Omar Ibn AlKhattab, prior to becoming a Muslim, was a fierce opponent of Islam. One time during a fit of anger, he resolved to kill the Prophet but while on his mission, he was informed that some of his close relatives has accepted Islam. His anger and furry was redirected to his sister and his brother-in law. As he approached their home, he overheard them reading the Quran. He attacked them severely but they stood very firm and declared their new faith. Omar was awe-struck by their fortitude and sincerity. Overcome and transformed, he asked to see what they were reading. Thus, Sura Taha revealed itself to him.
Ta-Ha We have not sent down the Quran to thee to be (An occasion) of thy distress But only as an admonition To those who fear (Allah) (Sura Ta-Ha- (Verse 1-3) Yussuf Ali Tranlation)
The message in the beginning of the Sura moved Omar so much that he decided to embrace Islam. The Muslims gained among their ranks a man of character who would immensely contribute to the growth of the faith of Islam. But this was the same person who had set out to Kill the prophet (PBUH) initially but his journey changed into one that would lead him to faith. Thus the plans of the Creator are not always obvious to the human eye.
The Sura also informs us of another sole that was also groping in the darkness of mount Sinai looking for guidance; he saw and approached what appeared to be a burning fire. He was hoping that he will get some light and direction from the people whom he hoped to find there. But that burning bush was a sign that beckoned him to a destiny of prophet-hood that awaited him. His preparation for this meeting was in the making since Musa(AS) was cast in a river as a child by his mother because she feared the tyranny of Pharaoh against her people. The child was picked up by Pharaoh's household and raised with all the privileges that befalls the son of a king. He acquired all the best learning that the most civilized world could offer at that time. He would need to understand the ways and the halls of power of Egypt to succeed in his mission.
As he approached the burning fire, he heard a voice that called to him ' O Musa , I am thy Lord '. That voice began the appointment of his mission as a messenger. It was a great honor that the Creator honored Musa(A,S.) by directly speaking to him. Because of the grace of his lord, Musa found more than the light and the direction he was looking for.
In the case of Omar, although he set out to kill the prophet (PBUH), he ended up becoming one ardent supporters of the prophet and his Lord. Omar, successfully redirected his anger to something positive. This is an important lesson for communities who often have to deal with a lot of negative energy, criticism, jealously, competition (negative type) that split the communities a sunder and kindle the fire of hatred and enmity that rage for a long time. People need to find ways of converting this negative energy into positive one in the manner of Omar
Monday, February 2, 2009
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
To enjoin the right and forbid the wrong
In Reflection's previous articles we discussed some qualities of the believers based on a verse of the Quran which said "Believing men and Believing women are protectors and defenders of each other. They enjoin the right forbid the wrong and they believe in Allah." And in particular, we completed discussion of the protecting and defending part. In today's piece, we will cover another heavy responsibility placed upon us which is " to enjoin the right and forbid the wrong."
We are expected to set things right because we are the Vicegerent (representative) of the Creator, each and every single one of us! It is indeed a great honor. Representatives of the creator who has created these flawless, splendid universe, where everything is set in a perfect order and balance. And at the pinnacle of these creation has been placed the son (daughters) of Adam of whom Allah speaks of them as " we have honored the son of Adam" . For any fortunate being who has been placed at such highly elevated position, it is natural that they assume some responsibility ...that they become examples and witnessed for setting things right. We must uphold our responsibility to God and man. It is expected from the ones who have been so honored that they will be a voice against evil, injustice and all wrong.
And the best place to start from in order to confront evil is within ourselves.Enjoin doing good to ourselves. And we will find that it is the most difficult battle to win. It is difficult for men and women to see their own faults. But it is a lot easier for us to see the faults of others. Why is it so? Think of it? It is what we have seen growing up! In our homes, in our schools, in our societies, we have downloaded into our brains-so to speak, lots of criticisms, lots slander, lots of backbiting and lot of backstabbing. Scholars of management, behavior science and organizations tell us that people behave this way by far and large when they are for example in a reactive mode. When they mechanically act out behaviors they have observed and which they may have absorbed. When they live their lives the way they have seen other live out their lives. Or when they attempt to cover their vulnerabilities by going on the offensive and by being in the attack mode. Or when they seek to carry favors with people whom they perceive as being powerful and behave in a dishonorable manner in order to please them so as to gain their acceptance and love. Please don't get me wrong here. I am not referring to friendship, respect and love for those who truly deserve or for those to whom we owe a duty like our parents.
As long as we see these evil things in other people and our gaze is focused on them, we consider ourselves safe and free from these evil. Denial therefore, provides a comfort zone that we can hide in - from ourselves and from others. But for the believer, there is no refuge here nor should it be else were because God has created a conscience, self-awareness, imagination and gave us a -mind's-eye: these senses when combined will prick these falsehood and shade some light into the darkest corners of the mind so that the soul is laid bare. So, for the true believer, there is no hiding place. That is why the prophet (Peace Be Upon Him-PBUH) and all the prophets of all time advised mankind to hold himself accountable before they are held accountable. For the transgressors who do not care about the warning of his conscience but instead keeps on moving further and further into darkness following the pleasure of senses, the desire of the body(material and show-off) and greed of the stomach, soon or later the mercy of God will be withdrawn from him and no light can reach him. He/She will sink to the lowest of the low.
Perhaps, we should take a lesson from one whom mercy was withdrawn and which in turn lead to the greatest fall from grace of all times. And that was the fall of Satan (sheytan). Satan became arrogant beyond all bounds because of what he perceived as his superior construction in comparison with Adam. He claimed that he was created from fire while Adam was created from clay therefore he will not bow to Adam as commanded by his lord. It may sound ironical, but danger can come, something, from that which we have been blessed with. We have therefore, to be on constant guard at all times and from all direction.
In doing so we have to visualize our original untainted creation which was give a place of honor in this universe and hold ourselves to that standard. In the time of our low moments and when assailed by doubt , we need to revisit the honor that is our destiny ... a destiny give to no any other creature but only to us -the son of Adam.
Hussein Dayib Publisher
We are expected to set things right because we are the Vicegerent (representative) of the Creator, each and every single one of us! It is indeed a great honor. Representatives of the creator who has created these flawless, splendid universe, where everything is set in a perfect order and balance. And at the pinnacle of these creation has been placed the son (daughters) of Adam of whom Allah speaks of them as " we have honored the son of Adam" . For any fortunate being who has been placed at such highly elevated position, it is natural that they assume some responsibility ...that they become examples and witnessed for setting things right. We must uphold our responsibility to God and man. It is expected from the ones who have been so honored that they will be a voice against evil, injustice and all wrong.
And the best place to start from in order to confront evil is within ourselves.Enjoin doing good to ourselves. And we will find that it is the most difficult battle to win. It is difficult for men and women to see their own faults. But it is a lot easier for us to see the faults of others. Why is it so? Think of it? It is what we have seen growing up! In our homes, in our schools, in our societies, we have downloaded into our brains-so to speak, lots of criticisms, lots slander, lots of backbiting and lot of backstabbing. Scholars of management, behavior science and organizations tell us that people behave this way by far and large when they are for example in a reactive mode. When they mechanically act out behaviors they have observed and which they may have absorbed. When they live their lives the way they have seen other live out their lives. Or when they attempt to cover their vulnerabilities by going on the offensive and by being in the attack mode. Or when they seek to carry favors with people whom they perceive as being powerful and behave in a dishonorable manner in order to please them so as to gain their acceptance and love. Please don't get me wrong here. I am not referring to friendship, respect and love for those who truly deserve or for those to whom we owe a duty like our parents.
As long as we see these evil things in other people and our gaze is focused on them, we consider ourselves safe and free from these evil. Denial therefore, provides a comfort zone that we can hide in - from ourselves and from others. But for the believer, there is no refuge here nor should it be else were because God has created a conscience, self-awareness, imagination and gave us a -mind's-eye: these senses when combined will prick these falsehood and shade some light into the darkest corners of the mind so that the soul is laid bare. So, for the true believer, there is no hiding place. That is why the prophet (Peace Be Upon Him-PBUH) and all the prophets of all time advised mankind to hold himself accountable before they are held accountable. For the transgressors who do not care about the warning of his conscience but instead keeps on moving further and further into darkness following the pleasure of senses, the desire of the body(material and show-off) and greed of the stomach, soon or later the mercy of God will be withdrawn from him and no light can reach him. He/She will sink to the lowest of the low.
Perhaps, we should take a lesson from one whom mercy was withdrawn and which in turn lead to the greatest fall from grace of all times. And that was the fall of Satan (sheytan). Satan became arrogant beyond all bounds because of what he perceived as his superior construction in comparison with Adam. He claimed that he was created from fire while Adam was created from clay therefore he will not bow to Adam as commanded by his lord. It may sound ironical, but danger can come, something, from that which we have been blessed with. We have therefore, to be on constant guard at all times and from all direction.
In doing so we have to visualize our original untainted creation which was give a place of honor in this universe and hold ourselves to that standard. In the time of our low moments and when assailed by doubt , we need to revisit the honor that is our destiny ... a destiny give to no any other creature but only to us -the son of Adam.
Hussein Dayib Publisher
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