Surah al-Furqan is
the 25th Surah revealed in Makkah. The Surah may be conveniently divided into three parts; one part to the
idolaters, second part may be related to the “unity” of Allah, and the last
part about the “Servants of Allah” and the true believers and their unique
characteristics. Although, these superior qualities point towards the
Infallible Imams, but the believers may struggle to acquire and achieve as much
as humanly possible.
Allah describes
the twelve qualities and characteristics of those “Selected and Special”
personalities from Ayah 63 to Ayah 73.
Ayah 63: The servants of All-Beneficent are those
who walk humbly on the earth, and when the ignorant address them, they say, “Peace”. The moral character
of a person is evident from his speech and behavior. Courtesy and grace is the
key of faith while pride and arrogance are the keys of faithlessness. Humbleness
negates the arrogance and pride in a person. Similarly, Allah warns against arrogance in Ayah 37 of al-Isra which says: “Do not
walk proudly on the earth; your feet cannot tear apart the earth nor are you as
tall as the mountains.”
The second
characteristic of the “Servants of Allah” is that when the ignorant commits
any unethical behavior, they very politely wish them peace and ignore them.
They exhibit patience and clemency towards them.
Ayah 64: “Those
who spend the night for their Lord, prostrating and standing (in worship)”.
The third
characteristic of the “Servants of Allah” is they recite Night Prayer or
Namaz-e-Shab. They brighten their heart and soul with the remembrance of
Allah. In the serenity of night, when the world is sleeping, they prefer to
supplicate with their Creator.
Ayah 65: “Those
who say, Our Lord! Turn away from us the punishment of Hell. Indeed, its
punishment is enduring.”
This is the fourth
characteristic of the “Servant of Allah.” Although, they were standing in
Namaz-e-Shab and during the day they are busy performing their duties, still
their hearts are filled with fear of Allah and the possibilities of punishment
of Hell Fire. It is said that “Faith” is a happy blend of fear and hope from
Allah (s.w.t.)
Ayah 66: “Indeed,
it is an evil abode and an evil station.” Hell is a permanent place of
residence for unbelievers while it is temporary station for the sinful
believers.
Ayah 67: “Those
who, when spending, are neither wasteful nor tight-fisted, but are stationed
between these two extremes.”
The sixth
characteristic of the “Servants of Allah” is that they exercise moderation in
spending.
Extravagance and
transgression has been discouraged in Islam and is considered a trait of
Pharaoh. Ayah 83 of Surah al-Younus
says: “The Pharaoh was certainly a tyrant and a transgressor.” And also Ayah 43
of Surah al-Ghafir says: “Our return
is to Allah and the transgressors will be the dwellers in Hell Fire.”
Transgression as it is reflects self-centeredness, selfishness and carelessness
of the people’s needs. At the other end is the miserliness when people do not
want to spend at all. The Virtuous spend in moderation.
Ayah 68: “Those
who do not include another God besides Allah, and do not kill a soul (whose
life) Allah has made inviolable, except with due cause, and do not commit
fornication. Whoever does that, shall encounter its retribution.”
The seventh
characteristic of the “Servants of Allah” is that they have complete faith in
the Unity of Allah. Their individual and collective life is brightened by
total belief in the Oneness of Allah (s.w.t.)
The eighth
characteristic of the “Servants of Allah” is that they do not commit murder of
innocent people except in due course
of law. It is clear from this Ayah that every human being’s life is
precious, respectable and important. Hence it is prohibited to kill anyone
except as required by the law of the land. Murder is one of the “Greater Sins”
where Hell Fire is guaranteed.
The ninth
characteristic of the “Servants of Allah” is that they do not commit adultery. They
desire to create a social order which is free from polytheism, corruption,
fornication, oppression, pollution and chaos. Adultery is also one of the “Greater
Sins”. It is reported that Ibn Masood
inquired from the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) as to which is the biggest sin? The
Noble Prophet (s.a.w.s.) replied: “To believe in a partner of Allah” Ibn Masood
said: “Which is the next?” He (s.a.w.s.) replied: “To kill your children for
fear of poverty” Ibn Masood said: “What next?” He (s.a.w.s.) said: “Adultery
with your neighbor’s wife.”
Ayah 69: “The
punishment will be doubled for him on the Day of Judgment. In it he will abide
in humiliation forever,”
Reason for the punishment being doubled may be one sin may
cause other sins as a consequence of the first one. And also the insult and
disgrace which ensues the punishment.
Ayah 70: “excepting those who repent, attain faith, and
act righteously. For such, Allah replaces their misdeeds with good deeds, for
Allah is All-Forgiving and All-Merciful. Because of the paramount Mercy, Allah
have kept the door of repentance open for the people who perform “True and
Sincere” repentance, who do not repeat the sin and make amend for the past
behavior.
Ayah 71: “And whoever
repents and acts righteously indeed turns to Allah with due patience.”When
a person repents and returns to Allah, it deeply affects his entire
personality. Consequently, his bad
behavior turns into good deeds if he patiently pursues the right path.
Ayah 72: “Those
who do not give false testimony, and when they come up with vain, pass by in
dignity.
The tenth
characteristic is that they respect and protect other people’s rights and never
give false testimony, and avoid meaningless and unproductive situations. Such
situations include music, alcohol, back-biting and falsehood, because such gatherings not only
support vices, but also provide pollution of spirit and heart. Without being
rude, they ignore the unproductive situations and proceed towards virtues.
Ayah 73: “And those
who, when admonished by the signs of their Lord, do not fall thereat deaf and
blind.”
The eleventh
characteristic is that the “Servants of Allah” are not superficial but
carefully investigate and reach the depth
of the signs of Allah. Such superficial people are easily misled. Deep
thinking and farsighted people face the adverse situations bravely and
steadfastly. They are not impulsive, but with a cool mind dig deep into the
repth of the matter and then take a decision and act firmly over it.
Ayah 74: “And
those who pray “O’ Our Lord! Make our spouses and children to be delight of our
eyes, and (for) us (appoint) an Imam (leader) of the pious ones.”
The twelfth
characteristic of the “Servants of Allah” is that they pay utmost attention to
the discipline and training of their spouse and children. It includes
imparting knowledge about the “Roots and Branches “of Islam, emphasizing about
justice and truth in every walk of life and then pray to Allah that they become
the “cool of eyes”. Allah had created this world on the basis of Cause and
Effect. Hence, we should make every sustained effort to guide our families and
then pray to Allah for the success.
Sources used:
Translation of the Noble Qur’an by
Ali Quli Qara’i
Translation of the Noble Qur’an by
S.V.Mir Ahmed Ali & Ayatullah Pooya Yazdi
Translation of the Noble Qur’an by
Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi
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