Signs & Science: recompense

Showing posts with label recompense. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Surah al-A'raf, ... pay attention to receive mercy

الٓمٓصٓ ١

Alif-Lâm-Mîm-Sâd. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’ân and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings.]

كِتَـٰبٌ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ فَلَا يَكُن فِى صَدْرِكَ حَرَجٌۭ مِّنْهُ لِتُنذِرَ بِهِۦ وَذِكْرَىٰ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ٢

(This is the) Book (the Qur’ân) sent down unto you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), so let not your breast be narrow therefrom, that you warn thereby; and a reminder unto the believers.

ٱتَّبِعُوا۟ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ مِن دُونِهِۦٓ أَوْلِيَآءَ ۗ قَلِيلًۭا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ ٣

[Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) to these idolaters (pagan Arabs) of your folk:] Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord (the Qur’ân and Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah), and follow not any Auliyâ’ (protectors and helpers who order you to associate partners in worship with Allâh), besides Him (Allâh). Little do you remember!

[Al-Quran 7:1-3, Translation: Al-Hilali & Khan]

We need to remember:

that everyone will be questioned
that we are being watched constantly
that on that Day, it is the Haqq which will have weight

those whose scale is heavy will be successful
those whose scale is light will lose their nafs because of the Zulm they were doing towards Our Signs

that we have been provided with our livelihoods and the economic system

that we show very little gratitude

that Iblis has sworn to harm us all

that Iblis lied and made false promises to our forefather Adam to mislead him
that Iblis caused our forefather Adam immense harm and loss by posing as a sincere well-wisher

that Adam confessed that they both had put their Nafs (soul) in darkness

that Adam prayed that if Allah did not cover them and surround them both in His Mercy, they would certainly be among the losers

that Allah sent them all to Earth as enemies to each other

that Allah sent them all to Earth as settlement and enjoyment for a time

that Allah blessed Bani Adam with clothes to cover and hide and adorn our naked bodies

that our clothes are from the Signs of Allah
that Iblis and his tribe watches us from where we cannot see them

that clothing and deen (religious recompense) is linked

that as Allah originally made us, so He will raise us again
that we should adorn ourselves, and eat and drink at every masjid (time and place of prostration)
that we should not indulge in israaf (misuse)

that Allah has not forbidden adornment and good food

that the adornments that have been produced, and the good things to eat, are especially for the believers in this world, and exclusively for them in the Hereafter

Allah has forbidden

immoralities, both open and hidden
sinfulness
rebellion / oppression without right
joining partners with Allah for which Allah has sent down no authority
saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge

every religious nation (ummah) has an appointed Hour (asSaata), and it cannot be advanced or delayed

that we need to heed to Allah's Ayaat when Allah's Messengers recite them
that we need to keep our duty to Allah, and reform ourselves accordingly
that doing so will save us from grief (of what we lost) and fear (of what will happen to us)

that those who belie and are arrogant towards them will be the Companions of the Fire, eternally living there

that the greatest Zulm (darkness) is to invent about Allah and/or deny His Ayaat (signs)
that for such people, the doors of the sky will not open, and they will not be allowed to ascend to The Garden until the Jml (camel) can pass through the eye of the needle, such will be the recompense of the criminals
that Jahanam (fire of Hell) will be their bed and covering, such is the recompense of those (who put their nafs (souls) in) darkness

that those who believe and do small acts of reform, no load is put on any nafs except that it can bear, they will be the Companions of the Garden, eternally living there

all resentment will have been removed from within their breasts
rivers will flow beneath them
they will gratefully praise Allah (Alhamadolillah) for having guided them
they will admit that they could never have been guided had Allah not guided them
they will state that the Messengers had come with the truth
it will be said to them: this is the Garden that you inherit because of what you used to do

the Companions of the Garden will call out to the Companions of the Fire

stating that they have found the promise of their Lord true
and asking if they have found the promise of their Lord true
the Companions of the Fire will respond: Yes
then a caller will announce that the Zalimun (those in the darkness) have been removed from Allah's Mercy
those who averted people from the way of Allah,
sought to make it deviant
and rejected the Hereafter

there will be a partition between them, and on the Heights (A'raf) will be men

who will recognise everyone by their marks
they will call out to the Companions of the Garden: Salamun alaikum
they will not yet have entered it, but are hopeful with certainty

and when their vision turns towards the Companions of the Fire

they will say, 'our Lord, do not place us with the Zalimun (those in the darkness)'
and the Companions of the A'raf (Heights) will call out to the men they recognise by their marks: 'of what benefit was what you collected (people / wealth), and your arrogance?

'are these the people you assumed Allah would never show Mercy? Enter Paradise, no fear shall be upon you, nor shall ye grieve' (it is assumed that this statement is about the Companions of the al-A'raf, who were waiting for a decision regarding their fate).
the Companions of the Fire will call out to the Companions of the Garden to pour upon us some water or what rizq Allah has provided you with

they will be informed that Allah has forbidden both of those to the Kafireen (rejectors / ingrates)
those who took their Deen (religion / recompense) as distraction and amusement
and the worldly life deluded them
We will forget them just as they forgot the Meeting of This Day
and they used to reject Our Signs

We had certainly bought to them a Book

detailed with knowledge
as a guidance and a Mercy to a people who believe
do they await except its taweel (outcome)?
the Day that it appears, those who had neglected it before, will say

the Messengers of our Lord had come with al-Haqq
now are there any intercessors for us who would intercede on our behalf
or can we be sent back to do other than what we used to do
they would have lost their Nafs (soul)
and they were led astray by that which they used to invent

Indeed, your Lord-Sustainer (Rabb) is Allah

who created the Skies and Earth in six days
and then established Himself over the Throne
He covers the night with the day, chasing it rapidly
He created the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars, subjected by His Command
unquestionably, His is the Creation and Command
Blessed is Allah, Flourishes Allah (tabaraka Allahu تَبٰرَكَ اللّٰهُ)
Lord of all the worlds (رَبُّ الۡعٰلَمِيۡنَ‏)

Call upon your Rabb in humility and privately
He does not like the transgressors
and do not corrupt the Earth after it has been reformed
and call upon Him in fear and hope
indeed, His Mercy is near the Muhsineen (those who do good deeds, excellently)
it is He who sends winds as good tidings before His Mercy

until when they carry heavy rain clouds
We drive it to a land that is dead
pour upon it and bring forth from all of its fruits
thus will the dead be brought forth
perhaps you will remember
from the good land comes forth vegetation, with the permission of its Lord
from the bad land emerges with difficulty and sparingly
thus do We diversify the signs for a people who are grateful

Messenger Noah (Q7:59-64)
Messenger Hud (Q7:65-72)
Messenger Saleh (Q7:73-79)
Messenger Lot (Q7:80-84)
Messenger Shoaib (Q7:85-93)
not We sent to any city a prophet but

We seized its people with extreme poverty (wealth-wise), and extreme hardship (health-wise), that they might humble themselves
then We changed the bad to the good till a state of prosperity and affluence
and they said: our fathers were also touched with hardship and ease
then We seized them all of a sudden while they were unaware
if only the people of the cities had believed and kept their duty (taqwa),

We would have opened for them barakat (blessings to flourish) from the sky and earth

but they belied, so We seized them for what they used to earn
did the people of the cities feel secure from Our punishment coming to them in the night while they were asleep?
did the people of the cities feel secure from Our punishment coming to them in the morning while they were playing?
did they feel secure from the Plan of Allah?
but who feels secure from the Plan of Allah except the people who are losers
hasn't it been a reminder for the people who have inherited the earth after those who lived there before that if We willed, We could afflict them for their sins
and We seal up the hearts of those who do not listen
those are the cities, We relate to you some of their news

and certainly their messengers came to them with clear proofs
but they were not to believe in that which they had belied before
thus We seal up the hearts of the rejectors
and We did not find in most of them any (keeping of their) covenant
and most of them We found to be defiantly disobedient

Messenger Moses (Q7:103-onwards)

... <highlights> ...
seventy men for the meeting (Q7:155)
follow Nabi Ummi mentioned in Taurat and Injeel (Q7:157)
and among the people of Moses are some who are guided by Haqq and do Adl (justice)
Sabbath violation and punishment (Q7:163-166)
The generational descendants, inheritors of the Book, and the violation of the Covenant; and they have studied what is therein; the home of the Hereafter is better for those who keep their duty; will they not use their intelligence (Q7:169)
but those who hold fast to the Book and establish prayer, certainly We shall not let the reward of the reformers to be lost
the raising of the mountain above them (ratifying the Covenant with Bani Israel): hold firmly what We have given you, and remember what is therein, that you may be able to keep your duty (to Allah) (Q7:171)

Testimony of all the Descendants of the Children of Adam over their Nafs:

that Allah is their Lord

lest they say on the Day of Qiyamah

that we were unaware of it
or that our forefathers associated with Allah and we are their descendants, so will you destroy us for the deeds of those who practiced batil?

thus do We explain in detail the ayaat, so that they would return

the example of the person who was given knowledge of Our Signs, but he threw them away, so Shaitan (Satan) followed him up, so he became of those who made legal mistakes (Q7:175)

if We willed, We could have elevated him thereby; but he adhered to the earth, and followed his desires
his example is that of a dog: if you chase him, he pants, if you leave him, he pants
such is the example of those who belie Our signs
so relate their stories, so that they reflect Q7:176)
evil is the example of the people who belie Our Signs and put their nafs in darkness (Q7:177)
he whom Allah guides is guided; and he whom He sends astray, it is those who are the losers (Q7:178)

and We have certainly produced for Hell many of jinns and humans

they have hearts that do not have any legal understanding
they have eyes but no vision
they have ears but do not listen
they are like livestock, or more astray
they are the heedless (Q7:179)

for Allah are the best names, so call upon Him through them

and leave those who practice deviation with His names
soon they will be requited for what they used to do (Q7:180)
and among them We created a community which guides by Haqq (truth) and thereby establishes Adl (justice) (Q7:181)
those who belie Our signs, soon shall We seize them in ways they won't even know (Q7:182)
and I will give them time, indeed My Plan is Firm (Q7:183)
do they not reflect that in their companion is no madness, but that he is a plain Warner (Q7:184)
do they not look into the realms of the skies and earth, and everything that Allah has created, that perhaps their appointed time has come near
then in what Hadith (narration) after this will they believe? (Q7:185)
whoever Allah sends astray, their is no one to guide after Him, and He leaves them in their transgressions, wandering blindly (Q7:186)
they ask you about the appointed Hour (as-Sa'ata), when will it be

say the knowledge thereof is with my Lord alone
none will reveal its time except Him
it lays heavily upon the skies and earth
it will not arrive except all of a sudden
they ask you as if you are familiar with it
say, its knowledge is only with Allah
but most of the people do not know (Q7:187)
say I hold for myself no benefit or harm except as Allah wills
if I had knowledge of unseen, I would have accumulated for myself much Khair
and no evil would have touched me
I am but a Warner, and a bringer of glad tidings for a people who believe (Q7:188)
it is He who created you from a single nafs,

then from her, her mate,
then when he covered her, and she carried a light burden,
when the burden became heavy, they both prayed to Allah, their Lord, that if He gave them a reformed offspring, they will be grateful (Q7:189)
when He gave them a reformed offspring, they both ascribed partners to Allah concerning that which He had given them
Exalted is Allah above what they associate (Q7:190)
do they associate with Him those who create nothing, and are themselves created? (Q7:191)
and they are unable to help them, nor even help their own nafs (Q7:192)
and if you invite them to guidance, they will not follow you
it is the same whether you invite them or you remain silent, (Q7:193)
indeed those you call upon other than Allah are slaves like you

call upon them and let them respond if you are truthful (Q7:194)
do they have feet by which they walk?
or hands with which they strike /grip?
or eyes they envision with?
or ears they listen with?
say, call upon those partners, plot against me, and give me no respite

indeed my protector is Allah, who has sent down the Book, and He is the Ally of the reformers (Q7:196)

those whom you call upon other than Him are unable to help you, and are unable to help their own nafs (Q7:197)
and if you invite them to guidance, they do not listen, and you see them looking at you, but do not envision (Q7:198)
take what is given freely / pardon, enjoin what is good, and turn away from those ignorant of the Law (Q7:199)

and if an evil suggestion comes to you from Shaitan (Satan), seek the protection of Allah, He is Hearing, Knowing (Q7:200)

those who keep their duty (taqwa), when an impulse by Shaitan (Satan) touches them, they remember, and envision (Q7:201)
and their brothers, they increase them in error, and they do not stop short (Q7:202)

and when you do not bring them a sign, they say why have you not contrived it

say I only follow that which is revealed to me from my Lord
insights from your Lord
a guidance and a mercy for a people who believe (Q7:203)

Surah al-A'raf concludes on this note:

وَإِذَا قُرِئَ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ فَٱسْتَمِعُوا۟ لَهُۥ وَأَنصِتُوا۟ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ ٢٠٤

So, when the Qur’ân is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy. [i.e. during the compulsory congregational prayers when the Imâm (of a mosque) is leading the prayer (except Sûrat Al-Fâtihah), and also when he is delivering the Friday-prayer Khutbah]. (Tafsir At-Tabari).

وَٱذْكُر رَّبَّكَ فِى نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعًۭا وَخِيفَةًۭ وَدُونَ ٱلْجَهْرِ مِنَ ٱلْقَوْلِ بِٱلْغُدُوِّ وَٱلْـَٔاصَالِ وَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ ٱلْغَـٰفِلِينَ ٢٠٥

And remember your Lord within yourself, humbly and with fear and without loudness in words in the mornings, and in the afternoons and be not of those who are neglectful.[1]

[1](V.205): See the footnote of (13:28).

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ عِندَ رَبِّكَ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِهِۦ وَيُسَبِّحُونَهُۥ وَلَهُۥ يَسْجُدُونَ ۩ ٢٠٦

Surely, those who are with your Lord (angels) are never too proud to perform acts of worship to Him, but they glorify His Praise and prostrate themselves before Him.

[Al-Quran 7:204-206, Translation: Al-Hilali & Khan]

Q7:204-206

....

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Feeding the Miskeen

فَلَيۡسَ لَـهُ الۡيَوۡمَ هٰهُنَا حَمِيۡمٌۙ‏ ٣٥ وَّلَا طَعَامٌ اِلَّا مِنۡ غِسۡلِيۡنٍۙ‏ ٣٦ لَّا يَاۡكُلُهٗۤ اِلَّا الۡخٰطِئُوْنَ‏ ٣٧

So there is not for him here this Day any devoted friend Nor any food except from the discharge of wounds; None will eat it except the sinners.

[Al-Quran 69:35-38, Translation: Saheeh International]

Surah al-Haqqah describes the condition of the people, on Judgement Day, who did not believe in Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎ , and did not feed the miskeen. They will have failed their exam, and will be 'booked' on the left, criminals, condemned to eternal Hell.

Ayat 17:26 screenshot from quran.com

So, who are the miskeen?

The definition of masakeen (plural noun), according to Surah al-Kahf, is people who work hard but earn little:

اَمَّا السَّفِيۡنَةُ فَكَانَتۡ لِمَسٰكِيۡنَ يَعۡمَلُوۡنَ فِى الۡبَحۡرِ فَاَرَدْتُّ اَنۡ اَعِيۡبَهَا وَكَانَ وَرَآءَهُمۡ مَّلِكٌ يَّاۡخُذُ كُلَّ سَفِيۡنَةٍ غَصۡبًا‏ ٧٩

As for the ship, it belonged to poor people working at sea. So I intended to cause defect in it as there was after them a king who seized every [good] ship by force.

[Al-Quran 18:79, Translation: Saheeh International]

Moses (Musa عليه السلام) was on a journey, with a person. (a servant of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎), to learn 'rushd' from him. Rushd means legally correct in context of the 'Deen' (Law of Recompense). This person made a hole in the ship of the masakeen, so that the king would not take their defective ship, thus saving their means of livelihood for them.

The definition of miskeen, according to Surah al-Balad, is a person who is down in the dust:

فَكُّ رَقَبَةٍ ۙ‏ ١٣ اَوۡ اِطۡعٰمٌ فِىۡ يَوۡمٍ ذِىۡ مَسۡغَبَةٍ ۙ‏ ١٤ يَّتِيۡمًا ذَا مَقۡرَبَةٍ ۙ‏ ١٥ اَوۡ مِسۡكِيۡنًا ذَا مَتۡرَبَةٍ ؕ‏ ١٦

It is the freeing of a slave Or feeding on a day of severe hunger An orphan of near relationship Or a needy person in misery

[Al-Quran 90:13-16, Translation: Saheeh International]

Surah al-Balad (land/country) lists the things expected from free citizens to do. It includes the feeding of the miskeen who is ذَا مَتۡرَبَةٍ . The root of this word shares with the word for dust, as can be seen from this screenshot:

Looking up multiple English translations of Q90:16:

or to a poor person in distress,
— Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran
Or a needy person in misery
— Saheeh International
or to a needy person lying in dust- -
— T. Usmani
or a poor person in distress,
— M.A.S. Abdel Haleem
or to a destitute lying in dust;
— A. Maududi (Tafhim commentary)
Or some poor wretch in misery,
— M. Pickthall
Or to the indigent (down) in the dust.
— A. Yusuf Ali
Or to a Miskîn (poor) cleaving to dust (out of misery).
— Al-Hilali & Khan

The Quran repeatedly exhorts the feeding of the masakeen (singular: miskeen):

Screenshot from corpus.quran.com

The masakeen have a known right in the rizq that is provided to us. And so, the ten precepts of wisdom recited in Surah al-Isra includes this directive regarding spending:

وَاٰتِ ذَا الۡقُرۡبٰى حَقَّهٗ وَالۡمِسۡكِيۡنَ وَابۡنَ السَّبِيۡلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرۡ تَبۡذِيۡرًا‏ ٢٦ اِنَّ الۡمُبَذِّرِيۡنَ كَانُوۡۤا اِخۡوَانَ الشَّيٰطِيۡنِ ؕ وَكَانَ الشَّيۡطٰنُ لِرَبِّهٖ كَفُوۡرًا‏ ٢٧ وَاِمَّا تُعۡرِضَنَّ عَنۡهُمُ ابۡتِغَآءَ رَحۡمَةٍ مِّنۡ رَّبِّكَ تَرۡجُوۡهَا فَقُلْ لَّهُمۡ قَوۡلًا مَّيۡسُوۡرًا‏ ٢٨ وَلَا تَجۡعَلۡ يَدَكَ مَغۡلُوۡلَةً اِلٰى عُنُقِكَ وَلَا تَبۡسُطۡهَا كُلَّ الۡبَسۡطِ فَتَقۡعُدَ مَلُوۡمًا مَّحۡسُوۡرًا‏ ٢٩ اِنَّ رَبَّكَ يَبۡسُطُ الرِّزۡقَ لِمَنۡ يَّشَآءُ وَيَقۡدِرُؕ اِنَّهٗ كَانَ بِعِبَادِهٖ خَبِيۡرًۢا بَصِيۡرًا‏ ٣٠

And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful. And if you [must] turn away from them [i.e., the needy] awaiting mercy from your Lord which you expect, then speak to them a gentle word. And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent. Indeed, your Lord extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]. Indeed He is ever, concerning His servants, Aware and Seeing.

[Al-Quran 17:26-30, Translation: Saheeh International]

In Surah al-Qalam is presented a real-life example of a people who lost their garden, in this life, because of their stinginess:

اِنَّا بَلَوۡنٰهُمۡ كَمَا بَلَوۡنَاۤ اَصۡحٰبَ الۡجَـنَّةِ ۚ اِذۡ اَقۡسَمُوۡا لَيَصۡرِمُنَّهَا مُصۡبِحِيۡنَۙ‏ ١٧

وَلَا يَسۡتَثۡنُوۡنَ‏ ١٨

فَطَافَ عَلَيۡهَا طَآٮِٕفٌ مِّنۡ رَّبِّكَ وَهُمۡ نَآٮِٕمُوۡنَ‏ ١٩

فَاَصۡبَحَتۡ كَالصَّرِيۡمِۙ‏ ٢٠

فَتَـنَادَوۡا مُصۡبِحِيۡنَۙ‏ ٢١

اَنِ اغۡدُوۡا عَلٰى حَرۡثِكُمۡ اِنۡ كُنۡتُمۡ صٰرِمِيۡنَ‏ ٢٢

فَانۡطَلَقُوۡا وَهُمۡ يَتَخَافَتُوۡنَۙ‏ ٢٣

اَنۡ لَّا يَدۡخُلَنَّهَا الۡيَوۡمَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ مِّسۡكِيۡنٌۙ‏ ٢٤

وَّغَدَوۡا عَلٰى حَرۡدٍ قٰدِرِيۡنَ‏ ٢٥

فَلَمَّا رَاَوۡهَا قَالُوۡۤا اِنَّا لَـضَآلُّوۡنَۙ‏ ٢٦

بَلۡ نَحۡنُ مَحۡرُوۡمُوۡنَ‏ ٢٧

Indeed, We have tried them as We tried the companions of the garden, when they swore to cut its fruit in the [early] morning

Without making exception.

So there came upon it [i.e., the garden] an affliction from your Lord while they were asleep.

And it became as though reaped.

And they called one another at morning,

[Saying], "Go early to your crop if you would cut the fruit."

So they set out, while lowering their voices,

[Saying], "There will surely not enter it today upon you [any] poor person."

And they went early in determination, [assuming themselves] able.

But when they saw it, they said, "Indeed, we are lost;

Rather, we have been deprived."

[Al-Quran 68:17-28, Translation: Saheeh International]

The companions of the garden (orchard farmers) did not want to share anything with anyone. They planned, and Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎ planned, and therefore, the plan of the companions of the garden (orchard farmers) completely failed. Their refusal to share the reap with the poor resulted in their losing all the fruits, altogether.

The Quran links failure in the Hereafter with failure to feed the miskeen in this world.

1. Surah al-Haqqah links lack of faith in Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى‎ to not feeding the miskeen:

اِنَّهٗ كَانَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُ بِاللّٰهِ الۡعَظِيۡمِۙ‏ ٣٣ وَلَا يَحُضُّ عَلٰى طَعَامِ الۡمِسۡكِيۡنِؕ‏ ٣٤

Indeed, he did not used to believe in Allāh, the Most Great, Nor did he encourage the feeding of the poor.

[Al-Quran 69:33-34, Translation: Saheeh International]

2. Surah al-Muddathir lists the following:

مَا سَلَـكَكُمۡ فِىۡ سَقَرَ‏ ٤٢ قَالُوۡا لَمۡ نَكُ مِنَ الۡمُصَلِّيۡنَۙ‏ ٤٣ وَلَمۡ نَكُ نُطۡعِمُ الۡمِسۡكِيۡنَۙ‏ ٤٤ وَكُنَّا نَخُوۡضُ مَعَ الۡخَـآٮِٕضِيۡنَۙ‏ ٤٥ وَ كُنَّا نُكَذِّبُ بِيَوۡمِ الدِّيۡنِۙ‏ ٤٦

[And asking them], "What put you into Saqar?" They will say, "We were not of those who prayed, Nor did we used to feed the poor. And we used to enter into vain discourse with those who engaged [in it], And we used to deny the Day of Recompense

[Al-Quran 74:42-46, Translation: Saheeh International]

3. Surah al-Fajr lists the following:

كَلَّا بَلۡ لَّا تُكۡرِمُوۡنَ الۡيَتِيۡمَۙ‏ ١٧ وَلَا تَحٰٓضُّوۡنَ عَلٰى طَعَامِ الۡمِسۡكِيۡنِۙ‏ ١٨ وَتَاۡكُلُوۡنَ التُّرَاثَ اَكۡلًا لَّـمًّا ۙ‏ ١٩ وَّتُحِبُّوۡنَ الۡمَالَ حُبًّا جَمًّا ؕ‏ ٢٠

No! But you do not honor the orphan And you do not encourage one another to feed the poor. And you consume inheritance, devouring [it] altogether, And you love wealth with immense love.

[Al-Quran 89:17-20, Translation: Saheeh International]

4. Surah al-Ma`un describes the denier of recompense:

اَرَءَيۡتَ الَّذِىۡ يُكَذِّبُ بِالدِّيۡنِؕ‏ ١ فَذٰلِكَ الَّذِىۡ يَدُعُّ الۡيَتِيۡمَۙ‏ ٢ وَ لَا يَحُضُّ عَلٰى طَعَامِ الۡمِسۡكِيۡنِؕ‏ ٣ فَوَيۡلٌ لِّلۡمُصَلِّيۡنَۙ‏ ٤

Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan And does not encourage the feeding of the poor. So woe to those who pray

[Al-Quran 107:1-5, Translation: Saheeh International]

So, one of the most essential action items of the believers who fear the Day, and desire to inherit the Gardens of the Hereafter, is the feeding of the masakeen (singular: miskeen): the people who are in misery, down in the dust, starving, as well as the people who are working, but are still poor.

As Surah al-Insaan describes such believers:

يُوۡفُوۡنَ بِالنَّذۡرِ وَيَخَافُوۡنَ يَوۡمًا كَانَ شَرُّهٗ مُسۡتَطِيۡرًا‏ ٧ وَيُطۡعِمُوۡنَ الطَّعَامَ عَلٰى حُبِّهٖ مِسۡكِيۡنًا وَّيَتِيۡمًا وَّاَسِيۡرًا‏ ٨ اِنَّمَا نُطۡعِمُكُمۡ لِـوَجۡهِ اللّٰهِ لَا نُرِيۡدُ مِنۡكُمۡ جَزَآءً وَّلَا شُكُوۡرًا‏ ٩

They [are those who] fulfill [their] vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread. And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], "We feed you only for the face [i.e., approval] of Allāh. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.

[Al-Quran 76:7-9, Translation: Saheeh International]

Looking at the directives in the rest of the ayaat of the search result screenshot above:

Surah al-Baqarah recounts the Covenant with the Bani Israel:

وَاِذۡ اَخَذۡنَا مِيۡثَاقَ بَنِىۡٓ اِسۡرَآءِيۡلَ لَا تَعۡبُدُوۡنَ اِلَّا اللّٰهَ وَبِالۡوَالِدَيۡنِ اِحۡسَانًا وَّذِى الۡقُرۡبٰى وَالۡيَتٰمٰى وَالۡمَسٰکِيۡنِ وَقُوۡلُوۡا لِلنَّاسِ حُسۡنًا وَّاَقِيۡمُوا الصَّلٰوةَ وَاٰتُوا الزَّکٰوةَ ؕ ثُمَّ تَوَلَّيۡتُمۡ اِلَّا قَلِيۡلًا مِّنۡکُمۡ وَاَنۡـتُمۡ مُّعۡرِضُوۡنَ‏ ٨٣

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], "Do not worship except Allāh; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakāh." Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

[Al-Quran 2:83, Translation: Saheeh International]

Surah al-Baqarah lists the essential qualities required to re-attain the state of birr (pristine purity):

۞ لَيۡسَ الۡبِرَّ اَنۡ تُوَلُّوۡا وُجُوۡهَكُمۡ قِبَلَ الۡمَشۡرِقِ وَ الۡمَغۡرِبِ وَلٰـكِنَّ الۡبِرَّ مَنۡ اٰمَنَ بِاللّٰهِ وَالۡيَوۡمِ الۡاٰخِرِ وَالۡمَلٰٓٮِٕکَةِ وَالۡكِتٰبِ وَالنَّبِيّٖنَۚ وَاٰتَى الۡمَالَ عَلٰى حُبِّهٖ ذَوِى الۡقُرۡبٰى وَالۡيَتٰمٰى وَالۡمَسٰكِيۡنَ وَابۡنَ السَّبِيۡلِۙ وَالسَّآٮِٕلِيۡنَ وَفِى الرِّقَابِۚ وَاَقَامَ الصَّلٰوةَ وَاٰتَى الزَّکٰوةَ ۚ وَالۡمُوۡفُوۡنَ بِعَهۡدِهِمۡ اِذَا عٰهَدُوۡا ۚ وَالصّٰبِرِيۡنَ فِى الۡبَاۡسَآءِ وَالضَّرَّآءِ وَحِيۡنَ الۡبَاۡسِؕ اُولٰٓٮِٕكَ الَّذِيۡنَ صَدَقُوۡا ؕ وَاُولٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ الۡمُتَّقُوۡنَ‏ ١٧٧

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allāh, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakāh; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

[Al-Quran 2:177, Translation: Saheeh International]

Surah al-Baqarah commands the feeding of a miskeen as fidya in lieu of not fasting for the few days:

اَيَّامًا مَّعۡدُوۡدٰتٍؕ فَمَنۡ كَانَ مِنۡكُمۡ مَّرِيۡضًا اَوۡ عَلٰى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنۡ اَيَّامٍ اُخَرَؕ وَعَلَى الَّذِيۡنَ يُطِيۡقُوۡنَهٗ فِدۡيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسۡكِيۡنٍؕ فَمَنۡ تَطَوَّعَ خَيۡرًا فَهُوَ خَيۡرٌ لَّهٗ ؕ وَاَنۡ تَصُوۡمُوۡا خَيۡرٌ لَّـکُمۡ اِنۡ كُنۡتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُوۡنَ‏ ١٨٤

[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of other days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers good [i.e., excess] - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.

[Al-Quran 2:184, Translation: Saheeh International]

Surah al-Baqarah includes the miskeen on whom one should spend (infaq):

يَسۡـــَٔلُوۡنَكَ مَاذَا يُنۡفِقُوۡنَ ؕ قُلۡ مَآ اَنۡفَقۡتُمۡ مِّنۡ خَيۡرٍ فَلِلۡوَالِدَيۡنِ وَالۡاَقۡرَبِيۡنَ وَالۡيَتٰمٰى وَالۡمَسٰكِيۡنِ وَابۡنِ السَّبِيۡلِؕ وَمَا تَفۡعَلُوۡا مِنۡ خَيۡرٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِهٖ عَلِيۡمٌ‏ ٢١٥

They ask you, [O Muḥammad], what they should spend. Say, "Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good - indeed, Allāh is Knowing of it."

[Al-Quran 2:215, Translation: Saheeh International]

Surah an-Nisa instructs regarding the masakeen present at the time of distribution of inheritance:

وَاِذَا حَضَرَ الۡقِسۡمَةَ اُولُوا الۡقُرۡبٰى وَالۡيَتٰمٰى وَالۡمَسٰكِيۡنُ فَارۡزُقُوۡهُمۡ مِّنۡهُ وَقُوۡلُوۡا لَهُمۡ قَوۡلًا مَّعۡرُوۡفًا‏ ٨

And when [other] relatives and orphans and the needy are present at the [time of] division, then provide for them [something] out of it [i.e., the estate] and speak to them words of appropriate kindness.

[Al-Quran 4:8, Translation: Saheeh International]

After listing the Law of Inheritance, and explaining why men have been made 'qawwam' over women, again we find the exhortation to spend, and the mention of the masakeen, and linking the outcome with the Hereafter:

۞ وَاعۡبُدُوا اللّٰهَ وَلَا تُشۡرِكُوۡا بِهٖ شَيۡــًٔـا ؕ وَّبِالۡوَالِدَيۡنِ اِحۡسَانًا وَّبِذِى الۡقُرۡبٰى وَالۡيَتٰمٰى وَ الۡمَسٰكِيۡنِ وَالۡجَـارِ ذِى الۡقُرۡبٰى وَالۡجَـارِ الۡجُـنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالۡجَـنۡۢبِ وَابۡنِ السَّبِيۡلِ ۙ وَمَا مَلَـكَتۡ اَيۡمَانُكُمۡ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَنۡ كَانَ مُخۡتَالًا فَخُوۡرَا ۙ‏ ٣٦ اۨلَّذِيۡنَ يَـبۡخَلُوۡنَ وَيَاۡمُرُوۡنَ النَّاسَ بِالۡبُخۡلِ وَيَكۡتُمُوۡنَ مَاۤ اٰتٰٮهُمُ اللّٰهُ مِنۡ فَضۡلِهٖ ؕ وَ اَعۡتَدۡنَا لِلۡكٰفِرِيۡنَ عَذَابًا مُّهِيۡنًا ۚ‏ ٣٧ وَالَّذِيۡنَ يُنۡفِقُوۡنَ اَمۡوَالَهُمۡ رِئَآءَ النَّاسِ وَلَا يُؤۡمِنُوۡنَ بِاللّٰهِ وَلَا بِالۡيَوۡمِ الۡاٰخِرِؕ وَمَنۡ يَّكُنِ الشَّيۡطٰنُ لَهٗ قَرِيۡنًا فَسَآءَ قَرِيۡنًا‏ ٣٨ وَمَاذَا عَلَيۡهِمۡ لَوۡ اٰمَنُوۡا بِاللّٰهِ وَالۡيَوۡمِ الۡاٰخِرِ وَاَنۡفَقُوۡا مِمَّا رَزَقَهُمُ اللّٰهُ ؕ وَكَانَ اللّٰهُ بِهِمۡ عَلِيۡمًا‏ ٣٩ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يَظۡلِمُ مِثۡقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ ۚ وَاِنۡ تَكُ حَسَنَةً يُّضٰعِفۡهَا وَيُؤۡتِ مِنۡ لَّدُنۡهُ اَجۡرًا عَظِيۡمًا‏ ٤٠ فَكَيۡـفَ اِذَا جِئۡـنَا مِنۡ كُلِّ اُمَّةٍ ۭ بِشَهِيۡدٍ وَّجِئۡـنَا بِكَ عَلٰى هٰٓؤُلَاۤءِ شَهِيۡدًا ؕ‏ ٤١

Worship Allāh and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allāh does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful, Who are stingy and enjoin upon [other] people stinginess and conceal what Allāh has given them of His bounty - and We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment - And [also] those who spend of their wealth to be seen by the people and believe not in Allāh nor in the Last Day. And he to whom Satan is a companion - then evil is he as a companion. And what [harm would come] upon them if they believed in Allāh and the Last Day and spent out of what Allāh provided for them? And Allāh is ever, about them, Knowing. Indeed, Allāh does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom's weight; while if there is a good deed, He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward. So how [will it be] when We bring from every nation a witness and We bring you, [O Muḥammad], against these [people] as a witness?

[Al-Quran 4:36-41, Translation: Saheeh International]

Surah al-Maidah lists the feeding of the ten masakeen as the expiation of breaking intended oaths:

لَا يُؤَاخِذُكُمُ اللّٰهُ بِاللَّغۡوِ فِىۡۤ اَيۡمَانِكُمۡ وَلٰـكِنۡ يُّؤَاخِذُكُمۡ بِمَا عَقَّدْتُّمُ الۡاَيۡمَانَ ۚ فَكَفَّارَتُهٗۤ اِطۡعَامُ عَشَرَةِ مَسٰكِيۡنَ مِنۡ اَوۡسَطِ مَا تُطۡعِمُوۡنَ اَهۡلِيۡكُمۡ اَوۡ كِسۡوَتُهُمۡ اَوۡ تَحۡرِيۡرُ رَقَبَةٍ ؕ فَمَنۡ لَّمۡ يَجِدۡ فَصِيَامُ ثَلٰثَةِ اَيَّامٍ ؕ ذٰ لِكَ كَفَّارَةُ اَيۡمَانِكُمۡ اِذَا حَلَفۡتُمۡ ؕ وَاحۡفَظُوۡۤا اَيۡمَانَكُمۡ ؕ كَذٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللّٰهُ لَـكُمۡ اٰيٰتِهٖ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَشۡكُرُوۡنَ‏ ٨٩

Allāh will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus does Allāh make clear to you His verses [i.e., revealed law] that you may be grateful.

[Al-Quran 5:89, Translation: Saheeh International]

Hunting is forbidden in the state of Ihram. So, if, in the state of ihram, a pilgrim kills a game, then one of the ways to expiate the sin is the feeding of the masakeen:

يٰۤـاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا لَا تَقۡتُلُوا الصَّيۡدَ وَاَنۡـتُمۡ حُرُمٌ ؕ وَمَنۡ قَتَلَهٗ مِنۡكُمۡ مُّتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَآءٌ مِّثۡلُ مَا قَتَلَ مِنَ النَّعَمِ يَحۡكُمُ بِهٖ ذَوَا عَدۡلٍ مِّنۡكُمۡ هَدۡيًاۢ بٰلِغَ الۡـكَعۡبَةِ اَوۡ كَفَّارَةٌ طَعَامُ مَسٰكِيۡنَ اَوۡ عَدۡلُ ذٰ لِكَ صِيَامًا لِّيَذُوۡقَ وَبَالَ اَمۡرِهٖ ؕ عَفَا اللّٰهُ عَمَّا سَلَفَ ؕ وَمَنۡ عَادَ فَيَنۡتَقِمُ اللّٰهُ مِنۡهُ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَزِيۡزٌ ذُو انْتِقَامٍ‏ ٩٥

O you who have believed, do not kill game while you are in the state of iḥrām. And whoever of you kills it intentionally - the penalty is an equivalent from sacrificial animals to what he killed, as judged by two just men among you as an offering [to Allāh] delivered to the Kaʿbah, or an expiation: the feeding of needy people or the equivalent of that in fasting, that he may taste the consequence of his matter [i.e., deed]. Allāh has pardoned what is past; but whoever returns [to violation], then Allāh will take retribution from him. And Allāh is Exalted in Might and Owner of Retribution.

[Al-Quran 5:95, Translation: Saheeh International]

Surah al-Anfal states about war booty:

۞ وَاعۡلَمُوۡۤا اَنَّمَا غَنِمۡتُمۡ مِّنۡ شَىۡءٍ فَاَنَّ لِلّٰهِ خُمُسَهٗ وَ لِلرَّسُوۡلِ وَلِذِى الۡقُرۡبٰى وَالۡيَتٰمٰى وَالۡمَسٰكِيۡنِ وَابۡنِ السَّبِيۡلِ ۙ اِنۡ كُنۡتُمۡ اٰمَنۡتُمۡ بِاللّٰهِ وَمَاۤ اَنۡزَلۡنَا عَلٰى عَبۡدِنَا يَوۡمَ الۡفُرۡقَانِ يَوۡمَ الۡتَقَى الۡجَمۡعٰنِ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَلٰى كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ قَدِيۡرٌ‏ ٤١

And know that anything you obtain of war booty - then indeed, for Allāh is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveler, if you have believed in Allāh and in that which We sent down to Our Servant4 on the day of criterion [i.e., decisive encounter] - the day when the two armies met [at Badr]. And Allāh, over all things, is competent.

[Al-Quran 8:41, Translation: Saheeh International]

Surah al-Tawbah lists the masakeen as one of the eligible recipients of 'sadaqaat':

۞ اِنَّمَا الصَّدَقٰتُ لِلۡفُقَرَآءِ وَالۡمَسٰكِيۡنِ وَالۡعٰمِلِيۡنَ عَلَيۡهَا وَالۡمُؤَلَّـفَةِ قُلُوۡبُهُمۡ وَفِى الرِّقَابِ وَالۡغٰرِمِيۡنَ وَفِىۡ سَبِيۡلِ اللّٰهِ وَابۡنِ السَّبِيۡلِؕ فَرِيۡضَةً مِّنَ اللّٰهِؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَلِيۡمٌ حَكِيۡمٌ‏ ٦٠

Zakāh expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it and for bringing hearts together [for Islām] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allāh and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allāh. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.

[Al-Quran 9:60, Translation: Saheeh International]

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Surah al-Isra (Q17:26) and Surah al-Kahf (Q18:79) are already quoted above

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Surah Al-Nur exhorts continuing to help the needy, pardoning and overlooking their wrongs, in hopes of Allah's forgiveness for our own sins:

وَلَا يَاۡتَلِ اُولُوا الۡـفَضۡلِ مِنۡكُمۡ وَالسَّعَةِ اَنۡ يُّؤۡتُوۡۤا اُولِى الۡقُرۡبٰى وَالۡمَسٰكِيۡنَ وَالۡمُهٰجِرِيۡنَ فِىۡ سَبِيۡلِ اللّٰهِ ۖ وَلۡيَـعۡفُوۡا وَلۡيَـصۡفَحُوۡا ؕ اَلَا تُحِبُّوۡنَ اَنۡ يَّغۡفِرَ اللّٰهُ لَـكُمۡ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ غَفُوۡرٌ رَّحِيۡمٌ‏ ٢٢

And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of Allāh, and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allāh should forgive you? And Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

[Al-Quran 24:22, Translation: Saheeh International]

Surah al-Rum exhorts giving to the needy to those who seek the Face of Allah:

فَاٰتِ ذَا الۡقُرۡبٰى حَقَّهٗ وَ الۡمِسۡكِيۡنَ وَابۡنَ السَّبِيۡلِؕ ذٰلِكَ خَيۡرٌ لِّلَّذِيۡنَ يُرِيۡدُوۡنَ وَجۡهَ اللّٰهِ وَاُولٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ الۡمُفۡلِحُوۡنَ‏ ٣٨

So give the relative his right, as well as the needy and the traveler. That is best for those who desire the face [i.e., approval] of Allāh, and it is they who will be the successful.

[Al-Quran 30:38, Translation: Saheeh International]

Surah al-Mujadila lists the means of expiation of sin of the man who does 'zihar' (The saying by a husband to his wife, "You are to me like the back of my mother," meaning unlawful to approach. This was a type of divorce practiced by the Arabs before the prophethood of Muḥammad (ﷺ).):

فَمَنۡ لَّمۡ يَجِدۡ فَصِيَامُ شَهۡرَيۡنِ مُتَتَابِعَيۡنِ مِنۡ قَبۡلِ اَنۡ يَّتَمَآسَّاؕ فَمَنۡ لَّمۡ يَسۡتَطِعۡ فَاِطۡعَامُ سِتِّيۡنَ مِسۡكِيۡنًاؕ ذٰلِكَ لِتُؤۡمِنُوۡا بِاللّٰهِ وَرَسُوۡلِهٖؕ وَتِلۡكَ حُدُوۡدُ اللّٰهِؕ وَلِلۡكٰفِرِيۡنَ عَذَابٌ اَلِیْمٌ‏ ٤

And he who does not find [a slave] - then a fast for two months consecutively before they touch one another; and he who is unable - then the feeding of sixty poor persons. That is for you to believe [completely] in Allāh and His Messenger; and those are the limits [set by] Allāh. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment.

[Al-Quran 57:4, Translation: Saheeh International]

Surah al-Hashr states regarding what was obtained from the towns of the People of the Book when they were expelled by Allah عزوجل, who cast terror in their hearts, so that they all left their fortresses, in exile:

مَاۤ اَفَآءَ اللّٰهُ عَلٰى رَسُوۡلِهٖ مِنۡ اَهۡلِ الۡقُرٰى فَلِلّٰهِ وَلِلرَّسُوۡلِ وَلِذِى الۡقُرۡبٰى وَالۡيَتٰمٰى وَالۡمَسٰكِيۡنِ وَابۡنِ السَّبِيۡلِۙ كَىۡ لَا يَكُوۡنَ دُوۡلَةًۢ بَيۡنَ الۡاَغۡنِيَآءِ مِنۡكُمۡ ؕ وَمَاۤ اٰتٰٮكُمُ الرَّسُوۡلُ فَخُذُوْهُ وَ مَا نَهٰٮكُمۡ عَنۡهُ فَانْتَهُوۡا ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ شَدِيۡدُ الۡعِقَابِۘ‏ ٧

And what Allāh restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allāh and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the needy and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allāh; indeed, Allāh is severe in penalty.

[Al-Quran 58:7, Translation: Saheeh International]

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Surah al-Qalam (Q68:24) and the rest of the search results are already covered in this post.

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Last updated on: June 18, 2024

Saturday, April 24, 2021

Q17 60-70 || Q12

Adam & Joseph

DRAFT

Exploring the narrative about Adam in Surah Bani Israel (Q17:60-70) in the light of Surah Yusuf

Surah al-Isra is also known as Surah Bani Israel. It begins with Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ night journey to meet Allah, what is known as the Mairaj. Then, we read about Moses being given the Book, and the command to to not to take anyone else as a Wakil (Trustee) except Allah. Then, it mentions their ancestor who was carried along with Noah. It then reminds them of their fate being written in The Book, and the future unfolding exactly as written. Then, Q17:13-14 informs us that every person's fate is tied to their neck, and that book will be readable by us on The Day of Judgement.

The Vision

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لَكَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ أَحَاطَ بِالنَّاسِ ۚ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا الرُّؤْيَا الَّتِي أَرَيْنَاكَ إِلَّا فِتْنَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَالشَّجَرَةَ الْمَلْعُونَةَ فِي الْقُرْآنِ ۚ وَنُخَوِّفُهُمْ فَمَا يَزِيدُهُمْ إِلَّا طُغْيَانًا كَبِيرًا

And when We said to you, "Indeed, your Lord has encompassed the mankind." And not We made the vision which We showed you except (as) a trial for mankind, and the tree the accursed in the Quran. And We threaten them but not it increases them except (in) transgression great.
[Al-Quran 17:60]

إِذْ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِأَبِيهِ يَا أَبَتِ إِنِّي رَأَيْتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوْكَبًا وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ رَأَيْتُهُمْ لِي سَاجِدِينَ

قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تَقْصُصْ رُؤْيَاكَ عَلَىٰ إِخْوَتِكَ فَيَكِيدُوا لَكَ كَيْدًا ۖ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لِلْإِنسَانِ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ

When said Yusuf to his father, "O my father! Indeed, I I saw one ten (i.e eleven) ~~star(s)~~ planets and the sun and the moon; I saw them to me prostrating."
He said, "O my son! (Do) not relate your vision to your brothers lest they plan against you a plot. Indeed, the Shaitaan (is) to man an enemy open.
[Al-Quran 12:4-5; translation edited in italics]

Surah al-Isra and Surah Yusuf both mention visions and people's reaction to it. Surah Yusuf shows us that outcomes cannot be changed, and Allah will prevail and make His Will happen. Our Lord has encompassed all humans!

Q17:60 mentions the vision showed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and it also mentions the accursed tree in the same ayah. It goes on to state that this is meant to frighten people. However, instead of taking heed, people react with great transgression instead.

Among the trees mentioned in The Quran, two profoundly harmful trees are:

the Forbidden Tree in The Garden that Adam was warned to not to even go near
the Tree of Zaqqum that will be a trial for the criminals upon resurrection

Most religions are obsessed with a sacred tree. The Tree of Life is a popular motif that appears in Ancient Egyptian mytheme as well, and is linked to eternal life. It seems that again and over again Satan uses the tree to tempt humans to disobey and err.

In Q12:4 Joseph mentions his vision to his father. In the next ayah we read that his father warns him to not to share his vision with his brothers lest they plot and plan against him. They would do this because of Shaitaan. Alas, they did plot and plan against Joseph. As the story unfolds, despite all the setbacks suffered by Joseph, the dream is eventually realised, and Joseph honoured above his siblings. The vision literally came true!

Allah taught Joseph the interpretation of visions. In Surah Yusuf, he accurately interprets the dream of the prison inmates, as well as that of the King of Egypt.

Superiority Complex, Arrogance & Jealousy

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ قَالَ أَأَسْجُدُ لِمَنْ خَلَقْتَ طِينًا

And when We said to the Angels, "Prostrate to Adam." So they prostrated except Iblis. He said, "Shall I prostrate to (one) whom You created (from) clay?"
[Al-Quran 17:61]

إِذْ قَالُوا لَيُوسُفُ وَأَخُوهُ أَحَبُّ إِلَىٰ أَبِينَا مِنَّا وَنَحْنُ عُصْبَةٌ إِنَّ أَبَانَا لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ

When they said, "Surely Yusuf and his brother (are) more beloved to our father than we, while we (are) a group. Indeed, our father (is) surely in an error clear.
[Al-Quran 12:8]

Iblis considered himself a superior form of creation, because of the material used to create him. More on this in Q15 23-50 || Q12 under the sub-titles:

Endotherms, The Genus Homo
Ectotherms, class Reptilia, order Squamata, suborder Serpentes
Biological Adam of Homo Sapiens Sapiens

The elder brothers of Joseph considered themselves a superior group. They were jealous of the greater love that their father had for Joseph and his younger brother. Satan was able to exploit the situation.

Honoured Above Me

قَالَ أَرَأَيْتَكَ هَـٰذَا الَّذِي كَرَّمْتَ عَلَيَّ لَئِنْ أَخَّرْتَنِ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ لَأَحْتَنِكَنَّ ذُرِّيَّتَهُ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا

He said, "Do You see this whom You have honored, above me? If You give me respite till (the) Day (of) the Resurrection, I will surely destroy his offspring except a few."
[Al-Quran 17:62]

قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تَقْصُصْ رُؤْيَاكَ عَلَىٰ إِخْوَتِكَ فَيَكِيدُوا لَكَ كَيْدًا ۖ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لِلْإِنسَانِ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ

He said, "O my son! (Do) not relate your vision to your brothers lest they plan against you a plot. Indeed, the Shaitaan (is) to man an enemy open.

...

قَالُوا تَاللَّهِ لَقَدْ آثَرَكَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا وَإِن كُنَّا لَخَاطِئِينَ

They said, "By Allah, certainly has preferred you Allah over us and indeed, we have been sinners."
[Al-Quran 12:5, ..., 91]

Iblis, the Satan, refused to accept Allah's command of honouring Adam. He has sworn to destroy Adam's progeny. He tried that with Jacob's family as well. Joseph's elder brothers did plot against him. Yet, when they eventually saw that Allah's plans for Joseph remained in place in spite of their plotting and planning against it, they realised their mistake, admitted it, and sought forgiveness.

However, Iblis is still the sworn enemy of the progeny of Adam. He continues in his arrogance to mislead humans, and thereby generating more and more evidence against himself, and those who follow him.

The Recompense

قَالَ اذْهَبْ فَمَن تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ فَإِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ جَزَاؤُكُمْ جَزَاءً مَّوْفُورًا

He said, "Go, and whoever follows you among them then indeed, Hell (is) your recompense - a recompense ample.
[Al-Quran 17:63]

قَالَ لَا يَأْتِيكُمَا طَعَامٌ تُرْزَقَانِهِ إِلَّا نَبَّأْتُكُمَا بِتَأْوِيلِهِ قَبْلَ أَن يَأْتِيَكُمَا ۚ ذَ‌ٰلِكُمَا مِمَّا عَلَّمَنِي رَبِّي ۚ إِنِّي تَرَكْتُ مِلَّةَ قَوْمٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَهُم بِالْآخِرَةِ هُمْ كَافِرُونَ

He said, "Not (will) come to both of you food you are provided with but I will inform both of you of its interpretation, before [that] [it] comes to both of you. That (is) of what has taught me my Lord. Indeed, I [I] abandon (the) religion (of) a people, not they believe in Allah, and they in the Hereafter [they] (are) disbelievers.

...

أَفَأَمِنُوا أَن تَأْتِيَهُمْ غَاشِيَةٌ مِّنْ عَذَابِ اللَّهِ أَوْ تَأْتِيَهُمُ السَّاعَةُ بَغْتَةً وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

Do they then feel secure (against) that comes to them an overwhelming [of] punishment (of) Allah, or comes to them the Hour suddenly while they (do) not perceive?
[Al-Quran 12:37, ..., 107]

Allah has promised recompense on the Day of Judgement. Free-will has been granted to each one to choose who they believe, and who they want to follow. Their is no compulsion in religion.

Joseph spent his initial years with his father, the Prophet Jacob, and thus was well-acquainted with the monotheistic Abrahamic faith. When he came to Egypt as a slave, he was exposed to the polytheistic religion of the ancient Egyptians.

Hell is the ultimate, eventual prison of the die-hard criminals, from which there will be no escape or release ever. In this-worldly prison, where Joseph was imprisoned on false charges, as per his own prayer to Allah to save him from evil and immorality, it seems the perfect setting to openly declare his belief in the true religion of Allah, and absolve himself of all the falsehood of Egyptian mythology.

Interestingly, the dream (Q12:36) that Joseph interprets (Q12:41) comes true (Genesis 40:20-22) on Pharaoh's birthday, the only birthday celebration mentioned in the Bible.

Related Post: Birthday Celebrations

The Right Religion vs Satan's Religions

وَاسْتَفْزِزْ مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتَ مِنْهُم بِصَوْتِكَ وَأَجْلِبْ عَلَيْهِم بِخَيْلِكَ وَرَجِلِكَ وَشَارِكْهُمْ فِي الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَوْلَادِ وَعِدْهُمْ ۚ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا

And incite whoever you can among them with your voice, and assault [on] them with your cavalry and infantry and be a partner in the wealth and the children, and promise them." And not promises them the Shaitaan except delusion.
[Al-Quran 17:64]

مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنتُمْ وَآبَاؤُكُم مَّا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَانٍ ۚ إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ ۚ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ۚ ذَ‌ٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

Not you worship from besides Him but names which you have named, you and your forefathers, not (has) sent down Allah for it any authority. Not (is) the command but for Allah. He has commanded that not you worship but Him Alone. That (is) the religion the right, but most [the] ~~men~~ people (do) not know.
[Al-Quran 12:40; translation edited in italics]

Iblis has been given permission to try and delude whoever he can. People are responsible for the choices they make. He whispers suggestions, he uses people and their resources, and tries to corrupt creation.

Allah's Chosen Slaves

إِنَّ عِبَادِي لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَانٌ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِرَبِّكَ وَكِيلًا

"Indeed, My slaves not for you over them any authority. And sufficient (is) your Lord (as) a Guardian."
[Al-Quran 17:65]

وَلَقَدْ هَمَّتْ بِهِ ۖ وَهَمَّ بِهَا لَوْلَا أَن رَّأَىٰ بُرْهَانَ رَبِّهِ ۚ كَذَ‌ٰلِكَ لِنَصْرِفَ عَنْهُ السُّوءَ وَالْفَحْشَاءَ ۚ إِنَّهُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا الْمُخْلَصِينَ

And certainly she did desire him, and he would have desired her, if not that he saw the proof (of) his Lord. Thus, that We might avert from him the evil and the immorality. Indeed, he (was) of Our slaves the chosen ~~sincere~~.

...

قَالَ رَبِّ السِّجْنُ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا يَدْعُونَنِي إِلَيْهِ ۖ وَإِلَّا تَصْرِفْ عَنِّي كَيْدَهُنَّ أَصْبُ إِلَيْهِنَّ وَأَكُن مِّنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ

فَاسْتَجَابَ لَهُ رَبُّهُ فَصَرَفَ عَنْهُ كَيْدَهُنَّ ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

He said, "My Lord, the prison (is) dearer to me than what they invite me to it. And unless You turn away from me their plot I might incline towards them and [I] be of the ignorant."
So responded to him his Lord, and turned away from him their plot. Indeed, [He] He (is) All-Hearer, All-Knower.

...

وَقَالَ لِفِتْيَانِهِ اجْعَلُوا بِضَاعَتَهُمْ فِي رِحَالِهِمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَعْرِفُونَهَا إِذَا انقَلَبُوا إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

And he said to his servants, "Put their merchandise in their saddlebags so that they may recognize it when they go back to their people so that they may return."
[Al-Quran 12:24, ..., 33-34, ..., 62]

The chosen slaves of Allah, those who are sincere in their worship, Allah averts from them evil and immorality. Iblis has no power over the chosen slaves of Allah.

Those in whose hearts Allah knows good, he grants them opportunities to recognise, return and repent. Joseph hid his brothers' merchandise in their bags, so that they might recognise and return for more food. As the story unfolded, they returned, ..., and eventually they did recognise Allah's Perfect Planning, sought forgiveness, and submitted to His Will. Thus, Allah Perfected His Favour upon Jacob and his family.

Travel

رَّبُّكُمُ الَّذِي يُزْجِي لَكُمُ الْفُلْكَ فِي الْبَحْرِ لِتَبْتَغُوا مِن فَضْلِهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا

Your Lord (is) the One Who drives for you the ship in the sea, that you may seek of His Bounty. Indeed, He is to you Ever Merciful.
[Al-Quran 17:66]

مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنتُمْ وَآبَاؤُكُم مَّا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَانٍ ۚ إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ ۚ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ۚ ذَ‌ٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

Not you worship from besides Him but names which you have named, you and your forefathers, not (has) sent down Allah for it any authority. Not (is) the command but for Allah. He has commanded that not you worship but Him Alone. That (is) the religion the right, but most [the] men (do) not know.
[Al-Quran 12:40]

Allah sent Adam to this Earth. Allah took Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on the night journey to meet Allah, what is known as the Mairaj. He ascended and then he descended. On the day the sy is rent asunder (Q55:37), the Believers hope to ascend to the Gardens of Eternity. While all these are matters of faith, we preview Allah's special favours upon all humans in their journeys across the seas.

The Standing Laws of Recompense, the Right Religion, الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ, has been defined in The Quran:

Rescue

وَإِذَا مَسَّكُمُ الضُّرُّ فِي الْبَحْرِ ضَلَّ مَن تَدْعُونَ إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ۖ فَلَمَّا نَجَّاكُمْ إِلَى الْبَرِّ أَعْرَضْتُمْ ۚ وَكَانَ الْإِنسَانُ كَفُورًا

And when touches you the hardship in the sea, lost (are) who you call except Him Alone. But when He delivers you to the land you turn away. And is man ungrateful.
[Al-Quran 17:67]

وَجَاءَتْ سَيَّارَةٌ فَأَرْسَلُوا وَارِدَهُمْ فَأَدْلَىٰ دَلْوَهُ ۖ قَالَ يَا بُشْرَىٰ هَـٰذَا غُلَامٌ ۚ وَأَسَرُّوهُ بِضَاعَةً ۚ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ

وَشَرَوْهُ بِثَمَنٍ بَخْسٍ دَرَاهِمَ مَعْدُودَةٍ وَكَانُوا فِيهِ مِنَ الزَّاهِدِينَ

وَقَالَ الَّذِي اشْتَرَاهُ مِن مِّصْرَ لِامْرَأَتِهِ أَكْرِمِي مَثْوَاهُ عَسَىٰ أَن يَنفَعَنَا أَوْ نَتَّخِذَهُ وَلَدًا ۚ وَكَذَ‌ٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلِنُعَلِّمَهُ مِن تَأْوِيلِ الْأَحَادِيثِ ۚ وَاللَّهُ غَالِبٌ عَلَىٰ أَمْرِهِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

And there came a caravan and they sent their water drawer then he let down his bucket. He said, "O good news! This (is) a boy." And they hid him (as) a merchandise. And Allah (is) All-Knower of what they do.
And they sold him for a price very low, dirhams few, and they were about him of those keen to give up.
And said the one who bought him of Egypt to his wife, "Make comfortable his stay. Perhaps that (he) will benefit us or we will take him (as) a son." And thus We established Yusuf in the land that We might teach him from (the) interpretation of the events. And Allah (is) Predominant over His affairs, but most (of) the people (do) not know.
[Al-Quran 12:19-21]

During travel, when people get into difficult situations, it is Allah who rescues them and delivers them to a place of safety. Joseph was thrown in a dry well by his brothers, but Allah was in full-control of the situation, and he was taken out of that trouble and housed in a comfortable home.

When people travel through the seas, they encounter mighty storms. Allah rescues them from those situations, and brings them to the safety of land. However, most people are ungrateful in spite of Allah's Mercy.

The Constant Need for Allah's Mercy

أَفَأَمِنتُمْ أَن يَخْسِفَ بِكُمْ جَانِبَ الْبَرِّ أَوْ يُرْسِلَ عَلَيْكُمْ حَاصِبًا ثُمَّ لَا تَجِدُوا لَكُمْ وَكِيلًا

أَمْ أَمِنتُمْ أَن يُعِيدَكُمْ فِيهِ تَارَةً أُخْرَىٰ فَيُرْسِلَ عَلَيْكُمْ قَاصِفًا مِّنَ الرِّيحِ فَيُغْرِقَكُم بِمَا كَفَرْتُمْ ۙ ثُمَّ لَا تَجِدُوا لَكُمْ عَلَيْنَا بِهِ تَبِيعًا

Do you then feel secure that (not) He will cause to swallow you, side (of) the land or send against you a storm of stones? Then not you will find for you a guardian?
Or do you feel secure that (not) He will send you back into it time another, and send upon you a hurricane of the wind, and drown you because you disbelieved? Then not you will find for you against Us therein an avenger?
[Al-Quran 17:68-69]

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

الر ۚ تِلْكَ آيَاتُ الْكِتَابِ الْمُبِينِ

Alif Laam Ra. These (are the) Verses (of) the Book [the] clear.

...

۞ وَمَا أُبَرِّئُ نَفْسِي ۚ إِنَّ النَّفْسَ لَأَمَّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ إِلَّا مَا رَحِمَ رَبِّي ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّي غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

"And not I absolve myself. Indeed, the soul (is) a certain enjoiner of evil, unless [that] bestows Mercy my Lord. Indeed, my Lord (is) Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

...

قَالَ هَلْ آمَنُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ إِلَّا كَمَا أَمِنتُكُمْ عَلَىٰ أَخِيهِ مِن قَبْلُ ۖ فَاللَّهُ خَيْرٌ حَافِظًا ۖ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

He said, "Should I entrust you with him except as I entrusted you with his brother from before? But Allah (is) the best Guardian and He (is the) Most Merciful (of) the merciful."
[Al-Quran 12:1, ..., 53, ..., 64]

We are in constant danger, from within and without. We are in constant need of Allah's Protection and Mercy, everywhere, all the time.

Honoured with Preference

وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ وَحَمَلْنَاهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَاهُم مِّنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍ مِّمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلًا

And certainly, We have honored (the) children (of) Adam and We carried them on the land and the sea, and We have provided them of the good things and We preferred them over many of those whom We have created (with) preference.
[Al-Quran 17:70]

وَقَالَ الَّذِي اشْتَرَاهُ مِن مِّصْرَ لِامْرَأَتِهِ أَكْرِمِي مَثْوَاهُ عَسَىٰ أَن يَنفَعَنَا أَوْ نَتَّخِذَهُ وَلَدًا ۚ وَكَذَ‌ٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلِنُعَلِّمَهُ مِن تَأْوِيلِ الْأَحَادِيثِ ۚ وَاللَّهُ غَالِبٌ عَلَىٰ أَمْرِهِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

And said the one who bought him of Egypt to his wife, "Make comfortable his stay. Perhaps that (he) will benefit us or we will take him (as) a son." And thus We established Yusuf in the land that We might teach him from (the) interpretation of the events. And Allah (is) Predominant over His affairs, but most (of) the people (do) not know.

...

قَالَ هَلْ عَلِمْتُم مَّا فَعَلْتُم بِيُوسُفَ وَأَخِيهِ إِذْ أَنتُمْ جَاهِلُونَ

قَالُوا أَإِنَّكَ لَأَنتَ يُوسُفُ ۖ قَالَ أَنَا يُوسُفُ وَهَـٰذَا أَخِي ۖ قَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا ۖ إِنَّهُ مَن يَتَّقِ وَيَصْبِرْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

قَالُوا تَاللَّهِ لَقَدْ آثَرَكَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا وَإِن كُنَّا لَخَاطِئِينَ

He said, "Do you know what you did with Yusuf and his brother, when you were ignorant?"
They said, "Are you indeed, surely you, Yusuf?" He said, "I am Yusuf and this (is) my brother. Indeed, has been gracious Allah to us. Indeed, he who fears Allah and (is) patient, then indeed, Allah (does) not let go waste (the) reward (of) the good-doers."
They said, "By Allah, certainly has preferred you Allah over us and indeed, we have been sinners."
[Al-Quran 12:21, ..., 89-91]

The progeny of Adam is the dominant specie on this planet. The words كَرَّمْنَا and فَضَّلْنَا in Q17:70 need pondering upon.

In the context of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ – Ascension & Return that this surah begins with, Q17:70 is drawing our attention to our travels over land and sea. No other creature travels the way humans travel on this planet.

In Q12:21, the Joseph's master directs his wife to make Joseph's stay comfortable ( أَكْرِمِي مَثْوَاهُ).

Surah Yusuf not only narrates how Joseph arrives in Egypt, but it also mentions the movements of Joseph's brothers to and from Egypt. The vision at the beginning of Surah Yusuf became a trial for his brothers when they heard about it, and in Q12:91 they acknowledge how they had been utterly unable to frustrate Allah's Plan, and admit to Allah's Preference of Joseph over them.

Main post with introduction & links to all posts comparing Adam & Joseph

Last updated on: May 12, 2021

Saturday, March 9, 2019

When Allah Comes

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ

اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ

لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ

وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ

Say, "He (is) Allah, the One.

Allah, the Eternal, the Absolute.

Not He begets and not He is begotten.

And not is for Him equivalent any [one]."

[Al-Quran Surah al-Ikhlas]

Abstract

God came to deliver the Bani Israel in The Exodus. The Bible and The Quran both foretell the coming of God and His recompense.

Full Text

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.

[The Bible, Revelation 22:12 ESV]

هَلْ يَنظُرُونَ إِلَّا أَن يَأْتِيَهُمُ اللَّهُ فِي ظُلَلٍ مِّنَ الْغَمَامِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ وَقُضِيَ الْأَمْرُ وَإِلَى اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُورُ

سَلْ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ كَمْ آتَيْنَاهُم مِّنْ آيَةٍ بَيِّنَةٍ وَمَن يُبَدِّلْ نِعْمَةَ اللَّهِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَتْهُ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ

Will they wait until God comes to them in canopies of clouds, with angels (in His train) and the question is (thus) settled? but to God do all questions go back (for decision).

Ask the Children of Israel how many clear (Signs) We have sent them. But if any one, after God's favour has come to him, substitutes (something else), God is strict in punishment.

[Al-Quran 2:210-11, Translation: Yusuf Ali]

There are important reminders and vital lessons for us, in our world history, and future implications, as narrated in the scriptures. God came to deliver the Bani Israel. In The Torah, in Exodus chapter 13, we read:

Screenshot from Chabad.org

Joseph had foretold that God will deliver the Bani Israel. Yet, they had begun to doubt it:

وَلَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ يُوسُفُ مِن قَبْلُ بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ فَمَا زِلْتُمْ فِي شَكٍّ مِّمَّا جَاءَكُم بِهِ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا هَلَكَ قُلْتُمْ لَن يَبْعَثَ اللَّهُ مِن بَعْدِهِ رَسُولًا كَذَٰلِكَ يُضِلُّ اللَّهُ مَنْ هُوَ مُسْرِفٌ مُّرْتَابٌ

الَّذِينَ يُجَادِلُونَ فِي آيَاتِ اللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ سُلْطَانٍ أَتَاهُمْ كَبُرَ مَقْتًا عِندَ اللَّهِ وَعِندَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كَذَٰلِكَ يَطْبَعُ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ قَلْبِ مُتَكَبِّرٍ جَبَّارٍ

And indeed, came to you Yusuf before with clear proofs, but not you ceased in doubt about what he brought to you [with it], until when he ~~died~~ perished, you said, "Never will Allah raise after him a Messenger." Thus, Allah lets go astray who [he] (is) a transgressor, a doubter."

Those who dispute concerning (the) Signs (of) Allah without any authority (having) come to them, (it) is greatly hateful near Allah and near those who believe. Thus Allah sets a seal over every heart (of) an arrogant tyrant."

[Al-Quran 40:34-35, Translation edited (in italics)]

Allah sent Moses as His Messenger to Pharaoh and the Bani Israel. Allah sent Jesus as His Messenger to the Bani Israel. Prophet Muhammad has also foretold the return of Messiah Jesus, son of Mary and the events leading up to The Hour. The Quran reminds us of the Exodus to help us patiently await the deliverance of God, and His recompense:

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مُوسَىٰ بِآيَاتِنَا أَنْ أَخْرِجْ قَوْمَكَ مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ إِلَى النُّورِ وَذَكِّرْهُم بِأَيَّامِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُورٍ

And verily We sent Musa with Our Signs, that "Bring out your people from the darkness[es] to the light. And remind them of the days (of) Allah." Indeed, in that surely (are) the signs for everyone patient and thankful.

[Al-Quran 14:5]

قُل لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا يَغْفِرُوا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يَرْجُونَ أَيَّامَ اللَّهِ لِيَجْزِيَ قَوْمًا بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ

Say to those who believe (to) forgive those who (do) not hope (for the) days (of) Allah; that He may recompense a people for what they used to earn.

[Al-Quran 45:14]

The Quran begins with the prayer for guidance. Muslims recite this prayer every time they stand in prayer, remembering the recompense, declaring that Allah is the Lord, Master, King, Owner (مَالِكِ) of the Day of Judgement:

Screenshot from Alim.org

The Deen (الدِّينُ)
We should expect to be judged by The Law (الدِّينُ) by The True King on The Day of Judgement (مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ). As explained in another post,

...

The Quran is quite clear that the same deen [الدِّينِ] was given to all the messengers and prophets [Q42:13], while each has their own law [شِرْعَةً] [Q5:43 onwards]. The phrase الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ defines the three standing laws in Q9:36, Q12:40 and Q30:30 They seem to be the fundamental and eternal governing principles, the universal laws! Q30:43 urgently exhorts compliance and warns of the consequences; and Q98:5 summarises thus:
وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ حُنَفَاءَ وَيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَذَٰلِكَ دِينُ الْقَيِّمَةِ
And not they were commanded except to worship Allah (being) sincere to Him (in) the religion, upright, and to establish the prayer, and to give the zakah And that (is the) religion the correct.
The Quran emphasises on sincerity in deen [الدِّينِ], and is very clear that Allah has sent the messenger with guidance and the true deen [دِينِ الْحَقِّ] so that His deen shall prevail over all other deens [Q9:33; Q48:28; Q61:9]. The Quran refers to that time in future as the Days of Allah [أَيَّامِ اللَّهِ] [Q14:5; Q45:14] when everyone will be judged by Allah's deen, and recompensed according to what they did. Just as Moses was sent to Pharaoh, similarly we have been sent a Messenger as a witness [Q73:15]. We must move away from all false systems and sincerely submit to the Lord of the Kaaba [Q106:3; Q109:6], seeking help through prayer [Q98:5]. ...

In Surah Ghafir, we read that Pharaoh was concerned about Moses changing the deen:

Screenshot from Alim.org

The Deen had already been preached in Egypt by Joseph:

مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنتُمْ وَآبَاؤُكُم مَّا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَانٍ إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

Not you worship besides Him but names which you have named, you and your forefathers, not (has) sent down Allah for it any authority. Not (is) the command but for Allah. He has commanded that not you worship but Him Alone. That (is) the religion the right, but most [the] men (do) not know.

[Al-Quran 12:40]

More on The Deen in List of Related Posts. May Allah guide us and forgive us on The Day of Reckoning and Recompense.

Last updated on: March 25, 2019

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