|
- Download This Article ...
|
|
|
Introduction:
Peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad. We praise
Allah, thank Him and seek His help, guidance and forgiveness. We seek refuge in
Allah from the evil in our souls and the sinfulness of our deeds. Whomsoever
Allah guides, he is rightly-guided and whosoever He sends astray, none can
guide him.
Before I start discussing
the series of the Prophets' life history, I would like to give you an
introduction to this topic. Many people may wonder why we do talk about the
Prophets' life history. Why do we mention events that happened 3000 years ago?
Is it not enough that they represent one third of Qur'an? There are many Surahs in the Qur'an that are devoted to the
Prophets! Surely Allah, the All-Knowing, knows that mankind evolves; so
why is the Qur’an full of stories of the Prophets? To answer this question, I
will introduce the topic to you first, in
order to convince you and let you interact with me. Consequently, you will
understand why we deal with the stories of the Prophets and the aim behind
them:
1. Sustaining the believers:
As Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And all that We relate to you (O Muhammad)
of the news of the Messengers is in order that We may make strong and firm your
heart thereby. And in this (chapter of the Qur'an) has come to you the truth,
as well as an admonition and a reminder for the believers.” (TMQ,
11:120).
Thus, the first aim of
narrating the stories of the Prophets is sustaining the believers i.e. to make
you strong enough to face the calamities befalling you. For example, Ayyub’s
(Job's) story (PBUH) shows how
patient he is, “And (remember) Ayyub
(Job), when he cried to his Lord:
“Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who
show mercy.”(TMQ, 21:83). Hearing this story, you will know how much
he suffered from many severe diseases that neither you, nor your relatives have
ever been afflicted by, hence you will learn endurance & patience in
distress. “So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him,
and We restored his family to him (that he had lost), and the like thereof
along with them, as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship
Us.” (TMQ, 21:84).
On the other hand, when
you learn that Yaqub (Jacob) (PBUH)
lost his son, which is the most difficult calamity that can befall a parent –
and how high the rate is of young people who pass away recently- you will learn
how to be as strong as Jacob when he says what can be translated as, “So
patience is most fitting (for me). Maybe Allah will bring them (back) all to
me. Truly He! Only He is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (TMQ, 12:83). You will
definitely learn and take Prophet Jacob as an example of patience.
Then you, as a young man,
may be subjected to ceaseless temptations such as: women, sins, desires, and
obscenity scenes on the Internet or TV. Hence, you should learn resistance from
Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (PBUH) when he
said what can be translated as, “He
said: “I seek refuge in Allah (or Allah forbid)! Truly, he (your husband) is my
master! He made my stay agreeable! (So I will never betray him).” (TMQ, 12:23).
His utmost resistance is
elaborated when the wife of Al-'Aziz said what can be translated as, “and
I did seek to seduce him, but he refused.”(TMQ, 12:32). And he resorted to Allah (SWT) saying what can be translated as, “He
said, “O my Lord! Prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite
me.”( TMQ, 12:33).
Here is my advice to you:
whenever you try to commit a sin, read any Prophet's story from the Qur'an, to
attain strength. For instance, when you get involved in a relationship with a
young lady, though you know that it is quite forbidden. Therefore, to stop
committing this sin, you have to remember Ibrahim’s (Abraham's) (PBUH) saying what can be translated as,
“O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in
sacrifice to Allâh), so look what you think!”(TMQ, 37:102). Thus, Isma’il
(Ishmael) (PBUH) replied what can be
translated as, “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Insha’ Allah
(if Allah will), you shall find me of As-Sabirin (the patient ones,
etc.).”(TMQ, 37:102).
Thus you'll ask
yourself,” How can I not repent to Allah (SWT),
while Ibrahim (PBUH) obeyed Allah's (SWT) command and was about to slaughter
his son!!”
2. The stories of the Prophets contain valuable lessons applicable
to all aspects of life:
Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Indeed
in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding. It (the Qur'an)
is not a forged statement but a confirmation of the Allâh's existing Books [the
Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel) and other Scriptures of Allah] and a
detailed explanation of everything and a guide and a Mercy for the people who
believe.” (TMQ, 12:111).
The second aim is to
follow their example and learn from their lessons. In fact we learn from their
life history how to behave well and purify our soul. Consequently, we will
raise our children properly and face calamities courageously. Ibn Al-Qayyim says,
“It is quite necessary for human beings to learn the stories of the Prophets.
It is even more valuable than the soul to the body and the eyesight to the eye
because through which we perceive the grandeur of Allah, the Almighty. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And thus have We, by Our command, sent
inspiration to thee…” (TMQ, 42:52). As their message is like a spirit, that
prevail over all of mankind. “..thou knewest not (before) what was
Revelation, and what was Faith; but We have made the (Qur’an) a Light,
wherewith We guide such of Our servants as We will”. (TMQ, 42:52). This shows clearly that the prophet's life history set examples
for us.
3. Our Prophets should be our pacemakers:
We have to ask ourselves,
“Who are our role models in life?” Youth constantly find it difficult to find
the best example to follow in life.
The series of the
Prophets' life history aim at urging youth to love the prophets. Consequently,
they will be attached to them and become eager to imitate them. Hence, the
Prophets will be their best model. For example, if young men are attached to
Prophet Yusuf, they will resist seductions. If young ladies are attached to
Maryam (AS) (Mary), instead of other female models, they will follow her steps
and become as pure and chaste as her. Hence, they will be pious and develop
love for Allah (SWT).
I hope that parents would overcome their fears
concerning their children and stop planning for satisfying their financial
needs. They will renounce such convictions, if they are attached to Prophet
Ibrahim (PBUH) and consider his state
when he was thrown into the fire. Yet, he became safe when he said, “Allah suffices
me: for He is the best disposer of affairs”.
He was so confident and so assured, he spent his best days amidst
the fire. Dear brothers and sisters, the Prophets' life history deserves to be
the source of our guidance, as Allah, the Almighty says what can be translated
as, “They are those whom Allâh had guided. So follow their guidance.” (TMQ,
6:90).
In the same Surah, Allah
(SWT) mentions the name of 18
Prophets in verse 83. Actually I hope that your eyes would shine, whenever you
listen to their stories and imagine how you will try to imitate them. In fact, the Prophets' life history is extremely
inspiring, for through this we know how to maintain our morality, devotion, and
purify our souls.
4. Stories of the Prophets
develop and fortify ones faith (creed):
What does the word creed mean?
It means deep faith. Yet
one should not give others the impression that he is tough, never smiles and
behaves in a rude way. This attitude turns out to be groundless; when Abdullah
bin Omar Ibnul-Khatab was asked, “Did the
Prophet's companions laugh?” He replied, “Yes, they did, but their faith was as strongly rooted in their heart as
mountains.” Can you follow this balanced behavior? Creed means deep faith,
which you can attain through the stories of the Prophets. For instance, when
Yunus (Jonah) (PBUH) was inside the
whale he said what can be translated as, “La ilaha illa Anta, Subhanaka,
Ini Kuntu Mina-dhalimeen [none has the right to be worshipped but You (O
Allah), Glorified and Exalted are You (above all that evil they associate with
You). Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers].” (TMQ, 21:87). Then, Allah,
the Almighty in the right in the following verse says what can be translated
as, “So We answered his call, and delivered him from the distress.” (TMQ,
21:88). Ibrahim said to the disbelievers, who threw him into the fire, “Allah suffices me: for He is the best disposer of affairs.” Therefore Allah, the Almighty
says what can be translated as, “O
fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibrahim (Abraham)!” (TMQ, 21:69). Hearing
this, you become unconsciously strong.
Moreover, you learn to
trust Allah (SWT) from Prophet Musa
(Moses) (PBUH). This is exemplified,
when he was facing the sea, whereas Pharaoh (Fir'aun) and his soldiers were following him. Although Musas'
companions said “We are sure to be
overtaken.” Musa (PBUH) replied
what can be translated as, “Nay, verily! With me is my Lord, He will guide
me.” (TMQ, 26: 61, 62).
What do we learn from the stories of the Prophets?
1. We learn how to do
missionary work; how to help people and call them to Islam.
In other words: Do you
love your family, your friends and neighbors? Do you want to help them? Are you
worried about them and want them to be close to Allah (SWT)?
Make sure that you would
not mix things up while doing this, or else the result will turn out to be very
negative. Thus you should invite people to Islam with courtesy; without hurting
their feelings, or dealing with them in a tough and stubborn way. Listening to
the stories of the Prophets, you will learn how to invite people to Islam
properly.
Once I attended a Friday
sermon, the Imam (i.e. leader of congregational
prayer) came and said the opening phrase, “Praise be to Allah, His peace &
blessings be upon the Prophet”. Then he said, “We told you to pray and pay alms
(zakat), but you did neither, you are
a disappointment! Let's start the Jumu’a prayer.” Is this a suitable way to invite people to
Islam?
Ibrahim (PBUH) talked to his father tenderly and
decently, though he was a disbeliever, and an idol maker. He said what can be translated as “O my
father! Verily! I fear lest a torment from the Most Beneficent (Allah) overtake
you” (TMQ, 19:45). Thus, when he was addressing Him he used the
term “the Most Beneficent” to refer
to Allah (SWT), not “The
Most Compeller”. The term “the
Most Beneficent”, indicates more tenderness and gentleness. Actually
this is how one should invite others to Islam.
However, some youth
become harsh and cruel to people, once they start being religious which is
completely wrong.
2. We learn how to be nice
and decent:
For example, when Yusuf (PBUH) was in prison, he addressed the
other two prisoners with courtesy and in a friendly manner, “O two
companions of the prison!” (TMQ, 12:39).
Thus, we learn how to renounce violence and cruelty when inviting others
to Islam.
3. We understand Qur'an
through the stories of the Prophets:
Many youth find it
difficult to understand Qur'an. Hence, the series of the stories of the
Prophets show them how to tackle Qur'an. Actually, you will need to keep Qur'an
with you, while watching the series, for I'll refer to certain Qur'anic verses
in which the stories of the Prophets are mentioned.
4. Home Reformation:
Someone here may ask,
“Why did you start with the stories of the Prophets? You could have presented
episodes such as home reformation.” I think that Home reformation can be
achieved through Qur'an, which contains great and impressive ideas.
Consequently, the stories of the Prophets provide us with the best solutions
for many problems; mainly between parents and children. This is demonstrated
through the stories of Ibrahim and his son Isma’il, Dawud (David) and Sulaiman
(Solomon), Ayyub (Job) and Yusuf (Joseph) and finally, Maryam (Mary) and her
son Isa (Jesus) (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them all). Their houses
were based on religion and piety. Thus, their children were close to Allah (SWT). Therefore, the stories of the
Prophets are not merely historical events. They are relevant to the situations
we face in our daily life. Allah (SWT)
certainly knows that their stories will be repeated for as long as man shall
exist.
Method of the Study:
Actually these stories are of valuable lessons, thus
I will discuss each verse relevant to this topic. I will not get involved in any minor or irrelevant topic for our
first target is giving models according to Allah's (SWT) saying that can be translated as, “so relate the story; perchance they may reflect.” (TMQ, 7:176).
According to the juristic
(religious) rule, we are not allowed to discuss any pointless religious matter.
For example, there is no use in discussing whether Azar was Ibrahim's (PBUH) father or his uncle. “…and
pursue not that of which thou hast no knowledge.” (TMQ, 18:22). This verse
indicates that we have to stick to what Allah (SWT) mentions in the Qur'an as it covers everything. The point is
to get to make use of it. Besides, I will avoid whatever was said by Israeli
people and the stories they made up. Unfortunately, many false stories are
interpolated in the stories of the Prophets and Islamic books. Thus, I will
avoid them completely, and if I will have to mention them, I will surely notify
you. As Allah Almighty says what can be translated as, “And pursue not that of which
thou hast no knowledge and enter not, therefore into controversies concerning
them, except on a matter that is clear nor consult any of them about (the
affair) of the sleepers” (TMQ, 18:22),
this verse is
addressing the Jews.
Sources: You may use the following
sources:
a. Exegesis
(Interpretation) of Qur'an: Books of Bin Kathir, Sheikh Sharawy, Kurtuby and
the book under the title “Fi Dhilal al-Qur’an” - In the Shade of the
Qur'an.
b. Books
about the life history of the Prophets: “al-Bidayah wal-Nihayah” - The
Beginning and the End, by Ibn Kathir.
Sheikh Abdul-Wahhab An-Najjar book, who is one of Al-Azhar scholars,
Sheikh Muhammad Ali As-Sabony and Sheikh Hassan Ayyub.
Priorities:
·
Considering chronological order.
·
Prophets will be mentioned according to their
chronological order (i.e. the time where they started their missionary work).
·
Focusing on the fact that everything should be based on
Qur'an.
Before starting the
series of the stories of the Prophets, I would like to ask you some questions:
1. What
is the significance of the word story?
2. Are
all the stories of the Prophets true? And were not subjects to change? Why
these stories are constantly repeated?
3. What
is the difference between a prophet and a messenger? How many prophets and
messengers are mentioned in Qur'an?
4. Why
did not Allah (SWT) mention all of
them in Qur'an?
5. Do
we have the right to (is it permissible to) differentiate between prophets?
6. Who
are the prophets of firm will? Why are they called so?
7. Are
prophets completely infallible? Did they attain infallibility before, or after
the revelation of prophecy?
8. Did
this infallibility apply on major or minor sins?
1. What does the word Stories
signify?
It mainly signifies to follow the traces or tracks of something, or
someone in the desert. In one of the
Qur'anic verses Allah, the Almighty says,
“in the law of equality there is (saving of) life to you, o ye men of
understanding.” (TMQ, 2:179).
This verse means that one should follow the guilty, to take avenge from
him. The word, on the
linguistic level means to follow something carefully until its end. For
example, Musas’ (PBUH) mother, when
her son was taken away from her, said to her daughter, “Follow him.”
This means that we should follow the stories of
the Prophets in detail, in order to get benefit from them, and therefore we
have to understand such meanings. Finally the word “stories” is mentioned 30 times in Qur'an.
2. Are all the stories of the
Prophets true?
Allah (SWT) says what
can be translated as, “It (the Qur'an) is not
a forged statement but a confirmation of the Allah's existing Books [the Taurat
(Torah), the Injeel (Gospel) and other Scriptures of Allah]” (TMQ, 18:13).
Hence the stories of the
Prophets are entirely true, no mixing, no additions. “It is not a tale invented, but a confirmation of what went before
It” (TMQ, 12:111). Their stories are
miraculous: Yunus (PBUH) lived inside
the whale, Ibrahim (PBUH) was thrown
into the fire, the knife did not kill Isma’il (PBUH), and the sea was parted, and each separate part (of that sea
water) became like the huge, firm mass of a mountain, so that Musa (PBUH) could pass. Thus, the stories of the Prophets are true
and your belief in them forms a part of your faith.
3. Why are these stories
constantly repeated?
Those who are ignorant,
may wonder why the stories of the Prophets are always repeated? Such repetition
is highly influential; for it makes you grasp the content entirely. For
example, the story of Ibrahim (PBUH)
& his obedience to Allah's (SWT)
command of slaughtering his son is mentioned frequently. Therefore, you learn
how to obey Allah (SWT). Furthermore,
Nuh (PBUH) kept on preaching his
nation for 950 years, thus you learn patience. Actually, the stories are
repeated in Qur'an, because they represent examples of situations that you may
encounter in your life several times. The story of Adam (PBUH) & Satan is the best model; it keeps occurring in our
daily life. Adam (PBUH) listened to
Satan and ate from the forbidden tree, and therefore, he was expelled from
Heaven. Like Adam (PBUH), we listen
to Satan and disobey Allah (SWT), so
we fall everyday for a hundred times. We do not eat from the same tree, but we
do not perform the Dawn prayer and commit many other sins. Thus, such stories
are repeated to warn us against committing sins.
4. What is the difference
between a prophet and a messenger?
Allah the Almighty
differentiates from the Prophet and messenger in Qur'an as He says what can be
translated as, “Never did We send a messenger
or a prophet before thee, but, when he framed a desire, Satan threw some
(vanity) into his desire.” (TMQ,
22:52). This shows
that Allah (SWT) made a distinction
between the Prophet and the messenger.
It is commonly mentioned
in the books that the messenger has a revelation of certain jurisprudence and
is required to spread it, whereas, the Prophet has a revelation of
jurisprudence, but was not asked to spread it. If that is true, then some people
may have doubts about the mission and the message of Prophets, which is
impossible. Actually, all scholars and preachers even we are required to invite
people to Islam. Hence, it is entirely groundless to assume that any Prophet,
who had a revealed message, was not asked to spread it. The Prophet (PBUH) says, “I saw the state of the
nations (i.e. how they will appear on the Day of Judgment). I saw a prophet
coming with his people and I saw a prophet coming with two men”. Thus, the
Prophet (PBUH) also had to spread his
message. Hence, the difference between a messenger and Prophet is: the messenger had a new jurisprudence that
was revealed to him to spread it. On the other hand, the Prophet had a
revelation of an old jurisprudence, which had been spread before by a
messenger, thus the Prophet was also asked to spread it.
For example, Musas’ (PBUH) message was spread by many prophets, who came after him and
were required to do missionary work. Here comes the question: who is the last
prophet? Actually, Musa is the last prophet, and Muhammad (PBUH) is the last messenger indeed. Thus, how come that we are
considered the followers of the last Prophet and last Messenger and do not
follow him?
5. How many prophets and
messengers had to spread the Divine revelation?
Abu-Zarr Al-Ghafari (RA)
narrated, “I asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH): “how many messengers had to
spread the Divine revelation? He
replied, “310 messengers” then I asked him: “How many are the prophets?” he
replied, “There are 12000 prophets, among them 315 messengers”. (Collected By Ahmad).
Some
people wonder, whether Allah (SWT)
will torture nations, that have not received any message, or not?
Allah (SWT)
says in Qur'an what can be translated as, “…and there never was a people,
without a constant warner having lived among them (in the past)”. (TMQ, 35:24). And “nor would We visit with Our Wrath until We had
sent a messenger (to give warning)” (TMQ, 17:15).
Thus, all nations had
revelation messengers. Some may wonder whether Allah (SWT) will judge people who did not receive divine message. The
answer is “no” as Allah (SWT) will
not punish a nation unless he had sent them a messenger. Our Prophet (PBUH) was the last messenger. Some may
ask why not he was followed by another Prophet. The following hadith bears the
answer: “When Allah ordered me to call people for His cause, He determined the
time of The Day of Resurrection.” Thus, this shows that the Day of Judgment is
approaching. Therefore, we are all required to call for the cause of Allah (SWT).
6. Why did not Allah (SWT)
mention all of the prophets in Qur'an?
Allah,
the Almighty says what can be translated as, “And Messengers We have mentioned to you before, and Messengers We have
not mentioned to you, - and to Musa (Moses) Allah spoke directly.” (TMQ, 4:164).
Allah (SWT) mentions 25 prophets only.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am Allah (SWT),
verse 83 He mentions 18 prophets in sequence in what can be translated as, “And that was Our Proof which We gave
Ibrahim (Abraham) against his people. We raise whom We will in degrees.
Certainly your Lord is All Wise, And We bestowed upon him Ishaq (Isaac) and
Yaqub (Jacob), each of them We guided, and before him, We guided Nuh (Noah),
and among his progeny Dawud (David), Sulaiman (Solomon), Ayub (Job), Yusuf
(Joseph), Musa (Moses), and Harun (Aaron). Thus do We reward the good doers.
All-Knowing. And Zakariya (Zechariah), and Yahya (John) and 'Isa (Jesus) and
Ilyas (Elias), each one of them was of the righteous. And Isma’il (Ishmael) and
Al-Yasa’ (Elisha), and Yunus (Jonah) and Lut (Lot), and each one of them We
preferred above the 'Alamin (mankind and jinns) (of their times).” (TMQ, 6:83-86). “They are those
whom Allah had guided. So follow their guidance” (TMQ, 6:90).
Therefore,
it is obvious that Allah (SWT) did
not mention a Prophet's story unless it bears a lesson. As for those who are
not mentioned in Qur'an, it is because their stories were applicable and
beneficent to their time only. Thus, those who want to know the stories of the
Prophets, who were not mentioned in Qur'an, I advise them to focus on the
stories of the 25 prophets mentioned in the Qur'an and try to benefit from
them.
7. Is it permissible to differentiate between prophets?
Allah, the Almighty says
what can be translated as, “The
Messenger (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord,
and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books,
and His Messengers. They say, “We make no distinction between one another of
His Messengers” and they say, “We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your
Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all).” (TMQ, 2:285).
Accordingly, we are not
allowed to differentiate between them, or believe in some Prophets and
disbelieve in others. But we are definitely allowed to prefer one over the
other as we prefer our beloved Mohamed (PBUH)
over the others Allah, the Almighty says what can be translated as, “Verily, those who disbelieve in Allah and
His Messengers and wish to make distinction between Allah and His Messengers
(by believing in Allah and disbelieving in His Messengers) “ (TMQ,
4:150).
As for preferring some
prophets to others, Allah, the Almighty says what can be translated as, “Those Messengers! We preferred some to
others; to some of them Allah spoke (directly); others He raised to degrees (of
honour); and to 'Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), We gave clear proofs
and evidences, and supported him with Ruh-ul-Qudus [Jibril (Gabriel)]”
(TMQ, 2:253).
As for preferring one prophet over the other Allah,
the Almighty says what can be translated as, “we did bestow on some prophets more (and other) gifts than on others:
and we gave to David (the gift of) the psalms. “ (TMQ, 4:163).
Thus it is possible to prefer a prophet over the
other. Indeed Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) is one of the best. He said, “I am
the best of Adam's sons, I say that without feeling proud, but Allah grants me
the flag of thankfulness, under which all prophets will come, on the Day of
Judgment. I'll be the first intercessor and the first one who is granted
intercession in the Day of Judgment. I will be the first one to move (opens)
the doors of Heaven. I am the first and last blessed one by Allah.” (Collected
by Tirmidhi)
Allah, the Almighty says what can be translated as, “Behold! Allah took the covenant of the
Prophets, saying, “I give you a Book and Wisdom; then comes to you a Messenger,
confirming what is with you; do ye believe in him and render him help.” Allah
said: “Do ye agree, and take this my Covenant as binding on you?” They said,
“We agree.” He said, “Then bear witness, and I am with you among the
witnesses.” (TMQ, 3:81).
Therefore, it is clear to
everyone that Allah (SWT) has imposed
commitment on all prophets and messengers, that when they meet Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) they should follow and support
him. Whenever Allah (SWT) sent down a
prophet or a messenger to a certain nation, He said to him, “You are
responsible for this nation, when you meet Muhammad during your lifetime, you
should follow and support him. If you want to back him; then go down to the
earth again and do it”. Thus, we should
ask ourselves, “Where is our love to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)? Do we really follow him? Do we really consider him our best
example in his morality, ways (i.e. Sunnah) and the way he worshipped Allah (SWT)? Actually, if the prophets met him,
they would have followed him.
8. Who are the prophets of
firm will?
They are five prophets:
Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa and Muhammad (PBUH).
They are mentioned in this Qur'anic verse that can be translated as, “We
took from the Prophets their Covenant: as (We did) from thee: from Noah,
Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary.” (TMQ, 33:7).
They are called so,
because they were famous for their patience and endurance. We are the sons of
the last prophet of firm will. Our determination is not as firm as theirs, how
dare we commit sins? One of the
Scholars said, “Oh! You poor and weak-willed Muslim, Nuh grew old, Ibrahim was
thrown into fire, Yahya (John) was slaughtered, Zakariya (Zachariah) was sawn
and Muhammad was tormented for the sake of religion (the cause of Allah). Yet,
you find it difficult to get up and pray 2 Rak'a at night? Where is your
determination?”
9. Are prophets completely infallible? What is
infallibility? Was this infallibility against major or minor sins?
Infallibility is to
resist committing sins utterly. It is
mentioned in Qur'an, “and I did seek to
seduce him, but he refused”( TMQ,
12:32). Such resistance is granted by Allah (SWT). For example Nuh's son said what can be translated as, “I will betake myself to a mountain,
it will save me from the water.” (i.e. to protect me from the flood) (TMQ, 11:43).
All prophets were granted
resistance from committing major and minor sins, either before, or after
prophethood. Actually, in this respect there are two different opinions: some
say that prophets are granted infallibility before and after prophethood.
While, others say that before prophethood, they commit minor sins, but they were
completely honorable and chaste. Consensus Muslim scholars say that prophets
were granted infallibility before and after prophethood, yet they made few
minor mistakes prior to prophet hood. However, some may wonder: “How did Yunus
leave his people and go off in rage?” or The Qur'anic verse that refer to
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “He (The Prophet) frowned and turned away”
(TMQ, 80:1).
So here comes the
question: Why Allah (SWT) did not
protect them from making such mistakes? Actually, Allah (SWT) wanted to prove to us that they are human beings and liable to
make mistakes. These mistakes are not sins. Therefore, prophets are the best
examples for us to follow in this life. On the other hand, the Jews accused
their prophets of committing sins, which is utterly groundless. For example,
they say that Lit (Lot) (PBUH) got
drunk, and then he committed incest with his two daughters. Dawud (PBUH) had sexual intercourse with the
wife of the army's leader, after he had killed him. Solaiman (PBUH) died
after he worshiped idols. Finally, Harun (Aaron) (PBUH) made the statue of a calf. These are nothing but lies and
calumnies. Thank Allah (SWT) that we
are Muslims, and that Allah (SWT)
granted us Qur'an and faith and guided us to take the prophets as our ideal
persons.
Is it possible for common
people to be granted infallibility? In fact it is proved that infallibility is
confined to prophets. Yet Allah (SWT)
protects and purifies his devotees from major sins, such as Abu-Bakr and Omar.
Although they were not prophets, Allah (SWT)
purifies their souls due to His love to His devotees. The Prophet (PBUH) says to Omar Ibnul-Khatab (AS), “I
swear to you that if you decided to take a way, Satan will take another one”.
Thus, it is possible that one can be saved and avoids committing major sins.
Hence, one will refrain from committing adultery, drinking wine and making your
parents extremely angry. Besides, if he keeps on performing prayers on time, he
will lead a life void of any major sin.
Thus, I advise the youth
to ask Allah (SWT) to protect you
from committing major sins and from your insistence on committing the minor
ones. You are liable to make a mistake, or commit a sin, but there is still a
hope and Allah's (SWT) Mercy is
endless. When I was in Arafat (i.e. performing pilgrimage), I heard many people
repeating this supplication, while they were shedding tears. I was moved by
this supplication and liked to mention it to you. If you keep on saying it,
Allah (SWT) will accept it and save
you from committing major and minor sins as well.
I finished the
introduction. Next time ISA, I will start the series of the prophets' stories;
mainly with the Story of Creation. I will tell you what was the first thing
created, how Adam (PBUH) was created
and whether he was created of dust, or clay.
AmrKhaled.net © جميع حقوق
النشر محفوظة
This Article may be published and duplicated freely for
private purposes, as long as the original source is mentioned. For all other purposes you need to obtain the prior
written approval of the website administration. For info: dar_altarjama@amrkhaled.net
