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I- God is One
II- Muhammad is Messenger of God
III- Qur’an is the Book of God
“God
is One and there is no god but God,” is the first and the foremost
teaching of Islam. Oneness of God or unity of Godhead is the heart
of Islam and Islam’s Holy Scripture, the Qur’an, emphasises this
theme in almost every of its second or third verse. Every follower
of Islam has not only to believe in One God in his heart but has
also to express this belief by his tongue and demonstrate it
through his deeds. No body can enter into Islamic faith unless he
or she declares there is no god but God and believes truly in this
declaration in his or her heart. In the technical language of the
religion, the belief in One
God is called Tauheed. This concept of
unity of God is beautifully expressed in Chapter 112 of the Holy
Qur’an which is entitled al-Ikhlas or at–Tauheed. It reads: “Say:
He is Allah, the One! Allah, the eternally Besought of all! He
begetteth not nor was begotten. And there is none comparable unto
Him.” Tauheed is belief in Allah with all His powers and
attributes.
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God’s Personal Name is Allah
The
proper or personal name of God, according to Islam, is “Allah”
while He has many other
attributive names (of which only 99 have
been mentioned in the Qur’an). The word “Allah” is an Arabic word
which comprises “Al” and “Ilah”. “Al” is the definite article
which means “the”, while “Ilah” means “the being who is
worshipped”. When these two words were joined, the letter “I” at
the beginning of the second word was dropped for easier
pronunciation and thus the word “Allah” resulted. So “Allah” means
“The God”, i.e. “the supreme being who is worshipped by all
creatures and to whom all turn and pray for fulfilment of their
“need”.
His Attributes
God,
according to the Qur’an, which is the Holy Scripture of Islam, is
the Almighty, All-Powerful, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient,
All-Knowing and All-Seeing God of the whole of the Universe. He is
the Beneficent, the Merciful, the Forgiving. There is no God save
Him. He is One and He alone is to be worshipped. He has no
partner, no parents, no offspring. He is the Alive, the Eternal,
the Helper, the Protector. He is the Sovereign-Lord of the heavens
and the earth and shares His Sovereignty with none. He is the
creator of everything in the universe. Whatever is in the heavens
and the earth belongs to Him. He produces everything, then
reproduces it. He gives life and death and is the Master of the
Day of Judgment. He would resurrect every human after his/her
death and would reward the righteous for good deeds with Paradise
and would punish the wicked for evil deeds with Hell. He sent
messengers and revealed books for the guidance of mankind.
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His Signs
Islam does not give any philosophical or scientific arguments for
the existence of God. Its revealed book, the Qur’an, does not try
to prove God by theological reasoning. It provides creations of
God and
His Signs
and
portents scattered in the universe, in the nature
around us and in ourselves, as the proof of existence of God. “Lo!
in the creations of the heavens and the earth, and the difference
of night and day, and the ships which run upon the sea with that
which is of use to men, and the water which Allah sendeth down
from the sky, thereby reviving the earth after its death, and
dispersing all kinds of beasts therein, and (in) the ordinance of
the winds, and the clouds obedient between heaven and earth: are
signs (of Allah’s existence and sovereignty) for people who have
sense.”— says the Holy Qur’an (2:164). “And of His signs is this:
He created you of dust, and behold you as human beings, ranging
widely! and of His signs is this: He created for you helpmates
from yourselves (women) that ye might find rest in them, and He
ordained between you love and mercy. Lo! here in indeed are
portents for folk who reflect”. (al-Qur’an 30:21)
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Infinite
God is Infinite. We mortal human beings having only finite and
limited knowledge cannot define Him nor describe Him. All we know
about Him is through His signs which are scattered in the nature
around us and through Prophets and revealed books. The Qur’an, the
last such revealed book which is the word of God, tells us: “Allah
is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The similitude of His
light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The
glass is as it were a shining star. (This lamp is) kindled from a
blessed tree, an olive neither of the East nor of the West, whose
oil would almost glow forth (of itself) though no fire touched it.
Light upon light, Allah guideth unto His light whom He will. And
Allah speaketh to mankind in allegories, for Allah is knower of
all things”— (24:35). “Allah! There is no God save Him, the Alive,
the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtaketh Him. Unto Him
belongeth whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the
earth…….” (al-Qur’an 2:255).
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Omnipresent
God is Omnipresent according to Islam. He is every where. There is
no fixed place where we can say that He resides. According to the
Qur’an, to God belong the East and the West, whithersoever you
turn, there is the Presence of Him. God is with you where so ever
you go.” And when My servants question thee concerning Me, then
surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he
crieth unto Me. So let them hear My call and let them trust in
Me, in order that they may be led aright”, tells God to Prophet
Muhammad (al-Qur’an 2:186). “We verily created man and We know
what his soul whispereth to him, and We are nearer to him than his
jugular vein”, says God in the Qur’an (50:16), “There is no secret
conference of three but He is their fourth, nor of five but He is
their sixth, nor of less than that or more but He is with them
wheresoever they may be; and afterwards, on the Day of
Resurrection, He will inform them of what they did. Lo! Allah is
knower of all things.” (al-Qur’an 58:7).
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He is One
Islam is strictly a monotheistic religion. It believes God is One
and there is no God except Him. Unity of Godhead is the
fundamental teaching of Islam. The belief in the Oneness of God is
the first and the foremost among the five pillars or articles of
Islamic faith which every follower of Islam is under obligation to
profess and adhere to. None can enter into Islamic brotherhood nor
one can remain a Muslim until and unless he declares by tongue and
also truly believes in his heart that there is no God but Allah.
“Your God is One God; there is no God save Him, the Beneficent,
the
Merciful”, says the Holy Qur’an (2:163). It is Allah alone
whom the Muslims worship: “Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds,
the Beneficent, the Merciful. Owner of the Day of Judgment, Thee
(alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help”_ is the prayer
of the Muslims in every worship. Addressing the Christians, the
Qur’an says: “O people of the scripture! Do not exaggerate in your
religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The
Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His
word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So
believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not “Three”_ cease!
(it is) better for you! Allah is only One God. Far is it removed
from His transcendent majesty that He should have a son. His is
all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth…” (4:171).
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No kin, no partner
God, the Almighty Lord of the cosmos, has neither parents, nor any
spouse, nor any son, nor any daughter. The Qur’an says:” Praise be
to God, Who hath not taken unto Himself a son, and Who hath no
partner in the sovereignty, nor hath He any protecting friend
through dependence” (17:111). God is alone and one. He neither
begets nor was begotten. “Say: He is Allah, the One! Allah, the
eternally besought of all! He begetteth not nor was begotten. And
there is none comparable unto Him”, commands the Holy Qur’an
(112:1-4)God has no partners and associates in His sovereignty
and dominion nor in His attributes. Polytheism is condemned,
holding partners unto God is the biggest and unpardonable sin.
“Lo! Allah pardoneth not that partners should be ascribed unto
Him, He pardoneth all save that to whom He will. Whosoever
ascribeth partners unto Allah hath wandered for astray” —Thus
warns the Holy Qur’an (4:116)
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None can see Him
No mortal human being – neither an ordinary one nor even the
blessed one like a prophet – can see God. Human eye cannot see God
as eye – sight is limited. Prophet Moses expressed his desire to
see God but, as the Qur’an tells us, lightening seized him and he
fell down unconscious. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ascended the heaven
but when he was asked had he seen God, he replied: God is light,
how can I see Him? The Qur’an says: “Vision comprehendeth Him not,
but He comprehendeth (all) vision. He is the Subtile, the Aware”-
(6:103). “and it was not (vouchsafed) to any mortal that Allah
should speak to him unless (it be) by revelation or from behind a
veil, or (that) He sendeth a messenger to reveal what He will by
His leave. Lo! He is Exalted, Wise.” (42:51)
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His Knowledge
God has knowledge of every thing whatsoever is in the heavens and
in the earth. He knows your secrets and what you hide in your
breasts. He is knower of the visible and the invisible, seen and
the unseen, indeed of every thing of past, present or future. “Lo!
nothing in the earth or in the heavens is hidden from Allah” says
the Qur’an (3:5).” “And with Him are the keys of the invisible.
None but He knoweth them. And He knoweth what is in the land and
the sea. Not a leaf falleth but He knoweth it, not a grain amid
the darkness of the earth, not of wet or dry but (it is noted) in
a clear record”—(al-Qur’an 6:59). The
Qur’an further tells us:
“Lo! Allah! with Him is the knowledge of the Hour (Doomsday). He
sendeth down the rain, and knoweth that which is in the wombs. No
soul knoweth what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knoweth in
what land it will die. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware”- (31:34)
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His Creations
God is the best and the greatest Creator. He is the only one Who
is the originator and the creator of the universe, the heavens and
the earth, and of everything which is visible or invisible to
human eye and which is known or unknown to man. Heavens and earth,
sun and stars, moon and planets, night and day, light and
darkness, air and wind, storms and clouds, rain and water, oceans
and rivers, mountains and hills, flowing streams and gushing
springs, glaciers and icebergs, life and death, plants and
gardens, fruits and vegetables, corn and crops, forests and trees,
animals and beasts, birds and fish, milk and honey, fire and water
are all His creations. He created man of potter’s clay, Angels of
light and Jinn of fire. The Qur’an tells us that God created every
thing in pairs and created life of water. When God intends to do a
thing, He simply says unto it: Be! and it is.
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His Sovereignty
God is the Sovereign Lord of the whole cosmos. Sovereignty over
heavens and the earth and over everything belongs to God. He has
no partner in sovereignty. Command over all belongs to Him. He
rules over everything. He is the Regulator and the Perfector. He
is the Supreme Law-Giver and Supreme-Judge. He is All-Mighty and
all-Powerful. He is the source and fountain of power. It is He who
bestows honour and power on anyone He will. None can benefit or
harm except God. If God intends to give you benefit, none can
withhold it, if He intends you harm, none can protect you. He
bestows daughters upon whom He will and bestows sons upon whom He
will or makes barren whom He will.
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Man is His best creation
God created man of the best stature and made him the best of many
of His creatures. He created Adam of potter’s clay and asked the
Angels to prostrate before him. All did except the Satan who was
declared outcast. However, God accepted Satan’s challenge and gave
him reprieve till the Day of Resurrection. So Satan misleads the
man from right path. He, first of all, misguided Adam and made him
to eat from the forbidden tree and thus got him expelled from
heaven. Since the Devil misleads Adam’s children to the path of
evil and of Hell, God sent messengers and revealed books for the
guidance of man. It is against this background that great Prophets
like Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them)
were sent and books like Torah, Gospel and the Qur’an were
revealed. Those who follow the Prophets, worship God, do good
deeds and lead their lives in accordance with guidance revealed by
God through His messengers
would be rewarded on the Day of
Judgement with Paradise wherein they would lead peaceful eternal
life. But those who rejected the Prophets, do not believe in God,
do evil deeds and follow the Satan would be punished on the Day
of Judgement and would be thrown in Hell wherein they would burn
and boil and have
the
worst possible life.
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His Favours
God has appointed man Caliph (viceroy or deputy) in the earth. It
is indeed a great responsibility, indeed a test, for man how he
behaves. God has bestowed many favours on man. The Qur’an tells us
that many things have been created for service to and benefit of
man. The Qur’an says:
Allah is He Who created the heavens and the earth and causeth
water to descend from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food
for you, and maketh the ships to be of service unto you that they
may run upon the sea at His command, and hath made of service unto
you the rivers. And maketh the sun and the moon, constant in their
courses, to be of service unto you, and hath made of service unto
you the night and the day. (14:Ibrahim:32-33)
See ye not how Allah hath made serviceable unto you whatsoever is
in the skies and whatsoever is in the earth and hath loaded you
with His favours both without and within? Yet of mankind is he who
disputeth concerning Allah, without knowledge or guidance or a
Scripture giving light. (31:Luqman:20)
God is great benefactor of man. His favours and bounties on man
are innumerable. Some of His favours have been counted by the
Qur’an in its above verses, whereas there are countless favours of
God which are not even known to man. God’s favours within the man
are man’s eyes with which he sees, ears with which he hears,
hearts with which he reflects, hands with which he does everything
and feet with which he walks. Indeed man is a great handiwork of
God and his every limb is of immense use to him.
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Provides Sustenance
God is the greatest and the best Sustainer, Provider, Preserver,
Protector and Nourisher of all created-beings. He provides
subsistence, food and other means of living to all living beings.
The Qur’an says: “He placed therein (in the earth) firm hills
rising above it, and blessed it and measured there in its
sustenance in four days, alike for all who ask”._(41:10). The
Qur’an reminds the man of Allah’s favour in providing food: “Who
hath appointed the earth a resting place for you and the sky a
canopy; and causeth water to pour down from the sky, thereby
producing fruits as food for you”. (2:22). Allah provides
sustenance to everyone. “And there is not a beast in the earth but
the sustenance thereof dependeth on Allah…..” (al-Qur’an 11:6). It
is God who increases and decreases subsistence. “Allah enlargeth
livelihood for whom He will, and straiteneth it for whom He will
(al-Qur’an 13:26). Allah preserves the heavens and the earth. “…..
His throne includeth the heavens and the earth and He is never
weary of preserving them……” (al-Qur’an 2:255). “…..Have they not
seen the birds obedient in mid air? None holdeth them save Allah
….” (al-Qur’an 16:79).
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All creatures worship Him
All creatures and all things worship and glorify God in their own
way. “Have they not observed all things that Allah hath created,
how their shadows incline to the right and to the left, making
prostration unto Allah, and they are lowly? And unto Allah maketh
prostration whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the
earth of living creatures, and the Angels (also), and they are not
proud. They fear their Lord above them, and do what they are
bidden”. says the revealed book of Islam (16:48-50). “The seven
heavens and the earth and all that is therein praise Him, and
there is not a thing but hymneth His praise; but ye understand not
their praise……. (al-Qur’an 17:44). “Haste thou not seen that unto
Allah payeth adoration whosoever is in the heavens and whosoever
is in the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the
hills, and the trees, and the beasts, and many of mankind ……”
(al-Qur’an 22:18).
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Man’s duties towards Him
Man is God’s best creation and God has made man viceroy in the
earth, has set many of His creatures to serve man and has bestowed
on man many favours, which we have mentioned above. So man owes
more gratefulness to God than other creatures. Therefore, there
are many obligations of man towards his creator. He should believe
in Him and should worship Him alone. He should glorify God and
hymn His praise. He should love God and remember Him always,
sitting, walking, lying. He should fear God and be kind and
merciful to others. He should pray to God alone and seek help only
from Him. He should trust in God and seek His refuge from Satan
the outcast. He should follow the Prophets and lead his life in
accordance with their teachings. It is only then that man would
succeed and would justify his creation. He can then hope for
reward when God resurrects the dead on the Day of Judgement.
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II- Muhammad is the Messenger of God
Muhammad (peace be upon him), the prophet of Islam, is the last of
the Messengers of God who have been sent to mankind for guidance
and whose exact number is not known to anyone except God. But they
were certainly in thousands if not in millions. In the Qur’an
which is the revealed book of Islam, the names of only a few
messengers of God have been mentioned, the most famous among them
being Adam, Nuh, Hud, Saleh, Abraham, Ismail, Isac, Jacob, Shoaib,
Moses, Jesus Christ and Muhammad (may Allah’s peace be upon them).
The chain of the prophets starts from Adam who was also the first
human being and it ends with Muhammad who is the final prophet of
Allah.
The book revealed to Muhammad (PBUH) is Al-Qur’an which is the
last revealed message of God to mankind, the religion given to him
is Al-Islam which is the first and last religion and was in fact
given to every prophet who preceded Muhammad (PBUH). He has been
called by the Qur’an as a messenger of Allah, a warner and a
bringer of good news, a seal of the Prophets and witness on the
Day of Judgment. He is a messenger to all mankind and his mission
is universal. He is a mercy for humanity and was foretold by
pervious Prophets specially by Jesus. He is role model for his
followers and his conduct and character has been called supreme
and superb by the Qur’an. His sayings, his traditions, his
practices, his conventions (collectively called the Sunnah) carry
great authority for the believers, being only next to the Qur’an
which is the word of God.
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Brief Biographical Sketch
Muhammad, (PBUH) was born at Makkah in Arabia, in the Hashmite
branch of the tribe of Quraish who were descendants of Prophet
Ismael, the son of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim). He was born on
Monday, the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal 53 years before
Hijrah (corresponding to 23rd April, 571 A.D.) at
Makkah, and breathed his last on Monday, 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal,
11 A.H. (corresponding to 8th of June, 632 A.D.) at
Madinah. He lost his father Abdullah before his birth, his mother
Aminah at the age of six and his loving grandfather Abdul Muttalib
at the age of eight, and was thus left to the care of his uncle
Abu Talib who brought him up like his own son. His excellent
conduct and character earned for him the names of Al-Sadiq (the
truthful) and al-Amin (the trustworthy) at very young age. He
married a rich widow of Quraish named Khadija at the age of
twenty
five
who
was fifteen year senior to him. At the age
of forty, Muhammad received the light of first revelation through
the Archangel Gabriel in the cave of Hira and thus he was
commissioned as the apostle or messenger of Allah. He migrated to
Madinah as the people of his own tribe Quraish severely persecuted
him and his followers when he started preaching his religion. He
reached Madinah on Friday, 2nd July 622 A.D. and from this very
date the Islamic Lunar calendar Al-Hijrah starts. At Madinah the
Prophet had to wage many wars in defence of his faith and in the
defence of his own life and the lives of his followers against the
Quraish, the Jews and the other hostile tribes. By the time of
Prophet’s death, all the Arabia had submitted to Islam and a
powerful Islamic state under his headship had been established at
Madinah.
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Foretold
Coming of Muhammad as Messenger of God was prayed for by Prophet
Abraham and was foretold by the later Prophets. Prophet Abraham,
who is the forefather of the Jews and the Arabs and who is held in
high esteem by all the three monotheistic religions of mankind
(Judaism, Christianity and Islam), built ‘Kaabah’ at Makkah and
settled his eldest son Ismael there. He, then, prayed to God for
raising a messenger among his posterity in these words: “Our Lord!
And raise up in their midst a messenger from among them who shall
recite unto them Thy revelations, and shall instruct them in the
Scripture and in wisdom and shall make them grow. Lo! Thou, only
Thou, art the Mighty, the Wise” (al-Qur’an 2:129).
Prophecies about the advent of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had been
made in the earlier Scriptures like Torah and Bible. The Qur’an
points out this fact very clearly when it says:
Those who follow the messenger, the Prophet who can neither read
nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the
Gospel (which are) with them. He will enjoin on them that which is
right and forbid them that which is wrong. He will make lawful for
them all good things and probibit for them only the foul; and he
will relieve them of their burden and the fetters that they used
to wear. Then those who believe in him, and honour him, and help
him, and follow the light which is sent down with him; they are
the successful. (7:Al-A’raf:157)
Some
of the learned Jews recognized the Prophet of Arabia and embraced
Islam like Abdullah-ibn-Salam, Ka’b-ibn-Malik. The Qur’an refers
to this fact in its following verses:
And lo, it is in the
Scriptures
of the men of old. Is it not a token for them that the doctors of
the children of Israel know it. (26:Ash-Shu’ara’:196-197)
Prophet Moses (PBUH) also spoke of the advent of a Prophet among
the Arabs, as the Qur’an tells us in its following verse:
Bethink ye: If it is
from Allah and ye disbelieve therein and a
witness of the Children of Israel hath already testified to the
like thereof and hath believed, and ye are too proud (what plight
is yours)? Lo! Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.
(46:Al-Ahqaf:10)
Prophet Jesus Christ foretold the coming of Muhammad, the Prophet
of Islam, in very clear words and even mentioned his name.
And when Jesus son
of Mary said: O
Children
of Israel! Lo! I am the messenger of Allah unto you, confirming
that which was (revealed) before me in the Torah, and bringing
good tidings of a messenger who cometh after me, whose name is the
Praised One (Ahmad). Yet when he hath come unto them with clear
proofs, they say: This is mere magic. (Al-Qur’an 61:6)
According to Torah, which forms part of Jewish Bible (called Old
Testament by the Christians), Prophet Moses (PBUH) addressing his
people says: “Thy Lord thy god will raise up unto thee a Prophet
from the midst of thee, and of thy brethren, like unto me; unto
him ye shall hearken.” (Deuteronomy 18:15). In Verse No 18 and 19
of Chapter No 18 of Deuteronomy, God addressing Moses and his
people says: “I shall raise them up a Prophet from among their
brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and
he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it
shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words
which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.” In
these verses of Torah the words “thy brethren” and “their
brethren” clearly refer to the Arabs who are the children of
Ismael (son of Prophet Abraham) and the words “a Prophet like unto
me” or “like unto thee” clearly refer to Prophet Muhammad who is a
Prophet like Prophet Moses.
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Sent to all Mankind
Prophets who had come before Muhammad (PBUH) had been sent to
their tribes or communities with a limited mission. Prophet Noah
had been sent to his nation. Prophet Hud had been sent to his
tribe A’d while Prophet Salih had come to his tribe Thamud.
Prophet Abraham had come to his folk, while Prophet Lot had been
sent to Sodom. Prophet Shuaib came to Median to teach the people
ethics of business. Moses came to save the children of Israel from
the bondage of Pharaoh. Jesus said of himself that he has been
sent by God “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel”
However, prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent by God as the last
messenger to the whole of mankind with a universal mission. The
Qur’an says: “say (O Muhammad): o mankind! Lo! I am the messenger
of Allah to you all —(the messenger of Him) unto whom belongeth
the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth ….” (7:158). God
confirms this fact:- “And We have not sent thee (O Muhammad) save
as a bringer of good tidings and a warner unto all mankind; but
most of mankind know not”. (al-Qur’an 34:28)
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Seal of Prophets- Finality of Prophethood
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last one in the chain of Prophets
which started with Adam and which includes Prophets like Noah, Hud,
Saleh, Abraham, Ismael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David,
Solomon, John and Jesus. He is the final Prophet with the last
message of God to mankind. The Qur’an says: “Muhammad is not the
father of any man among you, but he is the messenger of Allah and
the seal of the Prophets; and Allah is Aware of all things”.
(33:40). With Muhammad (PBUH) Prophethood came to an end. Message
given to him (the Qur’an) is the last revealed message. Religion
(al-Islam) has been completed and perfected. No Prophet would come
after him till the Day of Resurrection as none is needed. Any body
who claims to be a prophet after Muhammad (PBUH) is simply a liar
and an imposter.
According to Qur’an (3:85), no religion is acceptable to Allah
except Islam i.e. the Surrender. God has perfected his religion Al
– Islam (5:3) . It means that there is no need of any other
prophet after him since Al – Islam the only acceptable religion to
God has been completed. Moreover, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is the
messenger of God to the whole of mankind (7:158), while the
messengers before him had been sent to their tribes or communities
with a limited mission. According to verse 40 of Chapter 33 of
al-Qur’an, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is the seal of the Prophets. To use
the words of Allama Abdullah Yusuf All. When a document is sealed
it is complete and there can be no further addition. So the Holy
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) closed the long line of Apostles.
Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah said: “The
parable of myself and the parable of the Prophets is as the
parable of a palace of which the construction has been made good
but wherein the place of a brick has been left out. The on-lookers
went round it wondering at its good construction except for the
place of the brick. It is I who closed up the place of the brick.
The construction has, therefore, been sealed by me, and the
messengers have come to an end with me. And in a narration: I am
the brick and I am the seal of the Prophets.” (Bukhari, Muslim).
There is another tradition reported in Bukhari that prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The children of Israel were guided by the
prophets. When a prophet died, another succeeded him. However,
there will be no prophet after me, there will be only caliphs.”
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reiterated this fact: “there is no prophet
after me and there is no Ummah after my Ummah”. (Baihaqi)
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His Conduct
Prophet Muhammad was the most perfect man endowed with each and
every virtue which goes to make up good conduct. The Qur’an calls
his conduct sublime and great (68:4). He has been called mercy for
the mankind, rather for the whole world, rather for the God’s all
creations. “We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures”.
(al-Qur’an 21:107). The Qur’an appreciates his lenient conduct and
enjoins him to consult his followers and ask forgiveness for them:
“It was by the mercy of Allah that thou wast lenient with them (O
Muhammad), for if thou hadst been stern and fierce of heart they
would have dispersed from round about thee. So pardon them and ask
forgiveness for them and consult with them upon the conduct of
affairs. And when thou art resolved, then put thy trust in Allah.
Lo! Allah loveth those who put their trust (in Him).” (3:159).
Muhammad’s concern for believers and his
compassion
for them has been
stressed in another verse by the Holy Qur’an which reads: “There
hath come unto you a messenger, (one) of yourselves unto whom
aught that ye are overburdened is grievous, full of concern for
you, for the believers full of pity, merciful.”(9:128). The Qur’an
sets up the conduct of Muhammad as a role model for the believers
when it says: “Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good
example for him who looketh unto Allah and the Last Day, and
remembereth Allah much.” (33:21).
Even
before his call to Prophethood, Muhammad was held in high
esteem by his people for excellence of his behaviour and
character. He was known as the “Truthful” and the “Trust Worthy”.
When the first revelation came to him,
Muhammad returned home very
disgusted and depressed. He narrated the episode to his wife Khadijah who consoled him by saying “Allah will never humiliate
you. Certainly you observe the tie of kinship, speak the truth and
bear the burden of others and help the destitute and entertain the
guests and help others in genuine distress.”
When asked by a person about the conduct (Khuluq) of the prophet
many years after death, his wife Ayesha said
“Have you not read the Qur’an? – his khuluq was the Qur’an”
(Muslim, Abu Daud, and Nisai). There is a long line of very
authentic traditions reported in most reliable collections of
Hadith literature that the character and conduct of Muhammad
(PBUH) was the most excellent and he was the greatest man the
world had ever seen.
-
Jaber reported that the messenger of Allah said: “Allah sent me to
complete the excellent virtues and to perfect the good actions” (Mishkat-ul-Masabih)
-
Anas reported that a man begged the Holy Prophet of the sheep
between two hills. He gave them to him. He (the man) came to his
people and said: O people! Accept Islam. Verily Muhammad certainly
gives away in charity so much that he does not fear poverty
(Muslim).
-
Jaber reported: Apostle of Allah was never asked for anything for
which he said “No” (Bukhari, Muslim).
-
Anas reported: The apostle of Allah was the best of men, the most
generous of men and the bravest of men…… (Bukhari, Muslim)
-
Abu Hurairah reported: He was questioned: O. Apostle of Allah!
Invoke against the polytheists. He replied: Verily I have not been
sent as a great curser, but I have been sent as a mercy. (Muslim)
-
Ayesha reported: The Prophet was not accustomed to talk hastily as
you do. He was accustomed to talk in such a way that if a counter
counted, he could have certainly numbered it. (Bukhari, Muslim)
-
Ayesha reported: The Apsotle of Allah was never asked to choose
between two things except that he choose the easier of the two so
long as it was not sinful. If it was sinful, he used to keep
farther from it than all the people. The apostle of Allah did
never take revenge for any wrong done to him personally except to
vindicate the honour of Allah: he used then to take revenge for
Allah. (Bukhari, Muslim)
-
Ayesha reported: The Apostle of Allah was neither indecent by
nature, nor indecent by compulsion, nor a wanderer in the markets,
nor did he return evil for evil, but he forgave and pardoned. (Tirmizi)
-
Anas narrated about the Holy Prophet that he used to visit the
sick, follow the bier, respond to the invitation of a slave and
ride upon mules. I have indeed seen him on the Day of Khaiber upon
mule with a rein of date refuge. (Ibn Majah, Baihaqi)
-
Ayesha reported that the Holy Prophet used to mend his shoes, sew
his cloth and work in his household just as one of you works in
his own house. She also reported that he was a man among men who
used to patch his clothes, milk his goats and engage himself in
work. (Tirmizi)
-
Abdullah-b-Hares reported: I did not see anybody smiling more than
the Apostle of Allah. (Tirmizi)
-
Anas reported that whenever the Prophet handshook with a man, he
used not to take away his hand from his hand till the latter took
away his hand, nor did he turn away his face from him till the
latter turned away his face from him. He was not seen to take
steps in front of his friends. (Tirmizi)
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His Personality
Beautiful and vivid description of the personality and physical
bearing of Muhammad (PBUH) has come down to us through the well
reported Hadith literature.
-
Anas reported that the Apostle of Allah was neither
too long nor short, neither too white nor brown, neither too
curly-haired nor straight haired…. (Bukhari, Muslim)
-
Ali-bin-Abu Talib reported: that whenever he
described the Prophet, he used to say: He was not too long nor too
short, middle-statured among the people, not greatly curly haired,
nor straight haired, strong and stout, neither too big nor too
short, round of face, white-red complexioned black of eye-balls,
long of eye-lances, fleshy of the bone and place between
shoulders; hairless having one line of hair on chest having thick
palms and feet. When he walked, he stepped firm as if he was
walking in a slopping ground; when he turned, he turned the whole
body; there was the seal of porphethood between his shoulders and
it was the seal of the prophets, most generous of men in
generosity, most truthful of men in tongue, most affable of them
in deportment, most honourable of them in lineage. Whoso saw him
all on a sudden, got frightened and whoso mixed with him with
acquaintance loved him. One who described him said: I saw nobody
like him before him and after him. (Tirmizi)
-
Umm Ma’bad said: “His was an innocently bright and
broad countenance. His manners were fine. Neither was his belly
bulging out nor was his head deprived of hair. He had black
attractive eyes finely arched by continuous eye-brows. His hair,
glossy and black, inclined to curl, he wore long. His voice was
extremely commanding. His head was large and well formed and set
on a slender neck. His expression was pensive and contemplative,
serene and sublime. The stranger was fascinated from the distance,
but no sooner he became intimate with him this fascination was
changed into attachment and respect. His expression was very sweet
and distinct. His speech was well set and free from the use of
superfluous words, as if it were a rosary of beads. His stature
was neither too high nor too small so as to look repulsive. He was
twig amongst the two, singularly bright and fresh, He was always
surrounded by his companions. Whenever he uttered something the
listeners would hear him with rapt attention and whenever he
issued any command, they vied with each other in carrying it out.
He was a master and a commander. His utterances were marked by
truth and
sincerity, free from all kinds of falsehoods and lies.”
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Role Model for believers- Importance of his Sunnah
The
deeds, behaviour, character and conduct of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
is a role model for the Muslims rather for the whole of mankind.
The Qur’an says: Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good
example for him who looketh unto Allah and the last Day…..
(33:21). He has been called a guide and a light by the Holy Qur’an
at another place: “Now hath come unto you light from Allah and a
plain Scripture” (5:15). The Prophet lived an ideal life in
accordance with the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and, therefore,
his conduct, as stated earlier, was called “the Qur’an” by his
wife Ayesha in response to a question. Obedience to him has been
enjoined upon his followers. The Qur’an says: “and obey Allah and
the messenger, that ye may find mercy” (3:132).
The
believers have been exhorted to follow the Prophet because to
follow the Prophet would earn them Allah’s love. The Qur’an says
“Say (O Muhammad to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me: Allah
will love you and forgive you your sins…..” (3:31)
Thus
the life of the Prophet of Islam is a pattern of ideal conduct and
behaviour for his followers who try their best to emulate it. Each
saying of the Prophet, each action or deed done by him, each
practice or convention set by him, carries sanctity for the
Muslims. Here lies the importance of the Sunnah or Hadith which
comprises sayings of the Prophet, his traditions, his deeds and
his conduct of various problems. The believers have been,
therefore, directed “…. And whatsoever the messenger giveth you,
take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it). And keep
your duty to Allah….” (al-Qur’an 59:7)
The
importance of the Sunnah lies in the fact that the Prophet of
Islam gave practical shape to the Qur’anic teachings by living his
life in accordance with the
Injunctions of Allah. He lived a very
active life as an ideal man. He married. He had wives. He had
children. He had to work for earning livelihood. As a Prophet and
a preacher of Islam, he was persecuted. He had to migrate to a
distant town. There, he established a state and created a society
in accordance with the teachings of God. He had to fight many
battles for his survival and for the survival of new faith and the
newly established state. During all these trials and vicissitudes
of life, he displayed a model behaviour and decided every issue in
the light of the Qur’anic teachings. He set illuminating
precedents for us to follow. The Qur’an generally lays down the
basic principles and guidelines which were interpreted, explained
and given practical shape by the Prophet. Some illustration can be
given to highlight this point. The Qur’an makes Salat (prayer)
compulsory for believers and has hinted about the times of prayers
also. But the procedure in which the prayers, five times a day are
to be offered, has been set by the Prophet. Similarly, Allah has
made payment of Zakat obligatory, but detailed rules have not been
laid down in the Qur’an. It is the Prophet of Islam who made
detailed rules and set up procedure for the payment of Zakat.
Again, in political, legal and economic fields, the Qur’an has
laid down the fundamental principles and the Prophet applied these
principles to the actual problems and set the details and
procedures.
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III- Qur’an is the Book of God
The revealed book
Al-Qur’an is the name of the last revealed book of Allah which
forms the holy or religious scripture of Islam. It was revealed to
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the last messenger of Allah to mankind,
in parts in a span of twenty two and half years between 610 A.D.
to 632 A.D. i.e. from his appointment as apostle at the age of
forty till his death at the age of sixty three. The first
revelation was made on 27th of Ramadan 13 years before Hijrah and
the last on 9th of Zil Hijah of 10th A.H. The period
comprises 12.5 years of Prophet’s life at Makkah during which 90
or 91 Surahs (chapters) were reveled and last 10 years of
Prophet’s life at Madinah during which 23 or 24 Surahs are
reported to have been revealed.
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Its contents
The
Qur’an comprises 114 Surahs (chapters) divided into 6238
(according to some research scholars, 6247) ‘Ayahs’ (Verses). Each
Surah bears a name taken from something mentioned in it, e.g. the
second Surah is called “Baqarah” (the ‘cow’) because of the
mention of a cow which the children of Israel were required by the
Lord to sacrifice. In every case (except. Surah nine) all the
surahs are introduced by “Bismillah”, “In the name of Allah, the
Beneficent, the Merciful.” Of these Surahs, 29 are such which
begin with the letters or alphabets
(such as Alif Lam Mim)
that are mysterious and have
always been the object of explanations and comments among scholars
of the Qur’an. For the convenience of the reader or reciter, the
Qur’an is also divided into 30 paras (or parts) and 7 manazal (or
portions). The arrangement of Ayahs and Surahs is not in order in
which they were revealed, but in accordance with a plan sanctioned
by the Prophet himself under guidance of Allah. Most of the verses
which embody rules of law were revealed to settle questions that
actually arose for decision. That may be one of the reasons why
the book was revealed in stages. To this fact reference is also
found in the Qur’an itself in its verses 32and 33 of chapter 25
(Surah Al-Furqan). Mainly the law of Islam is found in
chapters2,3,4,5,6,8,9,17,24,33,49,65, of the Qur’an.
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Its Names
The
Qur’an calls itself by various names, most famous of which are:
al-Qur’an, al-Furq’an, al-Kitab, al-Dhikr, al-Hakim, etc. The term
Qur’an is used in two ways: as participle it means to read; as an
object, it means a thing which is read.
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Revealed in Arabic
The
Holy Qur’an was brought by the Archangel Gabriel to the Prophet of
Islam in Arabic language. The Qur’an testifies this: “We revealed
it, a lecture in Arabic, that ye may understand” (12:2)
And lo! it is a revelation of the Lord of the Worlds which the
True Spirit hath brought down, upon thy heart, that thou mayst be
(one) of the warners in plain Arabic speech. — (26:192-195)
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Its Collection and Compilation
It is
proved by Ijma and continuity that the collection, arrangement and
compilation of the Qur’an was complete during the life-time of the
Prophet (PBUH). The present arrangement of the Qur’an is the same
and there has been no change since then. The Holy Prophet had
appointed an efficient team of expert calligraphists. They are
known as writers of revelation (Katiban Wahi) whose number was 26,
but according to some they were 42. The most illustrious among
scribes were: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Zaid bin Thabit, Abi
bin Kaab, Muadh bin Jabbal, Abdullah bin Masud, Abu Zaid, Abu
Darda and Aamer bin Fahira. The companions of the Holy Prophet
used to write and learn the Holy Qur’an by heart. Since paper was
scarce, they used to write it on the palm leaves, the epitaph of
stones, the broad shoulder-bones of the camels and on pieces of
skins. It may not have been in a single volume at that time due to
the difficulty in the consolidation of such scattered material,
yet it was committed to memory by many reciters (Hafaaz) in
arranged form. It was also available in written form in complete
shape.
Internal evidence is provided from the following verses of the
Qur’an that the revealed book of Islam was in its written form
from the very beginning. See the following verses of al-Qur’an:
-
This is the scripture whereof there is no doubt, a
guidance unto those who ward off (evil). (2:2)
-
That (this is indeed) a noble Qur’an. In a book
kept hidden. Which none toucheth save the purified, a revelation
from the Lord of the worlds. (56:77-80)
During the caliphate of Abu Bakr, almost 70 reciters (hafaaz) were
martyred, so Umar persuaded Abu Bakr to have the Qur’an compiled
in a single volume. Thus, under the orders of Abu Bakr, Zaid bin
Thabit compiled a volume of the Qur’an and from this
volume
copies were
prepared. One copy was retained by Abu Bakr, and after his death
by Umar, who before his death, entrusted it to his daughter Hafsah,
widow of the Prophet. By the time of the third caliph Uthman, many
countries had been conquered and various non-Arab nations had been
converted to Islam who were not familiar with the various dialects
in which the Qur’an was read. Uthman, assembled Ummah on a single
dialect (Qir’at) of Quraish. He got the volume of Abu Bakr from
Hafsah and ordered Zaid bin Thabit to prepare copies on the
dialect of Quraish which was the pronunciation of Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH). One copy was sent to each province for the facility of the
newly converted Muslims. The punctuation marks (Aarab) were
applied to the words of the Qur’an during the times of the Ummayed
caliphs.
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It
confirms previous Scriptures
The
Holy Qur’an, the revealed book of Islam, confirms the previous
revealed books like Torah which was given to Prophet Moses, Zabur
(Psalms) which was revealed to Prophet David and Injeel (the
Gospel) which was revealed to Prophet Jesus.
-
He hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the Scripture
with truth, confirming that which was (revealed) before
it, even as
He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. A foretime, for a guidance
to mankind; and hath revealed the Criterion (of right and wrong).
Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, theirs will be
a heavy doom. Allah is Mighty, Able to Requite (the wrong).
(3:Al-Imran:3-4)
-
And unto thee have We revealed the Scripture with
the truth, confirming whatever Scripture was before it, and a
watcher over it. (5:Al-Ma’idah:48)
-
And this Qur’an is not such as could ever be
invented despite of Allah; but it is a confirmation of that which
was before it and an exposition of that which is decreed for
mankind- therein is no doubt-from the Lord of the Worlds.
(10:Yunus:37)
The
Qur’an not only confirms the basic teachings of these books but is
also watcher over the previous revealed books. It means that the
authenticity of these books can be judged by reference to the
Qur’an. It is an established fact that previous revealed books
have not been preserved properly in original form by their
followers. These holy books have been subjected to many
alterations, modifications and corruptions. The Qur’an only
confirms those contents of the said books which have remained safe
from corruption. The confirmation of the previous scriptures by
the Qur’an proves, beyond shadow of doubt, that the author of all
these books is the same. All have been revealed by God, the
Almighty Lord of the Universe, for guidance of man in different
languages, in different ages, at different places.
Besides confirming the preserved teachings of the previous
Scriptures, the Holy Qur’an explains, expounds and clarifies
controversies and differences which have arisen among the
followers of previous Prophets. “Lo! this Qur’an narrateth unto
children of Israel most of that concerning which they differ.”
(al-Qur’an 27:76). “And We have revealed the Scripture unto thee
only that thou mayst explain unto them that wherein they differ,
and (as) a guidance and mercy for a people who believe’ (al-Qur’an
16:64). “And we reveal the Scripture unto thee as an exposition of
all things” (al-Qur’an 16:89).
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God its Protector
Qur’an is a book which is very well-preserved. Unlike books of
previous Prophets, the book revealed to Muhammad (PBUH) is into
hundred percent original form in which it was given to the
Prophet. Books of previous Prophets were destroyed, reconstructed
with the aid of human memory and suffered from omissions or
commissions, additions or deletions. Sometimes they were
deliberately corrupted or altered for a small material gain. Thus
these previous Scriptures lost most of their original teachings.
But this is not the case with the Qur’an. The Qur’an, as history
is witness to it, has maintained its text, its language, its
words, its arrangement, its teachings absolutely in original form.
Not a single letter or a single word or a single punctuation mark
has been changed in it what to speak of any major corruption. None
could change it nor even prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In fact Almighty
God has taken upon Himself the responsibility to safeguard His
last revealed book from any corruption. God is the guardian of
Qur’an and so the book would maintain itself up to Doomsday. The
Qur’an says:
-
And when our clear revelations are recited unto
them, they who look not for the meeting with Us say: bring a
Lecture other than this or change it. Say (O Muhammad): It is not
for me to change it of my own accord. I only follow that which is
inspired in me. Lo! If I disobey my Lord I fear the retribution of
an awful Day. Say: If Allah had so willed I should not have
recited it to you nor would He have made it known to you. I dwelt
among you a whole lifetime before it (came to me). Have ye then no
sense? Who doth a greater wrong than he who inventeth a lie
concerning Allah and denieth His revelations? Lo! the guilty never
are successful. (10:Yunus:15-17)
-
Lo! We, even We, reveal the Reminder, and lo!
We
verily are its Guardian. (15:Al – Hijr:9)
-
And recite that which hath been revealed unto thee
of the Scripture of thy Lord. There is none who can change His
words, and thou wilt find no refuge beside Him. (18:Al – Kahf:27)
Muhammad Asad, a Jew turned Muslim, who is a great scholar and
commentator of the Qur’an writes while explaining verse 9 of
Chapter 15 of the Qur’an: “This prophecy has been strikingly
confirmed by the fact that the text of the Qur’an has remained
free from all alterations, additions or deletions ever since it
was enunciated by the Prophet in the seventh century of the
Christian era; and there is no other instance of any book, of
whatever description, which has been similarly preserved over such
a length of time. The early-noted variants in the reading of
certain words of the Qur’an, occasionally referred to by the
classical commentators, represent no more than differences in
respect of diacritical marks or of vocalization, and, as a rule,
do not affect the meaning of the passage in question.”
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It provides guidance in all fields
of life
It is
the fundamental belief of the Muslims that their religious book,
Al-Qur’an is complete code of human life. Al-Qur’an provides
guidance to human beings in all spheres of human activity starting
from individual to socio-political, from family life to national
and international relations, and from religious to mundane
affairs. The following verses of the Qur’an are cited to confirm
that the Holy book of Islam provides guidance to mankind in all
fields of life:-
-
……(It is) an exposition of that which is decreed
for mankind…… (10:37)
-
(This is) a Scripture the revelations whereof are
perfected and then expounded. (It cometh) from One Wise,
Informed (11:1)
-
And We have revealed the Scripture unto thee only
that thou mayst explain to them that wherein they differ………
(16:64)
-
………And We reveal the Screpture unto thee as an
exposition of all things……… (16:89)
-
Lo! He Who hath given thee the Qur’an for a law
will surely bring thee home again…….(28:85)
-
Lo! We have revealed unto thee the Scripture for
mankind with truth……. (39:41)
-
This is not else than a reminder unto creation
(81:27)
Mainly the Qur’an lays down guidelines in the following fields:
-
Religious duties, worship
of Allah and devotional matters.
-
Family laws-marriage, dower, divorce, Iddah, etc
-
Inheritance and
will.
-
Social reforms:
gambling, infanticide and drinking have been prohibited while
polygamy is limited. Status of woman and slaves raised.
-
Penal law: Crime and punishment.
-
Civil laws: contract, mortgage, etc.
-
Law of evidence.
-
Dispensation of Justice.
-
Constitutional law and political system.
-
Law of war and Jihad.
-
Economic and financial principles – revenue, public
finance, trade, sale and purchase.
-
International relations.
-
Hilal and Haram (permitted and forbidden)
-
Do’s and
Don’ts. Commandments and prohibitions.
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Word of God
“Muslims consider the Qur’an", says the Encyclopedia Americana,” to
be the very words of God Himself. The messages given to Muhammad
by the angel were taken from Heavenly Book, uncreated and
eternally coexistent with God, that is called the Mother of the
Book or the Well-Preserved Tablet. This eternal book represents
the eternal Speech of God, the expression of His truth and His
will for the universe. Books of previous prophets, such as the
Gospel of Jesus or the Torah of Moses, were also taken from this
source. The Qur'an is but another yet the highest and final
instance, of God’s offering guidance to straying men through
Scripture brought by His chosen messengers. Followers of previous
prophets like the Christians and Jews had corrupted their
messages, thereby necessitating the sending down of the Qur’an to
restore the purity of divine guidance.”
“As
the very words of God, the Qur’an is the foremost authority for
Muslims in all matters of faith and practice. They pay it enormous
reverence and have been at pains to preserve its contents exactly
as they were received from the Prophet. There is probably no other
book in history, including the Bible, that has been so much
studied or commented upon. Studies that deal with its various
aspects fill entire libraries and have been composed in all the
important languages of the Islamic world.”
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Recited and memorized
Besides seeking guidance from the Qur’an on every important issue,
every Muslim holds the Qur’an in high reverence. The book is kept
at the cleanest place in the house and is never laid on the
ground. Not even a word or leaf of it is thrown into dust or waste
paper basket. No believer touches it except after performing
ablution or purifying bath. The verses of the book are recited at
every religious or social ceremony and daily prayers also include
its recitations. In the month of Ramadan the whole of Qur’an is
recited in special prayers. All over the Muslim world there exist
schools (called madaris) specifically reserved to teach and
memorize the Qur’an to children. One who learns the Qur’an by
heart is called ‘hafiz’ (memorizer) and he is held in high esteem.
The memorizing of the Qur’an is regarded an act of great religious
merit and spiritual excellence. In every Muslim country there are
hundred of thousands of persons who have committed the Qur’an to
memory.
Since
the Muslims consider the words of the Qur’an to be the words of
God, historically they have lavished their highest art on the
calligraphic presentation of the Qur’anic text. Verses from the
Qur’an in elegant calligraphy decorate the facades and walls of
mosques, religious seminaries, tombs of saints and other public
buildings. Every Muslim believes that the Qur’an has five rights
upon him, namely: It should be believed in; it should be read or
recited and if one is unable to read it one must listen to its
recitation; its meaning and message should be understood; its
teachings should be strictly followed, and finally it should be
taught to others. A true Muslim tries to discharge his obligations
to the Holy book so that he may not be one of those on the Day of
Judgement against whom Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would make
complaint: “Then the Apostle will say: O my Lord! Truly my people
took this Qur’an for just foolish nonsense” (al-Qur’an 25:30)
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Its appeal to human reason
The
Qur’an, the revealed book of Islam, does not command blind
following. It does not say that one must follow the Qur’an and
believe in and act upon its teachings without applying one’s mind.
Rather it appeals to human reason to see, to think, to reflect, to
meditate and ponder over the portraits and signs of God and then
believe in Him and follow the Prophet and his teachings. The
Qur’an severely condemns those who do not think and ponder over
the creations of God. It says: “Already have We urged unto Hell
many of the Jinn and the humankind, having hearts wherewith they
understand not, and having eyes wherewith they see not, and having
ears wherewith they hear not. They are as the cattle-nay, but they
are worse! These are the neglectful” (7:179) “Have they not
travelled in the land, and have they hearts wherewith to feel and
ears wherewith to hear? For indeed it is not the eyes that grow
blind, but it is the hearts, which are within the bosoms, that
grow blind”-(22:46)
Those
who remember God and ponder over His creations and do not follow
blindly have been praised in the following verses of the holy
book:
-
Such as remember Allah standing, sitting, and reclining, and
consider the creation of the heavens and the earth (and say): Our
Lord, Thou createdst not this in vain. Glory be to Thee….
(3:190-191)
-
And those who when they are reminded of the revelations of their
Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat. (25:73)
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