IBADUR RAHMAN ARDENTLY DESIRE TO LEAD THE RIGHTEOUS

Jumuah lecture on Friday 27 July 2018 (13 Dhul Qa’ada 1439)

by Mowlana Syed Aftab Haider

at the Ahlul Bait (a.s) Masjid, Ottery, Cape Town

Today we will conclude our series of discussions about the qualities of Ibadur Rahman, (servants of the most Merciful), by focusing on final verses of Surah Furqaan (chapter 25 of the Holy Quran).

We started this series, by discussing the first quality of Ibadur Rahman being that they walk on the earth with utmost humility. We have now progressed to verse 74 and 77 of Surah Furqaan, where Almighty Allah (SWT) speaks about the 12^th quality of Ibadur Rahman:

Verse 74: And those who pray, "Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous."

Verse 75: Those are the ones who will be rewarded with the highest place in heaven, because of their patient constancy: therein shall they be met with salutations and peace.

Verse 76: Dwelling therein - how beautiful an abode and place of rest!

Verse 77: Say (O Muhammad, unto the disbelievers): My Lord would not concern Himself with you but for your prayer. But now ye have denied (the Truth), therefor there will be judgment.

These are the beautiful concluding verses of Surah Furqaan (chapter 25 of the Holy Quran).

There are various approaches adopted to the interpretation of verse 74 by different Ulama, where the 12^th quality of Ibadur Rahman is explained. Some commentators of the Holy Quran have understood this verse 74 to mean that the 12^th quality of Ibadur Rahman is that they make dua ie. supplication to the Lord (SWT).

IBADUR RAHMAN ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR FAMILIES

Some scholars have understood this a bit differently, saying that it is not referring to dua (supplication). Rather, they believe that the 12^th quality of Ibadur Rahman in this verse is that they prayer for their family to also have these noble qualities of Ibadur Rahman, in addition to themselves.

They say that this supplication of Ibadur Rahman in verse 74 is the indication of their desire and great interest in their family and children, which is the source of peace and tranquillity for them. “Kurrata a’yun” means soothing on the eye. This further means that the Ibadur Rahman are deeply concerned about the spiritual development of their families as well. They want them to be good, and a source of tranquillity and peace.

However, in addition, this verse continues whereby the Ibadur Rahman request from Almighty Allah (SWT) to make them and their families examples for the righteous (muttaqeen). This is another very important discussion, which illustrates that the Ibadur Rahman do not confine their good qualities to their individual level. Beyond this, they want to be leaders as well, and examples for the pious ie. the best of the society!

The finer wording of this verse 74 tells us that the Ibadur Rahman desire to be leaders of the righteous. They have a very high aspiration, while they remain humble and keep away from sin.

The Ibadur Rahman want to be leaders of the society and guide the Muttaqeen towards the pleasure of Almighty Allah (SWT). This aspiration and desire of Ibadur Rahman is a very different angle to the one presented earlier of them simply performing dua. This second interpretation presents the very high ambitions of the Ibadur Rahman to be leaders of the pious society.

IBADUR RAHMAN USE DUA AS THE CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION WITH ALLAH (SWT)

Indeed, the issue of dua is very much there, no doubt. This quality of Ibadur Rahman is mentioned in the Quran in verse 74 as their request to Almighty Allah (SWT). Their request articulates their concern about the perfection of their families and finally being the leaders of the Muttaqeen.

In this manner, we see that they have the very important quality of dua, while having the greatest concern for their family. Dua is the connection between the Ibadur Rahman and their creator, Almighty Allah (SWT), and is one of the most important qualities of the Ibadur Rahman.

Then, after explaining this 12^th (and final) quality of Ibadur Rahman, we read in verses 75 and 76 of the reward which awaits them.

However, in verse 77, we read how Almighty Allah (SWT) brings us back to the important quality and institution of dua. This verse says that Allah (SWT) would not care about us if we do not come to Him in supplication. We are worthless without dua! We have no value without this communication between us and our Almighty Lord (SWT).

This is the general meaning of this verse, that our value is through our dua, because whoever avoids dua has a problem of arrogance, as the channel of communication with the Almighty Lord (SWT) is not open. We should never be proud or over-confident about our own A’maal (good deeds) and achievements in this world.

This arrogance is the source of disbelief, because we are saying that we do not need anything from Almighty Allah (SWT) when we do not communicate with Him. We often think that dua is only in reference to us asking from Almighty Allah (SWT) when we have a problem. Indeed, this is when dua is required, but dua is much more than asking for something.

Dua is the channel of communication between you and your Lord (SWT). Therefore, Almighty Allah (SWT) loves when you make dua. There is a beautiful Hadith which says that dua is the brain and soul of Ibadah (worship).

We can be engaged in any form of Ibadah (worship), but if we are not communicating with Almighty Allah (SWT) then our acts of worship are empty. All these structures (like dua) are there to open that channel of communication between you and your Lord (SWT).

Therefore, verse 77 of Surah Furqaan says that you are from the arrogant if you avoid dua and will need to face the consequences of that.

Verse 77: Say (O Muhammad, unto the disbelievers): My Lord would not concern Himself with you but for your prayer. But now ye have denied (the Truth), therefor there will be judgment.

With this very important quality of dua, and dua for the family and children, and concern for the offspring, and asking Almighty Allah (SWT) to make them the source of peace and make us leaders of the Muttaqeen, we conclude our series of discussions about the qualities of Ibadur Rahman, (servants of the most Merciful).

We conclude this series by asking Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant us the ability to follow these beautiful qualities of Ibadur Rahman, in whatever small manner. These are very high levels and aspirations, and we may not be able to reach to all of these beautiful qualities, but we should try to be amongst those who are trying to achieve a taste of these noble qualities of Ibadur Rahman, (servants of the most Merciful).

SECOND KHUTBAH

BIRTHDAY OF IMAM ALI RIDHA (A.S) ON 11^TH DHUL QA’ADA

During the past week, we celebrated the Milad and birth of the 8^th Imam of Ahlul Bait (a.s), Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (a.s). This Imam has been recognised, admired and acknowledged by all the great scholars of Islam, regardless of their Madhhab.

There are so many different angles to explore when one studies the life of Imam Ali Ridha (a.s). On the night of his Milad, we spoke about a very important aspect of his life, namely Imam Ridha (a.s) and interfaith dialogue. We learn from Imam Ridha (a.s) what Adabul Ikhtilaaf really is. This term which is commonly bandied about these days refers to the manners and etiquettes in differences and disputes, which we learn from Imam Ridha (a.s).

We witness from the life of Imam Ridha (a.s) that he was forced to accept the position of Crown Prince in the Abbasid rule of Ma’mun ar-Rashid.

I would like to draw your attention to one quick reference, which is quite interesting. While Imam Ridha (a.s) was appointed as the Crown Prince of this empire which expanded over a big part of Asia, parts of Africa and touching Europe.

Imam Ridha (a.s) was in a gathering with Ma’mun, the ruler, and someone brought a letter to Ma’mun. Ma’mun opened this long letter and read it in the presence of Imam Ridha (a.s). Ma’mun requested permission from Imam Ridha (a.s) if he could also read part of this letter to him. Imam Ridha (a.s) granted his consent.

AHLUL BAIT (A.S) CONQUER THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE AND NOT THE LANDS

Ma’mun read this letter to Imam Ridha (a.s) which also stated some important news from the Abbasid army, that they were successful in seizing control of the suburbs of Kabul, Afghanistan. Numerous villages and settlements in and around Kabul are now under their control. This is supposedly good news, that the empire is expanding through more and more land being conquered.

Imam Ridha (a.s) did not react after hearing this news. This caused Ma’mun to ask Imam Ridha (a.s) why he does not appear to be excited from this news of the expansion of the Islamic State? Imam Ridha (a.s) replied by saying to Ma’mun that this conquering of land did not make him happy. Imam Ridha (a.s) asserted to Ma’mun that this capturing of land of non-Muslims is not doing any favours to the nation of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAWA)

Let’s reflect on this thinking and approach of the Ahlul Bait (a.s)!

Imam Ridha (a.s) continues his response by saying to Ma’mun that what will bring comfort and pleasure to the Ahlul Bait (a.s) and Rasulullah (SAWA) is if you can uproot poverty and injustice in the Ummah (nation) of Rasulullah (SAWA). This is much better than expanding the control of the state, and increasing the size of the land.

Imam Ridha (a.s) says to Ma’mun that in his state, we find that injustice, oppression and exploitation of the poor is a common reality, while expansion of land makes Ma’mun happy. Imam Ridha (a.s) explains to Ma’mun that he should be worried about uprooting poverty and injustice in the Ummah (Muslim nation) instead of expanding the land. This is the Ahlul Bait (a.s) of Rasulullah (SAWA)!

Imam Ridha (a.s) explains that the spirit of Islam is not about capturing the land and enlarging the Islamic State. Instead, Imam Ridha (a.s) explains that the spirit of Islam is to establish justice, as explained in verse 25 of Surah Hadid (chapter 57 of the Holy Quran), where Almighty Allah (SWT) refers to the revelation of Prophets (a.s) to this earth for the purpose of establishing justice amongst the people (and not to conquer the land)!

that men may stand forth in justice

How sad it is today, that after 14 centuries of Islam, and the expansion of this religion to the furthermost corners of the world, we see that the fundamental spirit of Islam is still absent, namely justice. Muslim rulers and the so-called Muslim leadership could not uproot poverty and establish justice through fair distribution of the resources of this world. The divide between rich and poor is very clearly apparent.

This is what we are saying in reference to the spirit of Islam still being missing. War after war is fought for control over the land. It is all about power. We see this grisly reality in Yemen and different parts of the world. Yemen is of course the worst example at the moment, with the suffering and pain of the innocent people reaching its pinnacle. However, the courage of the people of Yemen remains our pride, as they are nowhere close to surrendering.

The enemies are realising that there is a power greater than weapons and money!

A GREAT TEACHER OF THE HOLY QURAN PASSES AWAY IN CAPE TOWN

I would like to pay my respects to a great teacher of the Holy Quran who passed away yesterday in our city, Cape Town. Imam Moerat, who taught people the Quran for 70 years across at least 3 generations.

I went to pay my respects to the family, and his daughter was saying that people have been reciting Quran around his Janaza from the moment he passed away until now. And those in recitation are all his students. What better farewell can we ask for this amazingly, respectful person whom I knew personally. His legacy is his deep love for reading, teaching and promoting the Holy Quran.

May the mercy of Almighty Allah (SWT) be upon his soul, and may he be counted amongst those who are servants of the Quran, with the Quran, Insha Allah.