Allah’s Law of Mukaf’at, you may be
able to overcome your egotistical tendencies and adhere to the Divine
Laws. You need not be told the consequences of adherence to these Laws.
You have witnessed them yourselves. When you adhered to them you were
blessed with all the boons of life and were pre-eminent amongst your
contemporaries (2/122). When you gave up your adherence, your respect
for Law and justice disappeared. But this state of affairs can continue
no longer for when the Quranic Order is established no one shall avail another in anything,
nor shall any intercession of one for another be considered, nor shall
any form of compensation be accepted neither shall they be succoured
(6/165, 2/123). This would be the case both in this world and in the
Hereafter. 49
(Returning to your history) recall the time when you were in
servitude to the Pharaoh who inflicted many torments upon you, the worst
of which was that he created dissension amongst you (28/24). He degraded
those respected members of your community who had courage and vitality
and posed a danger to him (particularly those who believed in Moses –
90/25) while elevating those who were devoid of such qualities. Thus you
as a people became weak (This is how the politics of despotism works –
27/34). When you submitted to the Divine Laws, Allah
delivered you from Pharaoh’s grip. This was a great turning-point in
your life. 50
And then (after the conflict with the Pharaoh) you left Egypt and
the Pharaoh’s army pursued you till you reached the sea. The
Pharaoh’s army blocked your retreat while the water lay in front of
you, but We showed you a way out and thus rescued you while the Pharaoh
and his army were all drowned. All this you observed yourselves (7/138,
10/90, 20/77, 26/63, 44/24). 51 And having reached the valley of Sinai, Moses, following Our Command, left you for forty nights (7/142). During this short break you started worshipping the calf [*1] and thus rebelled against the Divine Laws. 52-53
In spite of this, we did not reject
you. Instead, We removed the ill-effects of your wrong-doings and
afforded you another opportunity to foster your potentialities. We gave
to Moses a Code of Laws which provided a clear criterion for
distinguishing between truth and falsehood. This was given, so that in
the light of this Code you should safely reach your destination. 54
When (after forty nights) Moses returned and saw his people
engaged in calf-worship, he said: “By worshipping this calf you have
harmed your-own-selves and your action has caused you to fall far below
the level of humanity (7/152). You can make amends by admitting your
wrong-doing and submitting to the Divine Laws with profound meekness and
humility. This is the only way to benefit from the Divine Laws. And the
characteristic of this Law is that whoever turns towards them, they also
respond with full loads of nourishing qualities.” 55
We had given you a clear Code of Laws. Had you followed it, the
results would themselves have convinced you of its Divine origin. But
instead of following this Code and recognising Allah
through its workings, you said to Moses “We are not prepared to accept
anything you say till we see Allah
with our own eyes.” You had demanded to see Allah
unveiled but were terrified even by the thundering noise of the
earthquake (7/155), although you fully understood the source of the
noise. 56
Even after that We revived you and afforded you the opportunity
to foster your potentialities so that liberated from the
death-inflicting effects of bondage, you could live your new life as
free human beings. 57
For this, you were given an abundance of worldly goods, unearned.
In this desert you were shaded by heavy clouds and you ate delicious
food – the meat of fowl and Manna. But even then you did not follow
Our Laws steadfastly. By your conduct you did not harm anyone but
your-own-selves. 58
We had expected that you would live in the city successfully
(5/21), and be able to use the means of nurture, as and when you chose,
provided you adhered to Our Laws. This way your mode of living like a
homeless gypsy would have ended. Thus, you would not only have been
protected from the ill-effects of the wrongs already committed by you
but your successes would also have been further increased. 59
But you preferred a life of ease and lethargy to one of struggle
and discipline (2/61), and thus, deviating from the path revealed by Us,
followed one of your own choice. As a result you lost your strength and
courage (5/22-24). Consequently you could not take possession of the
land for forty years which had been promised to you (5/26). 60
Recall also how when confronted with shortage of water, Moses
sought Our help and We directed him to the place where water-springs lay
concealed. He reached that spot with his people, removed the earth from
the rocks, and from thence, not one or two, but twelve springs gushed
forth. He allocated one spring to each tribe. We told you at that time
that since your physical needs were being fulfilled now you ought not to
cause the disintegration of your society through disorder and inequity. 61
As mentioned earlier (2/59), you preferred an easy life to
soldierly discipline and said to Moses: “(In this desert life) we
cannot eat the same wild food morning and evening. You should ask your
Sustainer for cultivated produce such as vegetables, herbs, cucumbers,
garlic, different kinds of corn and lentils, onions etc.”
(The life of the desert, had, in fact been a training ground for
them where they could acquire soldierly discipline, and its food was
such that it would have energised them.)
Moses answered “(Alas!) if you prefer an inferior life to the
superior one that is being offered to you then go and live in a city
where you will find what you want.”
As a result of their choice, they lost the capability to be
strong and creative and developed traits of subservience and apathy,
which led to their disgrace and humiliation. They suffered such
punishment because they refused to live according to the Divine Laws,
and instead of honouring their Anbia,
sought to degrade them unjustly, and sometimes even to kill them
(3/182), 2/87) thus transgressing the limits set by Allah. 62
This has been your record, but in spite of it, you believe that
you are Allah’s chosen off-springs (5/18) and that paradise is reserved
for your race (2/111). This is your vain imagining. Paradise is not
reserved for any race. Our Law is that, irrespective of origin, any
person from amongst the following:- 1. Jews, Christians, Sabaeans; 2. Those who believe in Allah without formally adopting any particular religion; and 3. Those who are Muslim only by virtue of being born in a Muslim family. Whoever
believes in Allah’s Law of Mukaf’at, as revealed to you O Rasool
(2/137) and leads his life accordingly, will be duly compensated. Such a
person will lead a life of heavenly bliss, free of fear, grief and
anxiety. 63 After this digression, return to your history, and recall to your mind as to how you were given physical security by being placed in a valley with a mountain protecting you from the back, and how a Code of Laws was given to you for your guidance. We had also asked you to hold fast to this Code and always bear in mind all that is therein, so that you may remain safe from all the pitfalls and dangers around you. 64
You had been asked to hold fast to the Laws revealed to you. You
made a firm promise to do so but you violated your covenant. Due to Our
Law of Respite you were not held to account for your actions at once;
else you would have faced immediate ruin. 65
As a result of deviating from the Divine Laws your character had
degenerated to such a degree that when you were asked to refrain from
business and fishing for one day in the week (7/163) your avarice would
not permit you to comply with even such a minor restriction (16/124,
4/154). Through such actions you degraded your humanity and became
objects of ridicule and scorn. 66 Your degeneration and wretchedness served as a lesson to all peoples – your contemporaries as well as later generations – teaching them how to be safe from such calamities as you brought upon yourselves. 67 Your habit of excuse-making became so entrenched that when you were asked by Allah to slaughter a bull so that your hearts would be purged of dedication to calf-worship, you began to ridicule the order even though you knew that the Divine Decree was communicated to you through a Nabi and that it was not appropriate for a Nabi to talk ignorantly. 68 Then you started a hair-splitting discussion unnecessarily, saying: “Ask Allah to state unequivocally what kind of a bull is to be sacrificed.” You were told: “The bull should neither be too young nor too old but of mature age,” and that you should not dilly-dally in carrying out the order. 69 You said: “No, the matter is still not clear to us. Ask your Rabb to tell us what the colour of the bull should be.” You were told: “It should be of a deep yellow hue pleasing to the onlookers’ eyes.” 70
Still, you did not wish to comply and for the sake of further
disputation, said: “The matter is still somewhat unclear; elaborate
further so that we should know exactly what is required and then we
would act accordingly.” 71 You were told: “The bull should be sound and unmarked never having been used in a yoke for tilling or drawing water.” You said: “Yes, now you have clarified the matter fully.” You resorted to such quibbling over such a trifling issue, not because the matter was not clear to you. You knew it well that We wanted you to slaughter a bull because of your calf-worship. But you did not want to do so due to your devotion to the calf (2/93). 72 Whilst you were so reluctant to slaughter an animal, you took a human life unjustly and blamed one another for the murder. But Allah wanted to unveil what you were concealing so that the crime should not remain unpunished. 73 The psychological condition of superstitious people is such that anything out of the ordinary causes them to be fearful (22/31). Knowing this, Allah said: “Ask all those whom you suspect of the murder to touch some part of the corpse.” (When the culprit came close to the corpse his fearful demeanour gave him away.) Thus Allah unveiled the murderer who was punished for his crime. Retributive justice which punishes criminals safeguards a nation’s life (2/179). You should therefore, use your intellect and insight to solve such problems (13/11). 74
You went through cycles of disintegration and reconstruction and
finally you turned away completely from the Code of Divine Laws and this
hardened your hearts even more than stones, for there are some stones
from which streams or springs issue forth and which become so soft
leaving aside their position of hardness in front of Allah’s
Laws that they can easily be ground. But your hearts are such that they
do not soften out of compassion for humanity nor do they submit to the
Divine Laws. You will be judged according to the Law of Mukaf’at
and suffer the consequences of your actions. 75 O Jama’at-ul-Momineen! do you think that such people can ever co-operate with you, as you desire them to? Amongst them there is a group (of religious leaders) who hear and understand Divine Laws and then deliberately alter them or interpret them in such a way that the truth is distorted. The rest of the people follow this group. How can people who act thus be expected to accept the truth? 76 You assume that these people are honest and truthful – as they profess to be in your presence – but when they meet together in privacy, they say: “We may intermingle with them but should be cautious lest we divulge those things in our sacred books which they may use against us.” This position you should comprehend fully. 77 But they do not realise that they seek to hide from Allah what He Himself had revealed to them. Ask them: “How can anything remain hidden from Allah?”. He knows fully well what these people reveal and conceal. 78-79 These people practice deception not only on others but also amongst themselves. The illiterate ones amongst them do not know what Allah has revealed and refer their questions about the Shari’at to their religious leaders. The latter frame the Laws of the Shari’at themselves but tell the former that these Laws are Divine. Thus they deceive others just to secure a paltry price for it, not realising that their fabrication of the Shari’at and their use of it as means of livelihood will bring about their ruin (56/82). 80-81 Also self-deceived, they say to themselves: “No matter what we do, we will not be held to account for it. At the most we will spend a short time in hell (till our intercessors secure our forgiveness from Allah)”. Ask them: “Have you obtained a promise from Allah to such effect? If you have, then what you say must come to pass because Allah never goes back on His promise. You have, however, no proof to substantiate this.” Allah’s unchangeable Law of Mukaf’at is that whenever a people become accustomed to violating Divine Laws and engulf their entire society in this mode of conduct, the inevitable result is disorder and perpetual destruction. 82
Contrary to the above, a people who believe in these Laws and
follow them, will be blessed with an eternal paradise-like life (2/112). 83
It was never your covenant with Allah
that you would not be held accountable for your actions. It was that you
would adhere to the Laws of none other than Allah,
treat your (elderly) parents well, and also help your relatives
including orphans and others in need so that the equilibrium of society
is not disrupted. You had also promised that you would deal congenially
with the common people and exhort them to do good deeds. Furthermore,
you had promised to establish the Niz’am-us-Sal’at
and just economic order.
After making these promises, however, you started looking for
ways to evade fulfilling them and except for a few, the rest abandoned
the right path, and you backslide even now. 84
You had also promised that you would not engage in mutual
bloodshed nor would you turn the weaker amongst you out of their
dwellings. Such promises you had made after consideration of all
relevant factors, and you have testified to that. 85
These were the pledges you made but you continued shedding each
other’s blood and turning the weak amongst you out of their homes.
Your society, instead of taking the criminals to task, encouraged them
to evil acts. When the homeless people were taken captive you secured
their release and thought that by paying the ransom you had done a very
pious deed, whereas the expelling of these people from their homes was a
heinous crime which you had been forbidden to commit. Such is your state
of mind that you accept one part of Allah’s Code of Laws and deny another. When people make it a way
of life to follow that part of the Divine Code which they think serves
their interest, and forsake the rest, they are bound to suffer failure
and disgrace in this world and commitment to most grievous suffering in
the Hereafter. This is the inevitable result of fragmenting Allah’s
Code: it should be accepted or rejected in
toto. And also bear in mind that according to the Law of Mukaf’at, no action of yours remains hidden. 86
These (above mentioned) people trade the happiness of their
future life for worldly comforts. Their ignoble condition is aggravated
with time and no one can rescue them from it. 87 The process of revealing the Divine Laws to you did not end with Moses but continued after him. The last in the series of your Anbia was Jesus, son of Mary. To him, We had given revelation in an authentic form which was strengthened by solid reasoning. This gave him great strength and confidence. But you adulterated whatever remained with you of the revelations given to previous Anbia. Such has been your way that whenever any Rasool opposed your interest or inclination, you became stubbornly resistant. You insulted some Rusul and even plotted to kill others. You are now acting the same way towards this Book so that it may be changed according to your desires (10/15, 11/113, 17/74, 39/45, 68/9). 88
Such is their hatred of Quranic
teachings, that they cannot stand to hear it, much less reflect upon it.
They say: “It does not reach our hearts.” Tell them that it is not
the case that this message does not reach their hearts; the fact is that
they have lost the capability to reflect. Such persons pre-determine
that they will not accept what they do not want to accept. Very few
persons with this kind of mentality will ponder over the truth and
accept it. 89
How strange that they reject that Book which validates those
moral values which were instrumental in their gaining ascendancy over K’afireen!
They know well that this Book is from Allah,
but still reject it. This rejection does not affect the Divine Code but
because of it they have been deprived of the salutary results which
follow from its implementation. 90 Actually the reason underlying their rejection of the Quran is that they are jealous of the fact that this Rasool is not an Isr’aeli. Nubuwwat is bestowed by Allah upon whoever is considered worthy of it (and nationality, country, language and colour has nothing to do with this). As a result of their obstinacy they lost all the joys and hopes of life. What a poor bargain they made in exchange for their lives! This is what ultimately happens to those people who rebel against the Divine Laws. 91
When it is said to them: “Come! believe in the truth of this
Divine Code,” they answer: “No, we will only believe in what was
revealed to us and are not prepared to accept any other teaching.”
They say this even though the Quran (is not against the teachings authentically revealed to them
and) validates revealed and un-adulterated values and claims which they
already uphold.
Ask them! “If your only objection to the Quran
is that it was revealed to a non-Isr’aeli,
why did you humiliate the Isr’aeli
Anbia, rendering their
teaching ineffective and sometimes even killing them?” 92 Leave aside the other Anbia of Isr’ael, what did you do to Moses himself? He brought to you a clear Code of Laws but during his short absence you took to calf-worship. Surely you transgressed the imposed limits. 93 (As has been stated earlier in 2/63) when in the valley you gave Us your firm pledge to adhere wholeheartedly to the Divine Code, you were asked to reflect upon it deeply. You said that you had done so, but instead of adhering to the Divine Laws you defied them because reverence for the calf had permeated your being. Say to them: “This is your previous record. Therefore, when you say that you do not accept the Quran out of loyalty to the Divine Revelation which you had received, you deceive yourselves and others. If such beliefs and actions are the outcome of your Ei’man, woe be upon such Ei’man.” 94 Say to them: “If you truly believe in your claim that you are Allah’s beloved offspring (5/18) and that paradise is reserved for you (2/80) with no place for non-Isr’aelis (2/111) then you should not be afraid of death. Rather, you should yearn for it.” Readiness to die is the first test of right conduct (11/7, 67/2). 95 They will never want to die since they realise what preparations they have made for the next world. Allah is well-acquainted with such deceitful people. 96 So, far from invoking death, these people are even more greedy for life than Arab Mushrikeen. Each of them longs to live for a thousand years. But they do not realise that even if they were to live for a thousand years it would not be possible for them to escape from the disastrous consequences of their wrong doings? All that people do, is under constant vigilance of Allah’s Law of Mukaf’at. 97 These people are offended with Gabriel for delivering revelation to a non-Isr’aeli Prophet (2/90). Say to them: “There is no reason for being offended with Gabriel because he does not, of his own accord, deliver revelation to anyone. By Allah’s Decree, through Gabriel, the Quran descended upon Qalb-e-Muhammad breast. Secondly, the Quran validates what you claim to believe and thirdly, whosoever believes in this revelation and acts upon it, will benefit.” 98 Tell them that their criticism of Gabriel extends to Allah Himself and to all the Malaika including Gabriel & Michael and Rusul. This kind of criticism is tantamount to Kufr. How can Allah be a friend to those who behave in this way? 99 Say to them: “Despite your opposition and jealousy, Allah has given this clear Guidance to me and only those who have forsaken the right path will deny this.” 100 This is the state of their belief. As regards their practical life, when an agreement is made on behalf of the entire community by its representative, it is repudiated by some of them who regard the agreement as a piece of waste paper. This is because most of them have no faith in the Divine Laws. 101
O Rasool! their opposition to you is not a new phenomenon. They have
been behaving in this manner in the past. For instance, when Jesus who
was from the Bani-Isr’ael and mentioned in
their scriptures, come to them as a Rasool,
a group from amongst them, rejected his teachings as if they had no
knowledge about it. 102
The fact is that these people never adhered to Allah’s
Books and remained preoccupied with their self-created myths and
legends. One of these myths was that Solomon had turned away from the
Divine Truths and became devoted to magical practices and sorcery.
How could Solomon act in such a K’afir-like manner? Such evil practices were followed not by Solomon
but by those mischievous ring-leaders who taught witchcraft to people
themselves and attributed it to Solomon. Another myth was that in Babel
there were two Malaika named Haroot
and Maroot who had been sent by Allah.
People approached them to learn magic by which they could cause
dissension between spouses. Before complying, however, the Malaika would warn the people clearly that they were a fitna
and that they should not learn magic and become Kuff’ar. (But despite
this warning, people learned magic – such was its fascination.) All
these were nothing but fanciful stories, for there were no such Malaika in Babel nor had Allah
taught Haroot and Maroot
any magic.
As far as magical charms or spells are concerned, they cannot
harm anyone since all good or evil occurs in accordance with the Divine
Laws. Those who profess to practice magic acquire some worldly benefits
but ultimately they are the losers since temporary gains are
insignificant in comparison to the eternal happiness. Alas! if only they
could understand such an evident truth. 103
If, instead of being entangled in these myths, these people had
believed in Quranic truths and followed Divine Laws, they would have received
excellent benefits from Allah.
Alas! if only they could understand such an evident truth. 104 O Jama’at-ul-Momineen! at this juncture it is necessary to understand an important point. You have seen that the mentality of the Jews was such that they constantly bargained with Moses saying: “We will obey you if you will accept our demands.” Such an attitude is wrong. Do not engage in such bargaining with your system; instead say to your Rasool: “We will certainly obey the Divine Laws. Kindly keep an eye on us lest we deviate from the right path.” Also take note that words with double meaning should not be used nor should the truth be reported in a partial or distorted form as was the habit of the Jews (4/46). Remember! such things appear very ordinary but their effects are far-reaching. And those people who reject these facts are destined to receive grievous sufferings. 105
Those from amongst the Ahl-ul-Kit’ab and Arab Mushrikeen who
have not so far embraced Islam cannot bear to see that you should
receive a revelation from Allah
(3/71, 16/30), and through it, obtain the boons of life. But their
wishes are irrelevant in this matter. In accordance with His Scheme, Allah
sends His Revelation to those He considers worthy of receiving it. The
message of revelation, however, is open to all, and anyone who wishes to
benefit from it, can do so – for Allah
is limitless in His great bounty. 106
The Ahl-ul-Kit’ab also question the need for a new revelation (Quran)
when previous revelations from Allah
existed. They further ask that if the Quran
was from Allah why did it
contain injunctions which were contrary to the earlier revelation (The
Torah).
Tell them that Our way of sending revelation to successive Anbia
is that: 1. injunctions given in earlier revelations which were meant only for a particular time, are replaced by other injunctions, and 2.
injunctions which were to remain in force permanently but were
abandoned, forgotten or adulterated by the followers of previous Anbia
are given again in their original form (22/52). And all this happens in accordance with Our laid down standards, over which We have complete control. Now this last Code of life which contains the truth of all previous revelations (5/48), is complete in every respect (6/116), and will always be preserved (15/9), has been given. 107
Say to them that no one can question why Allah
has adopted such a system of revelation. Do they not know that Allah Who is sovereign over the Universe, alone knows which Law is
to be revealed and at what time? (Say to them that) if knowing this
fact, they still refuse to obey this Code of Laws, they will find out
that no other code can resolve the problems and difficulties of life. 108
In this context, O Jama’at-ul-Momineen!,
You too must note that the Quran
contains all the Laws which Allah
intended to reveal and what is not mentioned therein is not an oversight
on Allah’s part. Hence do
not ask your Rasool questions
about Laws which the Quran
does not mention as the Bani-Isr’ael
used to ask Moses (the result of such probing was that they made
extra-revelatory Laws a part of an unchangeable Shari’at and when they found this Shari’at
impracticable they repudiated their Deen
itself (5/101)). You must not do the same thing. And whoever after
professing Ei’man reverts to Kufr,
surely loses the right direction. 109
Most of the Ahl-ul-Kit’ab wish to turn you away from Ei’man
towards Kufr not because they do not understand the truth – the truth has
been revealed to them clearly – but on account of their jealousy. You
should not waste your time and energy by getting entangled with these
people. Until the decisive moment arrives, pay no attention to them and
continue to work for the accomplishment of your programme (5/13, 15/85,
73/10, 74/11). Allah knows
what course of action should be adopted at a particular time. 110
Your programme will be completed with the establishment of Niz’am-us-Sal’at and Zak’at.
During the initial phase you will feel that your efforts do not bear
fruit. Be sure that your efforts will not be wasted. In due course of
time you will see the fruits of your labour according to Allah’s
Law of Mukaf’at (2/3). Surely all your deeds are under constant monitoring by Allah’s
Law of Mukaf’at. 111 The Ahl-ul-Kit’ab i.e. Jews and Christian, claim that paradise is reserved for them (2/111). This is their wishful thinking. Tell them to substantiate their claims in rational terms, if what they say in true. 112 The Law of Mukaf’at is that Paradise is attained by living in accordance with the Divine Laws and not through wishful thinking. Those who attain Paradise will be free from fear and anxiety. 113
The Jews and Christians put up a united front against you, but
have serious mutual enmity. The Jews accuse the Christians of having no
true religion and the Christian retort likewise. The paradox is that
both claim to follow Books of Revelation. Like them, the Arab Mushrikeen
who are bitterly divided amongst themselves are united in their
opposition to you. They also assert that their beliefs are founded upon
truth though they have no revealed books. Conflict is the necessary
result of factionalism. Their differences (which are a sign of being
alienated from Allah – 3/104) will not be obliterated until a system in
accordance with the Quran has
been established and all obey one single Code of Laws (11/118-119). 114
The Quran’s
revolutionary system is being founded by the Jama’at-ul-Momineen
with Mas’ajid as their
centres of activity, where people are instructed to submit only to Allah’s Law. Can anyone be a greater enemy to humanity than those
who are striving to break up this system and put up all kinds of
barriers to prevent the implementation of Allah’s
Laws? (72/18). If anyone comes to these centres, he should have come
without insurgency in his heart. Those who cause disintegration of the Quranic
system will be degraded and disgraced in this world and in the
Hereafter. 115 They should realise that even if they do not let the Divinely-designed system be established in this place (Makkah), the system will not fail. This system is not confined to any particular place. This is the system of Allah Who transcends the limitations of time and space. Therefore, (O Jama’at-ul-Momineen!) whenever you turn to Allah you will find the way that leads to Him. Allah’s System is very extensive and based entirely on knowledge and wisdom. 116-117
Ask the Christians: “How can you
justify your belief in Allah
when you conceive Him as having a son. You have brought Allah to the level of human beings who stand in need of progeny as
helpers. Nay, He is far above this concept. His is, all that is in the
heavens and the earth and everything therein devoutly follows His Laws. Allah
is Omnipotent and has brought such a colossal universe into existence
from nothingness. His manner of creation is that when He decides to
create a particular thing, the process of its coming into existence
begins at once.” The possessor of such powers has no requirement for a
son. 118 Those amongst them who do not understand what Revelation is and how it is given to Anbia, say: “If Allah wishes to guide us why does He not talk to us directly or show us some miracle whereby we could recognise that this revelation is indeed from Allah?” Such a demand had also been made in the past by people with a similar mentality. Those who understand the nature of Revelation do not make such a demand. 119 It is in accordance with Our Plan that We have sent you, O Rasool! with truth so that you may give glad tidings to those who live in accordance with Allah’s Revelation and a warning to those who do the opposite (13/40). If the latter do not pay heed to your warning that they would be destroyed, you will not be held responsible for their agonising end. 120 These Jews and Christians have predetermined that they will not be pleased with you until you (O Rasool) leave your path and follow theirs. Say to them: “The question is not whether mine or yours is the right path. Only that path can be the right one which is shown by Allah’s Revelation which you do not have in its original form but the Quran preserves it.”
(O Rasool, supposing)
if, after having received Allah’s
Revelation, you begin to follow the path of these people, you will
become like them, and none will be able to save you from the disastrous
consequences of following the wrong path (7/3, 10/109, 13/37). 121 Those to whom this Code of Laws (Quran) has been given, and who follow it as it ought to be followed, are the Momineen. While those who deny its validity do not belong to this class. Such people will eventually be the losers. 122 What We have said before is based on facts. Hence say to these Jews (Bani-Isr’ael): “Recall the period of your history when you accepted Allah’s Guidance, you received the bounties of life and gained supremacy over your contemporaries.” 123
When you gave up your adherence, your respect for Law and justice
disappeared. But this state of affairs can continue no longer, for when
the Quranic Order is established, no one shall avail another in
anything, nor shall any intercession of one another be considered, nor
shall any form of compensation be accepted, neither shall they be
succoured. This would be the case in this world and in the Hereafter
(2/48) . 124 Doubtless, great courage and fortitude is required to uphold a system based on truth and justice, but history bears witness that there have been people who have done so. You are familiar with the life of your illustrious forbear Abraham who could have inherited the office of the highest religious leader if he had followed in the footsteps of his father. But he disdainfully refused to do so and with absolute determination and steadfastness stood up for the establishment of the System designed by Allah (37/83-97, 60/4). As a result of this, he had to pass through many grim circumstances. When he had confronted them successfully, he was declared to be worthy of being the Imam of the human race and its model. On receiving such honours, Abraham asked Allah if his progeny would also inherit them. The answer was that if his progeny deviated from the right path they would be deprived of them. 125 This system of which the K’aba has been declared as a centre, is the one which Abraham had established in order to bring all humanity together and bring about universal peace. O Jama’at-ul-Momineen!, if you aspire to attain Abraham’s standing then you must follow his path and emulate his conduct.
We had insisted that (the builders of the K’aba)
Abraham and Ishm’ael should make this place the centre of a Universal
system undefiled by man-made beliefs and ideas. This centre was to be
reserved for the organisation and training of Momineen
who submit to the Laws of Allah
and their purpose in life would be to keep a vigil so that humanity is
protected from danger, and to resolve its knotty problems. 126
Building the K’aba,
Abraham prayed to Allah, “O
Sustainer of all creation, make this habitat a sanctuary for the
oppressed people of the world (95/3) and grant the bounties of life
abundantly (14/37) to those who believe in the truth of Your Laws and in
the Hereafter.” Allah said: “Verily they will receive life’s bounties. Regarding those who reject the Divine Laws, they too in accordance with Our physical Laws, will obtain the immediate gains of life (17/18-20) but eventually become wretched, having been dragged, in complete helplessness to this miserable position; how vile a journey’s end.” 127-129 Continuing their prayer as they raised the walls of the K’aba, Abraham and Ishm’ael said: “O our Sustainer! accept our humble efforts because you are fully aware regarding what we speak and what is hidden in our hearts. Our supplication is that by associating with this centre, we and our future generations should live according to Your Code of Laws. O Our Sustainer! show us the way whereby we can reach the destination You have prescribed for humanity and continue to receive Your bounties and blessings for such is Your Law that it brings the means of nurture to anyone who makes an effort to obey it (2/186). O
our Nurturer, let our progeny continue in our steps until that Rasool should arise from amongst them who would give Your Code of
Laws to all humanity and teach them to the Momineen
explaining to them their why and wherefore (6/116). He would also
establish a system wherein their potentialities are actualised and
utilised according to Your Guidance and such a system can only be
established by the one who possesses power blended with wisdom. Most
certainly You alone are Al-Mighty, Wise.” 130 This was the way of life followed by Abraham which made him the chosen one both in this world and in the Hereafter. Is it now obvious that only that person would reject Abraham’s way who has never thought about the value of his personality and its development? 131
This actually was the way of Abraham who when asked by his
Sustainer to submit to His Laws, said, “I am at Your service,” and
complied fully with those Laws. 132
He also exhorted his sons to do so. Likewise (the venerable
ancestor of the Jews) Jacob also upheld the same way of life, and told
his children: “This system of life is that which Allah
chose for you. Hence you should live according to it throughout your
life.” 133 Do you know what Jacob said to his children at the time of his death? He asked them whose authority they would accept after him. They said that they would remain obedient to the Laws of Allah as did his forefathers Abraham, Ishm’ael and Isaac, the Absolute Authority in the Universe and to His Laws do we surrender. 134 Such were the forbears of the Jews – each one living his life according to Allah’s Laws. Now they assume that merely on the basis of being the offspring of such worthy ancestors they will be blessed with the same bounties of life. Say to them: “Actions produce their own results which cannot be inherited. Your ancestors reaped the fruits of what they sowed and you will reap what you have sown. On the Day of Judgement you will be questioned about your own deeds and not about the deeds of your forbears.” 135 They (Jews and Christians) say: “You can be considered to be following the right path only if you follow our way.” Tell them: “Why do you not invite people to follow Abraham’s way? Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian (3/66). He was a true follower of the Divinely Ordained Path and did not associate anyone with Allah.” 136 Tell them: “We believe in Allah and in that Code of Life which He has sent us (through this Rasool). Essentially, this Code of life is like the ones which, in earlier times, were given to Abraham, Ishm’ael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Jesus and in fact all the other Anbia. We believe that each of them was a part of the same series and make no distinction amongst them as Anbia.” This is our Ei’man. 137 Say to them: “If you will profess Ei’man as we have done, then you will also be following the right path. If you repudiate it, this will be tantamount to an abandonment of the path followed by the Anbia.”
If they do not follow this way and remain stubbornly resistant
and hostile to you, you should no worry about it. Our System to which
you adhere is capable of protecting you from them and this System is
devised by Him Who alone is All-Hearing All-Knowing. 138 Say to the Christians: “Salvation is not acquired through baptism by water. It is achieved through harmony with the Divine Laws.” Say to them: “This is the way we have chosen for ourselves.” 139 Tell them: “You believe in Allah Whose blessings are confined to Bani-Isr’ael, whereas we believe in Allah whose Rabubiyyat is open to all human beings. Do you quarrel with our concept of Allah? If you do so, it is your own business. We are responsible only for ourselves and not for you. And our allegiance is for Him only.”
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