Pearls and Coral: Treasures from the Quran - Episode (4)

 To esteemed readers, the great people of Egypt, daughters and sons of the Arab and Muslim nations, to every human being anywhere, welcome to a new journey with the Ever- Glorious Qur’an. Here, we delve into the depths of Qur’anic treasures and explore its magnificent verses, seeking enlightenment from its light and drawing from its guidance.                                                                                                                   

 With the fourth Juz’(part) of the Book of Allah, we will examine the verses, extract values, and gather pearls of wisdom from between the lines, not merely to contemplate them but to live by them as a way of life, a methodology, and a key to a balanced and tranquil existence.                                                                                                          

The fourth part of the Ever- Glorious Qur’an, which begins with the verse: "All food was lawful to the Children of Israel except what Israel had made unlawful to himself..." (Qur’an 3: 93), is rich in meanings and subtleties, and abundant in wisdom and lessons.

It is obvious that we cannot encompass all the meanings and guidance contained in this Part, for its replete with wondrous wisdom, subtle allusions, and the light of faith. However, it suffices for us to draw from it for several values by which we live and interact, and which we will use as sustenance yearlong.

The first value we will consider today is derived from the Qur’anic verse: "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided..." (Qur’an 3: 103), this is an eternal divine call, directed to every believer, do not allow division between you, and do not open the doors of hatred and discord, for they are the gateways of the Satan, the  weaknesses of the nation, and resulting domination by the enemies. How desperately we need, in this time of fragmentation and disunity, to return to a common ground, to hold fast to the rope of Allah, and to be as our Lord intended us to be: unified, loving, and compassionate towards one another. This is a clear divine call to unity, and rejection of division and discord. In other words, It is the divine message to true believers: Do not allow selfishness, hatred, or conflict to weaken your steadfastness.                                                                                                                          

 Unity is strength, and division is weakness and destruction. How many nations have been divided, losing their prestige, falling prey to their enemies and seeing their civilizations vanish?

And we have learned since childhood that "Unity is strength, and division is weakness."

Our primary enemy is the one who seeks to sow discord among us, wielding the notorious motto “divide and conquer."

So, what is the solution? And what is the divine remedy?

The remedy lies in holding fast to the rope of Allah, returning to the Quran, adhering to guidance, practicing forgiveness, and forgetting grudges. To all those who are quarreling, stop enmity and begin a new chapter, to every home where the marital relationship is on the verge collapse: hold fast to the rope of Allah and remember Allah’s saying: "And do not forget the bounty between you..." (Qur’an 2:286). To every two families in conflict ,  to every two quarreling neighbors , to every two colleagues at work ,  one of whom is plotting against the other: hold Allah’s piety before your eyes and return to the call of the Most Merciful: "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all of you and do not become divided..." (Qur’an 3: 103).

A poet once said:

 There will be appear as shocks will grow to trails severe,

Yet call one another: no retreat, no pause, no fear.

 For the just judge (Allah) leaves none who knocks His door,

Nor does He forsake the caller faithful to the core.

And if you rose to serve the truth to which you were implored.

Each one of you would stand as though a thousand roared.

So heed not crowds whether many or a few –

For nearness comes by how, not how many, pursue.

The second value we may well derive from this blessed part is the saying of Allah Almighty: "So it was by (some) mercy from Allah that you have been lenient with them, and if you had been stern (and) harsh of heart, they would indeed have broken away from about you..." (Qur’an 3: 159). This is a great verse, with which Allah addresses his noble prophet (PBUH), praising him and explaining that his mercy towards creation and his gentleness with them is from the effect of Allah Almighty’s mercy upon him. Allah fashioned the Prophet Muhammed(PBUH) with the morals of prophethood and honored him with the light of revelation, As Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: "His character was the Qur'an," and his Lord bore witness to him with his saying: "And surely, you are indeed of a magnificent character" (Qur’an 68: 4). Among the greatness of this character is gentleness. For Allah Almighty said in another verse, addressing two noble prophets: "Go, (both of you), to Firaawn;(pharaoh) surely he has tyrannized. So speak (you both) leniently (literally: say a lenient) to him, that possibly he would remind himself or would be apprehensive" (Qur’an 20: 43-44). Even Pharaoh, who claimed divinity, was commanded by Allah to be addressed with gentleness.  How much more so should those of lesser stature be treated with gentleness and mercy?                                                                              Every religious discourse devoid of gentleness and lacking in Mercey alienates hearts and may even lead to   aversion to religion. It is narrated that a man entered upon Harun al-Rashid (a great caliph of the Abbasid dynasty), saying "O Commander of the Faithful, I will speak to you with words that contain some harshness, so bear with me."  "O man, Allah sent someone better than you - Moses - to someone worse than me - Pharaoh - and He said to him: ’speak (you both) leniently (literally: say a lenient) to him…,’the Caliph replied.”  Let our slogan in this life become gentleness and mercy, at home, at work, in every interaction.                                                                       

The third value in this blessed section is derived from Qur’anic verse: "Surely, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of (Or differences) the night and the daytime there are signs indeed for one endowed with intellects. The ones who remember Allah, upright and seated and on their sides and meditate upon the creation of the heavens and the earth: Our lord, in no way have you created this untruthfully. All Extolment be to you, So protect us from the torment of the fire" (Qur’an 3: 190-191). These verses show that those who with intellect are the ones who combine remembrance and reflection, faith and knowledge, spirit and intellect. They are those who do not contemplate content with mere meditation, but rather seek and master the sciences of astronomy, physics, and cosmology, and conduct research into Allah’s creation and the origins of the universe. Nevertheless, their knowledge is divorced from the remembrance of Allah. Through this balance between remembrance and contemplation, that civilizations are built, and the lives of nations are set right. Scientific thought alone is insufficient unless supported by the light of faith, and remembrance alone is not fruitful unless it is supported by the light of faith and remembrance alone is not fruitful unless it is accompanied by reflection and action. On this foundation, a nation forges its glory, and its future becomes illuminated. “The ones who remember Allah, upright and seated and on their sides..." (Qur’an 3: 191). Remembrance and thought are the pillars of civilization and the secret to reaching Allah.                                                           

The fourth value to highlight is Allah Almighty's statement at the beginning of Surah An-Nisa                     (Annessa’)                                                                                                                                 

"And let the ones be apprehensive (of Allah), who, if ever they left behind them weak offspring, would fear(poverty) for them. So let them be pious to Allah and let them say a befitting saying." (Qur’an 4: 9). Many people say: I want to secure my children’s future, so they resort to unlawful means, accumulating wealth by any means, including embezzling, oppressing, and transgressing. Indeed, what would really protect children after their parents’ death is not money alone but is rather piety. Fear Allah and cultivate piety and righteousness for your children; Allah will be their protector. "So let them be pious to Allah and speak words of appropriate justice." (Qur’an 4: 9).                                                                                                                                      

My beloved readers, in the fourth part of the Ever- Glorious Qur’an has lights and guidance that illuminate the path, open the heart, and connect this world life to the hereafter. It contains a call to unity, gentleness, reflection, and piety. Let us make its verses a constitution for our lives, a framework for our relationships, and a key to our happiness. May Allah grant us hearts that reflect, souls that are righteously moved, and deeds that are sincere, and make us among the people of the Qur’an, who are His people.

 Till next time, stay united; stay safe.