Pearls and Coral: Treasures from the Qur’an (22)

Dr Osama Al-Azhari Minister of Awqaf (Charitable Endowments) To the esteemed readers in Egypt, and to all daughters and sons of the Arab and Muslim nations: welcome to a new journey in our blessed voyages with the Book of Allah, in which we sail among its verses, sip from its lights, and draw from its treasures and secrets. This Great Book, which Allah Almighty made a guidance for humanity, a source of happiness and salvation, and an inexhaustible spring of wisdom and lessons. In this Blessed Reflection, we stand today in the shade of the Twenty-Second Part of the Ever-Glorious Qur’an, illuminated by its light, resting in its shadows, and gathering pearls and gems from its gardens. We seek to extract the values and principles that guide hearts and enlighten minds. The first reflection we begin with in this part is about the state of high esteem in the sight of Allah Almighty (Wajaha). Thus, we initiate with Allah Almighty’s saying: “O you who have believed, do not be as the ones who hurt Mûsa, (Moses) yet Allah (declared) him quit of what they said, and he has been esteemed in the Providence of Allah.” [Qur’an 33: 69]. Contemplate this eternal description: “And he has been esteemed in the Providence of Allah.” It is a phrase that stirs the heart and revives the soul. It serves as a badge of honour, a necklace of dignity, and a robe of distinction that Allah Almighty reserved for His Prophet and Interlocutor, Moses (PBUH).  Allah Almighty elevated the status of Moses (PBUH), making him eminent and one of the most regarded in His sight. The term wajih (Eminent) is mentioned only twice in the Ever-Glorious Qur’an: one for Prophet Moses (PBUH), and the other time for Prophet Jesus, Son of Mary (PBUH) as mentioned in the verse: “O Maryam, (Mary) surely Allah gives you good tidings of a Word from Him whose name is the Masîh Isa (Literally: pens) son of Maryam, esteemed in the present (life) (Literally: the lowly “life”, i.e., the life of this world) and the Hereafter, and one of the near-stationed (i.e., stationed near to’ Allah).” [Qur’an 3: 45]. My dear! True eminence and prestige lies not in wealth, position, or social status, but in being esteemed and regarded by Allah.  Whoever seeks success and facility in this life and Hereafter should adhere to these words: “he has been esteemed in the Providence of Allah.” O Allah, make us esteemed and accepted stationed near to Allah in this life and the hereafter” Now, let’s move to the second reflection. It is: ‘Thinking as an Islamic Obligation’. Thus, our second reflection is with a great verse that calls us to the methodology of a sound reasoning and thinking. Allah Almighty says: “Say, “Surely I admonish you with one (thing) only that you rise up to Allah by twos and singly; thereafter meditate: in no way is there any madness in your Companion. Decidedly he is nothing except a constant warner to you, before (Literally: between the hands of) a strict torment.” [Qur’an 34: 46].       Allah Almighty commands us to reflect and contemplate, for thinking is among the greatest acts of worship. That is why the Muslim writer and thinker ‘Abbas Mahmoud al-’Aqqad stated in his book, Thinking is An Islamic Obligation: “Words like intellect, thought, contemplation, observation, knowledge, and their linguistic derivatives appear more than seven hundred times in the Ever-Glorious Qur’an.” It is a divine command to use the mind correctly – but when is thinking sound and fruitful? It is when we stand sincerely for Allah, reflecting calmly – whether alone or in a small group of people of insight and righteousness. Sound thought is not born in noise, but in tranquility and contemplation. The third reflection in this part is concerning the secrets of seas and mountains as Signs of Allah Almighty. We move to a majestic cosmic scene depicted in the Ever-Glorious Qur’an. We find it in Allah’s words: “And in no way can the two seas be equal; this is sweet, gratifying (to taste) palatable as a drink; and this (other) is salt, bitter (to the tongue); and of each you eat fresh flesh and draw forth ornaments for you to wear. And you see the ships plowing through it that you may seek of His Grace and that possibly you would thank (Him).” [Qur’an 35: 12]. The Scene of the seas, ocean and rivers which Allah Almighty created with His wisdom and knowledge – the fresh and salty waters never mixing, yet each bearing its benefits and sustenance. In the same surah, Allah Almighty says: “Have you not seen that Allah sends down from the heaven water. So We bring out there with products of different colours?” [Qur’an 35: 27]. Then, Allah speaks about the mountains and their diverse colours and forms: “And among the mountains are streaks (Or: highways in the valleys) white and red, of different colors, and black crags.” [Qur’an 35: 27]. From this, we are guided to recognise that the diversity of colours and forms in the seas, fruits, and mountains is a proof of the Majesty Of the Creator – Glory Be To Him – and of the goodness He intended for us by subjugating all this to our service. As for the fourth reflection in this part, it is that true scholars are people of reverence. Here we conclude our journey with this blessed part, pausing with this comprehensive verse: “Surely only the ones of His bondmen who are apprehensive of Allah are the knowledgeable. (i.e. learned ones) Surely Allah is Ever-Mighty, Ever-Forgiving.” [Qur’an 35: 28]. Indeed, true knowledge is that which instills fear of Allah, and the true scholar is the one who draws nearer to Allah, grows more humble, and fears Him more with every increase in knowledge. We ask Allah to make us among His serving scholars who act upon their knowledge and fear Him as He truly deserves to be feared. Concluding Supplication: O Allah, make us among the people of knowledge and reverence, and among those who are esteemed in this life and the Hereafter.  O Allah, make our minds reflective of Your signs, our hearts humble before Your greatness, and our tongues eloquent in Your remembrance. Until we meet again, stay noble, stay safe. The post Pearls and Coral: Treasures from the Qur’an (22) appeared first on Egyptian Gazette.