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B i s m i l l a a h i r R a h m a a n i r R a h e e m
Teachings of the Qur`aan
Ad-Dahr or Al-Insaan
Soorah 76:7-31
Ayub A. Hamid
The next few verses mention some outstanding qualities and attitude
of those people who will be rewarded with the pleasures of Jannah:
7 They are those who fulfill vows and fear a Day whose affliction
will be widespread. 8 They give food, despite themselves desiring it, to feed
the poor and the orphan and the captive, 9 saying, "We feed you only for
Allaah's pleasure; we desire from you neither reward nor thanks. 10 We fear
indeed a harsh, distressful Day from our Lord."
The lifestyle of the virtuous (Abraar) is highlighted by the
following four virtues:
1. They fulfill their vows or pledges (Nadzr). Nadzr is a vow to
do something good that is not an obligation. Making and fulfilling their own
pledges showed their eagerness to do more good than obligated for the pleasure
of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. As this Soorah belongs to the very early
period of the mission when Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala had only started to
reveal the Islamic system of excellence in a gradual manner and when all the
goodness expected of Muslims was not yet fully obligated, the gap was filled by
good Muslims through their personal vows and pledges. That is why making and
fulfilling vows was a quality of superior significance at that time.
2. They are driven to do more good because of their desire to
attain salvation from the troubles of the Day of Judgment. They rightfully
dread that Day because no one will be able to avoid its widespread calamities
without being saved by the pleasure and mercy of their Lord.
3. They feed hungry people and help them in their basic needs,
even when they do not have much for themselves and, thus, what they have is
really dear to their hearts; but despite the meagreness of their own means,
they help others for the pleasure of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. They help
others regardless of the faith or background of those in need - particularly if
people who need help are extremely poor or if they are orphans without an
appropriate guardian to take care of them or they are prisoners. Prisoners are
mentioned because before the advent of Islam, Arabs used to put their prisoners
in shackles and let them out in the streets once a day to beg for food. Islam
stopped this practice and ensured that prisoners are properly fed, kindly
treated and afforded human dignity.
4. They help others with so pure a heart and such pure
intentions they do not want any acknowledgement, gratitude, recognition or
favour in return in this world. Their only motive is seeking the pleasure of
Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and avoiding His displeasure on the harsh,
distressful Day. This pure intention may be in their heart or they may even
share it with those who are being helped so that receivers do not feel that
they owe any indebtedness or obligation to the giver.
The next section mentions that they will be saved from the calamities
of that Day and gives a vivid picture of the bounties they will be enjoying in
Jannah.
11 So Allaah will save them from the affliction of that Day and endow
them with bright, fresh countenance and happiness, 12 will reward them, for
what they patiently endured, with the Garden and silk garments. 13 They will be
reclining therein on raised couches, and shall find it therein neither too hot
nor too cold. 14 The shadows of the garden will be close upon them and fruit
clusters will be hanging low to be easily picked. 15 Silver pitchers will be
passed around them as well as crystal glasses - 16 crystal made of silver - of
which they will have determined the measure as they wish. 17 And they will be
given to drink therein a cup flavoured with ginger - 18 a spring therein, named
Salsabeel[1] . 19 Waiting on them there will be immortal youths; when you see
them you will think them to be scattered pearls. 20 Wherever you look therein,
you will see bliss and a great kingdom. 21 Upon them will be green garments of
fine silk and heavy brocade, they shall be adorned with bracelets of silver,
and their Lord shall give them a special pure drink. 22 (And it will be said),
"Verily, this is your reward, and your efforts have been appreciated."
The description of the luxury that the inhabitants of Jannah will
enjoy is quite clear. Just one comment about the crystal glasses used to serve
drinks to them - the glasses will be made of an element with silver-like
attributes while being transparent like crystal. They will come in different
sizes to suit exactly the desire of the people of Jannah at any time. Also,
like Kaafoor, Salsabeel will be another spring that will provide mix for the
drinks to give a kind of fragrance and flavour that will be in some way similar
to ginger. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala uses some words similar to the things
that we are accustomed to in this world, but we cannot imagine or understand
the exact nature and specifications of the bounties of Jannah.
The people of Jannah will be served by servants who will remain
young, handsome, active and energetic forever but will be fully aware and
sensitive to the preferences and desires of the people they will serve.
Even the clothes, jewellery and adornments available to the people of
Jannah will be far more exquisite and excellent than those available to the
kings and emperors in this world.
In addition to the bounties mentioned earlier, depending on the
status of the people of Jannah, some of them will receive an exquisitely
superior drink especially granted for them by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.
This drink could not be described in human terms except to say that it would be
clean and pure.
All these bounties will be granted to them in appreciation of and as
a recompense for the efforts they made in the way of and for the pleasure of
Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala.
The next section deals with the dynamics of the struggle that was
taking place at that time in the Makkan society. As the Qur-aan was revealed in
small instalments, some opponents contended that the Prophet himself composed
it and that he recited to them as he was able to compose more. They thought
that if it had been a revelation of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, He would have
given the whole Qur-aan at one time. The first verse of the section deals with
this notion and in a majestic style announces to the disbelievers that it is
Allaah's decision to reveal it the way it is being revealed. The verse also
consoles the Prophet sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam that it was not his decision
to receive the revelation nor did he desire it. It was Allaah Who decided to
reveal the Qur-aan to him, so he should rest assured that he would not be left
unsupported. Allaah is going to ensure that he will be fully protected and
supported until the mission is achieved. Therefore, he should just concentrate
on steadfastly, perseveringly and persistently continuing his mission without
showing any weakness in front of his wicked opponents, until Allaah advises him
differently such as migrating out of the town. Although there did not seem to
be any hope that these people were going to listen to the Prophet sall
Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam, it was yet too early to give up on them.
23 Surely, it is We Who have sent down the Qur-aan progressively in
portions. 24 Therefore, wait patiently for the command of your Lord, and do not
obey any wicked or ungrateful disbeliever from among them. 25 And keep
mentioning the name of your Lord day and night, 26 and prostrate to Him at
night and glorify Him a long part of the night.
In the meantime, he should seek his strength and support by
continuous remembrance of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and nightly worship.
This remembrance and worship will continue to reenergize him and give him
solace, comfort and strength that he needs to persevere in his mission coolly
and calmly. This is the same instruction that was given in more detail and with
more specifics later on in Al-Muzzammil. As for the disbelievers, the real
reason for their disbelief is their love of the world. There is nothing that
the Prophet could have done better or differently to make Islamic belief easier
for them to adopt.
27 Indeed, these disbelievers love the immediate (worldly life) and
neglect a grievous day ahead of them. 28 It is We Who created them, and
strengthened their frame; but when We will, We can replace them by the like of
them completely.
If the disbelievers think rationally, it will become evident to them
that the Lord who designed the system for their birth and growth in this world
can more easily resurrect them completely when He so wishes. It is the
kindness and mercy of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala that He has sent them a
Messenger to teach them what they should have figured out rationally on their
own. It is a great favour being done to them both by Allaah and His Messenger
sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam, and now it is up to them if they want to avail
themselves of this opportunity and attain success or lose this opportunity and
suffer forever.
29 Surely, this is an admonition, so whosoever wills, let him take a
straight path to his Lord. 30 But you do not will, unless Allaah wills. Allaah
indeed is Knowing, Wise. 31 He admits whom He wills into His mercy; but the
wrongdoers - He has prepared for them a painful punishment.
It is the law and Sunnah of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala that only
those people get the guidance and find the truth who are willing to open their
minds and think rationally and independently of whatever their society teaches
them, being honest to themselves. As for those who keep their minds closed due
to their current interests, worldly expediencies, personal prejudices and
jealousies, and other inhibitors to free, rational thinking, they remain
misguided and will suffer the consequences of their unjust, unfair attitude in
the Hereafter.
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[1] The comment about camphor also applies to ginger.
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Copyright © 2009 Ayub A. Hamid
All rights reserved
This document may be used, only with this copyright notice included.
Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to
post on internet forums, and include in not-for-profit publications subject to
the following conditions: (1) Material used must be produced faithfully in
full, without alteration or omission; (2) The author's subject title must
remain unchanged, in whole or in part; (3) Material must be attributed to the
author Ustaadz Ayub A. Hamid. Contact the author for all other rights, which
are reserved.
Note: This series is providing the teachings of the Qur`aan, not a
literal translation. Instead of literal translation, it gives interpretive
meanings of the verses, along with their contextual details. Please remember
that any translation of the Holy Qur`aan is in fact only an expression of the
translator's understanding of the Word of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, and
hence cannot be equated with the Qur`aan itself. Only the original Arabic text
can be called the Holy Qur`aan.
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Ustaadz Ayub A. Hamid is a visionary and strategic Islamic thinker
residing in Canada for the last 34 years. His recently published books are:
1. Islam - Does It Make Sense?
2. Unveiling the Commands - The Truth about Hijaab, Khimaar and
Jilbaab.
3. Finding A Soulmate - A Guide for Parents and Youth.
4. A Book Unlike Any Other.
5. Islam - Adopting Its Paradigms.
6. Exploring the Islamic Beliefs.
http://soundvisioncanada.com/shop/pbrowse.asp?Pg=3&Cat=10004
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The following soowar 'Teachings of the Qur`aan' series by Ustaadz
Ayub A. Hamid, are available on request:-
Al Faatihah
Al Baqarah
Aali`Imraan
A Nisaa'
Al Maaidah
Al An`aam
Al A`raaf
Al Anfaal
At Teen
Al`Alaq
Al Qadr
Al Bayyinah
Al Zilzaal
Al Aadiyatt
Al Qaari`ah
At Takaathur
Al`Asr
Al Humazah
Al Feel
Al Quraish
Al Maa`oon
Al-Kowthar
Al Kaafiroon
Al Nasr
Al Lahab
Al Ikhlaas
Al Falaq
An Naas
Al Mulk
Al Qalam
Al Haaqqah
Al Ma`aarij
Nooh
Al Jinn
Al Muzammil
Al Muddaththir
Al Qiyaamah
Ad-Dahr or Al-Insaan - Aayaat 1-6
K a r i m a
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